Family Love is a place visited in "Travels of the Heart"

The countdown continues to the release of "Travels of the Heart", a collection of short stories and poems celebrating love in its many forms.

Each story reflects a creative exploration of love, and draws the reader into a moment, a relationship, an image, or a myth.

Young Betty Lou, circa 1944

Some are inspired by the love of family. One such is "Betty of Mustard Hollow", which is a story about a young girl growing up in rural Pennsylvania in the 1940's. We meet Betty, learn of her spirit, and how she is much beloved by her family. We also get a look into southwestern Pennsylvania, the landscape and the culture.

In fact, Betty is a rendition of my mom spun from tales she told of her youth. I am still developing the work, so the version included in "Travels of the Heart" 2020 release is a snapshot of the work in progress. My intention is to continue the story and expand the context and characters into a full novel. Until then, enjoy the snippet.

Adult Betty Lou, circa 2016

You can order your copy of "Travels of the Heart" today (available in print and ebook format) and follow the story of a young girl growing up in rural Pennsylvania, along with all the other stories and poems included in the collection.

Love spins many tales. Enjoy a journey through a series of narratives, poems, and stories delving into love in its varied forms You will witness sharing of tender moments, explore unexpected relationships, experience the comfort of happy endings, recall the sweetness of first love, watch the awakening of self for mythic Medusa, follow the life of a young girl growing up in rural Pennsylvania in the 1940's, consider the sensuality of music, and thrill as two soul-mates meet.


 To discover other books available by Brooke Criswell check-out the following links:

Print books available here

Ebooks available here


Or to explore Brooke's full website for BeWell Bohemia Herbs and Things