Discovery Of Legends Surrounding Potts Inn Leads To Novel

PRLog (Press Release) – Apr 17, 2007 – Etoile Sweeney, a former teacher, was first introduced to the Potts Inn by Faye Potts, whose husband was a descendant of Kirkbride Potts, owner and builder of Potts Inn. Mrs. Potts took her on a tour of the Inn after much discussion of the particular legend that caught Sweeney's interest. Sweeney saw firsthand the high ceilings, the many fireplaces, the tall windows, and the narrow staircase that made the tour completely of another time and place. She was amazed to feel the eighteen hundreds' atmosphere wrap her in its spell.

One night, the legend goes on to say, several Indian families on their way to a reservation in Oklahoma, camped at the bottom of the hill in front of the Inn. Later, they asked if they could leave several kegs on the front porch of the Inn. The next morning, the Indians told the Potts that the kegs were filled with gold. It all made such a vivid impression that this author found the inspiration for her novel: Indian Summer Harvest.

Ezra and Beth are a fictional couple living in 1866, immediately after the end of the Civil War. One night, while they were busy living their day-to-day lives, Ezra was sent charging down Crow Mountain to the Potts Inn Community in search of the doctor. He found Indians camped at the bottom of the hill upon which Potts Inn was built.

After seeing the owner of the Inn and leaving an urgent message for the doctor, Ezra started for his horse. In seconds, he met an Indian and came face to face with stark tragedy. He heard the whimpered words, “...live in fence.” More halting words and more. A decision had to be made, and only he could make it. He made his decision in thirty seconds, and vowed in his heart to never tell another person what happened that night.

A series of such unusual events began unfolding that he despaired of keeping his promise. Now, he sees no way to escape ruin and disgrace except to murder the blackmailer who says he knows Ezra's secret. How can he possibly know? Just the suspicion that he does almost stops Ezra's heart.

“Indian Summer Harvest...holds the reader's attention with a fast-paced plot and provides interesting glimpses of the life styles and values of the past.” ---Mrs. Joyce Dempsey, Professor of English, Arkansas Tech University (retired)

“Indian Summer Harvest is an immensely enjoyable reading experience. ...Etoile Sweeney captures beautifully the essence of early Arkansas agrarian life through the activities, relationships, and adventures of Ezra Haskell. Vivid descriptions, colorful colloquialisms, and a continuously unfolding plot make Indian Summer Harvest very interesting reading.”  ---Dr. Freddy Green - Professor of Elementary Education, Arkansas Tech University (retired)

Purchase this book at http://www.lulu.com/BooksBySweeney