Local writer and author to have book-signing Saturday

[May 12, 2009]  Local writer and now author Jo Hilliard of Mount Pulaski is scheduled for a book-signing at Prairie Years on Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. The book, "Garden of Innocents," is Christian fiction and is Ms. Hilliard's first novel.

Prairie Years Gifts and Books is located at 121 N. Kickapoo St. in Lincoln, and Hilliard is no stranger to the store. "I'm happy to have my first book-signing at Prairie Years," she said. "I've spent many days in the store with my children, especially when my son was a ‘Thomas the Tank Engine' fan. We couldn't get him away from the Thomas table."

"Garden of Innocents" revolves around a young woman who, due to a tragic drive-by shooting that requires immediate changes in her life, begins renting a room from an elderly Christian woman. The two develop a close bond, but as new information unfolds about the shooting, the plot takes unexpected turns. Her newly formed friendships are endangered as is her budding faith in God.

"It took several years to write the book," Hilliard explains. "I had no time during the day and insomnia at night, so that's when I wrote."

Hilliard is the administrator at Vonderlieth Living Center in Mount Pulaski and is also a contributing writer as well as Spiritual Life editor for Lincoln Daily News.

Books are available for purchase at Prairie Years prior to the signing or can be purchased during the signing. You can also purchase copies at Amazon.com or lulu.com.

[LDN]