I have been reading Dorothy Garlock’s books for years. Her latest are usually set in the 30’s or 40’s, which is my favorite time to read about. “The Nearness of You” will be published in July, 2017. This novel is set in 1937 in Hooper’s Crossing, Hew York during their famous Harvest Festival. Lily Denton is the overprotective mayor’s daughter and she really wants to get away from this little town. She plans on running away with her friend, Jane, but at the last minute gets cold feet and backs out. In the meantime, two small-time crooks are planning to rob the town bank after all the money from the festival ends up there. Life magazine is sending a team of writer and photographer to do a spread on small town festivals. Boone Tatum is a well-traveled photographer who is not happy at being saddled with this hick assignment. As always, in Ms. Garlock’s stories, there is a hint of romance (maybe more than a hint) and a hint of mayhem involving the characters. This book did not fail to provide the story I was expecting. A light novel, but with characteristic twists and turns. Check out her other books too. You will be glad you did.

great read

It’s 1952 and librarian Lily Denton dreams of life in the big city. With her mother dead and buried, Lily’s father vows to protect her from all the ills of the world, so she must live vicariously through her books. All that changes during the Fall festival when photographer Boone Tatum takes Lily’s picture and he falls head over heels for her. But Lily’s little town is hiding an insidious secret, one that could cost her everything if she doesn’t find the courage to stand up for what she believes in