Barrington resident Elizabeth Splaine will hold a virtual book launch party on Friday, Nov. 13, celebrating the release of her latest novel, "Devil's Grace."

Ms. Splaine said she is very excited to share this book with readers, particularly because of its message.

"This is something everybody can use," she said during a recent interview. "This is a story where the main character walks through hell and still makes the decisions" to be good and kind.

Devil's Grace follows Angela Brennan, a cardiac surgeon who struggles after suffering a tragic loss, but eventually finds a renewed purpose in life. Ms. Splaine said the novel was inspired by two real life stories — one event that really happened and one that almost happened.

In fact, she had no plans to write Devil's Grace until she had a conversation with a friend over the phone. She said her friend was communicating with people who had passed away: "She said you're supposed to be writing about the 'light,' Ms. Splaine recalled.

Ms. Splaine said she can understand that some people may not believe in such things, but she does. Also, Ms. Splaine believes it is important for her to share the light — kindness, goodness, positivity — in the world.

Shortly after that phone call with her friend, Ms. Splaine sat down and wrote the prologue to Devil's Grace.

It took some time for Ms. Splaine to build the rest of the story, but she enjoyed the process.

"Were there times when I struggled? I wouldn't say struggled," she said. "There were tough times in creating parts of it. At no time was it overtly frustrating. I enjoyed it. I loved it. Loved it. Loved it."

She even entered Devil's Grace into a writing contest. Following the advice of a friend, she entered her book in writing competition in Vermont, and it was eventually selected as the winner. The prize included a full publishing package from Green Writers Press in Brattleboro, Vt.

Barrington in the book

Ms. Splaine said Barrington residents will likely recognize a number of local references in Devil's Grace — the town beach, the gazebo at Wood's Pond near the Peck Center building, St. John's church. She even wrote a local pizza shop into the novel, as well as the library and the middle school.

"It's all in there," she said.

Devil's Grace can be found on Amazon, bookshop.org, and Target online beginning Nov. 11.

Special book launch

Barrington resident Elizabeth Splaine will celebrate her newest novel, Devil's Grace, with a special online launch party. It is set for Friday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m. via Zoom. She is partnering with a friend who is a director at wine company. People interested in joining the launch will also have an opportunity to order wine, which they can enjoy during the online launch.

For more information, contact Ms. Splaine via email at elizbsplaine@aol.com or visit her website: www.elizabethsplaineauthor.com