Local author Jacquelyn Cook of DeSoto is bringing Sumter County, particularly Andersonville, international recognition since the publication last fall of her her novel, "Image in the Looking Glass", (Zondervan Publishing House) a romantic mystery set in Andersonville at the time of the Civil War.

Mrs. Cook has just been notified that she has won a national award for the novel!

National League of American Pen Women is composed of professional women working in arts, letters, and music. it is a prestigious organization, having been organized since 1897, and among its members was the late Eleanor Roosevelt.

Mrs. Cook, a member of the Columbus Chapter of National League of American Pen Women, is a relatively new member of the group, having joined this year.

"It's exciting to win a national contest from such a prestigious group," said Mrs. Cook of her award, "When I entered the contest I had no idea of winning, and of course, I'm thrilled."

In addition to bringing author Cook a national award, "Image in the Looking Glass" is proving to be a best seller. The first printing of 5,000 copies of the book store edition of the novel has almost sold out in less than six months! And 10,000 copies of the book have been sold to book club members.

Mrs. Cook is also author of a trilogy set in the hey day of the river boat era of the Chattahoochee, also published by Zondervan. "The River Between" and "The Wind Along the River" have been released for some time, and the third, "River of Fire" is scheduled for publication next year.

And she has already begun writing another novel, which revolves around a character, Libba Ramsey, who is searching for her father. Libba first appears in "Wind Along the River."

Mrs. Cook says the new novel literally "sprang to life" last week when I visited Great Hill Place at Bolingbroke near Macon, Georgia, with Mrs. Henry Dillion Winship, great-granddaughter of Rebecca Everingham and William Wadley.  Mrs. Winship shared delightful tales of life there and entrusted me with the family diary.  I can hardly wait to write the book.