HTF Publishing is thrilled to unveil the cover of C.W. Towarnicki's debut short story cycle, Notes from a Deserter. Designed by the talented Christine Horner, known as "The Book Cover Whisperer," the cover features a striking painting of Fort Mifflin by Seth Eastman. This historic site played a crucial role during the American Revolutionary War and later became the setting for the tragic end of William Henry Howe, the real-life protagonist of Towarnicki's narrative.

Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, Notes from a Deserter tells the poignant story of William Henry Howe, a farmer turned soldier who faces the harsh realities of war and desertion. Through a series of vivid vignettes, Towarnicki captures the turmoil of 1860s America and the personal sacrifices made by those caught in its wake.

This compelling collection marks HTF Publishing's first short story cycle, showcasing their commitment to bringing meticulously researched historical narratives to life. Towarnicki, a promising new voice in historical fiction, offers readers a deeply moving exploration of duty, love, and the human cost of war.

Notes from a Deserter is set to release on April 8, 2025, but is available for pre-order now. We invite you to immerse yourself in this unforgettable journey through history, brought to life by Towarnicki's masterful storytelling and Horner's evocative cover design. Stay tuned for more updates and prepare to be transported to a pivotal era in American history.

Praise for Notes from a Deserter

“The stories making up Notes from a Deserter are strung together with a gritty tenderness and the stark realities of the Civil War. And every page, in Towarnicki’s spare and precise prose, is full of the intimate experience of the characters breathing life and immediacy into all of it.

– Paul Elwork, author of The Girl Who Would Speak for the Dead

“This novel is pure word cinema. It’s a time machine, it’s a poem, it’s a love letter to who we are and where we’re from that bigger, thicker books have failed to encapsulate so effectively. And powerfully. Towarnicki is a major force in American fiction and Notes from a Deserter is an unforgettable debut.”

– Nick Gregorio, author of Launch Me to the Stars, I’m Finished Here