Both of these books are by North Carolinians. They'd make great gifts for the Christmas season, approaching all too fast.

Hugh Morton

North Carolina Photographer

UNC Press, 2006, $30

As I was growing up, I knew Hugh Morton's name because of his association with Grandfather Mountain. It was much later that I discovered that he was also a photographer.

Morton took many photos during a period of over 50 years, 162 of which are shared in this book, the second volume of his work.

When I look at these pictures, both of scenes and people, it brings back memories. There is a beautiful color photo of the tulips in bloom at Biltmore House in Asheville that reminds me of a spring visit we made to the area. There are photos of trees cloaked in red, gold, and green that show why the North Carolina mountains are a popular fall destination.

Other photos are of well-known people such as Bob Hope, President Ronald Reagan, and President Kennedy (then a Senator) as well as Johnny Cash. A photo made during the 1974 dedication of the Golf Hall of Fame in Pinehurst includes Patty Berg, Byron Nelson, Sam Snead, Ben Hogan and President Gerald Ford.

Morton completed work on this book before his death in June. Other books include "Hugh Morton's North Carolina," "The ACC Basketball Tournament Classic," and "Making a Difference in North Carolina."

This volume will make a nice gift for both natives and newcomers.

The Bed She Was Born In

By Jeri Fitgerald Board

Parkway Books, 2006, $24.95

This fascinating historical novel set in the Goldsboro area in the fictional town of Baker gives readers a look at the Sanderson and Sanderswomen from thelast battleof the Civil War to the early 1940s.

It's a good thing that a family tree was included because I often referred back to it as I read the book.

In 1865, Adaire Sanderson finds she must defend her home near Bentonville against Union forces, with the assistance of Ludie Sanders, who up until recently has been her slave.

Over the years we follow the courageous lives of Adaire and Ludie as Ludie's daughter, Millie, becomes the victim of rape, and as the Sanderson children marry and have children.

Anna McLean joins the family when she marries Adaire's grandson, Carl. Anna, who becomes curious about an old photograph, discovers a hidden family secret that she will keep for many years.

This is a wonderful historical novel, and I hated to have it end. I'd like to know more about what happens to these families.

Board, whose husband, Warren, was formerly president of St. Andrews Presbyterian College, is a retired administrator from UNC. She grew up in Johnston County, just a few miles from the site of the Battle of Bentonville. She and her husband live in Tryon with their feline companion, Miss Beautiful.

Faye M. Dasen may be reached at fdasen@thepilot.com or at 693-2475.