Leatha J. Patton on Generational Consistency Regarding Love of Family

“Bridges” begins during the post-Civil War era after the Federal Troops have been withdrawn from the South. Gone is the protection for the newly freed black population. Specifically, a horrific event is occurring on the sprawling thousand-acre farm in Georgia involving its patriarch, Calvin Beckford, and all family members. The Beckford clan are forced to confront this horrendous upheaval which is never completely resolved. Time pushes the family forward to contend with another situation; the residual effects of this catastrophe linger for decades.

Eventually circumstances direct the youngest siblings, Ned and Estelle, to leave and forge their future away from Georgia. They choose Chicago, a northern city that provides the backdrop for many challenges. Chi-town, a popular name for Chicago, introduces both, especially Estelle (forever the farm girl at heart) to city life. Ceaselessly optimistic about the future, Estelle embraces her new life with determination and tenacity. She instills the same spirit in her children, Clare and Jeffrey.

More modern times unfold to gradually focus on Estelle’s daughter, Clare, who becomes the main character of this historical epic. Her marriage to Grady Mayfield expands the narrative by merging the best attributes of two strong families.

Finally, toward the end of the story we enter the twenty-first century. The reader is introduced to the Mayfield siblings, Brandon and Jennifer, as young adults. These two individuals become significant in the sequel to this read—“Bridges: Then and Now.”

“Bridges” is scheduled to display at the upcoming The Word on the Street Book Fair on September 21 and 22, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario Canada. Grab a copy of the book at https://www.amazon.com/Bridges-Leatha-J-Patton/dp/1491713925 or visit her website http://leathajpatton.com/
 
Bridges
Published Date: November 12, 2013
Paperback price: $12.49

About the Author
Leatha J. Patton attended DePaul University where she majored in Journalism and creative writing. As a young girl, her favorite pastime was writing. However, life demanded that she postpone her literary explorations. Before retirement, she began once more to write. After retirement she completed her first novel “Bridges.” She grew up in the small Indiana town of La Porte and has written the novel “Circles” (to be published in the near future) with an essential focus on events that took place in that small town. However, she has lived most of her adult life in Chicago, Illinois, where frequently (when not writing) her enjoyments are gardening and sewing. Her only child, a son, resides in Las Vegas, Nevada.
 

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