Martha R. Brown to discuss her book of family Civil War letters on April 17

On April 17 at 10 a.m., Sunset River Marketplace in Calabash, N.C. will host Winston-Salem author Martha R. Brown as part of the art gallery’s Coffee With the Authors series. Brown will be discussing her historical novel “Holding Sweet Communion: Civil War Letters,” which is based on letters she accidently discovered by her great grandfather, who left home to join the Confederate Army. Letters carried in his rucksack and his wife’s apron pockets sustain their love and life during the tumultuous years of war. He writes from the battlefields of Chancellorsville, Antietam, Gettysburg and Washington City while she struggles with the new responsibilities of managing their farm and dealing with deprivation.

War changes people and this couple is no exception. Quoting her grandfather’s actual Civil War letters, Brown bring an historical family back to life and adds fictional characters who are right at home in the North Carolina landscape.

Brown, who grew up listening to stories of her parents’ North Carolina families, is a graduate of Agnes Scott College with a Master’s Degree from Duke University.

The hour-long event at Sunset River Marketplace is free, but seating is limited so reservations are required. Call 910-575-5999 or send an email to lassiter@staging.careful-crib.flywheelsites.com. Join the mailing list for notice of future events at the same number and email address.

Sunset River Marketplace showcases work by over 200 North and South Carolina artists, and houses some 10,000 square feet of artwork in virtually every genre. Custom framing, painting and pottery classes and art workshops are also offered through the gallery. Since opening its doors in 2002, Sunset River Marketplace has supported not only the visual arts, but literary and performing arts, as well. It has become a popular community center and art hub for both Brunswick County and nearby Horry County, S.C.

Sunset River Marketplace is located at 10283 Beach Drive SW, Calabash, N.C. Regular hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information call 910-575-5999 or visit the website: www. staging.careful-crib.flywheelsites.com. For daily updates, “like” the gallery’s Facebook page.

Sunset River Gallery