This image is the cover for the book Walking a Duck in L.A.

Walking a Duck in L.A.

Secrets! Secrets! Secrets!

Jolene Hartman, a young girl walking a duck in L. A., has a secret she’s unable to share as she grows up during the turbulent 1930s and l940s on the fringes of Hollywood. Despite an unusual and troubling relationship with her parents, Jolene finds wonder and delight in constant adventures as she seeks God and love.

Join Jolene as she grows up with unique relatives, fascinating friends from many cultures, and her pet duck, Oscar.

In this inspirational novel based on a true story, at age 55 in 1985, thinking she has it all; a happy marriage, kids, and a glamorous career, Jolene is stunned to find she needs therapy when demons from her childhood surface, and she seeks treatment.

As Jolene’s sessions in treatment bring clarity, the author hopes they may also open doors to some of your secrets.

Jackie Epstein

Jackie Epstein is a former Hollywood columnist, tennis columnist, publicist for television and motion pictures, public speaker, and community activist.


The widow of Journalist Robert Epstein, Jackie authored the award-winning memoir Never Tell Mommy, children’s story Mr. Moon Learns How to Sleep, booklet of poems co-written with husband How to Keep Romance Alive, and memoir My Love Affair with Hollywood.


Ninety-two-year-old Jackie has four children and six grandchildren and resides in Carlsbad, California, near her beloved ocean.

Austin Macauley Publishers