On
the rare occasions that I read a novel which is written in the present tense,
it tends to make me feel as though I am examining an actual screenplay.
Sometimes this makes me uncomfortable, but as the book progressed, I was able
to adjust to this style because I so thoroughly enjoyed the story. As I read
various descriptions of the island, I could easily visualize the tranquil
scenery and surroundings, and I was transfixed until I could reach the ending
to see how the conflicts were resolved. This book is a wonderful example of
isolating a particular era (1930’s) and filling in the blanks of history to
allow the period to burst with life.
Most
importantly, Jekyll Island reminds us
that although riches bring perks that others may never even begin to imagine,
it is a fact that being blessed with large sums of money does not guarantee
happiness and fulfillment. Those attributes must come from within, a reality
that is so beautifully demonstrated by this delightful, entertaining book.
Book Description
Discover
this uplifting story of life and love set against the backdrop of the birth of
Big Bands and Swing Dancing in 1930's New York City - and on a beautiful
barrier island off the coast of Georgia from which the book gets it name. Come
discover how young Frank and Gene escape the harsh realities of the Great
Depression into the music and dancing of the day, finding fun and adventure as
they refuse to let life pass them by!
In the Author’s Own Words
“I always wanted to try
my hand at writing. Wanting to be a journalist from the time I was in high
school, I always had an ‘itch’ to write. Now, after living quite an
interesting life, I finally decided to ‘pick up a pen.’
My son wrote the
screenplay, Jekyll Island, a story told to him by a family friend, an older
gentleman who lived through the depression and worked on Jekyll Island, GA
during the Big Band era of swing dancing. I borrowed this screenplay and
wrote the novel around it. It is full of history that triggers memories
from the past and teaches new facts as the book quickly moves along.”
About the Author
Faye
Bradley lives in South Carolina with her husband Wilson, and their Yorkie, ‘Lil
Sugar.’ Born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware as a Quaker (Religious Society
of Friends), she is the mother of four Eagle Scout sons and sixteen
grandchildren. Familiar with raising boys, she was very active with the Boy
Scouts of America, receiving the distinguished Silver Beaver Award in 1978. She
taught swimming and life saving for over thirty years for the American Red
Cross and enjoyed swimming, scuba diving and snow skiing. Faye loves life – and
also loves to read.
This is her first attempt at writing a novel, and we think you will be pleased. Trying to capture the exciting era of the birth of Big Bands and Swing Dancing (right after the Stock Market Crash and repeal of Prohibition), this story reads like a fun history lesson. It is based upon the real-life story of one of Faye's mother's best friends, and allows the fictional elements to hold it together in a way that lets the reader live, laugh and love as they enjoy a step back in time.
As an author who is a Christian, she dedicated this to you, if you are nine or ninety-nine. This book will hopefully bring the era to life.
Most of Faye's time now is invested in enjoying her service in the United Methodist Women's organization, spending time with family, friends, or her favorite little constant companion, ‘Lil Sugar,’ who has an ever-optimistic personality.
To
purchase Jekyll Island online, visit
Barnes & Noble at http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/jekyll-island-a-novel-faye-bradley
or
Connect
with Faye Bradley on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JekyllIslandNovel
And
by email at:
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