It was an honor to launch my new book at the Reconstruction Era National Monument, on the same day that the National Park Service observed its 102nd birthday. Still A Rising Tide is a sequel to my first historical fiction, Swift Currents, which shared the journey of Callie Hewitt and her two brothers from enslavement toward freedom during the first two years of the Civil War on the sea islands of South Carolina.
In Still A Rising Tide, we follow Callie Hewitt and her extended family into the joys and sorrows of Reconstruction. Their success reflects the opportunities created for freed men and women during that time, just as their challenges grew worse during a period of diminishing rights. That so many advanced despite legal and societal obstacles is a testament to their perseverance.
Although we can all be proud of the byproducts of freedom for African-Americans, we must acknowledge the racial discrimination that surfaced in this period of American history. Still A Rising Tide invites us to face the impact of American racism on our fellow citizens, then and now.
I took the opportunity to visit Penn Center. Delighted with the time my husband and I spent both at the Center and the Beaufort area. We had never been to the Low Country. We have returned to our homes in the Southwest. So many memorable miles traveled.
While discovering The Center, I purchased your work, Swift Currents. I enjoyed this historical novel so very much! I wish I had purchased the sequel, Still a Rising Tide.
I want to continue the adventure. Hoping you can best direct me in acquiring this work.
Thank you,
Kathleen Salmons
Just finished both books. They were wonderful – brilliant. Loved the way you wove almost every bit of local history into the stories. wondering if you have thought of (or are working on) a book about similar lives/history of Hilton Head around Mitchellville? Also loved the art work on both covers but cannot locate the artist via the comments in the first book that relate to her.
Thank you for your very kind comments about the books! This history is so compelling that it has been both a challenge and a pleasure to create these stories about first freedoms won during the Civil War.
I very much appreciate your interest, because I believe the more we learn each other’s stories, the more understanding we will be able to share.