Debut novelist to launch book in Clifton

Debut novelist to launch book in Clifton Subhead Booksigning set for Friday, March 8 News Staff Wed, 02/28/2024 - 05:48 Image

• Debut novelist to launch book in Clifton
• Novelist Virginia Reeves of Park Cities, Texas, will launch her first-ever book in Clifton with a booksigning at Tolstoy & Co. Bookshop in historic downtown Clifton on Friday, March 8. Her debut book “Once in a the Blue Moon” is also a collaboration with acclaimed Corsicana artist Kyle Hosratschk. Inspired by her family stories, the novel is about resilience, forgiveness, and redemption near the end of World War II in Oklahoma. Courtesy Photo by Virginia Reeves

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A Park Cities, Texas, resident is launching her debut novel, “Once in the Blue Moon” with a book signing at Tolstoy & Co. Bookshop in Clifton at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, March 8.

“Once in the Blue Moon harks back to a simpler time of storytelling, with a classic theme of forgiveness, hope, and the power of true love. There’s something beautiful about a novel done the old way, particularly when there’s enough heart to make you weep,” author Virginia (Jennie) Reeves said.

Inspired by the author’s family stories, the book is set in 1940s Oklahoma on a red dirt cotton farm near the end of World War II.

The protagonist Maggie and her family are forced to endure a season of fear and failure as they face the loss of their home and their once-amazing Daddy to the whiskey bottle. Up against terrible truths and unforeseeable accidents, Maggie struggles in the dark and lonesome farmhouse.

When all seems lost, Maggie, her sisters, and her mother band together to overcome humiliation and tragedy. A tale of willpower in ordinary people who act with courage and grit, this story is ultimately one of resilience, forgiveness, and redemption.

The new novelist Reeves was herself born and raised on a cotton farm in Oklahoma. She is still married to the boy she met at 14 years old after leaving that farm. A teacher, realtor, preservationist, mother, and grandmother, she lives with her husband Stuart in Dallas, at their ranch south of Fort Worth and in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Reeve’s release is also special due to her collaboration with acclaimed Corsicana artist, Kyle Hosbratschk.

While sketching Jennie’s home, Hobratschk learned about her bookwriting journey inspired by her Oklahoma past, leading to a heartfelt connection that brought “Once in the Blue Moon” to life.

Hobratschk is a painter, printmaker, and furniture maker, raised between the deserts of Saudi Arabia and Arizona before moving to Texas.

Hobratschk is founder and director of the 100W – Corsicana Artist and Writer Residency in Corsicana. This endeavor grew from the 1890s Odd Fellows Lodge he restored into studios, furnished with pieces made in the ground floor woodshop, to host and support artists and writers internationally.

Hobratschk drew the copperplate etchings illustrating Virginia’s story in his studio across the street from 100W.

The book-signing featuring Reeves will be open to the public at the bookshop located at 113 North Avenue D in Clifton.

Reeves’ 224-page debut novel officially launches on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, through Deep Vellum Publishing.