Surviving the Summer

  Surviving the Summer- Ouachita Area Style

Greetings from your former columnist. Since we last talked, I have been literally living my dream of being a fiction author. Now that summer is attacking fiercely, I would like to offer some help to relieve your suffering.  Here’s my idea- stay out of the heat completely and get lost in a good book. A trip to the air-conditioned public library can get you started, or you can have the solution delivered directly to your front door by ordering online.

I’m pleased to remind you about my own books. I have enjoyed imagining life in the fictional town of Crossroads, Arkansas.  The characters have all kinds of adventures and struggles, just like we do, and the locations described should be familiar too. The first two books, “Hope Takes the Reins”, and “Faith Moves Mountains” are available now. In the first one, Hope Caldwell is desperate to save her family’s rodeo, because it’s the only life she’s known. Her neighbor, O.D. Billings is tired of living in the shadow of his brothers. He longs to be the real hero of the story. The second book tells the story of Hope’s glamorous sister Faith and O.D.’s older brother John K., who is struggling with undiagnosed PTSD. Next January, the story of the youngest Billings brother, Cody, and Hope and Faith’s cousin Kayla will prove that “Love Never Fails”. In the meantime, read to the end of this column for a special surprise.

Since the whole point of surviving the summer is escape, I am recommending a Cinderella story with an added twist- it takes place in a beautiful tropical African Kingdom. Toni Shiloh’s “To Catch a Prince” transports a typical American teenager to the world of her grandfather, and a life she never imagined. Of course, romance and adventure ensue, and by the time the story is over, you will be totally enchanted.

If you enjoy both historical and contemporary stories, there’s a series of books called “The Stained Glass Legacy”. Each of the four full-length books is written by a different author and follows a family through several generations. The first, “Window of Opportunity” by Heather Greer takes place in the tumultuous Roaring Twenties. Book Two, “Window of Peace” by Regina Rudd Merrick deals with the Vietnam War era. Amy Anguish’s book “Window of the Heart” is set in present day, and features a bridesmaid who doesn’t believe in love. Next up will be the climax of the saga, “Window of Time” by Erin Howard. This one is set in the dystopian future! Who says Christian fiction has to be dry and boring?

If you’ve read my previous reading lists, you know I love to highlight Arkansas authors. I have been working with one from Conway, Arkansas lately (more on that soon). Her name is Ellen Withers, and she is a retired insurance investigator. Quite a fascinating career, and she’s been lots of fun to get to know. She loves to write about her hometown of Mexico, Missouri. Her first book has been published by Scrivenings Press. “Show Me Betrayal” is a mystery that connects a crime that occurred in the past with present day characters and intrigue. Available on Amazon, this is another book that will transport you away from the oppressive Arkansas heat.

The last familiar feature of my reading lists is that I love to recommend stories that take place in the wintertime, especially at Christmas. This time, I have a special recommendation. A collection of three shorter books, called novellas, in one volume. The collection is called “A Gift for All Time” and it will release right at the end of summer, on September 26. The three stories take place in the 1840’s, the Civil War era, and in the current day. They include a nativity scene that has traveled from Germany, been lost and found on a riverboat in Van Buren, Arkansas, recreated by a clever woodcarver in Mexico, Missouri, and then ends up back in the Arkansas River Valley, in the fictional tiny town of Snowville. My co-authors, Tonya Ashley of East End in Saline County and Ellen Withers of Conway have been a joy to work with. My story, the contemporary one, gives readers a chance to become reacquainted with the characters in my first two full-length novels, and pave the way for the third one. There is even a Facebook group called A Gift for All Time- Anticipation Team for those of you who would like to join in the fun. Another way to ignore the heat, and keep our minds centered on the coming of our favorite time of year.

I’m so happy for this opportunity to touch base with you, my first fanbase. Please let me hear from you on Facebook or contact me via email at jmccarlisle633@gmail.com. May God continue to give you joy for each day of your journey.