November's Local Reads book club pick has arrived! Gettysburg's Lost Love Story: The Ill-fated Romance of General John Reynolds and Kate Hewitt by Jeffrey J Harding. 

Union general John Reynolds was one of the most beloved and respected military leaders of the Civil War, yet beyond the battlefield, the captivating true story of his secret romance with Catherine “Kate” Mary Hewitt remains etched into his legacy. Clandestinely engaged before John marched off to war, the couple’s love remained a secret. Kate made a poignant “last promise,” a commitment to enter into a religious life if her beloved were to be killed. Tragically, Reynolds lost his life leading troops into action during the opening phases of the Battle of Gettysburg. Within days Kate was embraced by the Reynolds family and soon began to honor her promise of a religious life. Yet a few years later she seemed to disappear. Author Jeffrey J. Harding unveils new findings on Kate’s life before and after John’s death as he recounts Gettysburg’s saga of star-crossed love.

Join us each month for the T-102 Local Reads Book Club! Local Reads is hosted by Kasey Owen in conjunction with the Schuylkill County Historical Society. We typically meet the last Wednesday of the month at 6:30 at the Historical Society in downtown Pottsville. There’s no formal process to join, just follow along with which book we’re reading and come out to our discussion. Even if you didn’t read the book you are welcome to come along if the topic interests you!

When available, we try to have the authors join in on the discussion or provide interviews about their books.

This event is free to the public. Books are available to purchase in the SCHS gift shop.