“I began reading and could not put it down,” is often the comment that R.D. Roberts hears about his book, “Walnut Grove.” The historical novel was published in 2007.
“It is history wrapped in a story,” says Roberts about the book which is set in northeastern Oklahoma, where he grew up. Although the story is fictional, there are many pictures of actual places mentioned in the story with interesting facts on the back. Special tribute is paid to Oklahoma Baptist University. There is an update to the story of the old hymn, “Amazing Grace.” “It is a book you would be pleased to have in your church library,” says Roberts.
Roberts served as minister of music in Baptist churches in Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas and Columbia, S.C., for many years prior to opening a music business in Columbia to assist churches in their purchase of choral music. He continued to serve several churches as interim music director until his retirement. The book, “Walnut Grove,” was written during the first year of his retirement.
He is available to speak to senior citizens groups in churches throughout the state, relating stories and experiences of growing up as the child of a Baptist preacher in northeastern Oklahoma. Many of these experiences no doubt were underlying influences in the story line of the book, which sells for $16.95.
Roberts may be contacted in Columbia at (803) 787-2591 or by e-mail at RDandSherry@bellsouth.net.