Midwest Book Review on “What Happened to Chester?”

The Social Issues Shelf

Synopsis: Rory, an adventurous, take-charge young girl, meets her match in Hobblety Wobblety Chester McDeer. She soon learns that her friend can jump over any obstacle, despite his disability, and make a big difference to family and friends. Colorful, fun illustrations by the artistic team of Noah Hrbek and Lydia Whitehouse fully enhance children’s author Lauren Persons picture book story for young readers.

Critique: Original, fun, and with a special value for children ages 8-11 with reference to animal (and by inference, kids) disabilities and the importance self-esteem, “What Happened to Chester?: An En-deer-ing Tale of Hope and Healing” is an especially recommended addition to family, elementary school, and community library picture book collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that “What Happened to Chester?: An En-deer-ing Tale of Hope and Healing” is also available in a paperback edition (9781615997008, $15.95) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $4.95).


What Happened to Chester?
Lauren Persons, author
Noah Hrbek & Lydia Whitehouse, illustrators
Loving Healing Press
5145 Pontiac Trail, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
www.lovinghealing.com
9781615997015, $27.95, HC, 22pp

Hot Wells and Other Mysterious Louisiana Waters

SKU 979-8-89656-114-9
$19.95
: The Rise and Fall of Healing Springs, Lost Resorts, and Forgotten Towns
1
Product Details
UPC: 979-8-89656-114-9
Brand: Modern History Press
Binding: Paperback
Grade Level or Age Range: Adult
Audiobook: Audible, iTunes
Edition: 1st
Author: Larry Jorgensen
Pages: 148
Publication Date: 09/01/2026

Once hailed as Louisiana's answer to Hot Springs, Arkansas, Hot Wells drew thousands seeking relief in its warm mineral waters. Governors, entertainers, politicians, and ordinary families flocked to the resort, convinced its remarkable springs offered healing and hope. Yet within a few decades, the bustling destination faded into silence, leaving behind abandoned buildings, forgotten dreams, and a ghost town reclaimed by time.

Award-winning historian Larry Jorgensen uncovers the fascinating story of Hot Wells through rare photographs, newspaper accounts, personal interviews, and extensive historical research. Beyond Hot Wells, he leads readers to other mysterious waters that once attracted visitors from across the South, including White Sulfur Springs at Jena, Belle Cheney Springs, Dossman Springs, Pointe-aux-Loups Springs, Krotz Springs, and the Salt Water Natatorium.

Part travel through Louisiana's hidden past and part detective story, Hot Wells and Other Mysterious Louisiana Waters preserves the rich legacy of the state's lost healing springs, vanished resorts, and forgotten communities before they disappear from memory forever.

"Since its beginnings as a place of healing mineral waters, Hot Wells remains visited, with its past, present and possible future amply documented by Larry continues to be a 'hot' item among his other works for purchase by eager readers." -- Bill Sumrall, Louisiana journalist and writer

"Turkey Creek's mineral springs are a treasured part of Louisiana's heritage, reminding us of a time when people traveled from near and far to experience the healing waters and hospitality of our community. Hot Wells and Other Mysterious Louisiana Waters preserves that remarkable history." -- Heather Cloud, Louisiana State Senator, District 28

From Modern History Pres

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