'Where the Stars Cross' to be release by Dottie Sines; book-signing at Grigio in Wooster

Nearly 95 years ago, Wall Street crashed, leading to the Great Depression. Wooster author Dottie Sines has set her first novel, "Where the Stars Cross," in the midst of that decade.

On Sept. 11, New York publisher The Wild Rose Press will release the book worldwide. The novel is set partially in the Chicago area and in Marietta.

“Although Marietta and Chicago couldn’t differ more, both are among my favorite destinations,” Sines said in a news release, “and they emerged as perfect settings when I set out to write my first novel.”

Marietta, the first permanent settlement in the Northwest Territory, is frequently cited as one of the most charming towns in America to visit. The novel, while categorized as a romance, is rich in history and river culture. 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, in which a month of rains in early 1937 resulted in much of Marietta being completely submerged.

"Where the Stars Cross" tells the story of the fictional Eleanor Helene Todd. Ellie’s marriage crashed along with the stock market, leaving her struggling to restore her 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 towboat captain Wyatt Dare and feels a searing attraction to him. But due to past and subsequent wounds, her attempts at opening herself to love seems futile, and she struggles to find the place she belongs. Ellie draws on an unrealized level of courage and learns she must identify her brightest passions in charting her course.

“The protagonist responds to her troubles in ways not typical for women of the 1930s,” Sines said. “I hope the book will inspire my readers with its themes of hope, courage, and restoration.”

Awards and accolades

Sines serves on the board of the Wayne County Historical Society. She has won multiple awards for short stories and non-fiction pieces, including having been honored twice as one of 10 finalists in the short story contest of the Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park, which published her award-winning stories in the 3rd and 5th editions of its literary journal, "Hemingway Shorts."

"Where the Stars Cross" is available for pre-order, in print and e-book, at many retailers, including Amazon, where the book has made the Hot New Releases in 20th Century Historical Romance list.

Sines will appear at Grigio Wine & Cocktail Bar, 211 S. Market St., Wooster, 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18, to sign copies of the book. Grigio will offer 1930s cocktails and stream music of the era.

For more information visit www.dottiesines.com or email at dot@dottiesines.com.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: 'Where the Stars Cross' to be release by Dottie Sines; book-signing at Grigio in Wooster