Backslide

1969: Virge is 13 and in awe of her dogmatic father and rebellious brother. Ricki Ann is Virge's best friend but is much more than a friend. A host of other memorable characters also impact on Virge's young life: a profoundly conflicted young man named Ronnie Lane; Virge's secret African-American friend Mel; and a fire and brimstone preacher named Pastor Bob. Rounding out the cast of characters are holocaust survivor Mrs. Rosenbaum, notorious Great Aunt Belle, and a very special woman named Ruth.

Paperback, 288 pages, published 2008