NORTH VERNON, Ind., December 19, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- "A Bruised Reed" (now available through 1stBooks Library), by Helen S. Spaulding, is a fictional account of the life of Lucey Hanks, the grandmother of Abraham Lincoln. The story weaves together threads of actual, biographical elements of Lucey Hanks with the creative genius of Spaulding's mind.
It is not, however, a true biography. Little is known about Lincoln's grandmother, and Spaulding has had a difficult time researching and tracing the roots of her family's history, being eighth cousin to Lincoln. During her research, though, what pieces she could put together concerning Lucey Hanks, proved to be rewarding. The shape of Lucey Hanks took on that of an intriguing personality, a personality so dynamic that Spaulding was compelled to write about her, filling the gaps with supposition and assumption. Spaulding was fueled by one burning question: What would cause a young, rebellious unwed mother, indicted for 'unbecoming behavior,' to a married mother of eight more children, two of whom would become ministers, and the rest completely devoted to the Christian faith?
This being said, some parts of "A Bruised Reed" are factual and historically founded. Others could have happened, given the actual history of the time. For instance, the massacre of Christian Dakota Indians did happen in 1782, and the survivors did migrate south.
The fictional events were written to carry forward the theme: will God 'crush' this bruised, rebellious 'reed?'
Helen S. Spaulding has been active in freelance writing since her retirement from nursing. Her published works include articles and devotionals in The American Journal of Christian Nurses, Witness, Standard, Wherever, A Word in Season, Moments With God, and soon-to-be published article for Cats and Kittens.
Recently, at a writer's conference in Florida, she received the award for best novel submission for "A Bruised Reed," classified as an historical fiction novel.
Helen S. Spaulding currently lives in North Vernon, Ind. This is her first book.
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