Jeannie Harper loves to read. It opened up a vast number of worlds to explore as she was growing up, and she wanted the same for her son, Dan. A typical middle school boy as far as books were concerned, he preferred a large number of activities over reading.
Determined, Jeannie knew that if she could find an age-appropriate book that was about something he was interested in, he would probably read it. A Civil War buff, Dan agreed to read any book she could find about that bloody war, and Jeannie headed to the library, envisioning returning with stacks of volumes about the battles that took place in his hometown.
She was stunned to return virtually empty handed, but she knew how to locate the perfect book. Granted, it took a bit of time and research, but she and Dan both enjoyed the research as it entailed visiting local Civil War battlegrounds. Her husband, Jerry, enjoyed the project, as well.
An avid reader from an early age, Jeannie had always dreamed of writing a book that would entertain others the way so many others had entertained her with their writings. With a goal of writing a novel that was set in Chattanooga, she recollected some of her favorite books as she crafted a plot and fleshed out characters.
This blurb on Amazon describes “Glint” beautifully: When 16-year old rock climbing enthusiast Dan Harman discovers an object in his attic that gives him the ability to travel through time, he and his best friends Jesse and Ritchie hatch a get-rich-quick scheme to fund the climbing trip of their dreams: uncover buried treasure. But when Dan's trips back to Civil War-era Tennessee provide a glimpse into the truth behind the treasure, the trio realizes there may be a more altruistic ending to their adventures. With hints of history, mystery and romance, this tale of friendship will take you on a journey of a lifetime.
Available on Amazon, “Glint” has garnered many positive reviews, including one by Marvin Harper, retired editorial writer and columnist for the Jacksonville Journal. “Glint is a really neat combination of history and fiction that held my curiosity ‘hostage’ right up to the end! In fact, I received a phone call as I was deep into chapter 14, and I just about hung up on the caller who interrupted my reading. That’s good writing! J.D. Harper may have intended ‘Glint’ for the middle-school crowd, but rest assured, you don't have to be a teenager to enjoy this one,” Mr. Harper said of the tome.
A physical therapist, Jeannie is very active in her community. When she’s not unearthing interesting facts about the Civil War battles in Chattanooga, she’s gardening, hiking, scuba diving, working on the sequel to “Glint,” or, of course, reading.
Find more on her website, jd-harper.com.
* * *
Ferris Robinson is the author of three children’s books, “The Queen Who Banished Bugs,” “The Queen Who Accidentally Banished Birds,” and “Call Me Arthropod” in her pollinator series. “Making Arrangements” is her first novel. “Dogs and Love - Stories of Fidelity” is a collection of true tales about man’s best friend. Her website is ferrisrobinson.com and you can download a FREE pollinator poster there. She is the editor of The Lookout Mountain Mirror and The Signal Mountain Mirror.