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NATCHEZ — Scott Lenoir, a retired Episcopal priest from the Mississippi Gulf Coast, joins the ranks of Mississippi authors with The Amendment (Dogwood Press, 2024).

He will sign copies of his fast-paced debut at Natchez Children’s Advocacy Center, 33 Fatherland Road, on Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A portion of the proceeds from the sales of the book will benefit the center.

Originally from McComb and a retired Episcopal priest, Lenoir was the editor of The Mississippi Episcopalian for 12 years and has written creatively since his retirement, taking part in Coast-area writing workshops, including one presented each year by fellow Dogwood Press author and McComb native Valerie Winn.

“What drew me to The Amendment, in addition to the nonstop suspense, is multi-layered protagonist Blake Weaver,” said Dogwood Press Editor-in-Chief Joe Lee. “A complicated man, Blake has a big heart and a fervent desire to protect the people he cares about. He’s a banker, but when there’s a score to settle, he’ll tap into his law enforcement background to take care of business.”

Lenoir’s book features a fictional character based on a child who grew up at the former Natchez Children’s Home.

“The reason the advocacy center is hosting the event is because my book has a significant character who was taken into a fictional children’s home in Natchez after both of his parents died. He grows to like the home, the home’s director especially, and sabotages efforts to place him in foster care or adoption. Michael Rodgers is an exceptional student and goes to college in Jackson. He later is called to the Episcopal priesthood. Michael is not the main character of the novel, but plays a significant part in the story,” Lenoir said.

Lenoir had a series in mind from the first keystroke of The Amendment and has a second volume already in Lee’s hands. Blake Weaver and several cast members return for the sequel as well as a third installment.

“The Amendment is a rollercoaster ride allowing Blake to get a grip on his life while simultaneously losing himself in a dangerous confrontation,” Lenoir said. “A little help from new friends and a lost love make all the difference.”

“We expect excellent response to Scott’s book all over Mississippi and beyond,” Lee said. “He’s ready to hit the ground running, and readers will thoroughly enjoy meeting him. He’s warm, friendly, and, like most Mississippians, never met a stranger.”

Signed copies of The Amendment are available for $24.95 plus tax, with a portion of proceeds to be donated to Natchez Children’s Services. Call 601-442-6858 for more information.

You can find more information about the author at scottlenoir.com.