Ann Haskin, who spent her younger childhood years known as Hazel Baron in the Ballplay area of Etowah County, is coming to the Hokes Bluff Public Library June 24.
Haskin, a Christian author, released her book “Ten Lost Children: A Story of Redemption” in April of this year.
The book details her life and the abuse she and her siblings endured and how she found joy and peace in God’s promises.
“Ann Haskin was born in a three-room shack in the backwoods of Alabama,” the book description reads. “Her father died when she was two. Her mother was abusive and neglectful, leaving the hungry children to fend for themselves as they searched for food. This continued until the children were rescued by the police and escorted to their aunt’s cotton farm. There, they picked cotton all day in the hot, humid sun. Shortly thereafter, the children were returned to their mother who, after moving a stranger into the house, fled to California with him and the children. They would watch in horror as this man would beat their mother, at times leaving her for dead. Ann’s life demonstrates the power of God, which transformed a shattered childhood into a life of purpose and meaning. This is a story of hope, faith and forgiveness and how she found joy and peace in His promises.”
After dropping out of high school and running away from home at 17, Haskin (pictured below) met the love of her life who happened to be a disc jockey in the United States Air Force. After getting married, Ann’s dreams of traveling Europe came true when she was living on the Adriatic Sea in Southern Italy.
The book is available for purchase online through Amazon or Barnes and Nobles. Haskin is working to get the book into local bookstores.
The Hokes Bluff Public Library’s book signing event on June 24 will feature music, refreshments and door prizes. The event is free to the public and begins at 11 a.m. Haskin’s book will not be available for purchase at the event.
For more information on the book, visit annhaskin.com.