Two for the Stocking

The Further Adventures of Ebeneezer Scrooge

Charlie Lovett, author of The Bookman’s Tale and First Impressions provides us in this third book, with a sequel to the story of Charles Dickens’ Scrooge. Dickens moved on from the set in 1843 tale of a man who earns his own redemption thanks to three Christmas Eve ghosts. Lovett takes up twenty years after the ministrations of the English master with a lighthearted tale of Scrooge’s world circa 1863.

Seems that Lovett became very attached to the characters, they became so much a part of his life he wished for a sequel. Dickens not being available to write one, Lovett picked up the pen himself—and in a very good homage of style to the great master, provides us with a peek at Scrooge and friends 20 years later.

We learn that although Scrooge has been changed for better by that 1843 evening, and spends his days giving away money, the world around him has not changed. Bankers still foreclose and have a negative view about sending funds to cover donations made from Scrooge’s almost empty bank account. Worse, Cratchit, made a business partner by Scrooge now neglects his wonderful family. He has become a workaholic. Scrooge’s nephew, once a happy chap full of life and love, now is depressed by the bad things happening all around him, but does not attempt to bring a halt to any of the issues.

Help is also still needed by Marley who despite Scrooge’s best efforts is still dragging a lot of heavy steel and iron about in the afterlife to cure Cratchit, open the eyes of the bankers to the benefit of generosity and push young Fred to take a stand and help cure the evils in the world in general.

Lovett’s very successful The Bookman’s Tale considers the question of Shakespeare as author of all of the work attributed to him and First Impressions takes a good look at Jane Austin. While it is doubtful that Lovett’s book, The Further Adventures of Ebenezer Scrooge will reach the classic stage, this is a fun holiday read and deserves to find a place in the stocking of everyone who loves Dickens; Christmas Carol.

State of the Heart

This is a book for winter day reading on the couch, reflecting on the happy summer memories of many writers from around the state. Myrtle Beach residents will be pleased to know that many of these writers include wonderful nuggets of local history—Grand Strand, Cherry Grove, Murrell’s Inlet, Georgetown and more. There are short essays and a poem by the state’s poet laureate, Margery Wentworth celebrating the natural and cultural beauties of the state.

The book starts off with her poem and another cultural, ecological “biggie”, “Nesting” by Mary Alice Monroe, the popular writer who manages to weave the ecology of this area into her lovely tales. To my mind, this is not a book to read all in one sitting. It’s the sort of thing one saves and savors in small bits, like fine chocolate or brandy. The time travel effect was amazing and the included photos amazing. Not all of the writers are native South Carolinians but all have a strong connection. I particularly liked Monroe’s on turtles, the essay on a small town with a circle instead of a town square, the entire farm and garden section that included old-timey recipes and there were several others that looked quite interesting. One the back cover, author William Baldwin exclaims, “One thing binds these essays. Each one is written from the heart.” I am following my own advice and saving some of the essays to savor later on—this one will go into my own stocking this Christmas.

Joan Leotta, For The Sun News.

Calabash’ own Joan Leotta has three new books that just launched

Secrets of the Heart, book four of her Legacy of Honor series featuring strong women through American History, is set at Fort Fisher during the American Ciivl War and in Rome during the first Gulf War. In that segment, a young Italian-American in Rome discovers secrets about the family’s history and helps thwart a jewel thief and finds a bit of romance along the way. Joan promises that she personally tried each of the cafes and gelato places named in the book! (Paperback $9 available on Amazon and at Sunset River Art Gallery). This book has won awards from Ind’Tales and Shout Out (Cover contest)

Simply a Smile, a collection of Joan Leotta’s short stories; including historical, women’s fiction, a mystery and an ekphrastic (art-inspired). What unites them is that all were inspired by objects.

Simply a Smile, the title story was-inspired by the one smiling warrior in an exhibition of the Terra cotta soldiers, won first prize in a contest in Australia. Other were prize winners or published in magazines like St Anthony’s Messenger.(Paperback $9. Available on Amazon and at Sunset River.)

WHOOSH!, is a picture book that shares a little girl’s (Rosa’s) excitement of waking up and discovering that the ground is covered with snow. Even better, Dad is home instead of at work!

The sound of the sled going down the hill at a nearby park (WHOOSH!) guides the tale through the fun and bonding between Rosa and her dad. (Hardback $19.95 Available from Amazon, at Sunset River, at Pelican bookstore.)

This story was originally published November 28, 2015 at 10:03 AM with the headline "Two for the Stocking."