Mary Ann Hake, a Crooked River Ranch resident, recently announced the release of her new book “Just a Piece of Stone.”

Hake spent years in research to pull together events and details not often included in history classes. The story starts with a boy in modern-day America who receives a strange package from his elderly grandfather. The chapters then move backward in time with each chapter focusing on the childhood of the grandfather in the preceding chapter and the special family heirloom being passed on.

“Just a Piece of Stone” begins in the United States and moves to Europe and Asia, with each chapter sharing a story about a different boy in a different time period. From grandfather to grandson for thousands of years, ”Just a Piece of Stone” travels the world. This unique presentation also includes a hint of the supernatural and a bit of suspense as readers try to determine where the treasured rock originated.

Hake was pleased to reveal, “The book was released April 29 and has already reached number one in five categories including the Children’s Action and Adventure category.”

When asked why people should buy this book, Hake said “Because this book will open the door to history, adventure and the imagination.” Hake added, “The book provides positive role models, and people of different backgrounds, conveying stories of how the characters interact and that they can get along.”

“Just a Piece of Stone” is available in softcover and eBook, including Kindle Unlimited for $8.99. This book is a historical novel from Elk Lake Publishing. If you don’t see it at your bookstore, it can be ordered or purchased on her website: https://maryannhake.com.

Hake, 70, has published hundreds of stories, articles, poems, puzzles, devotions, curricula, and more (for both children and adults) in periodicals and books plus hundreds of book reviews online.

“Just a Piece of Stone” is her first published full-length novel, and is for ages 13-18.