By Crystal Hayduk
Patricia Stebelton’s novel, The Unknown Connection, will catch the eye of local readers when they see the image of the historic Chelsea Clocktower on its cover.
Some may even recognize the young woman in the foreground as the author’s granddaughter, Vanessa Stebelton. Peril blends with familiarity among the pages since the majority of the action takes place right here in Chelsea.
Released in July, Stebelton’s seventh novel is classified as romantic suspense. “It’s more suspense than romance, though, with inspirational overtones,” said Stebelton.
“The mystery begins years ago with one good man who makes an impulsive and unwise decision that creates a web of danger for his family. There’s a three-generation ripple effect because of one person’s actions,” she said.
The book’s modern-day heroine, Bailey Morningstar Spencer, returns to Chelsea, the small town from which her grandmother fled more than 60 years ago. Bailey brings a sealed box of family secrets and the warnings of a stranger. After finding sanctuary with her great-aunt, Bailey meets a handyman who has his own secrets. Together, they face deceit and danger that threaten their lives as Bailey works to reunite her family.
Stebelton said that many of her ideas for novels begin with the simple question, “What if?” A history buff, Stebelton’s interest was piqued when she learned that a photographer had a studio in a room with a skylight located above Vogel’s and Foster’s clothing store in the early part of the twentieth century. “I had the idea for a beginning scene, and then the pieces fell into place,” she said.
Stebelton moved to Chelsea 52 years ago when her husband took a position as an engineer with Chrysler. “It’s always been in the back of my mind to write a book set in Chelsea,” she said. “From the time I first moved here, I was taken with what a lovely and charming place it is.”
The Stebeltons have seen a lot of changes during their years here, and Patricia appreciates the way the city strives to retrieve Chelsea’s Victorian-era charm. “It was a pleasure for me to develop this story and these characters within the city I’ve loved,” said Stebelton, who added some of Chelsea’s rich history to her novel with the help of Kathleen Clark and the Chelsea Area Historical Society.
About the author: Patricia Stebelton is a wife, mother, and grandmother who enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends. In addition to writing novels and stories, she works as a commissioned artist.
The Unknown Connection, published by WestBow Press, a division of Thomas Nelson and Zondervan, is available locally at Just Imagine (opening at its new location at 115 West Middle St. in mid-August) and Vogel’s and Foster’s (107 and 109 South Main St.). It is also available through Amazon and Barnes and Noble in paperback, hardcover, and e-book.
Loved the book! Was hard to put down!!!!
Mrs Stebelton. My name is Norman Green just saw about your book. So I will be reading it I see you got some Historical History from the Historical Society. The location of them on Jason street was my Home for many years I graduated from high school there in 1967. My Dad had bought the house from Charles Cameron. I love all History from Chelsea
Can’t wait to get a copy of your new book!!! Maybe you can bring a copy to FL when you come????