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Chris Curtis has been writing since 2009 and has self-published several memoirs and “pocket romances” but Exits and Entrances is her first historical novel and, she says, likely to be her last.
It is based on the history of St Stephen’s chapel in Whangaparaoa and Chris says that required a good search through church archives, interviews with parishioners and use of online resources. She says it was a lot of hard work, but she thinks the addition of fictional characters has made the book “an entertaining and interesting way to learn about the church and Whangaparaoa’s history”.
Chris, who lives in Arkles Bay, is a parishioner of St Stephen’s herself and was asked over a year ago by another parishioner, Herb Pryde, to write the book as part of St Stephen’s centenary celebrations.
Among the interesting facts revealed is that the first services were held at George Arkles’ guesthouse in Arkles Bay, before the church was built. It also tells how the Erebus commemorative stained glass window came to be commissioned, after Reverend Peter Tanton and a group of Whangaparaoa locals were among those killed in the disaster.
Included in the story is a vicar whose name will resonate with today’s fast food fans – Ranald MacDonald (known as Ronald). Reverend MacDonald journeyed to the Coast from Warkworth in 1914 to run services.
Inevitably Chris has slotted in a little romance, but nothing too steamy – the book was proofread by current St Stephen’s vicar Ian Hardcastle and his wife Helen.
The book is illustrated with photographs and Chris’ own drawings.
Exits and Entrances will be officially launched this week, on June 18 at St Stephen’s church in Stanmore Bay, at 12 noon after the morning service. Chris will be there to sign copies. Chris will also sign books at Whangaparaoa Library on July 1, at 3pm.
The book will be available on Amazon after June 18.
Book giveaway
Hibiscus Matters has two copies of Exits and Entrances by Chris Davies Curtis to give away. To go in the draw, message us on Facebook, or write your name, address and daytime phone number on the back of an envelope and post to Exits and Entrances, Hibiscus Matters, Unit G, Tamariki Plaza, Tamariki Ave, Orewa 0931. Entries close June 23.
