Entertainment

Novel set in Marietta by award-winning Wooster, Ohio, author set for release

WOOSTER -- Ninety-five years ago, Wall Street crashed, leading to the Great Depression. Dottie Sines, a Wooster, Ohio, author, has set her first novel, "Where the Stars Cross" in the midst of that dark decade and on Sept. 11, New York-based publisher The Wild Rose Press will release the book worldwide.

The novel is primarily set in Marietta with scenes taking place in Chicago and Oak Park in Illinois.

"Although Marietta and Chicago couldn't differ more, both are among my favorite destinations," Sines said, "And they emerged as perfect settings when I set out to write my first novel."

Writing the book involved extensive research as Sines wanted to make the story as historically accurate as possible in reflecting the locations as well as the times. Included in the storyline is one of the worst Ohio River floods in history when a month of rains in early 1937 resulted in much of Marietta being completely submerged.

"The protagonist copes with her many challenges in ways not typical for women of the era," Sines said. "I hope the book will inspire people with its themes of hope, courage, and restoration."

Dottie Sines has contributed to multiple newspapers and magazines. She manages the interlibrary loan department at a small college and serves on the board of the historical society in her county.

Sines has won multiple awards for her short stories and non-fiction pieces. She has been honored twice in recent years as one of ten finalists in the short story contest of the Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park, which published her award-winning stories in the third and fifth editions of its literary journal, "Hemingway Shorts."

"Where the Stars Cross" tells the story of the fictional Eleanor Helene Todd. Ellie's marriage has crashed along with the stock market, leaving her struggling to restore her shattered life and feeling as damaged as the stained-glass panels she refurbishes for Chicago's historic structures.

While visiting her aunt in Marietta, Ellie encounters Wyatt Dare, towboat captain, and feels an attraction to him.

Due to past and subsequent wounds, her attempts at opening herself to love seems futile and she struggles to find the place she belongs.

In her journey, Ellie draws on an unrealized level of courage and learns she must identify her brightest passions in charting her course.

Sines will be in Marietta on Aug. 2 for two book signings.

From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., she will appear at Levee House Bistro, then at Marietta Makery 6:00-8:00 p.m.

"Where the Stars Cross" is available for pre-order, in print and e-book at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other sites.

For more information, go to www.dottiesines.com or follow her on Facebook or Instagram (Dottie Sines Author) or email dot@dottiesines.com.