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New Book ReleaseFireflies in DecemberJennifer Erin Valent
ISBN: 978-1-4143-2432-6CPC Sub Category: Historical Release Date: January 2009 From Tyndale House Publishers Jessilyn Lassiter never knew that hatred could lurk in the human heart until the summer of 1932 when she turned 13. When her best friend, Gemma, loses her parents in a tragic fire, Jessilyn's father vows to care for her as one of his own, despite the fact that Gemma is black and prejudice is prevalent in their southern Virginia town. Violence springs up as a ragtag band of Ku Klux Klan members unite and decide to take matters into their own hands. As tensions mount in the small community, loyalties are tested and Jessilyn is forced to say good-bye to the carefree days of her youth. Fireflies in December is the 2007 winner of the Christian Writers Guild's Operation First Novel contest. Back Cover Copy:“The summer I turned thirteen, I thought I killed a man.”So begins the story of Jessilyn Lassiter, a young girl whose world is torn apart the summer of 1932. When Jessilyn’s best friend, Gemma, loses her parents in a tragic fire, Jessilyn’s father vows to care for her as his own, despite the fact that Gemma is black and prejudice is prevalent in their southern Virginia town. It doesn’t take long for the Lassiters to attract the attention of a local band of Ku Klux Klan members, who make increasingly violent threats on Jessilyn and her family. As she struggles to navigate a complex world of first crushes, loyalties, and betrayals, Jessilyn ultimately discovers what it takes to be a bright light in a dark world. Author Bio:Jennifer Erin Valent is the 2007 winner of the Christian Writers Guild’s Operation First Novel contest. A lifelong resident of the South, her surroundings help to color the scenes and characters she writes. In fact, the childhood memory of a dilapidated Ku Klux Klan billboard inspired her portrayal of Depression-era racial prejudice in Fireflies in December.She has spent the past fifteen years working as a nanny and has dabbled in freelance, writing articles for various Christian women’s magazines. She still resides in her hometown of Richmond, Virginia. Endorsements and Reviews:“We’re proud of Jennifer, and you’re about to learn why. I envy your first look at this new talent. You won’t be disappointed.”--Jerry B. Jenkins, New York Times best-selling author and owner of the Christian Writers Guild“Jennifer Erin Valent’s debut novel is as sweet and salty as the South itself. With a keen eye for detail and a pitch-perfect ear for dialect, Valent reminds us that all is not what it seems on the surface and that angels come in many forms.”--Jan Watson, award-winning author of the Troublesome Creek series “Fireflies in December is an extraordinary first novel, a pure joy to read as Valent explores the emotions and confusion associated not only with coming of age, but with the greater challenge of having a friendship that’s a lonely light in a very dark time.”--Maureen Lang, author of The Oak Leaves
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