“The Hollow Ground,” by Natalie Harnett (Thomas Dunne Books; $24.99). Harnett lives in Hawley, PA, and her novel is inspired by the real-life deadly coal mine fires in now-infamous Centralia, PA. It is 1961, and the ground is burning beneath 11-year-old Brigid Howley’s feet. The underground mine fires ravaging Pennsylvania coal country have forced Brigid and her family to seek refuge with her estranged grandparents, the formidable Gram and the Black Lung-stricken Gramp. The Library Journal wrote, “Brigid is no ordinary hard-luck heroine; her voice rings true, offering a matter-of-fact telling that never falls into self-pity or melodrama. Set against the 1960s Pennsylvania coal mine fires, this debut novel is a dark and rewarding read.”

You can not only buy this book; you can meet the author. On December 13 at Hawley’s Winterfest, when, Harnett will be at the Hawley Library from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a Meet and Greet session.