Georgia Coffelt

...which is almost always how Georgia Coffelt begins telling you exactly what she probably shouldn't.

If news happens anywhere within ten miles of Winkle Creek, chances are Georgia has already heard it—or at least a version of it. She's the unofficial town greeter, social coordinator, welcome committee, and information bureau rolled into one energetic package. Whether she's arranging flowers at church, organizing the bake sale, or making sure the new neighbors know everyone's first name before supper, Georgia has a remarkable gift for making people feel like they belong.

Of course, somewhere between hearing the news and sharing it, a detail or two occasionally wanders off. By the time Georgia finishes retelling a story, a broken mailbox may have become a runaway tractor, and someone's cousin from Springfield has mysteriously turned into an out-of-town millionaire. She never means to exaggerate. She simply gets excited.

Blessed with a voice that can carry across a church fellowship hall without the aid of a microphone, Georgia isn't above grabbing someone's arm, straightening their collar, or giving them a playful ear twist if she thinks they're headed toward poor decisions. She fusses because she cares, and everyone in town knows the difference. Even those on the receiving end of one of her spirited lectures usually leave smiling.

Andy, her quiet husband, has long since mastered the art of standing nearby with an amused smile while Georgia fills every silence in the room. Together, they're as different as oak and ivy—steady and lively, thoughtful and talkative—but somehow perfectly matched.

Around Winkle Creek, Georgia may not always get the story exactly right, but she'll always get the heart of it. Beneath the chatter is a woman fiercely devoted to her neighbors, convinced that life is better when people know one another, look after one another, and never leave a newcomer standing alone.