Everywhere I go, I’m hearing comments about Shelterbelts and the book launch on May 16. We purposely decorated the venue at Franklin Arts Center with vintage tablecloths, lilacs, antique coffee pots. Why? Because Shelterbelts is set in a Minnesota farming community at the end of World War 2. I baked homemade buns with pulled pork, home canned pickles, and donations of homemade cakes from friends and family. It was the kind of “lunch” served at Ladies’ Aid, PTA, The Farmer’s Union and every other occasion during my growing up years in Otter Tail County.
Many began reading the book as soon as they held it in their hands. Within a few days they started sending me their impressions. Here are a few snippets from their remarks:
“I am in awe of your dedication to the writing craft. Shelterbelts is your best work to date and hope it garners national recognition. If you look at the big picture of the story line it really is a simple story of a community of people coming together and going about their ordinary lives and helping each other. But it is the way you have developed your characters that turns the story into a mesmerizing read.”
“My husband LOVED it. I can’t wait to read it next.”
“You captured the emotion on each page. Pitch perfect!”
“It is a wonderful, wonderful book.”
“You skillfully capture the voices of one family in one chapter switch to another family but are still able to maintain Tia as the central character.”
“I am amazed at your attention to detail for the time period making details come alive as if you had actually experience life at this time yourself. You certainly drew upon your personal experiences growing up on a farm. The images resounded with realism.”
“As your fans we can all fantasize what will happen next and HOPE someday there is a sequel. This book gets a 10++++ from me. I loved it.”
“I already read it, and so has my sister. We loved it.”
“I hated to see it end. When will the sequel come out?”
If you have finished Shelterbelts, please post online reviews on Facebook, Good Reads, Barnes & Noble or Amazon. Your comments will help me a lot, and help others find a good summer read. Thank you in advance.
For those of you asking for the pulled pork recipe:
3 pounds pork loin, 2 cups chicken broth, 2 cloves minced garlic, 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp oregano, 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce, 2 tsp ground cumin, and salt and pepper. Add all ingredients to a crock pot and cook on low for 8 hours. Separate the meat with a fork. (Extra liquid absorbs into the meat) Serve with barbeque sauce.
One Response
congratulations on your new book!!!