Commerce Township Author Chronicles Father’s Journey from Crete to Michigan in “Hope is My Anchor”
(Lara Mossa, May 9, 2025)
COMMERCE TOWNSHIP, MI – Anna Broome started journaling during COVID. Comparing the pen to paper as her “runner’s high,” five years later she had a draft of what would be her first novel.
“I love the creative release,” said Broome of Commerce Township. “Journaling just lets you get everything out.”
Broome’s first book, “Hope is My Anchor,” which was self-published through Amazon, is about her father’s journey from his poor and violent family on the island of Crete to Michigan, where he pursued the American dream. Known as Manny, he ran away from his Greek home when he was 12 years old and traveled the globe with the Merchant Marines. Eventually, he settled in the United States and raised a family but still struggled with his roots.
“I like that people, when they read it, are able to find pieces in it that give them hope for family forgiveness and healing,” she said.
Referring to the theme as generational healing, Broome previously traveled to Crete to help her family reconnect.
“My dad overcame so much running away,” she said.
Her father is still alive but her mother, Elaine, died recently. Born in the 1950s, Manny came to the U.S. in 1968 and finally received his citizenship in 1985. The 278-page fictional adaptation breaks down his struggle to intertwine his dreams with his Greek heritage.
Broome, who is married and has three boys, said she got the idea to write the book after her friends expressed an interest in her father’s story.
“They wanted to read it,” she said, speaking of her diary.
For her, the process of developing the book came naturally.
“I didn’t have to do a whole lot of research, since it was my dad’s story,” Broome said, although she traveled to Greece to see his homeland and talked with many of his aunts, uncles and cousins.
Broome also published a study guide for the book and intends to hold retreats, workshops and tours of Greece with her fans. Currently, she is working on a book based on her grandmother’s life, which may be finished within the next year.
In addition to writing, Broome enjoys cooking, traveling and doing anything outside that involves nature.
“Hope is My Anchor” is available on Amazon for $18.99 and Kindle for $4.99. A book launch will be held in downtown Milford on Friday, May 9th, at the old opera house, which is above Gina’s Bridal. Beginning at 6:30 p.m., there will be books for sale, Greek food and wine. For more information, go to www.hopeismyanchorbook.com.
