Originally published on Blogspot Tuesday, July 14, 2015
A neighbor and fellow writer just had a novel published.
Robert Beatty (pron. Beety) wrote a book titled “Serafina and the Black Cloak”. It was published by Disney/Hyperion. 
It’s a supernatural tale about a different young girl who secretly lived in the House on Biltmore Estate (here in Asheville) at the end of the last century.
The book is intended for children 8 years and above. It might be a little strong for readers younger than that. But it’s a captivating read for adults as well. You really wonder what’s going to happen.
I recommend it if you’re interested in that type of story – or even if you’re not particularly. It’s a great read.
It earned an excellent review in Kirkus Reviews and was voted #1 on the Middle Grade Books of 2015 list on Goodreads.com.
Although it might be more understandable if you were familiar with the Biltmore Estate, it’s not necessary. Robert gives some good descriptions which you can image in your mind as you read.
He also has a book trailer on YouTube which gives some views of the House https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFZvSzfnm6I.