Charley’s Novel

Book Summary

You hold in your hands a window to the American South during the 1870s and 1880s. Charley’s Novel presents not only an epic story of love and betrayal unpublished for 142 years, but a dynamic presentation of life during the post-Civil War era. Sharing historical background using Charley’s own clippings, editor Andy Peck brings this novel to life by including classic paintings, photographs, poetry, and even QR codes linking six books that Charley read. In addition to a biography, this indexed volume includes a life timeline, overview of Peck Family Geology, and Charley’s original poetry. In these pages, explore East Tennessee history by learning about the dark influence of the Ku Klux Klan, and rejoice over the story of Morristown hero and ex-slave Andrew Fulton and Morristown College. Learn about national issues including Black suffrage as you read President Garfield’s 1881 Inaugural Address. Be inspired by women’s wisdom and strength in Charley’s Novel, and learn from the mistakes of its foolhardy men. Whether reading for leisure, learning, or family history, enjoy the journey to Jefferson City and Morristown, Tennessee, the mountains of West Virginia, and Lover’s Leap in Hot Springs, North Carolina. This train is departing, next stop, Mossy Creek Station-ALL ABOARD!

Set in Eastern Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia in the year 1879, this epic tale shares the compelling story of Mary Anderson, a wealthy young southern girl enchanted by the reputable and knowledgeable Mr. Peacock. Mary’s father, Mr. Anderson, is eager to place his daughter and family in a better position with such a profitable union. But what if the allure of Peacock’s beautiful feathers turns into a case of fatal attraction? Honeymoon excitement suddenly turns to tragedy in the mountains of North Carolina, and life will never be the same for Mary and her family. How will she handle her position as a refined young woman, wife, and mother, as she endures the abuse of the stranger, Mr. Peacock? Will Peacock fulfill his many promises? Will Mary fight her way to independence? Is there hope for her and her little boy?

About the Author

CHARLES TALBOT PECK (1857-1882) was born on Henderson Plantation in East Carroll Parish, Louisiana to Dr. Isham and Emma (Henderson) Peck. Educated at the Reagan High School for Boys in Morristown, TN, he later attended Washington and Lee University. In 1876 he founded the Mossy Creek Independent newspaper, and in his early 20s moved to Cincinnati as a lawyer. In April 1879, at age 21, he used his 'idle hours' to write his breathtaking novel and then published it as a serial. Cross Mountain Books is pleased to present Charley’s Novel in book format for the first time in history. Mary Anderson and Peacock the Mineralogist, The Bad Luck of a Young Southern Girl will bring you to your feet with outrage at the manipulative domestic violence, and to your knees in tears over God’s providential care for this family through their many years of struggle.