MaineBusiness.com

YARMOUTH, MAINE (SEPTEMBER 2009) — Some 35 years ago, Jane Freeberg listened to a friend’s story about one exceptional Christmas she had as a child in a small New England fishing village. And she never forgot it. Now, she shares it all in “The Scallop Christmas,” the story of how a young girl comes to understand what is truly important. Beautifully illustrated by Astrid Sheckels, the book will be available in October from Maine-based Islandport Press.
Ms. Freeberg will celebrate the release of her new book with a launch party from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Georgetown Historical Society. She will sign copies of the book, which will be available for sale, and light refreshments will be available. The historical society is located at 20 Bay Point Road.
Times are tough in the village where young Marcie lives. No one had much money and work was hard to find. So the villagers rejoice one glorious fall when an unexpected bounty of scallops fills their little bay. For Marcie, a week of harvesting scallops also brings an unexpected adventure and a lesson about love she will never forget.
Freeberg has lived on the island of Georgetown, Maine, for three decades. The Scallop Christmas is her first book. “It rattled around in my brain for 35 years, and when it came to mind I’d think ‘That’s a great story. I ought to write it down,” she says. “I’m so glad I did.”
Electronic images of the author and book are available upon request. Call Islandport at 207-846-3344; email at info@islandportpress.com; write to Islandport Press, P.O. Box 10, Yarmouth, ME 04096, or go to www.islandportpress.com.