Sabal Palms and the Southern Squall by Terry Overton
New Release: Sabal Palms and the Southern Squall
It is no secret that I love living on the Texas coast! I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. I set out to write a book about a small coastal town and four good friends. The four close friends, who live in the fictional town of Sabal Palms, are a toss-up between the Golden Girls and Steel Magnolias. They have been friends since before their husbands passed away and have looked out after each other for more than twenty-years. The main character, Elaine, is a struggling Christian fiction writer. Sound familiar? Okay, she is just a tiny bit like me; I do struggle! The difference is, in this book, Elaine’s tossed away drafts of devotionals and inspirational writings, are carried through the air by Divine Intervention in the middle of a category 3 hurricane. By the end of the story, Elaine and her close friends see how God can impact the lives of people who are challenged in a variety of ways.
Here is a little description about the book:
Elaine Smith lived in the small coastal town of Sabal Palms long enough to know when to worry about a squall and when to simply close the windows and wait for it to pass. This one would be significant. It would be significant in terms of damage, but that was to be expected. What no one expected was the profound effect it would have on the lives of people from the Texas coast to New York City. Positive qualities of humanity are often displayed during times of natural disaster. But a supernatural power had attached to this storm and subsequently worked within the hearts of the most needy, the most lonely, and the most sinister. The lives of four delightful women, a homeless teen, a rebellious son, a grieving lover who is at the bottom, a son who lost his faith, and a hired murderer, are all intertwined in the aftereffects of a Category 3 hurricane thanks to a few passages written by one determined woman.
Now, to continue, yes! There is a second Sabal Palms book coming out this summer and I’m writing book 3. More? Okay, there will be a Christmas novella also!
Want to take a beach vacation any day of the year? Travel around the country? Live in a cozy coastal community where the main characters are full of fun and shenanigans? Come to Sabal Palms!
Here is the review by Readers’ Favorite:
BOOK REVIEW
Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers’ Favorite
Sabal Palms and the Southern Squall by Terry Overton is an uplifting novel about four friends whose bond develops as they help each other through tragic times. Elaine is an aspiring writer who hopes to publish more of her writing even though her friends, Mary and Bonnie, do not believe in her work. As a storm approaches their coastal town which lies along the Texas coast, they all gather in Mary’s home together with their friend, Adriana, the newest member of the group. While they wait for the storm to pass, they recount their best and worst experiences. The category three tropical storm leaves overwhelming destruction in its wake. The friends once again turn to each other for strength and support. Elaine’s writing reaches others whose lives are changed through her faith-inspiring devotionals.
The splendid characterization of the characters in Sabal Palms and the Southern Squall and its heartening themes, which include hope and healing, make the novel an outstanding piece of Christian fiction. I felt as though I knew the four friends as I read through the book. I also loved their humorous conversations, their individual eccentric characters, and their close bond. I also liked how Elaine’s faith touched the lives of so many and instilled hope that healing is possible. Other encouraging themes are also skillfully explored as the friends help each other recover and move forward from the storm’s destruction. Sabal Palms and the Southern Squall by Terry Overton is a heart-warming read about friendship and faith’s life-changing ability. It includes lovely, authentic characters and hope-filled scenes.
Link to the book trailer for Sabal Palms:
Buy Link:
Webpage:
https://www.authorterryoverton.com
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Terry Overton is a retired university professor of educational and school psychology. She has an Ed.D. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Psychology. Her professional experience includes teaching public school, teaching at the university level, and being a college dean. She has two children and six grandchildren. Her writing and publication experiences include textbook and journal articles in the fields of special education and school psychology. She seeks to answer God’s call to share the good news and grow the church by writing Christian books and devotionals. Her book Both Sides of the Border is a Firebird Book Award winner in the categories of Cross-Genre, Socio-Political Fiction, and Women’s Fiction. Her book, America of We the People was awarded the Firebird Book Award for Socio-Political and Political categories. She and her husband live in the southern tip of Texas where they enjoy semi-tropical weather and spending time with their friends and family.
