Sunday, February 24, 2008

Novel to be released first in Sumter County


From Staff Reports
AMERICUS —

Jacquelyn Cook’s new novel, “Sunrise,” had its first release for her readers in Sumter and surrounding counties. The public had the opportunity to meet the author at a book signing hosted by Debra Sykes at the Brickyard Plantation Golf Resort Clubhouse earlier this month.

“Sunrise”, a true story in fiction form after the manner of Eugenia Price, is available in the new inspirational book section of Clinic Drug Store. Customers may keep their receipts and bring their books back to be autographed by Cook from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. March 14.

Early reviews are excellent. Jackie K. Cooper, host of Georgia Public Broadcasting’s “Fridays with Jackie” and author of “The Bookfinder,” says, “In ‘Sunrise,’ Jacquelyn Cook brilliantly combines history with fiction. This makes for an enchanting love story that will grab readers’ attention and win their hearts.”

Set in Macon, the book tells of the unlikely marriage between heiress Ann Tracy and railroad baron William Butler Johnston, who is twice her age. On their three-year honeymoon in Europe, they collect art and antiques. They return to Macon to build an Italianate mansion, a treasure now open to the public as the Hay House.

The subplot tells the tender love story of Sidney Lanier, Georgia Poet Laureate, and his courtship with Miss Mary Day.

Anne’s brother, Brig. Gen. Edward Dorr Tracy Jr., becomes one of the youngest generals of the Confederacy and is hailed as a hero in the Battle of Vicksburg. His old-fashioned love affair with Ellen Steel is yet another plot that makes this story unforgettable.

The official launch of “Sunrise” was Feb. 12 in Macon, at the Sidney Lanier Cottage. Cook read her work for the Historic Macon Foundation.

During Macon’s Cherry Blossom Festival, Cook will autograph “Sunrise” from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. March 28 at the Hay House.

Cook will complete her tour by returning to the Eufaula Pilgrimage, where she has been invited annually for the past 20 years to sign her River Series and “Magnolias.” She will sign “Sunrise” from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. April 4 at Eufaula’s Shorter Mansion.

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