Something to read - Aug. 7

Name of book: ARCH: Book I. Yes, it is a series. Book two is already written and will be released soon.

Author: Michael N. Riley, a 1978 Clovis High School graduate. He has family members who are natives of Arch.

Summary of the book: The main character's name is Eugene (Doc) Strafford. Doc enlisted in the Union Army and was assigned to the medical division where he assisted with amputations and bullet wounds.

After the war, he bought a mercantile in a small town in New Mexico Territory, Portales. He worked hard and owned several businesses. What he loved the most was his ranch, ARCH.  

But there was something missing -- professional people and women. Doc knew God-fearing women wouldn't come as long as there was a saloon and brothel in his town operated by two vile men.

And so he recruited his old Army friend, a Baptist preacher who had eight daughters, and asked him to establish a church in Portales.

But some were suspicious. What was Doc really up to?

- Michael N. Riley

[email protected]