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Viola Shipman’s heartwarming novel, Famous in a Small Town (Graydon House), is a “Good Morning America” June pick.

“The novel celebrates intergenerational friendships and why it’s important in life — and in society — to look at people not simply at face value but within their hearts,” says Wade Rouse, who writes novels under the pen name Viola Shipman to honor his beloved grandmother.

“It celebrates the fact that there is no age limit on friendship, new adventures, taking risks and becoming the person you always dreamed of being. It’s also a celebration of women, especially those who have had to overcome incredible obstacles and hardships — and often bad men — in their lives to protect their families and come into their own. Much like my grandmas, the women in this book use ingenuity, hard work, faith, a love of the land and a love for one another to soldier on with grace, determination, resilience and open hearts.”

Wade is the USA Today bestselling author of 13 books, including The Secret of Snow and the Clover Girls. He hosts “Wine & Words with Wade,” a literary hour, at 6:30 p.m. EST every Thursday on Facebook Live on the Viola Shipman author page where he talks about writing and inspiration and welcomes bestselling authors and publishing insiders. The prolific author divides his time between Saugatuck, Michigan, and Palm Springs, California.