Posted: Tuesday, January 5, 2010 8:48 am

Michael Lee West

Critically acclaimed author Michael Lee West will be speaking about her heartfelt Southern novels at Smyrna Public Library on Saturday, January 23rd.

Since she broke out in 1990 with her modern Southern classic Crazy Ladies, Michael Lee West has written numerous novels about Southern families that convey universal truths about relationships and romances. West’s latest book Mermaids in the Basement, finds Renata DeChavannes returning to her home in Alabama after losing her job as a screenwriter. When her life appears to be falling apart, Renata finds herself being drawn closer to a once-distant father and an extended family.

Michael Lee West’s books have garnered favorable praise from publications such as Romantic Times, Publishers Weekly, and Library Journal. Library Journal called West’s latest book a “charming tale” and said that West “has a knack for realistic and engaging characters.”

West, a resident of Lebanon, Tennessee, grew up in Cookeville and graduated from E.T.S.U., where she earned a degree in nursing.

The author talk will be held at Smyrna Public Library in the conference room on Saturday, January 23rd at 1:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Smyrna Public Library is located at 400 Enon Springs Road W. in Smyrna. The Library is the cornerstone of our community, enriching lives through free resources for learning, fun, and opportunity. For more information, call 615-459-4884 or visit www.linebaugh.org.