The first public signing of the historical novel “A Passel of Hate” will occur Friday, Oct. 28 from 4-6 p.m. at The Book Shelf at 98 N. Trade St. in downtown Tryon.
“It is only appropriate that I have my first public event in a locally owned, independent book store,” author Joe Epley said. “I am delighted to partner with The Book Shelf for this event.”
A Polk County resident, Epley wrote the fact-based fiction about the Kings Mountain campaign of the American Revolutionary War from his knowledge of regional history. The book features significant local events such as the raid at Earle’s Ford on the Pacolet River and the invasion of the area by a Loyalist army commanded by Patrick Ferguson. It also includes in-depth looks at Colonel Ambrose Mills, the Tory commander, and Colonel Andrew Hampton, who commanded the Rutherford County Liberty Men.
“We are especially pleased to offer ‘A Passel of Hate’ because of its local significance,” said Alivia Rochester, manager of the Book Shelf. “We are impressed with some of the reviews that the book has received.”
Charles Baxley, publisher of “Southern Campaigns of the American Revolution,” said, “Epley tells the Kings Mountain story better than I have ever read.”
“The book is engaging and exciting. Epley’s words bring life to an incredible chapter in American history,” said Rutherfordton’s Robin Lattimore, the 2010 N.C. Historian of the Year.
Hendersonville author Jack Prather said, “The real and imagined characters are so rich in detail, the battlefield gore so tough to bear, and the story lines so skillfully drawn that readers will feel immersed in the historical realties and the personal tragedies and triumphs of numerous heroes and villains from all sides.”
“A well-crafted, immersive historical novel, with just the right level of period detail,” wrote the “Kirkus Review.”
Carolyn Ward, president of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation said, “Epley’s portrayal of family life in small mountain communities, fierce love and dedication to home and heritage, and the horror and honor that comes with one’s duty to both is sure to delight readers of history, buffs of battle and students of life.”
– article submitted
by Alivia Rochester