July 2018

Dear Friends,

            I’m excited to announce the release of The Lady of Tarpon Springs, available July 31^st.  If you enjoy a story that reveals some interesting history, a touch of romance, and a few mysterious characters, I think this book may be exactly what you’d enjoy during the remaining weeks of summer.

This book was inspired when my daughter mentioned the Greek immigrants who came to Tarpon Springs and introduced compressed air diving in the late 1800s. After some initial research, I was hooked on the idea and made a trip to Tarpon Springs, a lovely community north of Tampa, to dive into my research. (I hope you’re not groaning at my puns but since I had this picture of a diver who had hooked a sponge, I couldn’t resist.) 

The history of Tarpon Springs is fascinating and although my book is fiction, it was a true pleasure to research the history of the area and learn about the Greeks who arrived and introduced compressed air diving during the early years. There were many hardships and many men either lost their lives or were permanently injured during their dives into unknown waters with machinery that was difficult to regulate.

My story takes place in 1905 with a young female lawyer, Zanna Krykos, who is challenged by a group of Greek divers who are unwilling to listen or take orders from a woman. She must work through myriad difficulties if the new business is going to succeed. Nick Kalos is the leader of the group of men who have arrived in Florida and he must decide if he will encourage the men to work with Zanna or return to Greece. When the business is threatened the Zanna and Nick must decide if they will set aside their pride and come together to save what matters most.

Since my move last year, I’ve continued to enjoy my new home and continue exploring the variety of sights. In February, I went to New Hampshire to conduct some research for another book. While there, the area was hit with a nor’easter, so that made for some exciting days! This summer I traveled to visit my brother in Michigan this summer and then enjoyed having him return to Kansas for a weeklong visit. I also had the fun of attending the Northwestern Christian Writers Conference in St. Paul, Minnesota, and then remained in Minneapolis for meetings with the wonderful staff at Bethany House. Before summer ends, I’m hoping to have my sister visit. And, of course, I’ve had lots of fun with my granddaughter who is learning to swim and explore the world with great zeal.

Do keep in touch with me. I’d love to hear your comments after you’ve read the book. Your reviews are always appreciated on Amazon.com as they help communicate to other readers what you liked about the book. You can always contact me through my website at www.judithmccoymiller.com

Blessings,