Bent Tree Creek Press

Returning to Fernandina Beach to settle his late father's affairs, Jake Forrest uncovers cherished reminders of two early 1970's summers, an era punctuated by the ongoing turmoil of the Vietnam War and the effects of civil rights legislation. Against this setting teenage Jake and his friend Rory Perkins build a raft to explore the salt marsh, pursuing big fish and adventure. The boys navigate into uncharted latitudes including a friendship with a mysterious older black man, Amos George, which garners the attention of the town's bigoted sheriff. A savage storm uncovers the secret of forgotten smugglers' treasure, but also unhinges Jake's grieving mother who fears she's lost another son. The boy's efforts to salvage the treasure garners the attention of the local menacing tyrant, setting in motion a confrontation with grave implications for the boys and Amos George.

Mark has spent the majority of his life in and around the rivers, estuaries and beaches that define Florida’s First Coast. While a native Floridian, his family roots evolved in the backwoods of southern Georgia. Through the years his forays from the small metropolis of Jacksonville to the secluded hamlets around Suwanoochee Creek Georgia, has provided him with a wealth of vivid characters that stirred his literary imagination After graduating with a Finance degree from Florida State University, Mark returned to Jacksonville with his bride and settled into a banking career. Thirty years later he continues to work in the financial arena as a private banker, certified financial planner and guest lecturer. An astute observer of humanity Mark has collected a treasure trove of odd accounts that at times seemed more fiction than fact. Mark’s literary works reflect a chivalrous moral code, and relateable multi-faceted characters. Convinced that the world needs more levity, his writings are woven throughout with clever humor. He is also deeply passionate about showcasing elderly characters, (older adults, classic automobiles and propeller driven war planes) in his stories. Mark currently resides in Saint Johns, Florida with his wife of thirty years and is the proud father of three children.