Coopey to Sign Books

The Bedford County Historical Society will host Judith Redline Coopey for a book signing at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15, for her newest novel, "Don't You Cry for Me," a Civil War novel based on a true family story of a Confederate spy sent to Blair County on special assignment to blow up the Horseshoe Curve.

Susannah Lander lives with her maiden aunt in south central Pennsylvania where the Civil War is dragging on, and Susannah's life is at a standstill.  Orphaned and abandoned in early childhood, she's been passed from one household to the next, never really belonging anywhere.  But change comes along with the arrival of a circuit riding minister from the South in need of lodging. Mark Randolph, a Confederate soldier on a scouting assignment behind enemy lines, struggles with doubts about the Confederacy while trying to carry out his duty.  Susannah has her doubts about him, but she needs the income, so she puts aside common sense to rent him a room in her stable. Susannah hates slavery, despises the South and doesn't mind a good argument, so her sharp tongue and analytical mind combine to discourage any but a prickly and casual relationship. In spite of doubts, fears and misgivings, Susanna elects to follow her heart down a dark and foggy road that leads to who knows where.

Judith Coopey was born the youngest of eight in Altoona. Judy caught the writing spark at about age 11 and wrote a lot in high school – plays, a newspaper column, short stories and essays. She returned to writing after retiring from teaching in 2004. She has since written six novels, among them the very popular Redfield Farm and Waterproof.

For more information, call the society at (814) 623-2011, email bedfordhistory@embarqmail.com, or visit http://www.bedfordpahistory.com.