Award-Winning Medfield Author, Jim Sano, Releases Historical Novel, On the Crest of the Hill.

Award-Winning Medfield Author, Jim Sano, Releases Historical Novel, On the Crest of the Hill.

Medfield-based author Jim Sano, known for his faith-infused storytelling and more than 40 literary awards, has announced the upcoming release of his tenth novel, On the Crest of the Hill.

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After years of research and work with historians, Sano has written a 19th-century historical novel that follows a Louisiana slave's epic journey to freedom. Born into slavery on a Louisiana sugar plantation, Samuel James' world of youthful innocence, strong family, and faith is shattered when he is forced into the brutal reality of field labor. Spanning six decades, his epic journey takes him from the battlefields of the Civil War to the promise of a new life in the North. As he grapples with loss, faith, and betrayal, Sam must ultimately confront the true meaning of freedom, not only in the world around him but within himself, in this inspiring story of resilience, dignity, and grace.

"I'm really excited about this story and hope readers find it both inspiring and enlightening as historical figures and events are woven into it," Sano said. "I learned a tremendous amount about our history, life on the sugar plantations of Louisiana, from hundreds of personal slave narratives, the first Black regiments who fought in the Civil War, and the struggle, hopes, and faith of so many enslaved Blacks who worked those plantations and struggled for their freedom."To ensure authenticity, Sano sought feedback from historians and Black leaders in Louisiana, Missouri, Kentucky, and Illinois. "I was fortunate to have a number of historians and Black leaders read the story to ensure it rang true and could speak to readers today," he added. "I am so grateful for their willingness to lend their time, caring perspective, and knowledge to ensuring this story was both inspiring and authentic."

Early readers have responded with strong praise. "In On the Crest of the Hill, Jim Sano offers a powerful and deeply moving story of one man's search for true freedom amid the harsh realities of slavery in 19th-century Louisiana. It is a story of the human spirit, of dignity that cannot be extinguished, and of the quiet, persistent work of grace. With careful research and deep compassion, he brings to life the dignity, faith, and resilience of those who suffered injustice—especially the often-overlooked history of Black Catholics artfully woven into the story. I am grateful for Jim Sano's faithful storytelling and recommend On the Crest of the Hill to all who seek literature that both educates the mind and stirs the soul."

Bishop Robert P. Reed, Rector, St. John's Seminary, President, The CatholicTV Network".... It was an honor to read and experience On the Crest of the Hill. What a profound faith journey! Jim Sano's heartfelt story not only captures the essence and harsh realities of the era of slavery in the American South, but it also stirs deep feelings in me as I follow the main character, Sam, on his arduous journey toward true freedom and the knowledge that God is always with us. Guided by his mentors along the way, even amid the depths of tragedy, the realness of this story resonates with truth and reveals victory in our faith.

"Deacon William K. Seibert, Jr., Diocese of Jefferson City, Missouri ... Wow! Masterfully written, this deeply moving and inspiring story is historical fiction at its best!

Steven R. McEvoy, Book Reviews and More...While Sano grew up in an Irish-Italian family in Lynn, Massachusetts, he has called Medfield his home with his wife, Joanne, for the past forty years. His novels frequently explore faith, psychology, forgiveness, and moral dilemmas with theological depth and relatable characters. They have earned over 40 literary book award honors, including wins at the Independent Authors Network Book of the Year, American Fiction Awards, Christian Indie Awards, ICBA Book Awards, Readers' Favorite International Book Awards, and Catholic Media Book Awards."While I love researching and writing these stories, the real gift to me has been in all the wonderful folks I've met along the way," Sano said. "I hope readers enjoy this intriguing story of determination, hope, love, family, and friendship.

On the Crest of the Hill will be available November 1, 2026, on Amazon and through local bookstores. For more information, visit www.jimsano.com