"An introverted woman learns to channel her fictional hero to save her small mountain town in Stites’ novel.
Cass Enger of Loon, California, has always wished she were a little more like Felicity Benedict, the protagonist of Cass’ beloved Matters of the Heart series of novels. Cass is shy and self-conscious, and she much prefers the dogs at the kennel she runs over people. But when she learns that the local library is going to be forced to close in a few months if money isn’t found for much-needed repairs, she can’t stand by. ... The novel’s plot is compelling, and Cass’ love for the town and its quirky inhabitants brings Loon vividly to life. The stakes of the town’s financial distress and the danger of overcorrecting to the point that Loon becomes unlivable for locals are highly applicable to the current economic and political moment, as are Diego’s traumatic past and the immigration issues he faces. ... A romantic subplot provides additional intrigue, and the dogs Cass takes care of will delight animal lovers.
A heartwarming portrait of small-town life and an encouraging story about finding self-worth."
Jan’s path to novel writing began with her love of books and movies, which led to screenwriting. She optioned several projects and taught screenwriting classes at San Francisco State University and the University of California-Berkeley for several years before belatedly realizing that screenplays are written to be seen. Jan wanted to write something to be read. Becoming Felicity is Jan's third published novel.
She lives with her husband in Northern California.
"A heartwarming portrait of small-town life and an encouraging story about finding self-worth. Get it!"—Kirkus Reviews
"A charming new voice in women's fiction, Stites writes from the heart about friendship, love and what it means to find where you belong."
—Susan Mallery, New York Times-bestselling author of Girls of Mischief Bay and Hold Me
"Edgewise is a harrowing story of injury and feeling, despair and hope. Vivid and unflinching in the telling, Stites' novel is courageous, heartfelt and unforgettable."
— Wally Lamb, New York Times-bestselling author of She’s Come Undone and The River Is Waiting
"Reading the Sweet Oak will find its way to your heart by way of your funny bone."
— Elizabeth Rosner, award-winning novelist and bestselling author of Electric City, Blue Nude and The Speed of Light
"Edgewise is a story of humanity and how strength can come from many sources, even those we supposedly hate."
— Midwest Book Review