Eugene author uses a Sisters setting

Shelley Houston is a Eugene author whose love of the Sisters area compels her to sprinkle local sites and flavor into her books. Her recent murder mystery novel, "Julia, Coming Home," paints a warm picture of Sisters with veiled references to Main Avenue, Sisters Coffee and other familiar spots. The resemblance of the fictional town of Sage Meadows to Sisters in the book is immediately obvious, and Houston drew from her many visits to her favorite spot east of the Cascades.

The cover photo for the novel -of the story's serial killer hidden in the mirrored reflection of a silver teapot - was taken in the Sisters Library by Kristi Miller, of the Small Farmer's Journal. Sisters Coffee Company recently hosted a book signing of her new novel where readers could chat with the author about the book and her inspirations for it.

"I love Sisters and spend a lot of time here and have many great friends and got to know the town well. It was a natural choice for me to set the book somewhere I have a huge passion for," she said. "Sisters has an artsy, touristy feel as a getaway spot that worked well in the story. The mountains and the natural beauty are just amazing. I have typed many hours away on my laptop at Sisters Coffee Company, and formatted many scenes in"Julia, Coming Home'while there. It was as if a scene in my mind came to life."

Set in a fictional mountain town, "Julia, Coming Home," is the tale of a spirited woman who moves from Portland to open a shop with hopes of finding a "family" in the small community - maybe even a man. Although she professes her desire to settle into a normal routine with her miniature schnauzer pups, Frick and Frack, she is drawn into messy developments in her new friends' lives, and is astonished by her own fearful encounters with an incognito serial killer.

One character in her book is that of an unpleasant, scheming chamber of commerce diva, which Houston says has no comparison to anyone in real life and is totally fiction.

Just Dust Publishing is Houston's own independent publishing house, that was started back in June. Her main mission is to publish and promote works of redeeming value.

"I have fantasized about the people in Sisters enjoying the book since so much of it was included," she said. "If anyone wanted me to speak at a group or gathering about writing or publishing I'd be happy to do that and become part of the community more."

Houston's books are now available at Paulina Springs Books.

For more information contact Houston at http://www.JustDustPublishers.com or call 541-731-7576.