Cottonwood Summer '45

Cottonwood Summer '45, the latest novel in the Cottonwood series, continues the tradition of delivering an entertaining, richly-detailed reminiscence of home front America during the summer of 1945, as well as details of the closing events of World War II. The last days of the war have a profound effect on America, as witnessed by the citizens of Riverton, Michigan, and Nashville, Tennessee, the settings of this fast-paced story in which Jase and his best friend Danny, the heroes of the Cottonwood novels, are plagued by yet another passel of bad guys.

When the story opens, Danny has disappeared, along with a desperate German POW bent on making his way back to the Fatherland. With Danny as his hostage, he too falls victim to the wit and valor of the villain-vanquishing team from Riverton.

On their train trip to Nashville, our heroes are robbed but quickly identify the crook. Next, by capturing a nasty Nazi POW, they are awarded the Key to the City by Nashville’s mayor. This action opens the doors to the exciting sights and sounds of Nashville in 1945.

You’ll weep as Danny causes the accidental death of a dear friend. And you’ll marvel at how the duo deals with their first experience with racial segregation. And you’ll laugh aloud at the antics of Danny as his clairvoyance and intelligence bewilder pompous politicians and unfortunate criminals alike.

Gary Slaughter’s previous novels – Cottonwood Spring, Cottonwood Winter: A Christmas Story, Cottonwood Fall, and Cottonwood Summer – were named finalist in six prestigious book awards for fiction writing in the categories of adult fiction and young-adult fiction. Based on early reviews, Cottonwood Summer '45 is his best work ever. Readers are in for a special treat!

“This generation’s Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn.”

--John Seigenthaler, public television host of A Word on Words, said of Cottonwood’s two protagonists

“Gary Slaughter writes critically-acclaimed richly-detailed reminiscences of small-town life on the American home front during World War II.”
--Southern Festival of Books, Nashville TN

“Gary Slaughter has produced an entire series of award-winning books!”
--Green Hills Branch Library, Nashville TN

“An upbeat portrayal of a simpler nation united around common goals.”
--Nashville Scene (Our Critics Pick)

“Humor, history, and fiction merge in a touching account of the 1944 home front when a small Michigan town objects to a nearby German POW camp.”
--Great Lakes Booksellers Association

“A loving portrait of small-town life during World War II.”
--The Tennessean

“A poignant reminder of the past and a warm, pleasant acknowledgment regarding the real meaning of Christmas.”
--The City Paper (Nashville)

“Cottonwood novels appeal to all ages, but especially to parents as they relate their experiences on the World War II home front to their children and grandchildren.”
--The Owosso Independent