Local author introduces new holiday novella
Snowbound in the Rockies for Christmas – will James Montfort and his daughter survive? Maybe – with a little help from their “friends.”
Hillsboro author Donna Alice Patton’s latest book, "Christmas, Interrupted," was released Nov. 7. The book, published by MuseitUp Publishing, is available for $1.99 at Amazon.com and museituppublishing.com. It’s sure to become a seasonal favorite for readers ages 16 and up.
“Christmas is one of my favorite seasons,” Patton said. “I’ve always loved Charles Dickens’ 'A Christmas Carol.' Writing this novella gave me a chance to play around with both subjects.”
"Christmas, Interrupted" takes a short, but powerful step back in time to a Christmas that almost didn’t arrive. Snow is the worst possible calamity for a stagecoach of unlikely occupants. James Montfort and his 9-year-old daughter, Rebecca, along with other passengers, are determined to survive the swirling, blinding flakes intent on obliterating the visible world. It's Christmas Eve and they’re snowbound in the Rockies, their chance of survival dim.
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Suddenly, hope thaws the piercing cold. There’s a slim chance a way station lays close – in the torturous, icy miles ahead. Can they make it? Will they last to find warmth, or will the bitter temperatures lure them into their final sleep? James’ only plea is a desperate prayer to let them live to see another Christmas, to let him keep his child alive. This prayer will be answered in an unexpected way. In the icy crevice of the mountains and his heart – James Montfort will learn that the invisible world is never too far away.
Patton is the author of several previous books: "The Search for the Madonna" (Behold Publications) and "The Gift of Summer Snow: A Tale from the Garden of Mysteries" (Amazon.com) for children, as well as "Roses are Red, Diamonds are Blue" (MuseitUp Publishing) for adults. This book won second place for best mystery in the 2014 Predators and Editors Contest.
“The leaves have fallen, the weather is reaching the 'brrr' stage and Thanksgiving looms on the horizon.” Patton said. “If you’re ready to get into the Christmas spirit, step into the world of 'Christmas, Interrupted.' Like James Montfort you will soon discover that the invisible world is never far away.”
For more information, visit www.donnaalicepatton.com.