On a drive along Coastal Highway, concrete towers can be seen lining the Delaware beaches. The towers were built to protect the Atlantic Coast from German invasion during World War II.
Inspired by the history of the area, Baltimore-native author J.R. Miller wrote “Towers on the Beach: World War II Spies & Heroes from Ocean View, Delaware to Bremen, Germany.”
Miller will discuss his book and hold a Q&A session in the meeting room of the Selbyville Public Library during an author visit on Wednesday, July 18, from 10 to 11 a.m.
The historical fiction novel is about a German spy, Kurt, who arrives in Bethany Beach in 1942. He travels to a farm on Woodland Avenue in Ocean View that is owned by German sympathizers and releases a German scientist from captivity at the POW camp in nearby Bear Trap.
While staying at the farm, Kurt meets McKenna, who lives with her family on a farm on the same street. They fall in love, and Kurt is confronted with the arduous decision of whether to lie to the woman he loves or forsake his country.
Those interested in attending the event must register in advance, online, over the phone or in person at the library. There are 25 seats available. The library requires a 24-hour cancelation notice to allow others on the waiting list to attend.
“Towers on the Beach: World War II Spies & Heroes from Ocean View, Delaware to Bremen, Germany” was published by Archway Publishing from Simon & Schuster in February 2018, and costs $19.99 (softcover) or $5.99 (e-book). The book is available for purchase online or at Bethany Beach Books. The library will not be conducting sales.
The novel is Miller’s first book, and the author visit will be his first event at a library. He previously visited the area for an author event at Bethany Beach Books on June 2.
J.R. Miller graduated from the University of Baltimore with a bachelor’s degree in finance and received a master’s degree in governmental administration from the Fels School at the University of Pennsylvania. He has written textbooks and taught procurement classes throughout the United States and Canada. Miller was also an adjunct professor at Harford Community College in Maryland and at the University of Virginia.
The author visit is free to attend. For more information, call the Selbyville Public Library at (302) 436-8195.