Short synopsis
Trails in the Sand follows environmental writer Caroline Carlisle as she
reports on endangered sea turtles during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. As
she delves into the story, she uncovers secrets about the past that threaten to
destroy her family unless she can heal the hurts from a lifetime of lies.
Her journey reveals the
truth behind mysteries that have plagued her family for three generations.
Lost journals, a fake
tablecloth, and nesting sea turtles lead her to discover why her uncle
committed suicide, why her sister developed anorexia, and why her mother only
wanted acceptance from those she loved.
Caroline and her husband
Simon discover love lasts despite decades of separation when he was married to
Caroline’s sister. Caroline’s niece Jodi, caught in the crossfire of family
tensions and lies, struggles to find a way to forgive the past so she can move
into the future.
Trails in the Sand explores the
struggles to restore balance and peace, in nature and in a family, as both head
to disaster. Through it all, the ancient sea turtle serves as a reminder that
life moves forward despite the best efforts to destroy it.
From author: Why did I write the book/what you want reader to get from it.
From author: Why did I write the book/what you want reader to get from it.
During April 2010, two significant events
occurred. First on April 5, twenty-nine miners were killed in West Virginia
when a coal mine explosion trapped the workers inside the mine. Then on April
20, the Deepwater Horizon explosion occurred, killing eleven works. I kept
thinking about the cost in human lives and nature just to bring us all the
energy to use in our lives. Then the news reports started pointing fingers at
the companies that cut corners as they chose profit over safety. I wanted to write
a book about how we destroy things and then make attempts to recover. The love
story and family saga that is revealed through the course of the story contains
the same elements.
I
would like readers to come away from reading Trails in the Sand knowing that it is never too late to restore
peace or find love.
Reader’s reactions:
Reader’s reactions:
“I just finished P.C. Zick's, Trails in the Sand and couldn't put it down. The characters are so
touching and real. P.C. knows human nature and relationships and the
intricacies of families. P.C. brings current environmental issues and weaves
them into her story line. I found this book both educational as well as
emotionally touching.” R.L. Mayer
Behind the scenes
I was embroiled in the
real-life drama of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill as a public relations
director for Florida’s fish and wildlife agency. I handled the media for the
sea turtle nest relocation project that took place during the summer of 2010.
At the same time, I was beginning a new relationship with a lost love from
thirty-five years ago. We married in August 2010. During the environmental
disaster, I was in the process of moving to Pittsburgh to be with my new
husband. Two weeks prior to the oil spill, twenty-nine miners were killed in a
coal mine explosion in West Virginia, just a few hours from where I was moving.
It all fell into place to write about the oil spill and coal mine disaster and
our quest for profit and fossil fuels at any cost and the obstacles facing
reunited lovers attempting to restore lost love.
From Rachelle: I've read Trails in the Sand and loved the way the environmental disaster was spliced with the unfolding of the family secrets and drama. It gave me an appreciation for honesty and transparency, both in the public sphere and in private. It was a heartwarming drama, from release of the baby sea turtles to the reconciliation.
Patricia Zick's Books:
Enter to win a book by Patricia Zick and 4 other authors.
As a public relations professional, I'm always interested in authors who are able to create a story that includes the challenges of providing good PR counsel. I look forward to reading your book!
ReplyDeleteCarol, I hope you enjoy the book. I switched the main character to the "other side" as the reporter. But since I've held jobs in both fields, I found it very interesting to do the switch. Your book is on my Kindle and hope to start it one of these days!
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