BLOOMINGTON, Ind., Nov. 7, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Long Island's once sleepy villages now buzz with activity in summertime when the refined, relaxed lifestyle of the wealthy -- full of boating, swimming, visiting with neighbors -- offers them a break from real-world pressures. Author Melissa Sharpe peels away the veneer and exposes the romance, heartbreak, pain and survival of the island's inhabitants in "Oceanside, Harborside" (now available from 1stBooks Library).
Based on actual people and events, the author presents real human beings with deep feelings and emotions that come to the surface as the 1979 summer progresses. As familial generations intermingle, their relationships develop in interesting ways, producing unexpected outcomes.
Reeling from the loss of his wife, an elderly gentleman comes to the island to find solace from his pain. He gets involved with the island's residents, who present him with new and life-altering possibilities. Similarly, a widow has to deal with her own new situation. Her husband was one of the community's most influential members. His death gives her a new status, but it will take some adapting on her part. Meanwhile, her two beautiful daughters look for love and happiness in their own lives.
Melissa Sharpe boasts a cosmopolitan background. Born in New York City and raised in Philadelphia and Washington D.C., she graduated from a New England college with a French Literature degree. She wrote for the weekly college newspaper and the school's literary magazine. A tedious research job following college showed her what she didn't want to do in her career, and she turned to modern dance. After taking classes, she performed with an avant-garde dance company, and eventually starred in a solo revue which took her around the world. Her career cut short by injury, she returned to writing. "Oceanside, Harborside" is her first novel, and shows an intimate knowledge of the small villages where she vacationed as a child. Ms. Sharpe resides in New York City.
ABOUT 1STBOOKS LIBRARY
The only profitable print-on-demand and eBook publishing company of its kind, 1stBooks Library was founded in 1997 and has helped more than 7,000 authors publish their works. For more information, visit www.1stbooks.com and click the "Media" image at the top of the page.