Alexandria Pharmacist & Pineville Resident Releases 4th Novel Just In Time for Summer "Stay-cations"

Economic escapism can be found in a book that transports readers to Mexico's exotic locales & quaint Villages. As Americans look for ways to spice up their stay-cation, could the solution be as simple as diving between the covers of the right book?

This summer, in the midst of the worst economic decline in 26 years, Americans are rethinking summer vacation plans. As a result, 58% of people who normally vacation away from home are spending less or not traveling at all. Spicing up the Stay-cation trend could be as simple as diving between the covers of the right book. "Drink One To Me, Christian Bennett," the fourth novel by author Vicki Allen—a graduate of Pineville High School and owner of the historic Sentry Drug & Grill in downtown Alexandria—is a fictional account of an American photographer traveling in Mexico that provides readers with an escape from the realities of unemployment and recession. “They spent the first week as tourists in the Yucatan, sightseeing in Mérida, languishing on the beach in Cozumel, and drinking tequila as they watched the sunset in Cancun.” (pg.6) “Somewhat refreshed, she ventured out, taking in the wide crescents of [Nassau’s] snow-white sand and clear turquoise water with an expression of awe. It was so beautiful, so carefree,...” (pg. 205) “Abby migrated from Santa Fe to Red River in mid-November…It was snowing when she arrived, thick flakes falling silently from a dove-gray sky, blanketing all it touched in a tranquil white silence...” (pg. 345) Along the way, Abigail encounters and is abducted by the brutal leader of a Mexican drug cartel. “Esai Molinero was a powerful man. Plucked as a child from the streets of Mexico City by legendary drug lord Alejandro Diaz-Garcia, he had been raised in a restored seventeenth-century mansion in the countryside of Veracruz province, and educated and groomed for the family business alongside Alejandro’s three sons…Upon Alejandro’s death, Esai…took control, assassinating each legitimate heir one by one, and establishing himself as sole head of the cartel before his twenty-fifth birthday.” (pg. 1) Media Coverage Opportunities:  Interview Cenla’s own Vicki Allen  Review the book: Contact Tracy Clement TClement@RobinTracy.com or (770) 401-8753  Author “Meet and Greet”/Book Signing  SATURDAY, June 6 at 1:00-3:00 p.m.—Walden Books—at the Alexandria Mall Ph: (405) 340-9292 About Magnolia Publishing: Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Pineville, La., Magnolia Publishing has emerged to become the largest and oldest independent book publisher in Central Louisiana. Now entering its second decade, Magnolia—a family-owned, specialty publisher—serves up nostalgic literary treats for Audiences Who Are Southern or Southern At Heart. This, coupled with author, Vicki Allen—and her ability to articulate southern ideals and sensibilities—has created a loyal following of multi-generational fans. In April 2009, Magnolia released Drink One To Me, Christian Bennett, the fourth novel by Allen, whose previous works include For Molly, a southern coming-of-age story (1999); The Search for Shannon, fiction finalist for the Oklahoma Book Award (2000); and The Return (2002). Allen’s books are available in select boutiques and specialty gift shops and online at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Booksamillion.com, MagnoliaPublishing.com and others.

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