Hartwell creates suspense in a pre-World War setting.
Operation Excalibur, a new work of historical fiction by Alethea Hartwell, tells the story of Rudolf Diesel, inventor of the diesel engine. The book examines the mystery surrounding Diesel’s death. Although Diesel was reported to have died by suicide, Hartwell offers another possibility—one that turns a familiar historical conclusion into an enjoyable narrative of suspense and intrigue.
The novel’s voice is clear and easy to read. The reader understands complex ideas without losing interest in the storyline. Hartwell’s research and attention to historical details create a vivid portrait of time and place. The reader experiences the settings and ambiance of bygone days along with the heart-pounding realities of pre-World War I Europe.
Rudolf Diesel pulls the reader into a bygone era.
Hartwell creates an interesting character in Rudolf Diesel. She portrays him as a thoughtful, compassionate, and unusual man with deeply held beliefs about how life should be lived. Diesel knew and befriended many historical figures, and Hartwell does not shy from including them in the book. These were captains of industry and invention. Hartwell gives us a fresh perspective without hammering the reader on the perceived ills of past practices. Hartwell also makes clear where the demands of fiction have required changes to facts, dates, or chronology; a welcome consideration for readers who value both imagination and historical accuracy.
Taking place just before World War I, Operation Excalibur explores an era less frequently portrayed than the familiar landscape of World War II fiction. That choice gives the novel a distinctive atmosphere and opens a window onto a world poised at the edge of enormous change.
The book’s sensory descriptions highlight the novel. The reader feels the rain, smells the air, sees the sidewalk, walks beneath the lights, and hears the rumble of trains along the platforms. We stand at the ship’s prow, enter the lecture hall, and rise in a balloon. These are not merely backgrounds for the action; they are places we inhabit. Hartwell’s writing grants the reader a repast in history and, for a time, we are truly there.
For readers who enjoy immersive historical fiction, real-life mysteries, and richly drawn characters, Operation Excalibur is a rewarding offering.
(A.I. assisted in drafting the review, but the ideas and reading were all mine, along with the final draft. Thanks for reading. B.A. Coots)
(Note: I originally published much of this article in Roswell Now Magazine through the Roswell Chamber of Commerce.)
Stepping through the doors of Roswell Seed Company is like stepping into a wonderland where Roswell’s rich history and promising future collide. Even the most recalcitrant among us can’t help but dream when confronted with the decades-old seed shelf and its rows of colorful seed packets adorning the front of the wooden drawers. From the commercial farmer to the windowsill gardener, there is something for everyone. We find hope, wonder, and industry in one fabulous store.
John and Walter Gill opened Roswell Seed Company in 1898 as a produce company, buying produce from the fertile Pecos valley and selling it in Oklahoma or further east. John Gill would walk through an apple orchard or field of onions and offer a flat rate for that year’s harvest. From those early beginning as a produce market to the present store, the Gills have operated the business with an unusual mix of kindness and experience. One customer may come in with a problem in a backyard tree, while the next has 120 acres of seed they’ve captured, saying they need it cleaned and processed. Sometimes they need the seed stored for the following year’s planting. Regardless of the size of the account, every customer is treated with care backed by over 100 years of the Gill family’s experience in agriculture.
Still a family owned and managed store Roswell Seed keeps the window of honor for local youth sports sponsorship. They donate to schools with projects in agriculture and gardening and have even favored local efforts in the arts with donations and support. I understand they may even have access to Uncle George’s hidden suitcases promoting the current production for Roswell Community Little Theatre.
At the original publication of this article, Roswell Seed Company was known as the oldest family-owned business in New Mexico. But Jim Gill was careful to mention that there may be similarly long-lived family businesses that we just didn’t know about. Jim’s great-grandfather, John B. Gill, came from Arkansas to New Mexico in 1890. Jim would tell you with a mischievous grin that his great-grandfather settled in Hagerman because that was where the “nice” people lived.
John Gill was an apple orchardist. When he came to New Mexico, he intended to continue working with apples. In the late 1800s, the Roswell area had many fine apple orchards. John Gill could walk through an orchard and tell how many boxes of apples the orchard would produce. John would then offer to buy the harvest according to this calculated production and would seal the deal with the grower using a handshake and a silver dollar. It was a binding contract, and growers were never mistreated. John’s word was stronger than any written document.
Jim Gill shared the story of his great-grandfather learning about business in those first years. John packed a boxcar full of apples for a customer, but when the apples arrived at their destination, the customer had changed his mind. From that day on, John would “hitch” a ride in the caboose of the train and accompany his apples. If the customer didn’t take the entire load, or if John thought there was a market elsewhere, John would sell the apples directly from the destination.
Originally the store stood on the corner that Ancient’s of Days now occupies. Roswell Seed Company has survived two world wars, The Great Depression, more wars and economic crises.
According to family history, John Gill started the store with five hundred dollars in the 1890’s. Back then Roswell Seed and Produce was a grocer and a seed store. Today, Roswell Seed also sells garden plants, flowers, fertilizers, and bee packages. But what the home gardener and commercial farmer most appreciates is the wealth of experience, up-to-date information, and professional care that the staff offers. From guidance on reviving an ailing garden plant to cleaning and processing seed, Roswell Seed Company consistently advises based on a century of experience and continued zeal for agriculture.
Among the many wonders in the store, if you manage to peek into the Gills’ office, you will see an old mantle clock still working. In a time before computers and wristwatches, Jim’s grandfather would step out the back door on a Sunday to see the train arrive and set first his pocket watch and then the mantle clock. Folks in Roswell counted on the clock at Roswell Seed to know the time. The people of Roswell continue to count on Roswell Seed Company. Through the store, the Gill Family has faithfully stewarded agriculture, the Roswell business community, and the people of the Roswell area.
Even if you aren’t a gardener or farmer, come into this store for a taste of wonder and a look at how a business with a lot of history and heart can truly serve a community.
In Search of the Hidden Moon is Tim Eichenbrenner’s second novel. The book takes the reader on a well-crafted hunt for right living through Christ even as the reader plunges into the darkness of human trafficking, failed marriages, failed parenting, and aging in America. Notwithstanding these lofty topics, the book maintains a humane tone, never overloading the reader with preach and teach dialogue, or mini sermons in case the reader doesn’t get the point. None of that. Instead, the voice is conversational and comfortable, so much so that I was sad to be at the end.
The protagonist, Gil, is a doctor, but don’t let that stop a reader. Medical terminology is used in context and easy to follow and Gil is full of life and full of flaws. In short, he is easy to spend time with, as is his love interest, Alex. They navigate waters of relationships with charm and even grace. These two are engaging friends to the reader by the end of the book.
The central plot is a wonderfully readable tangle that starts with an explosion, fire and dying man’s injunction to “find the girls.” Mixed in are minor plots of finding a unknown brother, second chances from a lackluster father, and a cheating husband, along with a very pastoral pastor. And dogs, did I mention dogs? Oh my, put a good canine in a book and I’m sunk and this book has several magnificent beasts.
Read this book to make new friends, human and canine. Read this book for the great examples of forgiveness. Read it for the grace of the characters and the struggle for all of us living in this worldly world when our home is not of this world.
Thank you, Tim Eichenbrenner for a great read. Find Tim at timeichenbrenner.com. He posts Tuesdays Thoughts on -wait for it- every other Tuesday. You’ll also find information on his first book, To Live in the Light: A Life Renewed, a Faith Restored.
Charles Lathrop grew up in the Pecos Valley. He has long been involved in the communities of Dexter, Hagerman, and Roswell. Patrons of Roswell Community Little Theatre (RCLT) will remember his performances. As Professor Moriarity in a Sherlock Holmes play, Charles became known for his talent in portraying the criminal mastermind.
In 2008, Charles attended “Acting for the Camera,” summer acting camp with the US Performing Arts. The camp was inspiring and helped Charles to become the talented actor that he is today. Those who have seen him on stage know that he has a gift for comedic timing and a powerful stage presence. He also has an understanding of working with cast and crew to make the whole performance shine.
The stage suits Charles. He likes to be out of the box and plays the audience best for the lines that surprise and the characters that are most rambunctious. One of his favorite performances was “The 39 Steps.” Charles said that the cast a crew worked well together and there were no weak links. The costumes and set were fabulous, and it was a delight to be a part of the production.
Charles plays the unflappable Phileas Fogg in Mark Brown’s adaptation of Jules Verne’s novel, Around the World in Eighty Days. You won’t want to miss this fast and fabulous trip around the world, compliments of the Roswell Community Little Theatre. Opening night is February 8th at 7:30 p.m. in the Roswell Community Little Theatre and runs for two weekends. For more information and to buy tickets go to Roswell Community Little Theatre https://roswelltheatre.com/. Tickets will also be available at the door each night. Thank you for supporting the performing arts.
Deona will be starring in the upcoming Jones Hope Wooten play, Savannah Sipping Society. Many of you know Deona’s mad skills on stage. She is great to have in the cast because she is a fabulous actress but also a considerate and compassionate cast member. Deona deftly draws the cast and crew together to make a seamless performance.
Deona moved to Hagerman and developed an interest in all things acting and stage in high school. She studied under Denise Dawson whose efforts have paid off for Roswell Community Little Theatre.
Deona’s favorite memories in theater are from working with her children in performances. At one point, she had two children on stage with her and the time was precious. If you go backstage during rehearsal, you will most likely find one of her children supporting the cast with costume changes or props. It is clear they have learned well from their mother and enjoy the performing arts.
Deona enjoys the chance to portray others and fully climb into a different life. As the Gardener in Spider’s Web, she remained in character at home, delighting in her own garden, tending her snapdragons and hollyhocks.
Audience members may remember Deona in both Four Old Broads, and Four Old Broads on the High Seas. Deona played the “church lady’ in both productions. Most recently, Deona taught our KAPS (Kids in Arts Program) and directed Aesop’s (Oh So Slightly) Updated Fables which had audience members laughing and cheering and even participating. The set was simple for Aesop’s play, and it showed off the charming costumes Deona put together for the cast.
In the upcoming performance of Savannah Sipping Society, four unique women put together an impromptu happy hour. Over the course of six months, they inspire one another and lift each other up to love life once again. This comedy will refresh audience members with the love of life and will help renew spirits.
Savannah Sipping Society opens on Friday January 12, at 7:30 p.m. in Roswell Community Little Theatre. It will run on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for two weekends. For more information and to buy tickets go to: https://roswelltheatre.com/events/the-savannah-sipping-society/
Keaton Hartwell has been in the dramatic arts since he was a child. He began in KAPS (Kids Arts Programs) when it was located at the First Presbyterian Church of Roswell prior to 2013. As Mayor of Munchkin City with his first role at Roswell Community Little Theatre, Hartwell took the reins of acting and stage presence, and he never looked back. Hartwell is a natural on stage. His comedic timing is spot-on and his awareness of and interaction with the audience makes his performances shine. Hartwell began working with the Improv Ensemble at Roswell Community Little Theatre (RCLT) in 2021. Hartwell's mother, Alethea Hartwell, is the Improvisation troupe leader and Keaton's first and best teacher on and off stage. RCLT owes her a debt of gratitude not only for her tireless work but for encouraging her son and her daughter to perform with RCLT.
Hartwell has been around the theater so much that is a talent off stage and on stage. You may find him in the sound booth managing sound and lights or assisting with a set strike or set build. In 2021, Hartwell joined RCLT’s Improv troupe and add another talent for physical comedy to a strong suite of actors.
Hartwell enjoys delighting the audience. He is well suited to it. Between his timing and line delivery, his athletic talents and understanding of all aspects of the stage, Hartwell is a joy to work with and a favorite of audiences in Roswell.
Hartwell's next role is in Every Christmas Story Ever Told, a comedy by Michael Carleton, James Fitzgerald, John K. Alvarez. Hartwell performs alongside Michael Bozeman and Jacob Sanders. They make for a fabulous team in this crazy whirlwind of Christmas stories. All three actors are gifted in physical comedy as well as timing and delivery. As the threesome decide not to yet again perform the Charles Dickens' classic, they storm through every Christmas story they can think of and throw a few international Christmas traditions into the mix.
You won’t want to miss this funny look at our holiday madness through the eyes of the stage. The Liberty is once again hosting RCLT for this production. Tickets are available through The Liberty’s website. Come join us for a great evening of Christmas fun on December 7, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.
Charles Lathrop grew up in the Pecos Valley. He has long been involved in the communities of Dexter, Hagerman, and Roswell. Patrons of Roswell Community Little Theatre (RCLT) will remember his performances. As Professor Moriarity in a Sherlock Holmes play, Charles became known for his talent in portraying the criminal mastermind.
I am a mother, author, engineer, farmer, occasional actress, and incurable dog-sap. I think things and write things and embarrass myself often.