Local emerging author and philanthropist, F. Diane Pickett, has published her newest book “The Tea Wasn’t Always Sweet: A Southern Saga Through a World of Not-So-Gentle-Men.”

The book is now available on Amazon as a paperback and ebook. The book will also be available in paperback in local bookstores in the region over the next year.

Diane grew up in Northwest Florida and her vision and leadership in DeFuniak Springs inspired the revival of the Florida Chautauqua Assembly. She has a strong interest in historic preservation and restoration which is reflected through the work done by her non-profit, DeFuniak Landmarks. The organization recently partnered with the UWF Historic Trust based in Pensacola to expand the mission of both organizations throughout Northwest Florida.

In her novels and short stories, Pickett uniquely constructs characters that are familiar to many long-time Southerners. Her edgy, award-winning debut novel “Never Isn’t Long Enough,” captures almost a century of Southern history as she depicts the story of two intense characters and their chaotic journey through life. Her second novel, “The Tea Wasn’t Always Sweet,” continues to captivate lovers of Southern history as it chronicles the tortuous path of a fiery and vibrant woman and her kaleidoscope of colorful Southern characters on a march through decades of liberating change for women.

All proceeds from online sales of “The Tea Wasn’t Always Sweet,” will go to support the DeFuniak Landmarks fund at the University of West Florida. For more information about DeFuniak Landmarks and the partnership with the University of West Florida Historic Trust, visit historicpensacola.org/defuniak.