Traveling Tuesday: London During the Blitz

Traveling Tuesday: 

London During the Blitz

Pixabay/Adam Derewicki

With a population of more than three million in 1860, London faced terrible overcrowding in buildings and on the streets resulting in the construction of the Underground (AKA the Tube), the first urban rail network. By1940, London population had reached more than 8.5 million people, and until September of that year, her citizens had been safe from the war. That month Germany changed is aerial strategy.

Hitler decided it was time to force England into surrender by creating fear in her inhabitants. Formerly focusing his strikes against airfields and radar stations to prepare for invasion, he turned his sights on civilians He did not count on the stalwart response from the British people who carried on despite death and destruction.

The Blitz, from the German term Blitzkrieg (lightning war), began on September 7, 1940, and thereafter the date became known as Black Saturday. Four hundred-thirty people died, and sixteen hundred were injured that night. (To protect planes from reprisal, Germany used night bombing). The city would be bombed for fifty-seven consecutive nights with periodic daytime attacks during that time. May 10 and 11, 1941 saw the city’s largest raid. More than 711 tons of high explosive bombs and 2,393 incendiary devices were dropped, killing 1,426 civilians.

In addition to 11,000 homes, the House of Commons, Westminster Abbey, and the British Museum

Public Domain

were severely damaged. Temple Church (AKA The Temple) was almost completely demolished. Buckingham Palace was also hit, prompting the Queen mother to say, “I can now look the East End in the face.” The Houses of Parliament, the Imperial War Museum, and the Tower of London also suffered bomb damage.

An estimated 40,000 civilians were killed during the seven-month-period of the Blitz, most of them in London. Other cities within England were also bombed: Coventry, Birmingham, Bristol, Southampton, Sheffield, Liverpool, and Manchester, but London was the hardest and most often hit. Rather than flee London, most of her inhabitants “hunkered down” and carried on with their daily lives. They learned to head for shelters at the first sound of a siren. Some used a tiny indoor Morrison shelter while others hid inside a communal Anderson shelter that could hold up to six people. To the British government’s dismay, thousands of people flocked to Tube stations.

Courtesy London Transport Museum

As one source put it, “The government was not keen on the Underground being put to such use.” A September 20, 1940 Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail article reported “little heed was paid last night to the appeal of the Ministries of Home Security and Transport asking the public to refrain from using the London Tube stations as shelters except in the case of urgent necessity.” Londoners continued to use the stations, and the government finally relented and converted the Aldwych Station into a permanent shelter. Other stations added bunks, better lighting, and washing and toilet facilities.

By May 1941, Germany had lost dozens of bombers, and Hitler realized his goal of terrifying the British into surrender was not to be. He turned his sights on an invasion of the Soviet Union called Operation Barbarossa, and the Blitz came to an end.

_______________

The Mechanic & The MD

All’s fair in love and war. Or so they say.

High school and college were a nightmare for Doris Strealer and being an adult isn’t much better. Men won’t date a woman of her height, and they don’t understand her desire to repair car engines rather than work as a nurse or a teacher. When her father’s garage closes, and no one will hire a female mechanic, she joins the Red Cross Motor Corps, finally feeling at home. Until she comes face to face with her past in the form of Ronald McCann, the most popular boy in school.

On the brink of a successful career as a surgeon, Ron's plans crumble when he’s drafted and assigned to an evacuation hospital in England, the last place he expects to run into a former schoolmate. The gangly tomboy who was four years behind him in high school has transformed into a statuesque beauty, but a broken engagement in college leaves him with no desire to risk his heart ever again.

Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/u/3RNpjY

Talkshow Thursday: An Interview with Rose Carrigan

Interview with Rose Carrigan 

from Rescuing Rose by Susan Pope Sloan

Can you tell me who you are and why you’ve come to Louisville, KY?

My name is Rose Carrigan, and I just arrived in Louisville, along with a few hundred other mill workers and their families, courtesy of the Union army. They burned down the cotton mill in Georgia where we worked—the army, that is. Burned it to the ground and arrested all the workers. Then they loaded us on wagons and took us to Marietta, where the Union had commandeered the town and the railroad.

As you can imagine, it took several trips in those wagons to get everyone to Marietta. The first arrivals were housed at the Georgia Military Institute, but it soon filled up. Fortunately, a kind officer found an abandoned house for my group. We were there for several days before they put us on a train going north. It was awful—dozens of women and children piled into a baggage car for two days before we reached Louisville.

What happened when you arrived?

Our situation in Louisville left a lot to be desired. The building had been designed as a hospital, and we

Photo: Pixabay/
IslandWorks

had a dozen people in each room. There was no water inside the building and no heat—which wasn’t a concern in July, but it would pose a problem if we had to stay there through the winter. With small children and elderly folks among us, sickness was likely to be a serious concern.

That’s why I decided to look for employment. I mentioned it to the other women, and they all agreed to do the same. I figured my sister and I should be able to find something easily enough, since we have more education than the others. Most of our group can neither read nor write. I guess it depends on what kind of work is available and whether the employers are willing to hire Southern women.

What will you do when the war is over?

I don’t know. It’s unlikely we’ll be able to return to Georgia. Maybe some of the women will find a husband here.

Will you be one of those? You’re blushing, so I suspect you might.

I have started corresponding with that officer who helped us in Marietta. He’s asked to court me, so perhaps it will work out for us. One thing is sure: we’ll be do a heap of praying, now more than ever, that this war will soon come to an end.

About Rescuing Rose

His army destroyed her livelihood. She represents the people he scorns. How can they reconcile their differences when the whole country is at war?

When the Union Army marches into Roswell, Georgia, and burns down the cotton mill where Rose Carrigan worked, not only is her livelihood destroyed but she’s also taken prisoner and shipped northward with the other workers. Only the unlikely kindness of one of her guards makes the trip bearable.

Union Captain Noah Griffin hates the part of his job that requires him to destroy the lives of innocent civilians, but at least he’s able to protect these women he’s been ordered to transport to Louisville, Kentucky. Especially the one whose quick wit and kindness draw him.

While they’re forced to wait in Marietta, two fugitives arrive to complicate matters between Rose and Noah. As Rose heads north and Noah returns to the battlefront, they each face fears and prejudices. With survival so tenuous, only faith can help them find love in the midst of so much tragedy.

Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3VYMCzY

Wartime Wednesday: Queen Elizabeth II's Wartime Service

Wartime Wednesday: 

Queen Elizabeth II’s Wartime Service

Pixabay/
WikiImages

On September 8, 2022, after a reign of more than seventy years, England lost Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-serving British monarch, and the longest of any female monarch. Ascending the throne in 1952 at the age of twenty-five, she’d been married for five years and was the mother of two young children. At the start of her reign, she was queen of seven independent Commonwealth countries as well as head of the Commonwealth. By the time she passed away, she’d been served by 170 prime ministers.

She would never have been queen if her uncle, Edward VIII, hadn’t abdicated to marry the American divorcée Wallis Simpson. Her father, George VI became monarch in 1936, and three years later would find himself at war with Germany. Princess Elizabeth was thirteen years old at the time, and her sister Princess Margaret was nine. Like millions of children in the city, the girls were evacuated to escape the bombing. The king and queen sent them to Windsor Castle located about twenty miles outside of London, but the royal couple remained at Buckingham Palace. The young princess saw her parents lead by example when they visited factories, hospitals, and military bases. Her uncle, the Duke of Kent, died in 1942 while serving as a staff officer with the Royal Air Force. Her aunt, Princess Mary, had served as a nurse during WWI and became chief controller of the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) at the outbreak of WWII.

As a result, it’s unsurprising that the future queen insisted on being able to serve in some way during

Courtesy IWM

the war. While a teenager, she made radio broadcasts from Windsor and tended the castle’s victory gardens. At sixteen, she made her first inspection of the troops prior to a parade at Windsor, but it wasn’t enough, and when turned eighteen, Elizabeth joined the ATS, making her the first female royal to become a full-time member of the armed services. She was not given a special rank and entered the service as a second subaltern.

Her training began in February 1945 with a driving and vehicle maintenance course. Topics included mechanics theory, and map reading as well as how to service, maintain, and drive heavy army vehicles. The press was intrigued and dubbed her Princess Auto Mechanic. To pass her final test, Elizabeth made a solo journey in a heavy vehicle from Camberley in Surrey into London after which she was promoted to Junior Commander (the equivalent of Captain). By all reports, the future queen was treated no differently than other members of the ATS, with one exception: rather than sleep in the barracks with her colleagues, she spent each night at nearby Windsor Castle.

Courtesy SCS

When the war ended in May, the young princess donned her ATS uniform and took to the streets with the other revelers. In a 1985 BBC interview, she talked about that night: “I remember we were terrified of being recognized so I pulled my uniform cap well over might eyes.” She also shared about “unknown people linking arms and walking down Whitehall, and all of us were swept along by tides of happiness and relief. It was one of the most memorable nights of my life.”

Pictured behind the wheel into her 90s, the queen is reported to have diagnosed and repaired faulty engines. At the time of her death, Queen Elizabeth II was the last surviving head of state who served during WWII.

________________

The Mechanic & The MD

All’s fair in love and war. Or so they say.

High school and college were a nightmare for Doris Strealer and being an adult isn’t much better. Men won’t date a woman of her height, and they don’t understand her desire to repair car engines rather than work as a nurse or a teacher. When her father’s garage closes, and no one will hire a female mechanic, she joins the Red Cross Motor Corps, finally feeling at home. Until she comes face to face with her past in the form of Ronald McCann, the most popular boy in school.

On the brink of a successful career as a surgeon, Ron's plans crumble when he’s drafted and assigned to an evacuation hospital in England, the last place he expects to run into a former schoolmate. The gangly tomboy who was four years behind him in high school has transformed into a statuesque beauty, but a broken engagement in college leaves him with no desire to risk his heart ever again.

Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/u/3RNpjY

Fiction Friday: May 2024 New Releases!

May 2024 New ReleasesMore in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Contemporary Romance:

A Cameo for a Cowgirl by Carolyn Miller -- Welcome to Three Creek Ranch, home of the James family for over a hundred years, complete with its own Western movie set. Franklin James might be a famous pro hockey player, but just because he's Cassie's older brother doesn't mean she wants to step into the limelight. She's too busy helping her dad run the ranch and managing the ranch's movie set, and negotiating with the giant egos of movie stars like Harrison Woods, who's supposed to be filming the new TV series of As The Heart Draws. And while his TV hero character might be hugely popular, Harrison's real character is anything but noble. Cassie is convinced he's hiding something, and she's determined to make sure it doesn't reflect badly on Three Creek Ranch. Can she remind him what being a true hero is all about? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

The Farmer Takes a Wife by Candice Sue Patterson -- Librarian Gemma Breckenridge hates the spotlight. She's content in her small town, living alone with books for company and caring for her once famous sister, Cammie, who's now suffering from a degenerative brain disease. But Cammie's care is expensive, and when the grant Gemma was counting on is denied, she's forced to take desperate measures and applies to be a contestant on a reality television show where a wealthy farmer is looking for a love connection. What better place to keep her sister's identity incognito than a thousand-acre farm in the middle of nowhere, South Dakota? Colby Graham will do anything to save his almost bankrupt farm, even if it means that all of primetime will think he's incapable of finding a wife on his own. The sponsorships alone should carry his business out of the red, and royalties from the producer will help to keep it there. But choosing a bride from among eight gorgeous strangers is tougher than Colby bargained for. Especially when the one woman he wants isn't a contestant. With a cast of vivid characters, join the crew in this witty romance filled with drama, heartache, elimination challenges, and fancy luggage full of secrets. Amid the beautiful setting of the Midwest, this tale unravels the tightly bound threads of sacrificial love. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

Her Son’s Faithful Companion by Jill Weatherholt -- Former barrel racer Caitlyn Calloway wants her son with epilepsy to have everything—even if it means selling her family home. Problem is, the place is in disrepair. Her former crush, service dog trainer Logan Beckett, offers to help. But letting Logan and his dogs into their lives makes the past almost impossible to leave behind…especially when it opens the door to love. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Love Overboard by Shannon Sue Dunlap -- A snort-laughing, cruise ship romance takes readers into topsy-turvy waters. When a group of four quirky friends retire on a never-ending round of cruises, their attire consists of more than floral shirts and gaudy skirts. Armed with walkie-talkies and battle plans, these relationship experts--who've dubbed themselves the "Shippers"--target hostess Lacey Anderson and director Jonathan King in their romantic schemes. But the young couple refuses to cooperate. They've been on the "love boat" together before, and it went down in flames. Boss matchmaker Emily Windsor has orchestrated multiple romantic successes, and these two upstarts certainly won't get the best of her. The chemistry between Lacey and Jonathan is obvious, but the couple rebuffs every outlandish plot and "coincidental" meeting, forcing the matchmakers to chart a new course to true love--all while inadvertently thwarting drug smugglers threatening to ruin their floating home on the ocean. This laugh-out-loud rom-com features loveable characters, over-the-top situations reminiscent of 1950s sitcoms, and a dash of mystery. The toe-curling romance will push the reader overboard and all in with Shannon Dunlap's new series. (Romance from Kregel Publications)

Muskoka Promise by Carolyn Miller -- All Anna Morely has wanted since she was a child is to feel loved. All Tom Woodmore has wanted is to uphold the law without fear or favor. When a traffic incident brings these two opposites together, sparks fly. But Anna's wealthy family has certain social expectations that a humble police officer doesn't exactly meet. And after the death of his fiancée, Tom has his own challenges in learning to risk his heart again. And then there is the matter of whether Anna will ever reconcile with her too-persistent friends... Join Anna and Tom as they discover the path to real love holds unexpected joys and trials, and that God's promises can always be relied on - including in beautiful Muskoka. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

Romance in the Land Down Under by Narelle Atkins -- Three sweet and clean Christian contemporary romance novellas that will warm your heart and inspire you to explore the beauty of Australia. Perfect beach reads for lazy summer days. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

A Run at Love by Toni Shiloh -- As a Black woman in a field with little diversity, Piper McKinney is determined to make her mark on the horse-racing world. Raised on a Thoroughbred farm in Kentucky, Piper's dream is for her horse to win the prestigious Kentucky Derby. With the help of her best friend and trainer, Tucker Hale, she gains national attention but must grapple with the complications that arise when a journalist delves into her past as a transracial adoptee. In an effort to win Piper's heart, Tucker formulates a plan to train Piper's horse to victory, hoping to prove himself to her, her parents, and his own self-doubts. Then a shocking scandal hits the media, implicating both Piper and her parents, and she and Tucker will have to survive the onslaught to find their way to the winner's circle--and each other. (Contemporary Romance from Bethany House [Baker Publishing Group])

General Contemporary and Women’s Fiction:

An Amish Healing by Beth Wiseman -- Ada Glick enjoys her role as resident veterinarian in her small Amish community. Even though true love hasn’t found her yet, Ada occupies her time by caring for her neighbors’ fur-babies after receiving informal training from a veterinarian in town. When an injured dog shows up unexpectedly on her front porch, Ada tends to him with the care she’s always given to animals in need. During the time she cares for the dog, Ada becomes attached to her furry new friend. Ollie—as she names him—doesn’t have a collar and isn’t well enough to travel, however she knows she must take him to be checked for an identification chip. Is there an owner who is missing him? Jeremiah Huyard has suffered a terrible loss. His family is grieving the deaths of two loved ones, a tragedy that has Jeremiah roiling in grief. When he sets eyes on the beautiful Ada at his relatives’ funerals, he is unexpectedly distracted, but he is also sure he will never see her again. (General Contemporary, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

Just Another Home by Kimberly Banet -- Sixteen-year-old Sam Keller has lived in foster homes and group homes most of his life and has long ago given up on the dream of a stable, forever family. Adults have always let him down and so has God, and he has no use for either. John and Abbie Grayson are a respected, successful couple in their fifties with two grown children. They live in their dream home in Franklin, TN, an idyllic suburb of Nashville, where John is a successful college basketball coach, and Abbie works part-time at their local church. But Abbie feels something is missing from her life and convinces John they should become foster parents. Their worlds collide when Sam is placed in the Grayson home for a few days. Days turn into months, and Sam thrives with the Graysons and allows himself to dream of a forever family, while John and Abbie realize the teen has found his way into their hearts. As the Graysons begin to investigate the possibility of adopting Sam, an evil agenda emerges, and a secret past is revealed. Nothing short of a miracle can save Sam from a harrowing ordeal and keep the Grayson family together. (General Contemporary from Scrivenings Press)

Historical Romance:

Healing of the Heart by Heidi Gray McGill -- Step into the bustling streets of post-Civil War Philadelphia, where cultural injustice and class disparity run rampant. Amidst this chaos, Thomas, an aspiring doctor from the wilds of Missouri, struggles to find his place in a society to which he is unaccustomed. But when he meets debutante Emmaline Whitaker, she teaches him more than the social graces - she holds the key to his future. Only it is the independent, fun-loving Theodora Morse who holds his attention. As Thomas navigates the complexities of high society, he must also confront his inner turmoil. When devastating news comes from home, Thomas is forced to use his waning faith to determine the desire of his heart. Will Thomas stand by his convictions and fight against the malaise of those around him, or will he choose the safety and comfort of his new life? (Historical Romance, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

Heart of Integrity by Edwina Kiernan -- Ifor Morgan and his father have traveled far from their home in Wales to settle in the small mining town of Lone Pine, California—driven by a need to escape the shame and sorrow of his brother’s fatal scandal. Susan Kelly is starting over, too. Miles from her home in Ireland, she’s determined to build a life for herself in Lone Pine that doesn’t involve any of the deception she was caught up in back home. As Ifor and Susan forge a cautious connection, people from Susan’s past show up in town, entangling her in a fresh web of illegal activity. And when a devastating earthquake throws the town into a state of upheaval, secrets soon shake those least expecting to uncover them. (Historical Romance from Moliant Publishing)

Pressed Together by Kim Garee -- Falling for a detective post WW2 at a pier amusement park sounds romantic ... unless a childhood sweetheart's life is being threatened, and keeping him hidden from that detective might mean saving his life! (Historical Romance from Mt. Zion Press)

Sheltered by the Doctor by Danielle Grandinetti Mindy Zahn can’t understand why her parents deserted the family farm, leaving her mute younger sister in her care. Until her mother’s cryptic warning to keep her sister safe becomes a life-threatening task. Searching for that elusive something to ease his weary heart, Dr. Nick Matrone is drawn to the cheery Mindy. He would never presume to bring such a sweet woman into his beleaguered past, so friendship is all he can offer. Except, he doesn’t expect needing to save her life. As the danger grows, they both must battle through physical and emotional wounds to have a hope of their counterfeit relationship becoming true. (Historical Romance from Hearth Spot Press)

The Song of Sourwood Mountain by Ann H Gabhart -- Though the twentieth century dawned with such promise, it is just 1910 when Mira Dean’s hopes of being a wife and mother are dashed to pieces. Her fiancé is dead from tuberculosis and Mira must resign herself to being a spinster schoolteacher. But then Gordon Covington shows up and the doors that once seemed shut forever begin to open—even if only a crack. No longer the boy she knew from school, Gordon is now a preacher who is full of surprises. First, he asks Mira to come to Sourwood in eastern Kentucky to teach at his mission school. Second, he asks her to marry him. Just like that. Though the prospect of stepping onto a new path is scary, Mira takes a leap of faith and lands in a life she never imagined. In this place filled with its own special challenges, the people she serves just might end up becoming the family she always yearned for. (Historical Romance from Revell, a Division of Baker Publishing Group)

Tangled Promises by Lynn U. Watson -- Clara Reinhold’s father publicly pledges her hand to Georg Wolff. His character and arrogance match the stench of his odious cigars, but his lineage offers a suitable alliance for the station of a baron’s daughter. A charades clue years earlier turned friendship into a promise of forbidden marriage between Clara and family carriage driver, Daniel Becker. If she refuses Georg and follows her heart, her father disowns her and she loses everything—her loving family, dear friends, and the only home she’s known. As a tangled web of scandal and deceit unwinds, hidden motives and illicit activities emerge among an unsuspecting ring of players changing everything but nobility’s rules. How will justice be served? How will Clara and Daniel overcome obstacles to claim a future beyond that of a charade?? (Historical Romance from Celebrate Lit Publishing)

Texas Forsaken by Sherry Shindelar -- Seven years ago, Maggie Logan (Eyes-Like-Sky) lost everything she knew when a raid on a wagon train tore her from her family. As the memories of her past faded to nothing more than vague shadows, Maggie adapted, marrying a Comanche warrior, having a baby, and rebuilding her life. But in one terrible battle, the U.S. Cavalry destroys that life and she is taken captive again, this time by those who call themselves her people. Forced into a world she wants nothing to do with, Eyes-Like-Sky’s only hope at protecting her child may be an engagement to the man who killed her husband. Enrolled in West Point to escape his overbearing father, Captain Garret Ramsey finds himself assigned to the Texas frontier, witnessing the brutal Indian War in which both sides commit atrocities. Plagued by guilt for his own role, Garret seeks redemption by taking responsibility for the woman he widowed and her baby. Though he is determined to do whatever it takes to protect them, is he willing to risk everything for a woman whose heart is buried in a grave? (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

To Catch a Coronet by Grace Hitchcock -- Muriel Beau, country baker turned heiress, can't stop instigating outrage. She discards two arranged engagements, then further antagonizes Kent society by publicly proposing to a baron at a ball. His rejection leaves her with no choice but to flee to the city and to secure a coronet so splendid that her peers will forget her debacles. The glitter of the London courts convinces Muriel that it's possible to find the future she dreams of, until she finds herself entangled in yet another escapade--one that may cost her more than her crumbling reputation. After years of serving as a privateer under an assumed name, Captain Erik Draycott, heir to Draycott Castle and soon to assume his uncle's title of Earl, returns to his London home to find it in disrepair thanks to his longtime nemesis. A staunch bachelor intent on returning to his ship, the captain is shocked when his mentor encourages him to take a wife. But while his alleged pauper status causes the potential London brides to turn their noses up at him, the ladies of Kent have no such qualms and are eager to fill his coffers with their fathers' wealth. Caught in a whirlwind of high society and high seas, Muriel and Erik navigate a risky undertaking that threatens their futures and creating stakes that soar above the masts of Erik's ship. Will Muriel's bold charm and Erik's daring bravery be enough to outsmart the scandal and secure a future as glittering as the crown Muriel seeks? (Historical Romance from Kregel Publications)

Treasure and Trouble by Betty Woods Eugenia Hampton wants to be loved for who she, not what she has. Her parents intend to see her married and cared for, but she's determined not to be a mere parlor decoration to show off some man's achievements. She wants a love match or no match. Paul Stuart is tired of clashing with people over his abolitionist views. Especially with his father, the overseer for Eugenia's father. He's saving money to move from Tennessee and buy a farm in Illinois where he can live in peace with people who accept his ideas. Paul rescues Eugenia after her horse throws her. They form a secret, forbidden friendship based on their common family problems. Neither expects their relationship to grow into love. When Eugenia's father selects a non-Christian man for her husband, she must choose between her known, comfortable life of luxury or a lifetime of love with Paul where little else will be certain. (Historical Romance from Scrivenings Press)

When Hope Sank by Denise Weimer -- The Civil War has taken everything from Lily Livingston—her parents, her twin brother, her home. Now she works at her uncle’s inn and keeps her head down. Speaking up for her beliefs proved too costly in a part of Arkansas split by conflicting loyalties and overrun by spies and bushwhackers. Emaciated in body but resilient in spirit, Lieutenant Cade Palmer is crowded onto the Sultana with other paroled Andersonville and Cahaba POWs for the journey north. But a fiery explosion on April 27, 1886, rends the steamer and empties two thousand men into the frigid Mississippi River. Recovering from wounds that might end his career as a surgeon but clinging to his faith, Cade threatens both Lily’s defenses and her heart. How can she tell him she might’ve prevented the tragedy if only she’d reported a suspected saboteur’s claims? And when the man returns to town and encoded messages pass through the hotel, will Lily follow her convictions to prevent another tragedy? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

With Each Tomorrow by Kimberley Woodhouse and Tracie Peterson -- As the formation of Glacier National Park takes Eleanor Briggs and her conservationist father on a journey west to advocate for public lands, her heart carries the weight of a painful past. Since the death of her mother, she has spent her life traveling the country with her father and helping him with his work, but now he's considering settling down and writing a book--and she's not sure what that means for her future. Carter Brunswick faces trials of his own when the Great Northern Railway's departure threatens his family's livelihood and the entire town of Kalispell. In the visiting conservationist's daughter, Ellie, he finds a spirited woman who challenges his convictions in ways he never anticipated, and his own dreams for the future begin to change. When tensions over the railroad's departure boil over, Ellie and Carter are drawn together on a daring journey that tests the depths of their feelings and their faith in God. (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker Publishing Group])

Romantic Suspense:

Finding You by Robin Patchen -- When antiquities professor Bryan Wright is tasked with discovering why a band of terrorists might target a museum in Munich, he teams up with the museum’s attractive exhibit designer to study their ancient artifacts. Something in this collection holds special value to the terrorists, and Bryan must figure out which item and why—before enemies get their hands on it. An American living in Munich, Sophie Chapman wouldn’t have expected to be attracted to a musty old antiquities professor—but this guy is neither musty nor old. Even so, she’s not ready for a new boyfriend, considering she hasn’t figured out how to get rid of the old one. When her apartment is broken into, she has bigger worries than the ex who won’t leave her alone. The seemingly random break-in is anything but. Terrorists are closing in, and their plot will destroy more than the romance growing between Bryan and Sophie. It’ll destroy everything they hold dear. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

Hunting Justice by Sami A. Abrams and Lynette Eason -- Ex-detective and current Elite Guardian Noelle Burton survived a horrifying attack by a serial killer as a child. Now, determined to put the scars of her past behind her, she’s intent on helping the Elite Guardians set up shop in her hometown of Savannah, Georgia. More, she’s wondering if her friendship with Dr. Jonah Harris, an ex-ER doctor turned medical examiner, might be more. But he has his own demons to fight—namely guilt over the death of his wife. So, maybe not. Meanwhile, Jonah can't ignore the growing desire he feels for Noelle. If only he knew he wasn’t going to destroy their friendship… And then, tragedy strikes—the sudden death of a colleague rocks his world, and Jonah knows that there's more to the incident than meets the eye. In fact, he may have been the intended target. Now he needs Noelle…not just as a friend, but as a protector. Noelle will have to protect Jonah, while not letting their friendship spark into something more, and Jonah will have to unravel the threat that stalks him. When they stumble upon the chilling possibility of a serial killer lurking in the shadows, all Noelle’s nightmares come back to life. Noelle and Jonah race against time to expose the truth and capture the killer…and when their friendship becomes something deeper, it’s clear they have everything to lose. (Romantic Suspense from Sunrise Publishing)

Secondary Target by Angela Carlisle -- After the brutal murder of her mother and brother twelve years ago, Corina Roberts built a new life in Kentucky. But when strange things begin to happen, she is thrust into a perilous game of life and death. With nowhere else to turn, her best hope of survival depends on her ex-boyfriend, army veteran Bryce Jessup. Recently returned from service, Bryce has every intention of staying away from Corina, but when threats close in around her, he isn't willing to leave her safety to chance. As their search for answers uncovers lethal secrets her detective father kept hidden, Bryce and Corina must untangle the mystery of the merciless killer intent on terrorizing and eliminating Corina's family before it's too late. (Romantic Suspense from Bethany House [Baker Publishing Group])

Shielding the Innocent Target by Terri Reed -- After witnessing her boss’s murder, Paige Walsh must trust Deputy US Marshal Lucas Cavendish to bring her to safety. But when a notorious assassin targets her and her son, Lucas’s short-term assignment turns into a dangerous cross-country mission. For Paige to identify her boss’s killer, Lucas must get the family into witness protection. Except the hit man knows their every move…and trusting the wrong person could get them killed. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Speculative Fiction:

Lady of Basilikas by Ronie Kendig -- Under attack from without and within, Jherako teeters on the brink. Vaanvorn Thundred, suddenly in possession of a throne he never expected to inherit, will do anything to pull his kingdom from the edge, even if it means striking a marriage bargain with the formidable Faa’Cris. But a skycrawler opens Vorn’s eyes to realities outside his world, and his limits are tested. Lady Valiriana has one goal when she is sent out from Deversoria: prove this Jherakan king, the one his people call the Errant, unworthy of an alliance with any Faa’Cris. When she exchanges her freedom for that of another, Valiriana finds herself under house arrest—in the king’s house. Determined to take advantage of her proximity, she delves into the depths of the king’s character. What she finds turns her mission on its head. Vorn must decide: break a planet-wide Accord, risking his throne and life, or leave his country—his planet—vulnerable to threats far bigger than he ever imagined. And Valiriana grapples with unpalatable truths as she discovers the king is anything but errant, while her heart, on the other hand, is a different story (Speculative Fiction from Enclave Publishing)

Historical Mystery:

Show Me Deceit by Ellen E Withers -- Take a walk back in time with Liesl, Nicole, and Detective Kurt Hunter to solve a contemporary death that may be related to the discovery of bones from the Civil War era. Can Liesl and Kurt work to solve these mysteries and set aside their hard feelings about their former romance? (Historical Mystery from Scrivening Press)

  Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

These Tangled Threads by Sarah Loudin Thomas -- Set in the shadow of Biltmore Estate, a poignant tale of friendship, restoration, and second chances. (Historical General)

The Heart Leads West by Joanna Deputy -- The Heart Leads West is a story of resilience and trust in the face of upheaval and danger. Unexpected provision and new relationships prove God's faithfulness even when tragedy threatens to destroy the new future Eliza has worked so hard to secure. (Historical General)

The Bride’s Dilemma by Susan Page Davis -- In 1883, Eve Martin arrives in Cheyenne, Wyoming to learn that the man she came to marry is in jail, accused of a violent murder. Should she get on the next eastbound train, or has God brought her here to help save Caleb Blair's life? (Historical Romance)

Caragin Farm by Renee Hodges -- With the Caragin family, we see true faith lived out in authentic – flawed and beautiful - characters as they respond to petulant teenagers, outrage culture, long-buried secrets, past sin, and unexpected life changes with the grace that only God can provide. (General Contemporary)

Ruthie by Sharon Srock -- Young love - separated by war in 1970. Separated by life after the war. Reunited 45-years-later. Can they take a chance that love will find them one more time? (Contemporary Romance)

The Rejected Mail Order Bride by Greta Picklesimer -- Rose Henderson is running from an ill-fated marriage up north. Can the southern gentleman and self-proclaimed bachelor, Harl Adams, help her find a fresh start without losing his heart to the enticing red-head? (Historical Romance)

Wrestle the Stars by Susan Lyttek -- The portal and dinosaur that call Ne-tel are not on land, but on the sea. How can he rescue them when he cannot wrestle the stars? (Speculative Fiction/High Fantasy)

Three Impossible Tasks by Susan Lyttek -- With the new ability to create portals, Subja's scientists unleash vicious and ravenous beasts on the population of Telba. Bern, Garth, Ne-tel are each given separate tasks to complete on their own. Bern must convince Telantia to emerge from the safety of the city and fight for the citizens of Telba. Garth must take technology from Subja's fortress.Ne-tel must travel to the Gold Coast to raise an army. All three must succeed if Telba is to have hope for a future, but even Prophet Nevv says these tasks are impossible. (Speculative Fiction/High Fantasy)

Sum of All Expectation by Susan Lyttek -- Garth, Bern, and Ne-tel are looking for a savior, the prophesied one who will come to free Telba from the grip of the evil one. But in the first world, Garth and Nellie are being tortured, while Ne-tel and Ally have been captured and forced to work as slaves. Bern's group of refugees battle evil and the elements. Is Telba doomed by the choices of its people? They will need aid that's greater than the sum of all expectation. (Speculative Fiction/High Fantasy)

Outside Space and Time by Susan Lyttek -- The Portal Watchers are separated... Trapped in first world, Garth is given a surprising aid which will assist him upon his return to Telba, while Bern and the Telantian army advance on Subja's city. And on the Gold Coast Ne-tel leads a meager regiment against the ravenous beasts that have decimated the region. (Speculative Fiction/High Fantasy)

Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Back Denise Weimer!

Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Back, Denise Weimer!

What was your inspiration for the story?

Reeling from the loss of over 600,000 men in the Civil War and the assassination of President Lincoln just the week prior, the nation hardly noticed when a steamer carrying a couple thousand U.S. prisoners of war exploded in the Mississippi River on April 27, 1865. Over eleven hundred perished in the icy waters that swelled several miles past the normal embankments at flood stage, making the sinking of the Sultana the most crippling maritime disaster in the nation’s history.

The former POWs on their way to muster out at Camp Chase, Ohio, were already emaciated and ill from imprisonment at infamous Andersonville and Cahaba prison camps. A number were badly burned when the boilers exploded, and many did not know how to swim. You can imagine the scene that ensued. While the steamboats docked at Memphis—which had been under Union occupation since the summer of 1862—got up steam, local citizens hurried to help, even those on the Arkansas shore who had fought for the Confederacy. The towns of Hopefield, Marion, and Mound City had suffered harsh reprisals for harboring Confederate guerillas. The area was well-known as a hotbed of spies and saboteurs intent on disrupting Union shipping on the Mississippi.

This tragedy became the inciting event for When Hope Sank, the third novel in Barbour’s multi-author A Day to Remember Series.

What sort of research did you do for your story, and was there an exceptionally interesting tidbit you knew you had to include?

When writing When Hope Sank, I started by watching a documentary, then delved into online research

Author Photo

while placing orders for some well-known books on the sinking of the Sultana. Finally, I got to take a research trip to the area! It was a great excuse for my daughter and me to enjoy a little adventure and stay in Memphis. We visited the Sultana museum in Marion, Arkansas, and took a paddlewheel steamer ride on the Mississippi. We even got soaked by a thunderstorm as we tried to run the mile back to our car afterward.

If you were to write a spin-off book about one of your secondary characters, which one would you choose and why?

For this novel, that’s an easy answer. Beth, my heroine Lily’s cousin. Lonely and longing for approval, Beth gets caught up with the wrong sort of characters and gets herself in a fair amount of trouble in When Hope Sank. A major life shift happens for her at the end. It would be interesting to explore her path to redemption.

What draws you to the time period about which you write?

I’m so excited to return to the mid-1800s with this novel. My writing journey truly started with my Georgia Gold Series set during this same period in North Georgia and Savannah. It was first published about ten years ago. Since then, I’ve written stories from the Rev War through contemporary times, but I have a wealth of knowledge and living history and dance experience to draw on from the mid-nineteenth century.

Why do you write in your particular genre?

I love the idea of bringing a little-known historical event or location back to life. There are so many natural plot builders to be found in the past that it’s easy to shape a fictional story around the real-life happenings.

How does/did your job prepare you for being a novelist?

Well, I became a novelist first, then I became an editor. I worked as a managing editor for the historical imprints of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas (later Iron Stream Media) before switching over to act as Acquisitions & Editorial Liaison for Wild Heart Books, Misty Beller’s company. We publish exclusively historical Christian romance in series. In that capacity, I get to work with a top-notch staff and some of the most amazing authors. It’s incredibly satisfying to help others reach their publishing dreams. And editing pairs perfectly with writing. It’s made me sharper and quicker with my own creative process, and when I’m actively writing a novel, I will often write in the morning and edit in the afternoon.

What is your advice to fledgling writers?

Remember that different people have different paths to publication, and that’s okay. Don’t assume it can only be someone in the publishing industry who can open an important door for you. It’s also likely that other authors will help you more than anyone. We’re co-workers, not competitors. Do your due diligence with educating yourself and putting in the hard work, then wait and see what God will do! His timing is always perfect.

What are common traps for aspiring writers?

• Writing a book and sending it in without learning what editors, agents, and publishers truly expect in terms of craft, style (deep POV for fiction!), and presentation. 
• Failing to engage a good editor, critique partner, or a team of beta readers who know industry requirements and CMOS style. 
• Comparing themselves to other authors. 
• Not developing an engaging and active online presence.  
• Expecting to quickly make a living off writing alone.

What is your next project?

My agent has a couple of proposals floating out there. I’d love to work with Barbour again. But I’m also in the midst of releasing my Scouts of the Georgia Frontier Series with Wild Heart Books. Book four, A Conflicted Betrothal, arrives on my birthday, June 11! The series is packed with action, adventure, and romance on the Southern frontier between the 1760s and the 1810s.

About When Hope Sank

April 1865

The Civil War has taken everything from Lily Livingston—her parents, her twin brother, her home. Now she works at her uncle’s inn and keeps her head down. Speaking up for her beliefs proved too costly in a part of Arkansas split by conflicting loyalties and overrun by spies and bushwhackers. One of those partisans, her brother’s childhood friend, will soon return to claim her hand—whether she wants to grant it or not.

Emaciated in body but resilient in spirit, Lieutenant Cade Palmer is crowded onto the Sultana with other paroled Andersonville and Cahaba POWs for the journey north. But a fiery explosion rends the steamer and empties two thousand men into the frigid Mississippi River.

Recovering from wounds that might end his career as a surgeon but clinging to his faith, Cade threatens both Lily’s defenses and her heart. How can she tell him she might’ve prevented the tragedy if only she’d reported a suspected saboteur’s claims? And when the man returns to town and encoded messages pass through the hotel, Lily must follow her convictions to prevent another tragedy.

Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/u/3J5J6X

Traveling Tuesday: The Risoux Forest

Photo courtesy of
paysdegex-montsjura.com

Traveling Tuesday: The Risoux Forest

With over 2,200 continue hectares (nearly 5,500 acres or 22 square km), the Risoux forest is the largest forest in Europe. Forming a natural border between France and Switzerland, the forest lines the edge of the Vallée de Joux in the Jura Mountains. The Vallée is well-known for its watch and cheese making, but during WWII, the area became one of many routes used by fugitives from France into Switzerland. The border is a dry stone wall with Fleur-de-Lis decorating it and stands approximately three feet tall making escape somewhat easy as long as German troops were avoided.

A group of French and Swiss friends became known as the Passeurs du Risoud and helped countless

Photo courtesy of 
transpiree

downed pilots, those in danger of deportation, and escaped prisoners make it over the border. In addition to smuggling humans, the group passed confidential documents about troop numbers and movements to the British Embassy in Lausanne as well as armaments.

To make it more difficult for the Nazis to track them, the Passeurs formed multiple routes through the forest, many of which are still apparent. Soldiers patrolled the French side of the forest twenty-four hours a day, and anyone found within the two-kilometer forbidden zone was shot on sight.

Courtesy of 
https://www.upvj.ch/

After arriving in Switzerland, the group would hide in one of the two wooden huts (L’Hôtel d’Italie and Le Rendezvous des Sages) to rest. Then the Passeurs would go home under cover of darkness, and the escapees would continue the ten-kilometer journey from the border to the place where they registered as illegal foreigners, then to an internment camp for the remainder of the war. Many downed military personnel did not register and continued their escape to Allied soil.

______________

Spies & Sweethearts

She wants to do her part. He’s just trying to stay out of the stockade. Will two agents deep behind enemy lines find capture… or love?

1942. Emily Strealer is tired of being told what she can’t do. Wanting to prove herself to her older sisters and do her part for the war effort, the high school French teacher joins the OSS and trains to become a covert operative. And when she completes her training, she finds herself parachuting into occupied France with her instructor to send radio signals to the Resistance.

Major Gerard Lucas has always been a rogue. Transferring to the so-called “Office of Dirty Tricks” to escape a court-martial, he poses as a husband to one of his trainees on a dangerous secret mission. But when their cover is blown after only three weeks, he has to flee with the young schoolteacher to avoid Nazi arrest.

Running for their lives, Emily clings to her mentor’s military experience during the harrowing three-hundred-mile trek to neutral Switzerland. And while Gerard can’t bear the thought of his partner falling into German hands, their forged papers might not be enough to get them over the border.

Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/u/m0Od9l

Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Becca Wierwille!

Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Becca Wierwille!

Becca is a new-to-me author, so I'm excited to welcome her to my blog for the first time. Grab a cup of your favorite beverage and get to know this interesting lady!

1. What was your inspiration for the story?

Book one in the series, Road Trip Rescue, is the story of a girl named Kimmy who embarks on a wild road trip with her aunt to find her lost dog. Along the journey, Kimmy meets and befriends a boy named Daniel.

I didn’t initially know Daniel would need his own story, but when beta readers gave me feedback on Road Trip Rescue, several of them told me they would love to spend more time with Daniel. And the more I thought about it, I did too!

And so, in book two of the series, Road Trip Return, we have Daniel’s story. And he must save his brother from making the biggest mistake of his life—even if that means embarking on an international adventure to Guatemala, the home of his father, and the last place in the world he wants to go.

In college, I spent a semester in Guatemala, and I’ve been back to visit several times since. The

Photo: Pixabay/
sisterlmonkey0

country holds a special place in my heart, and I always thought it would be fun to write a story set in Guatemala. My time in Guatemala inspired the setting of this story and helped create a sense of nostalgic wonder and adventure for me as I wrote.

2. What sort of research did you do for your story, and was there an exceptionally interesting tidbit you knew you had to include?

Because it’s been about ten years since I lived in Guatemala for a semester (which I can hardly believe!), I needed to do a lot of research beyond trying to relive only my own memories. I spent a lot of time on Google Earth, read back through my old journal entries, and shared the book with several friends who had lived in or were from Guatemala.

In Panajachel, the town in the Guatemala Highlands where Daniel and the others travel to in Road Trip Return, I had forgotten that Spanish is not the first language of many people who live there. Their first language is Kaqchikel, a Mayan language. It was fun to include details like that in the story so readers can learn about a different culture as they embark on the adventure with Daniel.

3. If your book is part of a series: Did you set out to write a series? Why did you decide to write a series?

No, I did not set out to write a series! Road Trip Rescue was originally a standalone novel. However, after beta readers suggested I write Daniel’s story, I realized another character in book one also needed her own story. And so, the three books in the Road Trip Rescue series began to take shape in my mind.

4. How has your book changed since your first draft? Road Trip Return has changed immensely since the first draft! In the first draft, Daniel didn’t have a whole lot of agency. He was kind of just “along for the ride,” and usually being dragged along where he didn’t want to go. I knew the story needed more conflict and tension, but I couldn’t figure out what that looked like.

Then, my developmental editor, Jon Tilton, gave me an idea that changed the trajectory of the entire story. Yes, it did involve almost a full rewrite—but it was so worth it!

5. Why do you write in your particular genre?

Photo: Pixabay/
Sasin Tipchai

I write for middle-grade readers (kids between the ages of 8 and 12) because these are the stories that so impacted me when I was that age. And I can still remember so many of those books today!

My mission statement is this: “I write stories to show kids they are wonderfully created for the unique adventures in their lives. They are not perfect, but they are extraordinary and they are loved. And every adventure will be better when they know they’re not alone.”

6. What is your process for writing? (do you outline, have a special place or time of day you write, etc.) What is your favorite part of the process?

In this season of life, my process is to either attempt to wake up and write before my daughter (which doesn’t always happen—she’s an early riser too!), or to write during her nap time.

When it’s warm enough outside, I love writing on the picnic table on my back porch. If it’s too cold, I like to write in the basement, in a chair right in front of the glass door so I can pretend I’m outside.

I usually outline my stories, though my outlines grow and change a lot as I draft. My characters tend to have ideas of their own! And that first draft is my favorite part of the process. I love discovering the story along with the characters who become my friends.

7. How does/did your job prepare you for being a novelist?

Before becoming an author, I worked as a newspaper reporter, in college admissions, and as a kindergarten teacher.

Working as a reporter helped me learn to tell stories in a concise but interesting way. Working in college admissions helped me learn how to manage my time and how to work well with others (something that matters a lot as a writer!). And working as a teacher gave me a chance to dive deep into the world of kidlit and read so many great stories out loud to my students.

8. What is your advice to fledgling writers?

Don’t try to do it alone!

We often have this idea that writing is a solitary process—an author alone at their desk, typing away. But invite others into your process! Learn from other authors. Connect with readers. And, above all, invite God to lead and guide your writing.

9. What was your favorite childhood book and why?

I still love Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo. I connected with the characters in the story so

deeply and felt like they were my friends. Also, I loved the themes of friendship and not being alone, which I have integrated into my own stories as well.

10. What is your next project?

Road Trip Return, book two in the Road Trip Rescue series, is available now for a limited time (April 16 - May 2, 2024) to order directly from me through Kickstarter for some really fun rewards—and to get the book early! Here is a link to the campaign page if you want to learn more and order the book.

After the campaign, Road Trip Return will release on retailers in September.

I am currently working on book three in the series. More details on book three are coming soon. Sign up for my email newsletter for updates and for a few free gifts, including family-friendly conversation cards that would be perfect for a road trip!

ABOUT ROAD TRIP RETURN:

A faith-filled international adventure for kids ages 8-12 about facing the past to embrace the future.

Daniel likes his life the way it is.

Simple. Predictable. And most importantly, just him and his older brother, Mateo. But as Mateo's wedding approaches, life is already changing. And Daniel worries Mateo’s fiancée, Skylar, will ruin everything.

When Skylar disappears a week before the ceremony, Daniel’s concerns are confirmed. Skylar is trouble. The wedding must be stopped.

Drawing on his twelve years of wisdom, Daniel vows to save his family from disaster. Even if that means traveling to Guatemala—the home of his father, and the last place he ever wanted to visit.

Daniel must sabotage the search for Skylar before Mateo makes the biggest mistake of his life.

Connect with Becca!
Newsletter signup: https://beccawierwille.com/newsletter/

Kickstarter Campaign: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/beccawierwille/road-trip-return-a-faith-and-family-novel-for-kids

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0C1H61HNV

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20712266.Becca_Wierwille

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beccawierwille/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beccawierwille

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeccaWierwille

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/beccawierwille/