After What the Moon Saw debuted a couple weeks ago, I started receiving a lot of questions.
Today, I will answer inquiries pertaining to the Bedford Springs Hotel (now, Resort), and to share more pictures! (Many of the images are featured at the Resort’s website, so let me extend that credit.)
Is the Bedford Springs a real place?
Absolutely! As depicted in the book, it sets in the rural, rolling hills of the Appalachian Mountains, in south-central Pennsylvania, near where I grew up.
The hotel was refurbished in the early 2000s, and is called the Omni Bedford Springs Resort. However, much of the original architecture still exists.
Is that a real picture of the Bedford Springs on the front of the book?
Yes! The picture shows the main entrance. First, let’s do a refresh on what the cover looks like:
Now, here’s a side view of that same brick building. You can see, on the right where the many columned additions, in white, continue on.
Is the place that big, with all those buildings, as described in the book?
Yes! Let’s take a closer look at how extensive the white buildings are:
And, because it shows the incline (as described in the book) up to the buildings, the following is one of my favorite photos:
Are the mineral springs real and are they truly directly across the road from the buildings?
Yes. Here is my hubby Joe standing by one of the mineral springs. Of course, it looks different today than it would have in 1760 and 1926 (both pivotal dates in the book).
The other picture shows the walkway that crosses Sweet Root Road to usher you from the Resort to the water.
What about the inside? Is the stairway as beautiful as suggested in the book?
Thanks, but I may have done it an injustice because capturing its beauty in words is kinda’ tough. Judge for yourself:
Is the indoor pool real? Was it actually there in 1926?
Yes. Isn’t it incredible?
On several occasions in the book, you mention a two-story colonnade. What does that look like?
Unfortunately, it is no longer there. Instead, you walk across beautiful lawns to reach steps which then usher you up and over Sweet Root Road and deposit you at the trail to the mineral springs. However, here is a picture of what it looked like in Libby’s day:
In the next picture, you can see where the colonnade had started, jutting out from the main building. Now, this portion serves as a portico under which guests can drive to unload their luggage and take advantage of valet parking.
What does it look like in winter? Is there still a lot to do in that area?
If you mean, does it get cold there? Oh, yes! Let’s take a look:
Brrr, eh? But, what a beautiful winter wonderland, don’t you think?
As for winter activities, you can ski within an hour of the Bedford Springs Resort. You can also tour the local town’s many shops. And, the Resort offers an amazing spa – stay indoors and enjoy that luxury!
Thanks for reading!
Buy the Book Here.
About What the Moon Saw: When newlywed FBI agent Libby Shaw is warned her death is imminent, she’ll do anything she can to survive–even take mysterious advice to submerge in mineral water of Bedford Springs during a full moon. Libby finds herself thrust back in time to 1926, where danger and intrigue surround her. As Libby tries to adapt to her new life, she finds herself oddly drawn to the town sheriff who seems to know her far better than she knows herself. Yet he seems eerily familiar and, as pieces of a past start surfacing, Libby seeks him out for answers, only to find more questions. As Libby learns someone is following her to change history, she must join forces with the sheriff to uncover the mystery of their past. Will they be thwarted by the master criminal who’s determined to destroy them both or will they be able to build a life together after lifetimes of being pulled apart by nefarious forces?
Historical intrigue interwoven with modern-day suspense and a touch of the mysterious.
Contemporary romantic suspense.
Coming-of-age sagas.
Dear Mr. Koontz,
My name is Henry Hillegass. I am the nephew of the Henry & Virginia Hillegass. I have been looking for the book you wrote years ago that you dedicated to Uncle Henry & Aunt Gin. I remember Uncle Henry showing it to me . I live in the same house as they did. 160 Spring St Bedford. Thank you very much
Henry Hillegass
Hi Mr. Hillegass. I believe you are looking for the very famous author Dean Koontz. My first name is Debra, and obviously, I am female. I’ve only been writing novels for about five years. I grew up in the northern part of Bedford County. I believe Dean Koontz grew up closer to Bedford. He now lives somewhere in California. Sorry I can’t offer more details for you! My best to you in your continued search.
D.L, The Springs was not in existence in 1760, it was founded by Dr. Anderson in 1796.
I know James. I did not say the hotel was in existence in 1760. I said the springs were, as in the water. The water was there before Dr. Anderson found it. The Indians had long talked about the “medicine water” before Dr. Anderson tapped into it.
This is kinda cool! I never knew of Bedford springs until the reconstruction! I’m a construction worker and helped restore the old building and build the new ones too! I didn’t know there was a book related to the building! Now I’m going to have to read it ????
Hi Erin. Thanks for writing. My book is a fictional story that takes place (mostly) at the Bedford Springs hotel/resort, not a nonfiction account about the facility. I’d love for you to give it a read; however, if you’re looking for a fact-based historical, you may want to check out the gift center/book store at the Bedford Springs Resort. They have several books, some showing pictures of the facility through the years. My best to you!
Debra, will you be one of the authors featured at the Allegheny Regional Featival of Books in Bedford, Sept 14-15?
If you don’t know about it, the web page is alleghenyregionalfestivalofbooks.org .
Hi Betsy, as I told another commenter, the web genies are making the comments on this page appear, then disappear….I already answered your comment, but now I see it’s not there. Anyway, no, I will not be an author at that event. I did not know about it, so thank you for the heads-up. Alas, I live in Georgia now, so I’m not sure about being able to attend in September. But, I’m adding it to my calendar. I have tons of relatives back in Bedford County so perhaps I will get away for a visit! Thank you so much.
Betsy, I did not know about it! Thank you, I’ll have to check it out! My best to you!!
I was with the crew that got Bedford springs up and running again in 2007 and came back to work there for 3 years after a time away. I was a housekeeper both times and it is truly an amzing place. So cool it is on the cover of a book! If you get the chance you must stay there and take in all the history
Hmmm, Tamara, I know I responded to this already….but it appears the web genies are playing with my site today and comments are disappearing, reappearing, then disappearing again. Anyway, I had said that I think it would have been very interesting to work as a housekeeper at Bedford Springs. You’d really get to know the place well! I have stayed there, eaten there, hiked there, toured there. I loved every minute of it. Thanks for sharing! My best to you.
My Grandfather worked there in about the 40’s. I will definitely read the book!
Thanks, Beth! And, thanks for sharing that. Did you ever have a chance to go to the Bedford Springs with your grandfather? If so, I bet they was interesting!
This is a definite must read for me! Are you aware of this event occurring in Altoona PA? https://www.altoonabookfest.com/
Hi Rose! No, I was not aware of this event. I live in Georgia now, so unfortunately I can’t pop over to Altoona like I used to! But, thank you for letting me know. I hope you enjoy What the Moon Saw!
Very cool, My great great Grandfather was the groundskeeper at the Springs after he returned home from the Civil War and worked there a number of years. He died in 1903. I always find it funny cause his name was Asa Spriggs.. This book will be a must read for me. Thanks so much
Thanks, Harry. You giving it a read means a lot to me, especially as it is probably NOT your preferred genre. And, very cool about your ancestry link to the Bedford Springs!
My Mom Joyce Foster and 2 of her sisters Shirley and Jane Foster worked there. She always tells us how beautiful it was and how they wore yellow for breakfast and lunch
And she thinks black for dinner. The hotel laundered their uniforms and starched them to perfection. Food to die for and everything first class. Can’t wait to read the book
Jill, love reading this. Yellow at breakfast and lunch? Fascinating. Thanks for sharing!
My sister was desk clerk at the Springs years before the renovation. I am 68 and as a kid 15 used to swim in that pool. The did preserve the old tile on the bottom and sides. It looks the same now as it did them I live in Bedford just about 2 miles from the Springd
Kaye, must have been fun to work there, but even more so to swim there as a teenager! What fun. Thanks for sharing this. My best to you.
We had our Prom at the Springs !! I graduated in 1973 so it was before it was remodeled! It was still very beautiful then too so glad they restored it!! Hoping to find a copy of your book this weekend <3 I lived in Bedford all my life buy got remarried and live in Martinsburg now 🙂 Happy Easter
Hi Karen, thanks for commenting! I love these stories. I attended NBC, and my brother graduated in 1973. And, I’ve spent considerable time in Martinsburg, too. Miss those views from the outskirts of Martinsburg. I’m living in the flatlands of southern Georgia now. You should go have lunch at the Bedford Springs, the food is so good! My best to you!
I am starting to picture some of the scenes from the book now that I see these pictures. This place is incredible! And now I wish I could visit.
Janine, thanks you for commenting! I’m so glad this helps you see some of the scenes! I too wish you could visit the place, it is so beautiful, and such a part of history! Take care!!
I LOVED What the Moon Saw! DL Koontz is a favorite author of mine – I believe I have read all of her works.
KUDOS TO YOU, DL KOONTZ, FOR YOUR CREATION OF A WONDERFUL, SUSPENSE-FILLED, HUMOROUS-AT-TIMES, MYSTERIOUS, EDUCATIONAL, HEART-WARMING, EXTREMELY WELL-WRITTEN HISTORICAL FICTION NOVEL ABOUT THE PERCEIVABLY IMPOSSIBLE TOPIC OF TIME TRAVEL!!!!!