Lexington Herald-Leader

House of Cleaving by Melissa Newman (Whiskey Creek Press, $16.95): The Barbourville author follows up Sister Blackberry with a mystery that involves a woman who discovers unsavory family secrets after her son and mother die.

Read more: http://www.kentucky.com/2011/06/12/1772019/bluegrass-bookshelf-books-by-and.html#ixzz1P702Me00

A Note to Readers

Just a Short Hiatus ... More Novels to Come

While Growing Up Wilder was my last novel, it will certainly not be my final. I have two outlines just dying to escape from my desk drawer and I often have to apologetically shove them back in when I find they have made it to the surface time and again.

I am currently working toward completing my doctorate degree (I am all but dissertation, folks!) and I am tangled up in research that uses storytelling and social media as a way to increase hope levels for individuals and entire communities.

This research is allowing me to focus on solving a problem within Kentucky's Appalachia - negative stereotypes.

Readers, please be patient. I will return to fiction shortly. Until then, please continue to share Sister Blackberry, House of Cleaving and Growing Up Wilder with your friends and family.

As always, I welcome your notes and messages.

Melissa