Local writer cooks up sweet story

Two years ago, Sechrist, who also is an office manager for with her family's construction business, wrote a contemporary story, mixing in her love of food by making the main character a chef and garnishing it with local flavor by setting it in Hershey. The result is "chocolate-covered fiction," as Sechrist puts it.
"Love Finds You in Hershey, Pennsylvania" (Summerside Press) centers on Sadie Spencer. The single mom is managing a full plate of crises -- a Russian entrepreneur who plans to open a restaurant next to her café, a wayward father who suddenly re-enters her life, a 5-year-old daughter who's becoming a troublemaker and a best friend who might not be content to be just a friend any more.
Summerside Press has a series of "Love Finds You" books, each taking place in small or unique towns around the nation. The books tell a love story but also sprinkle in tidbits about life in the towns. Another book in the series is "Love Finds You in Paradise, Pennsylvania," by Loree Lough.
"It just all came together perfectly," Sechrist said of her novel. Making the story even sweeter, the novel debuted in time for Valentine's Day.
But of course that perfect mesh took time. "Nothing happens fast in the publishing industry," Sechrist said. The young author queried Hartline Literary agent Diana Flegal, who at the time was mostly representing nonfiction clients. "She loved the story. And she's actually from Pennsylvania, so she could appreciate the Hershey theme."
Sechrist's sense of humor and contemporary style enticed Flegal.
"I just thought it was such a fun story," Flegal said. "I loved the interaction and the people who come in and out of the restaurant, and the two older people giving their two cents. And, of course, this dreamy Russian."
"Love Finds You in Hershey, Pennsylvania" is available online and in local bookstores.
Sechrist's Web site, http://cerelladsechrist.com, offers an excerpt from the book. Other treats online include Sechrist's blog, character Sadie's blog, recipes, a soundtrack and more.
Flegal recommends checking out Sadie's blog. "We get more of Sadie after reading the book, and that's what we're all left wanting," said Flegal, who added that she particularly likes Sadie's recipes.
"I'm from Pennsylvania, too, and we're all foodies here in Pennsylvania."

About the author
Cerella (pronounced "Surreal-ah") D. Sechrist
Municipality: Red Lion
Occupation: Writer and office manager for Co-Dell Construction
Age: 30
Advice for writers: Persevere. Sechrist wrote her first manuscript at age 17. The road to publication took 13 years. "It's a long line of rejections," Sechrist said. "Even when you get used to it, every single rejection stings."
For more: Visit http://cerelladsechrist.com and www.thecerellalife.com

If you go
What: A book signing with Cerella D. Sechrist, author of "Love Finds You in Hershey, Pennsylvania."
When: 6:30 p.m. March 3
Where: Kaltreider-Benfer Library, 147 S. Charles St., Red Lion
For more: Call the library at 244-2032

Recipes
Author Cerella D. Sechrist's Web site, http://cerelladsechrist.com, has recipes featured in "Love Finds You in Hershey, Pennsylvania."
Check out delicacies including Dmitri's Chocolate Ganache with Ginger Tart with Poached Pears, Sadie's Chocolate Mousse with Berry Compote and Belva's Southern Pumpkin Pie.

Amelia's Tasty Truffles

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
3 cups confectioner's sugar
3 cups semi-sweet Hershey's chocolate chips, melted
1 teaspoon almond extract flavoring

Beat cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Gradually beat in confectioner's sugar until blended. Stir in melted chocolate and almond extract until blended smooth. Refrigerate for one hour before removing and shaping into small balls.
Optional: Roll truffle balls in ground nuts or cocoa or confectioner's sugar.