I’m a writer, would you read my new book?
Older Than Bones
A novel of Appalachian folklore, forest bound secrets, and the breaking of trauma through sisterhood.
Fern Crickmore thought she could outrun her ghosts- but the mountains will always call their own back home. Settling in their new life, Fern and her found sister Birdie Whitlow find themselves in the charming mining town Birchgrove- a place where every porch has a story, every elder has a warning, and the forest hums like it remembers your name. Locals leave offerings at the tree line. Lanterns burn all night. And stories of things that howl, mimic, and weep in the dark are passed like prayer. As Fern and Birdie get cozy in their strange new life, something begins to awaken around them-cryptids born of folklore and rot, drawn by old wounds and even older magic. As the girls untangle the eerie lore of Sootfall Hollow, they find themselves caught between what's buried beneath the mountains and moss- and what's buried inside them.
Older Than Bones is a lyrical descent into the eerie heart of Appalachia where grief has a body, and healing wears teeth.
Author's note:
This is a story for my Appalachian kinfolk. The ones who carry both kindness and fire in their bones. For every soul who's ever found healing in the hush of the trees, the ballad of the bullfrogs, the warmth of a fresh pepperoni roll, and the soft weight of a hand that stayed. The mountains are calling you home- will you answer?
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In 'Older Than Bones,' readers are invited into an immersive world rich with Appalachian culture and haunting tales. The narrative follows Fern Crickmore and her found sister Birdie Whitlow, who navigate the complexities of their new town, Birchgrove, where local legends intertwine with reality. Through their journey, themes of trauma and healing emerge, depicted vividly against the backdrop of the forest and mountains that hold ancient secrets. The enchanting descriptions capture the essence of Appalachian life, drawing readers into a landscape where every rustle in the woods tells a story. The novel does not shy away from exploring deeper emotional currents as it depicts the burdens carried by the characters—the ghosts of their past intertwined with the local lore that shapes their present. As Fern and Birdie confront cryptids born from folklore, they also face their own hidden fears and traumas. This duality enriches the narrative, making it relatable to anyone who has grappled with personal demons while seeking solace in natural beauty. For those who find comfort in stories of resilience, connection, and the mystical, 'Older Than Bones' becomes a reflective journey. It encourages readers to ponder their roots and the stories that shape their identity, reminding us that the mountains echo our truths, waiting to be unearthed.
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