Leigh Ebberwein, a native Savannahian, has established herself as a captivating storyteller with her “Saints of Savannah” series. An alumna of St. Vincent’s Academy, Ebberwein weaves her experiences growing up in Savannah into her novels. The series is known for its heartfelt narratives deeply rooted in Savannah’s enchanting scenery, rich cultural backdrop, and the unbreakable bond of friends and family.
The fourth installment in Leigh Ebberwein’s Savannah-based series, The Cottage on Mystic Lane (Old Fort Press 2024), follows the main character, Agnes, who inherits her Aunt Lottie’s charming cottage on Isle of Hope, Ga., after Lottie’s passing. As Agnes delves deeper, she uncovers a web of secrets: a haunted house, a shocking revelation at the family cemetery, and a reunion with a past love who holds the key to her future. But can Agnes forge her own path when her aunt seems to have foreseen it all? The series examines the cross-generational impact of reckless choices, the redeeming power of love, and the importance of having a sisterhood of friends.
Donna Meredith: What motivated or inspired you to write about this story?
Leigh Ebberwein: My love of Savannah and her waterways inspired me to write this story. I grew up swimming in the creeks around Wilmington Island, throwing a cast net and shucking oysters. I was intrigued when I read an article about oyster farmers on Prince Edward Island, Canada, a few years ago. Being in such a cold climate, they are forced to submerge their baskets of oysters under the ice in the Winter. It fascinated me. But, like all other authors, I saved the article and moved on to my next project. A few years later, I was deep in the plotting phase of Book 4, looking for a tie-in to Canada, and remembered Prince Edward Island.
DM: Did any particular character really speak to you?”
Leigh Ebberwein
LE: Although my books are written as part of The Saints of Savannah Series, they are all standalone novels. The series follows a group of six friends who grew up together in Savannah. I love all six of these characters; they each have a little of me in them. The Cottage on Mystic Lane follows the character of Agnes, who inherits her Aunt Lottie’s charming cottage on Isle of Hope, Ga., after Lottie’s passing.
Aunt Lottie was the character in this novel that really spoke to me. She is based on my aunt, a true Savannah lady who also had special gifts. I thought of her often as I wrote this novel.
DM: What research was required for the writing of this story?
LE: My Geographical research took me to two places. The first was in my own backyard—Isle of Hope.
Savannah is a very diverse city. I wanted to show off its variety to my readers by having my six novels set in different areas, showing each one’s uniqueness. The Cottage on Mystic Lane was set on Isle of Hope. Over the years, I’ve had friends who live in IOH, and I visited them often, but I didn’t know its history. I was lucky to have a long-time resident educate me and find a small cottage to stay in while I wrote. I believe I left a small part of my heart on the island—it’s beautiful.
My second destination was Prince Edward Island, specifically Charlottetown and Cavendish. I spent time learning the history and visited an actual oyster farm. They educated me on how they raise oysters while feeding me raw oysters by the dozen. Although I’m still partial to our local oysters… don’t tell them that.
My historical research focused mainly on Savannah’s history. The Cottage on Mystic Lane has a cross-generational component that required extensive research. I love learning tidbits about Savannah’s past, and this novel is full of them.
Donna Meredith
DM: What details were most challenging to get right about the setting?”
LE: I love world-building, and this series has been easy because of Savannah’s beautiful backdrop. Still, morphing how you need a scene to look is fun. That’s the beauty of writing fiction. When I couldn’t find a cottage in Isle of Hope that sat on the water, I created one. Locals know it’s not there, but surprisingly, I still get questions about its whereabouts.
My challenges were more about historical places, specifically Wilmington Island in the early 1900s, its drawbridge, and the General Oglethorpe Hotel.
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