Local author signs copies of new book

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – A local author has published her second book and was signing copies Saturday at ‘A New Beginning’ bookstore.

Debby Johnston’s book ‘Cherish: Behold, I Knock,’ came out around Christmas time. It’s the second novel that she has written and it follows the fictional character of Andy Garrett, who goes from being a big city bartender to a small town pastor.

Johnston said that while the book is fictional, it is based off of real life events and people.

“My husband is a person who has a background similar to what Andy has gone through. And we have been in several churches throughout the country over the last 40 years and the characters and the stories come from things that we have experienced. We’ve always enjoyed meeting people and getting to know their stories,” said Johnston.

This is Johnston’s second book in the “Cherish” series. She said she already has the idea for her third book in mind.

“A lot of books that are out there people say are ‘downers.’ They cover topics that they don’t find comfortable. These books are gentle fiction and people who like to read gentle fiction will find them to be the right book for them,” said Johnston.

Johnston’s book is available at ‘A New Beginning’ bookstore in Zanesville and online on Amazon.