Dear Reader:
I’m pleased to introduce you to a novel that is
very special to me, Cottonwood Summer. The novel centers on the
remarkable events that occur in the mythical town of Riverton,
Michigan during the summer of 1944.
For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated with
the Second World War -- especially with how people on the home
front used humor, hard work, and unfaltering optimism to cope
with shortages, casualty reports, and fear. How Americans interacted
with the thousands of German prisoners of war interred in their
communities is particularly intriguing to me. With these somber
issues as grist, I challenged myself to tell a story that is realistic,
yet funny, and enjoyable to readers of all ages.
My experience growing up in a Michigan town with a POW camp
on its outskirts was the impetus for creating this book. Inspirations
for its characters emerged from the examples of hardworking immigrants
who populated my old neighborhood and the steadfast people who
worked the surrounding farms.
