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New Release
Sit and Wait
Sit and Wait is a collection of 28 immersive stories set in rural north-central Florida between 1940s and 1980s, offering a glimpse of the region's history and way of life that may be lost knowledge to some and a reminder to others. These tales are a "snapshot" of where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, sharing a common thread of place and family traditions, in whimsical tales and human tragedies, as characters discover that "Sit and Wait" becomes essential.
Historical Fiction
Song of Jaybird
Song of Jaybird reveals a lost past and forgotten story of Black laborers working in a turpentine camp. Delia Johns enters another lonely place, a virgin Long Leaf Forest not yet touched by the ax blade. The manager offered her a job as a cook when she displayed math skills. Her shed kitchen became a place where men ate, families worshiped, and laborers gathered as a community. The uncertainties of camp managers and the control of the Naval Store Owners meant hopelessness for workers and their families. When there is an opportunity to leave turpentine, Delia faces another disappointment when her husband, Henry, a skilled woodsman, questions his ability to leave the only work he knows.
“This book should be required reading for those who know little of the lesser-known portions of Florida history” - Amazon review
Published by Floral City Heritage Council 2023
Available on Amazon and for purchase here.
Once Upon A Picket
A Second Seminole War battle was fought in Citrus County, telling the story of three men who fought for the defense and preservation of a historical site. Discover the hearts of three men: Osceola, Major Cooper and Johnny, unearthed by the blade of a bulldozer. Experience the real Florida in undisturbed wild woods, murky swamps and the dark water of the Withlacoochee River. The fusion of their missions entwines their lives in defense and protection and preservation of the land. The essence of those before us exists beneath the hammock and palmetto thickets.
“Muriel Eden-Paul has tracked down a Seminole War (mid 1830's) Captains diary, and conducted extensive research into the conflict raging at that time. The Seminoles did not buy into Andrew Jackson's plan to move them into the lands of the Louisiana Purchase, they chose to fight for their Florida hunting grounds. . . Far away in Illinois, I found it fascinating.” - Amazon review
Published by Martin Sisters Publishing
Available in paperback on Amazon and for purchase here.
Non-Fiction Children’s Books
Quails’ Crazy Quilt
Quails’ Crazy Quilt is illustrated in oil pastels and shows Bob White Quail in their habitat, including various palmetto patches, tall grasses, woody shrubs, blackberry brambles, and broad-leaf weeds. These patches provide food, shelter, and cozy spots for raising their chicks. This creative story introduces children to nature, the environment, and conservation in a 32-page picture book for ages 4-8.
Now Available for purchase here (tax & postage included)
A Day on Cumberland Island
A child’s visit to Cumberland Island National Seashore visiting hammocks, salt marsh, historic ruins, sand dunes, and the surf.
Currently Out of Print
Illustrations
