Name: Charlotte Valentine

Her book: The Buried Treasure of Mt. Gretna, published by AuthorHouse.

Description: History comes alive aboard the Cornwall & Lebanon train as an escaping thief drops a pouch—and an adventure—into young Minnie’s lap. The story of buried treasure unwinds against the backdrop of old and new Mt. Gretna, Pa., when the pouch is found 80 years later in an abandoned park.

“It’s considered a book for young adults, and the characters are young, but the story is for everybody. It is a fictional story, but the facts pertaining to Mt. Gretna are historically correct. All the pictures are vintage photos of Mt. Gretna loaned to me by the town historian.”

What inspired you to write this book? “I spent time at my grandparents’ cottage in Mt. Gretna as a child and I always loved it. To me, it is a magical place. When I learned there had been a park, I found the location. You could still see the pavilions peeking above the trees and overgrowth. It was like the ‘ghosts’ were speaking to me and I just had to write a story.”

Getting published: “I did everything for this book, from writing it to getting it published. I even laid it out! My children were a tremendous help. They got me the proper computer equipment and taught me how to use it. I’ve learned so much, and now I'm helping a neighbor with her book!”

What do you most enjoy about living at Charlestown (an Erickson-built and –managed community near Baltimore, Md.)? “That it’s such a great place to entertain my 18-month-old granddaughter. I babysit her twice a week, and there’s so much for us to do. Plus, everyone knows her and they love to see her. She took her first steps here. It’s just a joy.”

To buy: Both paperback ($13) and hardcover ($20) editions of the book are available online at www.authorhouse.com or by calling AuthorHouse toll free at 1-888-280-7715.