When I saw that WOW!Women-on-Writing had a blog book tour coming up with a Georgia writer, and the book was called Georgia Stories on My Mind, I just had to sign up! But when I found out that Jackie Rod, the author, is perhaps thirty minutes down the road from me—I mean, you know Georgia is pretty big, right?—I was beyond myself. Did I know Jackie and not know that I knew Jackie?
Well, no. We’ve never met. We write in different circles. But still. We both know and love Georgia and I feel like when we do meet, we’ll be fast friends.
Next week, Jackie will be here to share all the wonderful spots in Georgia that we both love. (And I’ve been to all of ’em because I’m one of those people who believes in seeing everything at home before I roam.) Anyway, today on her blog tour, I’m sharing my review of her peach of a book:
Georgia Stories on My Mind is a collection of short stories that highlight hope, faith, reconciliation, trust, and love against a backdrop of varied Georgia settings. For the most part, they’re strong women characters figuring out their way in the world, whether that be in the North Georgia Mountains, the busy streets of Atlanta, or the magnolia-lined roads that meander through the middle of the state.
They’re longer stories than traditionally found in this genre but the tales tend to transverse through the years and sometimes generations so you need those extra words. And though you might find a mystery or two within these pages, they lean strongly toward romance so you’re going to get a happy-ever-after despite the trials and tribulations the characters face.
Though the author gives us plenty of information about Georgia in her introduction, the stories themselves are a bit light on details of my favorite places. I expect there will be more stories from this Georgia author and I’d love to see my state as developed a character as one of her richly-rendered female protagonists!
About the Author, Jackie Rod
“A good book transports me to another time and place. It lets me feel the sensation of heroes and heroines— dark loneliness, deep passion, a father’s pride and a mother’s grief.” Jackie Rod is a fiction writer, loving wife of a legal beagle, and mother of three children who has blessed her with seven fantastic grandchildren. After Jackie retired from teaching, her love of words and stories led her to begin writing fiction. Reading and traveling enrich her life and she jumps at the opportunity to teach a workshop or attend a writing conference. She belongs to five writing chapters/groups. Jackie’s work can be found in twelve published books on Amazon, in several Metro Atlanta libraries, and independent bookstores.
You can find Jackie at:
www.LinkedIn/com/in/jackie-rod-32bba255 www.Pinterest.com/JackieRod
www.Instagram.com/jackierod039
And here’s where you’ll find Jackie and Georgia Stories on my Mind for the rest of the tour (P.S. There are a few book giveaways, too. You can’t have my book ’cause I’m giving it to my Georgia friends but check out the tour and maybe you’ll win!):
Cathy C. Hall Writes 
Like you, Cathy, I love to visit sites in Georgia. I don’t roam far because of my dogs. Seeing more of my state is on my bucket list. Georgia is diverse and has a rich history. I love Jackie’s section on all the firsts in Georgia. While not born here, I’ve lived in Georgia my adult life and there were facts I didn’t know. Her stories temp you to want more. I am always fond of the town squares and ice cream parlors. We have a great one in Monroe. Lovely review. I’ve read Jackie’s stories and I’m a happy ending type of gal.
I’ve lived all over Georgia and though I’ve traveled quite a bit, there’s no place like home! And Monroe has one of those squares with an ice cream parlor, I think. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and come back next week when she gushes about the top spots in Georgia (and see if you agree with her choices)!
I’ve lived in North Atlanta most of my life, but I like to visit small town. The people are gracious and the shops are charming. Monroe’s activities have grown since you’ve moved near there in Social Circle. You are a lover of people, and everyone needs to know more folks like you, my friend.
I enjoy reading local authors who spotlight regional landmarks etc. I also love Georgia, except driving through Atlanta in rush hour on spring break. Jackie’s book sounds delightful.
Yeah, Linda, I’ll admit that ATL traffic is not fun; it’s so much worse than it was over thirty years ago when I moved to the area. (Or maybe I’m just older and 285 is scarier now!) You can find Jackie’s book on Amazon…did I mention that above?? I think there’s a Kindle version, too!
Thanks for stopping by, Linda. I hope you enjoy reading Georgia Stories on My Mind, as much as I enjoyed writing it. I am southern to the bone.
Thanks for the interesting review, Cathy. You had me–when you called my story a peach of a book. I’m looking forward to meeting you and sharing notes about our favorite attractions around Georgia. Of course, the focus of the book is the seven fiction stories about strong heroines and their relationships with family, friends, and lovers.
You’re welcome, Jackie! It’s clear how much you love Georgia and your strong heroines on every page! (P.S. I have LOTS of favorite spots around Georgia, Jackie. But you know I live about ten minutes from Stone Mountain, right? 🙂 )
I gave Stone Mountain a lot of coverage in the story, Christmas with Buddy. One of my fiction-writer friends said that part of the story sounded like a travelogue. LOL
Oh, Buddy! That’s the surprise story and I didn’t want to give that away in the review. Y’all will have to read Georgia Stories on My Mind now to get the surprise (and all the Stone Mountain stuff)! 😉
Cathy–What an interesting review. I’d love to read a book full of YOUR Georgia stories. I’m sure they’d be rollicking tales…
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