Altamonte Springs — Long-time Central Florida resident and author Cecily Crossman, who has been studying historic Florida since the beginning of the new millennium, has published a novel: Florida – A Love Story, and it’s available now on Amazon.com and at Barnes & Noble.
The story encompasses a journey across Central Florida during the 1880s with multiple adventures. Her fictional characters are developed within a place of events and sections of Florida that are historically correct. The theme fits the values, spirit and beliefs of the time and various cultures.
Mrs. Crossman, 83 – who is also the author of a poetry book called New Day — a perspective on a woman’s life during the turbulent 1960s and 1970s – said she sought to learn throughout the last two decades everything she could about historic Central Florida where she has lived most of her adult life.
“I read all the Florida history I could find. I interviewed third or fourth generation Floridians who were not easy to find because most Floridians are from someplace else,” she said.
The novel has received numerous positive reviews and endorsements by prominent Central Florida academic and business leaders, including but not limited to the following:
“This is a touching historical fiction love story set in Central Florida in the late 1800s. I enjoyed learning about Florida history through the main characters and their many stories.” (Debra Schwinn, President, Palm Beach Atlantic University);
“Mrs. Crossman has made a very interesting, accurate and understandable storybook about Florida history and life; it makes one want to continue reading to the end without putting it down.” (Louis Williams, 10-year Docent, Orange County Regional History Center);
“Cecily Crossman takes the reader on a delightful journey back in time. The novel moves at a rapid pace, delving long enough in the different settings to steep the reader in the moment. Avid bookworms and casual readers alike will appreciate the respectable love story and the opportunity to escape to Florida past.” (Mildred Graham, Director-Advancement and Alumni Affairs, Florida A&M College of Law)
* * *
For more information, contact
Cecily Crossman, c/o John Crossman 407-341-3895 Jcrossman@crossmancb.com or cesscrossman@hotmail.com
Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-461-3781 beth@larryvershel.com