A novel that has just hit the shelves — “Broad River Gems: Southern Fiction with a Twist of Lemon” — involves a setting and author familiar to Union County.

Mary Gregory Dillard is a retired teacher and a native of Union. She began writing seriously after retiring from her teaching career, which began in Georgia and led to Greenville and eventually Union. Gregory taught business education at Union High School from 1970-1992.

Dillard first had her writing published in Gospel Advocate with a short story called "The Perfect Wedding Dress."

Writing short stories led her to writing two children’s books: “Finding Betsyanna” and “Jeepers Creepers! The Squirrels Are Coming,” which were both published by Publish America.

"I wrote the children’s books to get my foot in the door with the publisher," Dillard said, "but I enjoy writing novels most of all."

“Broad River Gems: Southern Fiction with a Twist of Lemon” — the first novel of Dillard’s to be published — has a plot that involves murder, bullying, forbidden marriage and the strong women who endure the strife taking place on the banks of the Broad River.

"Even though the plot is centered around the main character — John Thorndyke — everyone learns from the female characters that families should help each other," Dillard said. "Strong women make things work."

Dillard writes by pulling from stories she grew up hearing as well as her own experiences.

"The best way to write is to write what you know," she said.

“Broad River Gems: Southern Fiction with a Twist of Lemon” can be purchased locally at Economy Office Supply, 122 East Main Street in Union.

Mary Gregory Dillard welcomes readers to email any questions and comments to medillard@bellsouth.net.