Special to NKyTribune
An exciting new novel, Netta’s Journal, by Northern Kentucky’s D. James Then features many references to Northern Kentucky.
In this book, Riley Harper, a best-selling novelist, returns home to Francisville, Kentucky, for the funeral of his deceased nanny, Netta Player, in her nineties.
The impetus for Riley’s sad-but-enlightening homecoming is an email from Katie Sanborn, his estranged love. Katie and Riley grew up together in Francisville and Netta was Katie’s nanny, too.
Sadly, Riley and Katie have not spoken in seventeen years.
After his arrival, Riley learns from Katie that, on her deathbed, Netta spoke of a mysterious journal, a memoir which revealed her true identity.
Together, Katie and Riley search for Netta’s Journal.
After finding it, they discover that Netta, who always presented herself as Scottish, was actually a Polish Felician nun from Krakow. They learn that Netta, real name Nina Gracz, survived the war, endured many tragedies, and fought with insurgents against the Nazis.
Netta’s candid journal is a stark contrast to the elegant woman Katie and Riley knew and loved in their formative years.
Her Journal is a strong, first-person narrative; Netta actually experienced the brutality of war. Mr. Then’s novel, written with a lyrical voice, is a poignant love story which reveals how Katie and Riley rediscover each other and the love they assumed lost forever.
An inspirational ending of Netta’s Journal provides several surprises, including the modern identity of Father Charles, the priest who helped Netta escape from Poland after the war.
As one critic writes, “This author weaves a fine, memorable tale that is satisfying and engrossing. I very much enjoyed As Sure as the Sun Rises by Mr. Then where I discovered his wonderful voice. He did in not disappoint in Netta’s story.”
D. James Then, who lives in Hebron, is a native of Western New York, a former owner and publisher of an award-winning Sunday newspaper, a 30-year marketing executive, and a graduate of St. Bonaventure University’s Journalism School where he received the 1974 Mark Hellinger Award.
Then holds a master’s degree in organizational management, is a former broadcaster, and is a U.S. Air Force veteran.
In addition to Netta’s Journal, Then has published the As Sure as The Sun Rises, an intriguing and heartrending novel about love in the time of war; The Heart by Which We Live, a mystery about love, revenge, and redemption; and That Tender Light, a novel of love, loss, and renewal.
He has also authored McToon’s Final Shot, a humorous and ribald golf story, and Spencer Mouse’s First Great Adventure, a read-aloud for children.
All are available on www.amazon.com. To read more about his novels of adventure, intrigue, and rebirth, visit www.djamesthen.com.