Happy birthday, Mom!

 Happy birthday, Mom!

Today is Valentine's Day, and for most people that means candy and flowers. However, the day has never been about romance for me because it's my mother's birthday. I'm blessed that she lives close by and is in good health, something I don't take for granted. She is an intriguing mix of her parents: shy and an avid reader like her mother, and tenacious and independent like her dad.

Born in the middle of the Great Depression, she was raised on a farm in a small town in Maryland surrounded by lots of extended family where she was more comfortable with outside chores than being in the kitchen. As a result, she has an encyclopedic knowledge of plants and trees and could easily have had a career as a landscape architect. You should see her front yard!

Mom and her brother,
my Uncle Lawrence

By the time she started school, the country was at war, and several of her uncles and cousins went overseas to serve, some of whom didn't return. Despite being fairly young during WWII, she has strong memories of collecting scrap metal and looking at the maps on the front of the newspapers. She can recall her mother saving fat and mending the family's clothes rather than making new ones. Because of living on the farm, rationing didn't affect Mom or the family as much as it did my dad who lived in Baltimore City, although she does talk about gas rationing, and the fact the family rarely went anywhere. She was eleven years old when the war ended.

Her folks scrimped and saved to purchase a piano and arrange lessons for her. She took to the instrument like the proverbial duck to water and by early high school was playing for the church choir. Further saving allowed her to attend Western Maryland College where she obtained her bachelor's degree in music and met my father. They married, and she followed him to various locations first with the Army, then Citgo, and finally IBM. At each location, she got involved in their church's music program, often serving as church pianist. Her love of books prompted her to start libraries in several of her churches.

Photo: Pixabay/Jill Wellington

She has friends all over the country and faithfully corresponds with them using the postal system. That's right - no email for her. She'd much rather handwrite a letter - a lost art. And folks don't have to be far away for her to bless them with a card or letter - I've received quite a few myself.

Happy birthday, Mom! I don't tell you often enough how much I love you! 

Talkshow Thursday: Welcome back, Sandra Merville Hart

Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Back, Sandra Merville Hart

Linda: Welcome back to my blog. Your book Avenue of Betrayal sounds intriguing. Tell us your inspiration for the plot. 

Sandra: Thanks for hosting me again! I wrote a series of articles about Civil War Women on my blog,  Historical Nibbles. The number of spies in the war astounded me, as did the ways they communicated their secret information to others. I learned about Belle Boyd, Elizabeth Van Lew, Rose Greenhow, and many others. 

 

This piqued my interest to research about other Civil War spies. Allan Pinkerton’s detectives are well-known and I was fascinated to learn more about them. 

 

Then I considered what I heard as a child—that this terrible war pitted brother against brother, father against son, friend against friend and some of that turmoil happened outside the battlefield. The story grew inside me from there. 

LM: You are part of a couple of story collections. How did those projects come about, and do you plan to do any in the future? 

Sandra: These were such fun for me to participate in! I’ve learned that writing novellas is much faster than writing novels, not only because of shorter word counts but also for less research. 😊 One of the collections I’m in with Mt. Zion Ridge Press, From the Lake to the River, came about through my involvement with ACFW Ohio Chapter, where Ohio authors wrote stories set in Ohio, any genre. The opportunity to write for Christmas fiction off the beaten path also came through that publisher. 

My editor at Smitten Historical Romance gave me the honor of asking me to write a novella for The Cowboys. That story was so much fun to write. Research and all writing were completed in less than a month. 

Yes, I’d love to write for another novella collection! It’s a refreshing change from my novels. 

LM: Most of your books are set during the Civil War. What draws you to that time period? Is there an intriguing little known fact about the era you can share? 

Sandra: I am fascinated with the Civil War era, a tragic period that reverberates down through our 

Photo: Pixabay/David Mark

country’s history. I discovered that there’s much our current generation doesn’t know about the attitudes, beliefs, and customs of the time. It’s a disservice to judge a previous era with current standards. (If those living then judged the current society, we wouldn’t fare well in their eyes either.) I do a lot of research to shed light on what really happened and how people who lived at the time felt about it. I hope to bring healing. 

LM: How do you decide where to set your stories, and have you visited the places in your books? 

Sandra: So far, I’ve visited the main setting in every novel. Walking the same streets my fictional characters walk sparks my imagination. 

It’s funny you ask about the decision for the setting, for what inspires a book varies for me. For instance, when it came time to write A Rebel in My House, I knew there was a story waiting for me in Gettysburg and I traveled there to find it. Inspiration for another story, A Musket in My Hands, came about when a friend asked, “Did you know there was a husband and wife who fought together in the Civil War?” I did, but hadn’t considered it as a story idea until he suggested it. 

One more example. Long before I began writing, a story of a flood came to me again and again. I was finally able to write those scenes in Surprised by Love, my novella set in the tragic 1913 Great Miami River Flood in Troy, Ohio. It’s part of the From the Lake to the River collection. I really love that story about everyday heroes. 

 

LM: Are you an outliner/plotter or “discovery” writer (i.e., just sit down and start writing)? 

Sandra: I’m a “discovery” writer. What a fun way to write! Yet, I must remain true to history. Research shows me the historical events and I drop my characters into it. 

LM: Now that you have several books published, what is a piece of advice you can give fledgling writers? 

Sandra: Persevere. Keep working hard. Take classes and workshops. Attend writer conferences and apply what you learned there to your WIP. Rejections cut deeply. Remembering that all authors experience this sting may help you pick yourself up and find the courage to write again. 

LM: What is your next project? 

Photo: Pixabay/StockSnap

Sandra: I’m so happy you asked! In addition to this “Spies of the Civil War” series, I am writing a series that begins in 1877, so this one isn’t set during the Civil War. In Ginny’s Shadow is the first book of the as yet unnamed series. Rose understands Samuel only considers his children when he proposes a marriage of convenience after losing his wife. He feels his schoolteacher friend can help raise his children, but can she find love with her schoolgirl crush when the family pushes her away? 

LM: Where can folks find you on the web? 

Sandra: I’d love for readers to connect with me on my blog, Historical Nibbles, where I share historical recipes and food-related posts, American history posts, and book reviews. I also share recipes from my books and historical background for my stories. It’s a lot of fun—and a fair amount of work—to maintain this blog. I invite readers to check it out. Readers can also look for me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Goodreads, and my Amazon Author Page.  

About Avenue of Betrayal: Betrayed by her brother and the man she loves … whom can she trust when tragedy strikes? Soldiers are pouring into Washington City every day and have begun drilling in preparation for a battle with the Confederacy. Annie Swanson worries for her brother, whom she’s just discovered is a Confederate officer in his new home state of North Carolina. Even as Annie battles feelings of betrayal toward the big brother she’s always adored, her wealthy banker father swears her and her sister to secrecy about her brother’s actions. How could he forsake their mother’s abolitionist teachings? 

Sergeant-Major John Finn camps within a mile of the Swansons’ mansion where his West Point pal once lived. Sweet Annie captured his heart at Will’s wedding last year and he looks forward to reestablishing their relationship—until he’s asked to spy on her father. 

To prove her father’s loyalty to the Union, John agrees to spy on the Swanson family, though Annie must never know. Then the war strikes a blow that threatens to destroy them all—including the love that’s grown between them against all odds. 

Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books 

I had a wonderful time being a guest on your blog today. Thanks, Linda!

Wartime Wednesday: The Spanish American War

Wartime Wednesday: The Spanish American War 

Photo: Pixabay/Mooline1

Despite only lasting four months, the 1898 Spanish American was a great turning point for world powers. The war originated during the Cuban struggle for independence from Spain which began three years earlier. Some scholars feel that Spain treated Cuba like a province rather than a colony, depending on the country for prestige and trade. Spanish Prime Minister Antonio Canovas del Castillo was quoted as saying, “the Spanish nation disposed to sacrifice to the last peseta of its treasure and to the last drop of blood of the last Spaniard before consenting that anyone snatch from it even one piece of its territory.” He was assassinated in 1897, the years before the war started. 

Many Americans likened the Cuban desire for independence to that of the United States more than one year prior. Additionally, several sensational newspapers engaged in “yellow journalism” and graphically portrayed Spain as using brutally repressive measures to halt the revolution. American sympathy rose. 

 

After some anti-Spanish rioting in Havana, the United States sent the USS Maine was sent from Key West, Florida to the city in January 1898 to protect US citizens and property. Three weeks later, an explosion occurred on the ship, killing 260 of the 355 men on board. It was later determined that the powder charges for the vessel’s six- and ten-inch guns detonated, but at the time, it was assumed that the Spanish had destroyed the ship. 

Photo: WikiImages

The cry went up from the American public that US must intervene and seek revenge. The cause of the accident was debated for several days. Soon afterward, Congress issued a resolution that declared Cuba’s right to independence and demanded the withdrawal of Spain’s armed forces from the island. The resolution also authorized the use of force while renouncing any design for annexing Cuba. 

By all accounts, the war was one-sided. Spain had seemingly not readied its army or navy for a distant war with a formidable power such as the US. On May 1, 1898 a US naval squadron arrived in Manila Bay in the Philippines and destroyed the anchored Spanish fleet within two hours. The US then moved onto Cuba where troops (Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders among them) landed on the coast east of Santiago. The Spanish commander Admiral Pascual Cervera tried to escape with his squadron westward but they came under heavy fire from the US and all his ships were lost. 

Photo: WikiImages

On July 17, 1898, Spain surrendered, and five months later signed the Treaty of Paris renouncing all claims to Cuba, and ceded sovereignty over Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines to the US. As a result, America emerged as a world power with far-flung overseas possessions, and Spain turned its attention inward upon its domestic needs and away from colonial expansion. 

_________________________________

Gold Rush Bride Tegan

She’s out to prove herself. He’s only looking for adventure. Neither one realizes they’ll find more than gold “in them thar hills.” 

 

Tegan Llewellyn has always been different than her adopted family, except Grandmother Hannah, a prospector during the 1829 Georgia gold rush. Now, seventy years later there are reports of gold in Nome, and the opportunity is too good to pass up. But Tegan doesn’t count on the dangers that strike from the moment she steps off the steamer, including the threat of losing her heart. 

 

Elijah Hunter has prospected for gold all over the US and Canada and likes being on the move. The last thing he expects to find on his latest search is a lady miner who proves to be nothing but trouble. Can he convince her that leaving is for her own good before it’s too late...for both of them? 

Gold Rush Bride Tegan is part of the exciting multi-author Gold Rush Brides series set in 19th century America. First, there was Hannah, then Caroline, and now Tegan. If you enjoy clean romances with a taste of intrigue, you’re sure to enjoy this series of books. You might even catch some gold fever of your own.

Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3HClHA0

Traveling Tuesday: Sailing Vessels and Steamships

Traveling Tuesday: Sailing Vessels and Steamships 

Photo: Pixabay/
Susann Mielke

Like most folks living the modern era, I tend to take modes of transportation for granted. I expect my car to start when I turn the key, and for the vehicle to get me to my destination. The same applies to airline flights, train trips, and the cruises I’ve taken. The research I’ve done over the last couple of years about the 1800s has given me a new appreciation for the technological advances that surround me: specifically water travel. 

My husband and I have been to be able to take quite a few cruises over the years. Gigantic ships that come with stabilizers to ensure smooth passage and engines designed to run efficiently, effectively, and quietly made our journeys delightful excursions. From what I’ve read, the term “cruise” could hardly be applied to ocean-crossing voyages of old. 

Scholars know that early civilizations (as long ago as 4,000 years) used watercraft for transportation. It is thought the Egyptians used the first seagoing vessels, followed by the Phoenicians, Cretans, Greeks, and Romans. A thousand years later the Chinese and Japanese travel the internal and coastal waterways. However, it wasn’t until the spice and tea trades arose that shipping came into its own as an industry.

Photo: Pixabay/enzol

The Age of Sailing is considered to have lasted from the mid-1600 through the mid-1900s. A “sailingship” is simply defined as a sea-going vessel that uses sails mounted on masts in order to use the power of wind to propel it. There are a variety of sail plans or the way a ship is rigged such as the square-rigged, in which the primary driving sails are carried on horizonal spars which are perpendicular (or square) to the keel of the vessel or a fore-and-aft in which the sails are mounted along the line of the keel. 

As understanding of wind and currents progressed, and more speed was desired, the number of masts and configuration of ships changed, as did their names. A brig has two masts that are square-rigged. A full-rigged ship referred to a vessel with three or more masts. Schooners were typically fore-and-aft rigged with the foremast shorter than the mainmast. A variant is the topsail schooner that has a square topsail on the foremast. Additional variants are the barque, barquentine, and brigantine. And don’t forget the galleon or the clipper. Are you as confused as I am?? Fortunately, there will NOT be a test. As sailing ships became longer and faster over time, with taller masts and more square sails countries developed large fleets of well-armed warships. However, even the fastest ship couldn’t go more than fifteen knots, or just over seventeen miles per hour. Thus, voyages from Europe to America took from six weeks in good weather to as many as fourteen weeks in inclement weather. A long journey, to be sure. 

Photo: Pixabay/jgerim

In 1807, Robert Fulton’s steamship Clermont was the first ship to demonstrate the feasibility of steam propulsion for commercial use, but it was not until the 1840s that steam-propelled vessels came into their own. Another sixty years would pass before, the ships stopped carrying sails as a backup. By the 1860s, steamships allowed for more tonnage than sailing ships. Additionally, the speed of a steamship surpassed that of a sailing ship, some traveling as fast as nineteen knots or over twenty-one miles per hour. This seems like an imperceptible difference, but it allowed steamships to cross the ocean in just two weeks – a thrill for travelers whose berths were nothing like the spacious well-appointed cabins of today’s cruise ships. 

 

Have you ever taken a cruise? Do you sail or kayak? Or would you rather stay on land? 

___________________________

Gold Rush Bride Tegan

She’s out to prove herself. He’s only looking for adventure. Neither one realizes they’ll find more than gold “in them thar hills.” 

Tegan Llewellyn has always been different than her adopted family, except Grandmother Hannah, a prospector during the 1829 Georgia gold rush. Now, seventy years later there are reports of gold in Nome, and the opportunity is too good to pass up. But Tegan doesn’t count on the dangers that strike from the moment she steps off the steamer, including the threat of losing her heart. 

 

Elijah Hunter has prospected for gold all over the US and Canada and likes being on the move. The last thing he expects to find on his latest search is a lady miner who proves to be nothing but trouble. Can he convince her that leaving is for her own good before it’s too late...for both of them? 

Gold Rush Bride Tegan is part of the exciting multi-author Gold Rush Brides series set in 19th century America. First, there was Hannah, then Caroline, and now Tegan. If you enjoy clean romances with a taste of intrigue, you’re sure to enjoy this series of books. You might even catch some gold fever of your own.

Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3HClHA0

Fiction Friday: New Releases for February

February 2022 New Releases More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Amish Romance:

Strength in the Storm by Laurel M. Blount -- After the murder of both her parents, Emma Hochstedler returns to the small community of Johns Mill, hoping to resume her quiet existence. Reclaiming her place proves harder than expected—especially now that a movie is being made about her family’s loss. But then, an old friend offers her a lifeline that gives her new purpose. Amish builder Samuel Christner is the biggest—and the strongest—man in town. In fact, the gentle giant has only one weakness—Emma. Even though she broke his heart, he won’t let his childhood sweetheart face her troubles alone. He hires Emma as a nurse for his elderly aunt…and finds himself falling for her all over again. (Amish Romance from Berkley Penguin Random House)

Biblical:

Defending David by Barbara M. Britton -- When a quiet journey to Jerusalem turns tragic, newly orphaned Rimona must flee a kinsman set on selling her as a slave. Racing into the rocky hills outside of Hebron, Rimona is rescued by a Philistine commander journeying to Jerusalem with six-hundred warriors. Exiled commander, Ittai the Gittite, is seeking refuge in the City of David. Protecting a frantic Hebrew woman is not in his leadership plan. Although, having a nobleman's niece in his caravan might prove useful for finding shelter in a foreign land. Rimona and Ittai arrive in Jerusalem on the eve of a rebellion. In the chaos of an heir's betrayal, will they be separated forever, or can they defend King David and help the aging monarch control his rebellious son? (Biblical from Harbourlight Books/Penguin)

Contemporary Romance:

Book Title by Carolyn Miller -- parks fly when a hometown hockey hero meets a classy art-loving museum guide hiding a secret...Jai Mullins is used to being the fastest man on ice. Trouble is, his ability to find a genuine woman is tracking at glacial melt levels. He’s trusting God she’s out there, but he’s wary of getting trapped by a superfan, when all he wants is someone with whom he can be real. Allie Davis has two great loves: impressionist art and hockey. More specifically, a certain hockey player. But between her shyness and her family, she’s convinced she’ll never meet him, let alone connect with him in a non-embarrassing way. Until she does. And they connect. And romance sparks. But she is hiding a big secret, and he’s about to find that first impressions sometimes need a reality check. Will they learn to trust and find a way forward, or will half-truths lead to further hurt on opposite sides of the country and lonely lives? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Her Tycoon Hero by Narelle Atkins -- Cassie Beaumont believes in second chances. Cassie is set on proving she’s no longer a party girl, instead focusing on her career as an event planner. Ryan Mitchell, her dad’s top executive, proves to be a handsome distraction, especially when someone from Cassie’s wild past tries to draw her back into the life she has worked hard to escape. Ryan is taken with his boss’s beautiful daughter. But he is slow to trust, having been burned by a brother who ran in the same circles. When Cassie’s newfound faith works its way into his heart, Ryan wants to claim both Cassie and her faith as his own. Can they forgive past mistakes and navigate a future together? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

In Search of a Prince by Toni Shiloh -- Brielle Adebayo is fully content teaching at a New York City public school and taking annual summer vacations with her mother to Martha's Vineyard. But everything changes when her mom drops the mother of all bombshells--Brielle is a princess in the kingdom of Oloro Ilé, Africa, and she must immediately assume her royal position, since the health of her grandfather, King Tiwa Jimoh Adebayo, is failing. Distraught by her mother's betrayal, Brielle is further left spinning when the Oloro Ilé Royal Council brings up an old edict that states she must marry before assuming the throne or the crown will be passed to another. Uncertain who to choose from the council's list of bachelors, she struggles with the decision along with the weight of her new role in a new country. With her world totally shaken, she must take a chance on love and brave the perils a wrong decision may bring. (Contemporary Romance from Bethany House/Baker Publishing)

Secrets of Their Past by Allie Pleiter -- Facing the past could change his future. Veterinarian Neal Rodgers is in Wander Canyon seeking the truth about his past—not to rescue a litter of kittens under his next-door neighbor’s porch. But persistent single-mom Tessa Kennedy is impossible to ignore—especially when she uncovers a family secret of her own. Discovering the hidden facts of their histories could be the key to unlocking everything in this small town. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired/Harlequin)

The Valentine Proposal by Beth Pugh -- Can Love Be 10 Years in the Making? Award-winning photographer Mason Montgomery is back in Pine Valley, Kentucky. Hopefully, for good, if his business proposal is accepted. On paper, he’s the perfect buyer for Forget-Me-Not Photography. Too bad the seller, Ol' Man Rowe, doesn't see it that way. He's looking for a family man to take over, and Mason's bachelor status doesn't fit the bill.For shy Lily Anne Dawson, life has not turned out the way she'd hoped. Working at her mother's bakery and editing for the local newspaper is a far cry from her journalistic dream. She's a failure. A lonely failure worrying about infertility with no romantic prospects in sight. That all changes when a decade-old promise to marry on Valentine's Day pushes the two together at their high school reunion. The impromptu proposal offers a solution to their problems. But marriage requires honesty―and both have secrets. Secrets that could make or break their budding love. (Contemporary Romance from Candlelight/Iron Stream Media)

To Belong Together by Emily Conrad -- Fame and money have a way of complicating love. Drummer John Kennedy can keep a beat, but he can’t hold a conversation, so he relies on actions to show he cares. Unfortunately, when he’s instantly intrigued by a spunky female mechanic, he can’t seem to convey the sincerity of his intentions. And the rejections don’t stop there. His own sister is pushing him away just when he could help her most. Erin Hirsh’s life would be easier if God hadn’t given her a love for cars. Only her father understood her, and she’s losing him to dementia. Her brief romances have always backfired worse than a mistuned engine, and she refuses to give John the chance to wreck her heart. A rock star with a supermodel ex can’t possibly see anything in her. At least that’s what she thinks until they find common ground in faith and their worsening family situations leave them each longing for a place to belong. Could God intend for this pair of opposites to belong together? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

General Historical:

Wilderness Wife by Delores Topliff -- arguerite Wadin MacKay believes her 17-year marriage to explorer, Alex MacKay, is strong—until sudden fame makes him announce their frontier marriage is void in Montréal where he now goes to choose a society wife—not one with native blood. Taking their son, MacKay sends Marguerite and their three daughters to a trading post where she lived as a child. Deeply shamed, she arrives in time to assist young visiting Doctor John McLoughlin with a medical emergency. Marguerite now lives only for her girls. When Fort William on Lake Superior opens a school, Marguerite moves there for her daughters’ sake. Newly assigned there, Doctor McLoughlin’s friendship with Marguerite grows. When he declares his love, she dissuades him from a match harmful to his career. She’s mixed blood and nine years older. He will have no one else. After abandonment, can a woman love again and fulfill the key role in North American History that is her destiny? (General Historical from Scrivenings Press)

Historical Romance:

Avenue of Betrayal by Sandra Merville Hart -- Betrayed by her brother and the man she loves…whom can she trust when tragedy strikes? Soldiers are pouring into Washington City every day and have begun drilling in preparation for a battle with the Confederacy. Annie Swanson worries for her brother, whom she’s just discovered is a Confederate officer in his new home state of North Carolina. Even as Annie battles feelings of betrayal toward the big brother she’s always adored, her wealthy banker father swears her and her sister to secrecy about their brother’s actions. How could he forsake their mother’s abolitionist teachings?Sergeant-Major John Finn camps within a mile of the Swansons’ mansion where his West Point pal once lived. Sweet Annie captured his heart at Will’s wedding last year and he looks forward to reestablishing their relationship—until he’s asked to spy on her father.To prove her father’s loyalty to the Union, John agrees to spy on the Swanson family, though Annie must never know. Then the war strikes a blow that threatens to destroy them all—including the love that’s grown between them against all odds. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

Gold Rush Bride Tegan by Linda Shenton Matchett -- Tegan Llewellyn has always been different than her adopted family, except Grandmother Hannah, a prospector during the 1829 Georgia gold rush. Now, seventy years later there are reports of gold in Nome, and the opportunity is too good to pass up. But Tegan doesn’t count on the dangers that strike from the moment she steps off the steamer, including the threat of losing her heart. Elijah Hunter has prospected for gold all over the US and Canada and likes being on the move. The last thing he expects to find on his latest search is a lady miner who proves to be nothing but trouble. Can he convince her that leaving is for her own good before it’s too late...for both of them? (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)

Lumberjacks and Ladies by Jennifer Lamont Leo, et. al -- Lumberjacks and Ladies Work Together to Build America...Struggling to remain independent in the 1800s, four women reluctantly open up to help from lumberjacks—and love. All That Glitters by Candice Sue Patterson, 1851—Maine. Winifred finds herself running the family lobstering business when her father and brothers join the California gold rush. Will she stubbornly reject help from a local lumberjack? Winter Roses by Pegg Thomas, 1865—Michigan. Elizabeth cooks for a logging crew, spurning the men’s advances, until reoccurring gifts capture her attention. Will she heed her mother’s warning about “shanty boys”? Not for Love by Naomi Musch, 1881—Wisconsin. Widowed, Maggie seeks a husband—in name only—from the logging camps, but the man who answers her letter is a surprise. Can she open her heart to love again? Undercover Logger by Jennifer Lamont Leo, 1890—Idaho. Carrie will not sell her timberland and allows the banker’s nephew to sign onto her logging crew to ferret out the reason she is losing money at an alarming rate. Will truth be revealed to her forlorn heart? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War by Mary Eileen Davis -- A WASP Goes Above the Call of Duty to Free Captive American Soldiers. Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this new series celebrates the unsung heroes--the heroines of WWII. Peggy Witherspoon, a widow, mother, and pilot flying for the Women Airforce Service Pilots in 1944 clashes with her new reporting officer. Army Air Corp Major Howie Berg was injured in combat and is now stationed at Bolling Field in Washington D.C. Most of Peggy's jobs are safe, predictable, and she can be home each night with her two daughters--until a cargo run to Cuba alerts her to American soldiers being held captive there, despite Cuba being an "ally." Will Peggy go against orders to help the men--even risk her own life? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin -- As the Nazis march toward Paris in 1940, American ballerina Lucie Girard buys her favorite English-language bookstore to allow the Jewish owners to escape. Lucie struggles to run Green Leaf Books due to oppressive German laws and harsh conditions, but she finds a way to aid the resistance by passing secret messages between the pages of her books. Widower Paul Aubrey wants nothing more than to return to the States with his little girl, but the US Army convinces him to keep his factory running and obtain military information from his German customers. As the war rages on, Paul offers his own resistance by sabotaging his product and hiding British airmen in his factory. After they meet in the bookstore, Paul and Lucie are drawn to each other, but she rejects him when she discovers he sells to the Germans. And for Paul to win her trust would mean betraying his mission. (Historical Romance from Revell/Baker Publishing Group)

With a Trusting Heart by Dawn Kinzer -- Will trust be the winning ticket to mending two wounded hearts? The 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition is taking place in Seattle with participants from all over the world when Lizzie Clark accepts a position at an orphanage in the city. After suffering heartbreak and loss, she is determined to make a life for herself independently. Jack Butler’s mother abandoned their family when he was a young boy. Loyalty to his father cost him fulfilling his own aspirations, so Jack strives to take their family farm in a new direction. A newborn is left at the orphanage with a note asking Lizzie to take care of him. Why did the woman abandon her child? And why is Jack, a handsome local farmer so interested in helping Lizzie search for the infant’s mother? When shocking revelations disrupt their plans, Lizzie and Jack are faced with life-changing decisions. Will they open their hearts to trusting again? (Historical Romance from Morningview Publishing)

Mystery: Cozy:

Cliffhanger by Susan Page Davis -- The Novel Inn’s reopening goes smoothly until a guest vanishes. The new owners prepare for their first large group—a former squad of cheerleaders meeting for a reunion. Things go awry when the head cheerleader fails to show up. Sisters Kate and Jillian, the innkeepers, enlist the help of their brother Rick, a local police officer. They’re confident the missing woman will be found, but they soon learn to expect the unexpected, even during a walk on the beach. (Mystery: Cozy from Scrivenings Press)

Mystery: Romance:

The Prediction by Jean Rezab -- Thea deals with the limits her father places on her when she has a vision of his death. He has never accepted her ability, and he also deals with his own depression regarding his past. (Mystery: Romance, Independently Published)

Thriller/Suspense/Romance:

Safe House Exposed by Darlene L. Turner -- Witness protection should have kept them safe. Instead, it left them completely exposed…Canadian border patrol officer Emma James has only one concern after putting a crime boss behind bars: keeping her daughter safe. But witness protection has a leak, and Emma's enemies know exactly where to find her. Now on the run with no safe haven, trusting her estranged former brother-in-law, police constable Mason James, to shield them is her only hope… (Thriller/Suspence/Romance from Love Inspired/Harlequin)

That Scott Woman by Carlene Havel -- Maggie Scott returns home in 1966 after serving four years in prison. She has only one goal in mind, to create a secure and stable life for herself. Then Maggie meets Blake Hamilton, ex-rodeo cowboy turned preacher. The chemistry between this unlikely pair is undeniable, but there are problems. Blake is sure his calling is to serve God. Maggie is convinced she is beyond redemption. Common sense tells Maggie her attraction to Blake will end in heartbreak. (Thriller/Suspense/Romance, Independently Published)

Touch of Innocence by Robin Patchen -- How can she protect the child if nobody believes her? Grace used to try to save people, but that was before she realized how powerless she is. Now, she avoids emotional ties, working from her secluded cabin, content with her aloneness. When eight-year-old Lily starts hanging around, Grace enjoys her company but carefully keeps her distance—until she discovers the girl is being exploited. Little though she wants to, she must get involved, even if it means risking her own safety to secure Lily’s. Andrew can’t help but be drawn to his new neighbor and her beautiful foster child. When he learns about Lily’s disturbing history, he offers to help Grace prove her suspicions about the girl’s father. But the more they learn, the more puzzling Lily’s history seems. They work together to unravel the mystery, determined to ensure Lily ends up with a family who loves her. But Lily’s father isn’t giving up his muse—or his obsession—that easily. He believes Lily is rightfully his, and he’ll do anything to get her back. (Thrilled/Suspense/Romance, Independently Published)

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

Talkshow Thursday: Welcome LeighAnne Clifton!

Talkshow Thursday: Welcome LeighAnne Clifton!

Linda: Welcome to my blog. It’s a pleasure to have you. Congratulations on your debut novel, All Your Heart, last year and the second book in the series coming soon. Tell us about the premise for the series and your inspiration for the plots. 

LeighAnne: The Together for Good series follows Alex, a young woman who has to make a difficult decision after she’s assaulted by someone she trusts. Alex runs away, only to encounter a lady who changes her life by taking her in to pregnancy care home and introducing her to the matchless love of Jesus. Ultimately, Alex finds not only the peace and acceptance she longs for, but also love and family. 

Together for Good is the name of the pregnancy care home, which the series centers around. It comes from Romans 8:28, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” The goal of the home is to show the mothers-to-be that God loves them and their unborn children and has a purpose for them. 

I feel it’s important for people to know that Christians aren’t immune to the same problems everyone else faces. Sickness, pain, and even crime happen to Christians, too. The difference is we have Jesus to walk through these hard things with us. He promised He would! 

LM: Tell us about your writing journey. 

LeighAnne: I didn’t do this the normal way! My degree is in chemical engineering, and I worked in the environmental compliance field for over 30 years. Most of my professional career involved technical writing and editing, but I’ve always had a deep-seated love for reading. Several years ago, the Lord began stirring a desire in my heart to create stories, not just consume them. 

LM: You published a children’s book in 2018. How is writing adult fiction different? The same? 

LeighAnne: The Little Vessel was written as a response to a group of girls I taught in Sunday school to remind them that God creates each of us with a unique and wonderful purpose. 

Writing adult fiction is different in that there’s more room to let the story breathe and grow, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the author can just take the reader on some meandering jaunt through unrelated scenes and miraculously expect everything to end up in a nice, neat package. I think writing for adults is like playing Jenga backwards! All of the pieces have to be put in place so that by the end, it’s satisfying and complete. 

LM: Research is an important aspect of writing. What sort of research did you do for Ready to Forgive? Was there a particular piece of information you knew you needed to include in the book? 

LeighAnne: Not to give away too much of the plot, but there’s a wedding in Ready to Forgive! My research for this was kind of on-the-job since my daughter got married a few years ago. She was still in college, so a lot of the details fell to me (as an engineer, this was in my wheel house!). So, I relied heavily on my experiences from that time. 

LM: In addition to your fiction writing, you have a blog, flip furniture, and pursue other crafts. How do you juggle your various responsibilities? 

LeighAnne: It’s funny that this is one of the questions! I’ve seen several people on social media choose a “word of the year,” and I kept wondering what that was all about. Recently, though, God impressed on my heart that I should choose “Focus” for 2022. I do have a lot of things pulling me in different directions, including a newly-retired husband and a 3rd grade Sunday school class, but I believe my writing is my worship. It’s hard to stay focused, but I keep my planner handy and rely on the time-management skills I developed over years of juggling a career and motherhood. 

But, always, I start the day with God. If something happens to upset this, my day is a mess. 

LM: What is one thing you wish you knew how to do? 

Photo: Pixabay

LeighAnne: With my 57th birthday looming large, I know there are things that are simply unrealistic, and that’s OK. I do wish I could knit. 

But, even as I try to think of something, I realize how blessed I am. When God has called me to something, He’s equipped me for it. Like writing my first novel in my 50s! 

LM: What is your next project? 

LeighAnne: I’m writing the third book in the Together for Good series. It’s actually my favorite so far. Can an author say that, or is it like picking a favorite child? Anyway, I hope that my newly discovered focus for 2022 will produce the best book to date. 

LM: Where can folks find you on the web? 

LeighAnne: My website is https://alive-leighjourney.com. There’s a Book News tab for readers to keep up with the latest on book releases, launches, cover reveals, etc. There’s also a place to sign up for my monthly newsletter. When readers sign up, they’ll receive In Their Own Words, the prequel to the Together for Good series, just for subscribing.

Twitter: @LeighAClifton

Instagram: leighanne_clifton_author

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leighanne.clifton

About All Your Heart 

Alex is determined to use college on the other coast to escape her small Southern town and workaholic mother. However, a prom-night assault and the resulting pregnancy require a drastic change of plans. Alex flees with every intention of ending her cross-country trek at an abortion clinic. Instead, finding herself stranded and scared after wrecking her car, Miss Matilda welcomes Alex to town with love and open doors. It just happens that Matilda runs a crisis pregnancy home. 

When Alex strikes a deal with Chad, the handsome mechanic with secrets of his own, the citizens of Burton discover Alex’s artistry, prompting a business partnership with Matilda’s nephew. Alex soon discovers the life-altering sweetness of trusting Jesus, but her past hurts make it difficult to trust Chad with her heart. Then, secrets within the pages of an old diary discovered at the home threaten to tear families apart. Can the people of Burton learn to heal the hurts of the past by trusting the Lord with all their hearts? 

Ready to Forgive 

Before she can marry Chad, Alex must forgive the man who changed her life when he attacked her. Meanwhile, Terry decides to finally meet his biological father. The two embark on a trip that changes not only their lives, but also J.T.’s eternity. Despite the hurdles of planning a wedding in less than two months, Alex and Chad’s big day finally arrives. Only to be derailed by Karen and a bombshell announcement. Will the couple, and everyone they love, make it through all the obstacles thrown in their way?

Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B093KK7W69

Traveling Tuesday: Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania

Traveling Tuesday: Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania 

Photo: WikiImages

In honor of Groundhog Day, I thought it would be fun for us to “travel” to Punxsutawney this week. Located in western Pennsylvania eighty-four miles northeast of Pittsburgh, and fifty files northwest of Altoona, the borough is in the southern portion of Jefferson County. The population is just under 6,000 residents making it the largest incorporated municipality in the county. 

According to several sources, the name Punxsutawney derives from a Lenape word Punkwsutenay meaning town of sandflies or mosquitos. Another source claims the word comes from Put’schisk’tey which means poison vine. 

Native Americans of the Shawnee and Lenapi/Delaware tribes lived on the banks of the Mahoning Creek beginning in 1754, having moved there to get away from the increasing number of Europeans in the east. The following year a conference was held with the Delawares, Muncy, Shawnees, Naticokes, Tuscaroras, and Mingoes to protest the sale of their land by the “Six Nations” in Albany. There was dissension among them, attempts at peace failed, and some of the tribes banded with the French during the French and Indian War. 

In October 1755, fed up with the growth of the population of white settlers, the Delawares attacked at Penn’s Creek and captured two 12-year-old girls. The girls escaped five years later, and the tribe soon left the area. Nearly twenty years later, a Moravian Church missionary arrived with a group of Christianized Delaware Indians. By the end of the Revolutionary War, the tribes had left Pennsylvania and settled in Ohio. 

More settlers moved into the area, and the population grew to about one hundred inhabitants. In1849 Punxsutawney incorporated with agriculture and lumbering being the mainstays of the economy. Eventually, coal was discovered and the mining industry and railroads became important parts of the economy. One source says that a person could walk from Punxsutawney to Reynoldsville entirely underground at this time – a distance of fifteen miles. 

 

Photo: Pixabay/
Eliza28diamonds

According to a history of the town: “It {Groundhog day celebrations} all began on February 2, 1886 with a terse paragraph in the local newspaper, The Punxsutawney Spirit, “Today is groundhog day and up to the time of going to press the beast has not seen its shadow.” 

 

The report goes on to say that “in the summer of 1887 a group of local hunters held a groundhog hunt and picnic, celebrating the event by barbequing the game. Inspired by the hunt, the editor of the newspaper, Clymer Freas dubbed the picnickers the ‘Punxsutawney Groundhog Club.’ He recalled the Pennsylvania Dutch legend of the groundhog being a weather prophet and claimed for the Punxsutawney groundhog all weather rights. He then created a home for him on Gobbler’s Knob, a wooded area outside of town.” 

 

Photo: Pixabay/hangela

In its heyday, the town saw as many as eighty trains come through each day. A trolley car system was put in place in 1892, and in the early 1900s, Punxsutawney became the shopping center for many of the miners. Industrial growth peaked in the 1920s, but the crash of 1929 impacted the town with the rest of the country. Many businesses closed or declined. After the Depression, the town recovered slowly and gained a carbon plant in the process. A machine shop and manufacturing plants helped shore up the economy. Coal is still mined, although not at the levels of its early days. 

 

An annual event is held on February second, and has grown to thousands of visitors attending the festivities each year. The 1993 movie Groundhog Day with Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell created significant interest in the town, although to the residents’ disappointment the film was shot in Illinois. 

Do you pay attention to the groundhog’s prediction?

 _______________ 

About Gold Rush Tegan

Tegan Llewellyn has always been different than her adopted family, except Grandmother Hannah, a prospector during the 1829 Georgia gold rush. Now, seventy years later there are reports of gold in Nome, and the opportunity is too good to pass up. But Tegan doesn’t count on the dangers that strike from the moment she steps off the steamer, including the threat of losing her heart. 

Elijah Hunter has prospected for gold all over the US and Canada and likes being on the move. The last thing he expects to find on his latest search is a lady miner who proves to be nothing but trouble. Can he convince her that leaving is for her own good before it’s too late...for both of them?

Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3r8FzVe