Fun with Special Guest Mariah Holloway

Today I'm excited to introduce a friend of mine that I met last year in New Mexico. She and I hit it off and have been bouncing story ideas back and forth ever since.  Today, she's joining us for a Fun Friday and sharing an excerpt from her Work in Progress. We're going to see her characters having a bit of fun themselves. ;) But first, let me tell you a little about my friend.

Mariah Holloway has been writing stories since about the age of seven. She has always enjoyed making up her own stories. When she heard something that fascinated her, she was quick to write a story inspired by that. When she was young, she would draw pictures on each page of her stories to convey what she was saying. Mariah’s love for writing increased as she took English classes in elementary school through college. Along with her passion for writing, Mariah enjoys reading, photography, and art. You can follow Mariah on Facebook and check out her website www.mariahholloway.wordpress.com.

And now for the excerpt from On The Wings of Freedom:

She stared at the sun as its rays peeked through the branches of the trees above them. The sun seemed to be winking at her. Ella laughed and winked back.

She sighed in contentment. It was the perfect day to be out with her family. It felt good to get away from the loud bustling town for a change though she did enjoy hearing the laughter of the Jewish children running through the streets after one another, the mothers holding their babies while laughing and carrying on about the latest gossip, and the fathers bidding on items to buy. Ella was blessed with a lovely town, but moments like the moment now was what she lived for.

Ella turned her head slightly and saw a red cardinal sitting on one of the branches, singing a beautiful melody. Another bird joined him, and they flew off together towards the sun. Ella smiled as she watched the exchange. The birds were free. Their wings of freedom always flew them to new heights and places. They did not have a care in the world. They never had to watch their backs because they could always fly to new heights. They always had a happy song in their hearts because they knew they would always have their wings of freedom. No one could take that from them. They never—

“Hey!” yelled Ella as she abruptly sat up.

Cold water fell down her face and neck as loose tendrils of her hair plastered to her face. She spat water out of her mouth and began wiping her face with her hands.

Just then she saw her husband drop a bucket and run off laughing. Realization dawned on Ella, and she threw her head back in laughter.

“You little sneak!” she laughed after her husband.

She hopped to her feet and ran after him. He slowed down still laughing as she caught up with him. He picked her up before Ella could respond and began spinning her around. Ella raised her hands in the air and laughed. She was flying just like the birds. She was free.

A bird whistling on a nearby tree shook Ella out of her reverie. She turned to the sound and saw a bird perched on a nearby branch. It was not a bright-colored, beautiful red cardinal. Instead it was a black raven. It was not singing a beautiful medley. It was only whistling. Ella looked up and saw a group of ravens fly by. Ella brows furrowed together as she looked back at the single raven. Why would he not fly with the others? Did he not see he had the ability to soar in freedom? Instead he just sat there.

The raven matched Ella’s inner turmoil. His blackness matched what was going on inside of Ella. Ella no longer had a beautiful melody to sing just like the raven, and she could not fly on the wings of freedom any longer. She was no longer that red cardinal. 

****

Mariah's first story, The Castle is available on Amazon, and she will soon be releasing The Prince. It is an allegorical medieval tale taking you to the heart of knowing who you are.

 Aaron always knew he was meant for something greater, but he did not know what it was. He did not realize what laid within him until a mysterious beggar appears.

Silence!

I’m reviewing a very different sort of book this week. Silence by Shusaku Endo. I read this novel because it happens to be required reading for my daughter’s freshman class at Wheaton College, and Martin Scorsese has made it into a movie, releasing sometime in the next several months.

The story takes place in Japan in the 1600s. WAIT! Stay with me here. I know that sounds like something you would usually skip over. But hear me out. The novel is based on the life (and letters) of a Jesuit priest from Portugal who travels to Japan to find his mentor when he hears the man denied his faith.

The time period was one of tremendous persecution for Christians in Japan. The Shoganate Government made it illegal to believe in Christianity, which resulted in hidden Christian communities. The government officials raided homes looking for Christian items, rooting out people of faith. The bodies of martyrs multiplied, so they instead began to torture the Christians until they “apostatized.” This involved stepping on an image of Christ.

If a tortured Christian agreed to trample his Savior, they would immediately stop the torture and let him go. Priests who they captured, were never let go. They were tortured until they apostatized, and then never allowed to leave the country, or interact with its people. 

Silence plumbs the depths of pride, persecution, betrayal, the suffering Savior, and apostasy – something most Christians are guilty of in one way or another. And then there is grace. The priest arrogantly contemplates himself as a Christ-type through much of the book, but in the end, he finds another comparison.

The story brings up a universal question: When things go wrong, when evil seems to prevail, when God’s loved ones are harmed, tortured and killed, why does God not act? Why is He silent? Endo explained how his book addresses the question. “I did not write a book about the Silence of God; I wrote a book about the Voice of God speaking through suffering and silence.”

The book starts a bit slow, to catch the reader up on the historical context. But soon, it picks up and depicts very flawed people locked in a struggle with belief, God, self, and service. The imagery and detail-especially references to light and dark, sound and silence-is breathtaking. A worthy read – especially if you plan to see the movie!

Silence is not an easy book, but I'd venture to say it's one of those "good for you books." What’s the most difficult book you’ve read that you look back on and say, “I’m SO glad I read that!”?? Leave us a comment to be entered to win this week’s prize!

Book Cover Photography

Photography, like writing, is both a craft and an art, as I discovered when setting up my indie publishing business. The plans were to build a family business. My daughter was a photographer and my grandson was studying graphic editing. Eventually we would do all the formatting and cover design, but until we became proficient, we'd contract out the various jobs.

 

Then I read a blog post by Karen Witemeyer about how her covers were photographed, and I said, “Even if we're not ready for cover design, we can do the photography.” Thanks, Karen.

My daughter used mostly portrait shots in her business, but she had one of those cameras with lenses that cost more money than the camera itself and was willing to take on my project. Sometimes portraits work for book covers. Bethany House used portraits for Susan Anne Mason's Courage to Dream series. Here is a photo I was originally going to use in a book on crocheting, and will someday, but I also have it in mind for a book set in the flapper era. Yes, that's one of my crocheted hats.

All covers must convey the genre and the mood of the story. My first releases were a series of mail-order-bride novellas, and I’d read enough of those to have a clear vision of my covers. Trouble was, my heroines were a brunette, a blonde, and a red-head. Yep, that required three models.

I find most of my models from college students. They are cheap, but they’re not professional models, so it takes dozens of pictures to find the right look. I’ve learned you must take advantage of the model’s attributes. The slope of this girl’s neck (below) shows the tightened cord in her neck, indicating tension.

Usually, the subject shouldn’t be smiling unless it’s light romance, but it was important that the blonde in my second novella show her dimples. It took a dozen poses to catch just the right smile.

It’s also important that the clothes fit. The redhead in my third novella was so thin, her dress didn’t exactly fit, but Photoshop can usually fix problems like that. In fact, you can do all sorts of marvelous things with Photoshop, like putting one model's head on another's body. 

Almost all photos have to be edited. There was a problem with the dress worn by the model for my first novella. The left sleeve of the pink dress is badly wrinkled. It didn't matter, because we cropped the whole shoulder off. Ha ha. A good photo editor can make almost any photo look good.

 

It takes a good cover designer to change the photos into a good cover, but I’ve been fortunate enough to find designers who will work with custom photos. Although I still use stock backgrounds. I always give the designer several mockups to choose from.

Why go to all the trouble, you may ask. I’ve asked myself more than once. Most indie authors use stock photos for subject and background. The most important reason for custom photography is it allows the author to fit her vision of the book. Besides, it creates a unique cover that will never pop up on another book.

I don’t always agree with the designer. This is the photo I wanted for my first full-length novel, Pursued, Book 1 in my Intrigue under Western Skies series. The designer used another shot, saying it conveyed fear better, and it does, as you can tell in the book cover below. But I’m still not totally satisfied. I’m a perfectionist and always want to do another photoshoot. That’s OK. When I finish the series, I’ll probably redo all the covers. One of the benefits of indie publishing.

There you have it—a small glimpse of how book covers are created.

The second book in my Intrigue under Western Skies series, Surrendered, will be released later in October. It requires the hero on the cover, and male models are hard to find. For now, I’m using my grandson, who also does the mockups for me. It’s important not to show much of his face, since he’ll have to model for future books.

 

***Giveaway***Giveaway***Giveaway***

Which of the three mockups do you prefer? All comments during this week will be entered to win an Amazon giftcard for an e-book copy of Pursued.  

 An idealistic librarian and a troubled rancher fight wickedness in high places.

Carianne Barlow never expected to leave her comfortable Philadelphia townhouse and travel to the wild west of 1884, but when she inherits a fortune, conditions are attached. She must carry out her grandmother's vision of a western culture center anchored by a large library. Such an undertaking takes political support, and no one is more influential in the west than Rhyan Cason, a handsome cattle baron with the reputation of hardened businessman and rabble-rousing lobbyist with a preference for the ladies. Carianne gets on the west-bound train with no thought of the treacherous world awaiting her in the little prairie town near Rhyan's sprawling ranch.

When Rhyan asks her to catalog his library, Carianne jumps at the chance without considering the ramifications. Then she learns too late Rhyan is pursued by a sinister enemy determined to destroy everything he cares for--including her.

A Crooked Election? Perhaps. With Special Guest Donna Schlachter

Today we welcome special guest Donna Schlachter as she shares a historical tidbit about the setting of her book, The Physics of Love. 

 *****

With the current presidential race going on in the US, this seemed like an appropriate topic for a blog this month. In particular, I am looking at the election in 1948 whereby Newfoundland became the tenth province in Canada.

As with most elections, the losers claimed the process was rigged or somehow contrived to accomplish a result that wasn’t entirely legit. In particular, the Conservative Party felt certain that the best path for the island to take was to join the United States.

Newfoundland operated as a Dominion of the British Empire, and as such, didn’t have any local representative or responsible government until 1882, although England still had the final say.

When several provinces decided to meet in 1864 at the Charlottetown Conference, Newfoundland didn’t send any delegates, but did send two representatives later that year to the Quebec Conference.

Although Newfoundland was the first colony in the New World, it was among the last to decide its political future, a decision the island was forced into because of increased debt to the tune of about $40 million in the 1920’s. That may not sound like a lot of money now, but at the time, it was insurmountable.

However, prosperity returned during the 1940’s and World War II, because the US “rented” space on the island and poured millions of dollars into the economy. Once the war ended, though, problems soon returned. Requests for Britain to assist in retiring the national debt were declined, as Britain had enough debt of its own, and frankly, hoped Newfoundland would decide to join Canada. When the island turned to Canada for economic help, the country said it would not assist unless Newfoundland joined Confederation.

Newfoundland Flag

Enter Joseph R. Smallwood, a tough politician and future premier of the island. He wanted the island to join Canada. His opponent, Peter Cashin, believed an independent Newfoundland under responsible government was the best choice, while Chesley Crosby advocated for closer economic ties with the US, hoping this would propel the island to become a state.

As for the US, its only interest, as the Cold War neared, was to use the island as a strategic military base. In reality, because of the small population of Newfoundland, statehood wouldn’t likely have been offered, and the island probably wouldn’t have accepted being annexed as a territory. And Canada, while it didn’t see that Newfoundland’s participation in Confederation would benefit the country, it didn’t want to see the island become part of the US.

So when time came for the referendum, there were three choices on the ballot: union with Canada; restore responsible government; or continue the Commission of Government established in 1934.

The first referendum, held in June 1948, resulted in a near-tie between Confederation and responsible government. Because at least 50% was required, a second referendum was held in July 1948 in which Confederation was selected.

So was the referendum fixed? Perhaps, but not against Chesley Crosby and his pro-US supporters because union with the US was never on the ballot. However, a glance at the demographics of the voting shows that the residents of St. John’s, the capital city, and surrounding communities overwhelmingly voted for Confederation, and carried enough votes to win the day.

Which just goes to prove, as Laura says in The Physics of Love, “whatever St. John’s wants, St. John’s gets.” 

About the Author:

Donna writes historical suspense under her own name, and contemporary suspense under her alter ego of Leeann Betts. She is currently under contract with Barbour Books in a novella collection on the Pony Express. Donna loves history and research, and travels extensively for both. You can follow her on Facebook and Twitter, and online at: www.HiStoryThruTheAges.wordpress.com. Click here to subscribe to her free quarterly newsletter. Her books are available at Amazon.com in digital and print. Her next release in October is The Physics of Love: where the past, the present, and the future collide. Click here to purchase.

About Donna's Book:

The Physics of Love: where the past, the present, and the future collide.

A woman looking for love in all the wrong places; a boy-child looking for a forever family; and a man who finds everything he’s looking for. A poignant story of love, betrayal, loss, and coming of age in 1930’s Newfoundland.

Weekly Windup: Colonial Series Winner!

Weekly Windup

Happy Monday everyone, and welcome to this week's edition of the Weekly Windup!

  We have a winner! 

Saturday, Colonial Author Amber Lynn Perry visited us with an ebook giveaway of her entire Daughters of His Kingdom series! Are you ready for the winner?

Winner of the Daughters of His Kingdom Ebook Series is...Melanie Backus!

 Congratulations! If you are a winner, please contact us to claim your prize!

This Week's Giveaway:

 Pursued (ebook) by Elaine Manders

An idealistic librarian and a troubled cattle baron fight wickedness in high places in 1884 Nebraska.

Carianne Barlow never expected to leave her Philadelphia townhouse and travel to the wild-west, but when she inherits a fortune, conditions are attached. She must carry out her grandmother’s vision of a western culture center anchored by a library to rival those of the east. Such an undertaking requires political support, and no one is more influential than Rhyan Cason, a handsome rancher with the reputation of hardened businessman and rabble rousing lobbyist with a preference for the ladies. Carianne gets on the westbound train with no thought of the treacherous world awaiting her in the little prairie town near Rhyan’s sprawling ranch.

When Rhyan asks her to catalog his library, Carianne jumps at the chance without considering the ramifications. She rejects any romantic notions. Rhyan is known to be a heart-breaker, and he is an atheist, which doesn’t set well with her Christian beliefs. But they are thrown together when events take a dangerous turn, and menacing undercurrents run through the town.
Then Carianne learns too late Rhyan is pursued by a sinister enemy determined to destroy everything he cares for, including her. As they get closer to exposing the adversary, they realize he—or she—wants them both dead.

Comment on any post now through October 1st to get your name in the drawing! Winner will be announced in the Weekly Windup on October 3rd.

We've also got a great giveaway going on Saturday, so be sure to drop by!

Coming up this Week:

• Monday: Devotion by Jodie Wolfe
• Tuesday: Guest Donna Schlacter
• Wednesday: Photography by Elaine Manders
• Thursday: Book Review
• Friday: Guest Mariah Holloway
• Saturday: Interview with Dawn Cahill by Linda Matchett

The Least of These

I recently finished reading Melissa Jagears new book, A Heart Most Certain. It's one of those books that cause you to think and ask yourself questions long after you've read it. The main heroine is in need but has been tasked by the Teaville Moral Society to seek out a donation from the wealthiest man in town.

While he refuses to give a donation to her cause, he instead leads her on a path that makes her see the many needs of those in her community. Those that are often overlooked or disdained. It reminds me of this verse from Matthew 25:40 (NIV):

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

I love when I read a Christian novel that stirs my heart...not just because it's a great story but because of the message behind the words. I think that is the mark of a true storyteller. Jesus was the ultimate storyteller. :)

How about you? What things stir you as a reader? 

Introducing Colonial Author Amber Lynn Perry

Happy Saturday, Friends! Today is a fun interview for me because I get to introduce you to

another Amber! That doesn't happen every day. ;) 

Amber Lynn Perry is a historical romance novelist, focusing on her favorite time in American history--the Revolutionary era. She received a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts from Portland State University and currently lives in Washington state with her husband and two daughters. She loves to hear from readers and you can contact her through her website, www.amberlynnperry.com or through her Facebook page, www.facebook.com/authoramberlynnperry.

Welcome Amber Lynn! We're so glad you could visit us today. Tell us about your recent series.
Hi!! Thank you so much for having me—I’m sincerely honored to be here! The first book in my series, Daughters of His Kingdom, So Fair a Lady, first released in 2014 and I’ve released a book a year since then. It centers around the revolutionary era in colonial Massachusetts—an incredible time in American history.


Where did the inspiration for your series come from?
I’ve always been interested in and inspired by the strength and courage of the people in the colonies during the tense and turbulent years before and during the revolution. My ancestors fought in many battles of the war, and I grew up with a deep appreciation for what they sacrificed. My hope is, that through my series, I can give readers not only a memorable romance story, but also bring to light things they may not know regarding that great time in America’s founding, and inspire them to a greater appreciation for the freedoms we have.

How does your faith and spirituality work in with your writing?

My faith is a foundation for everything I do, and everything that drives me and gives me hope in my life. This was also very much the case for many colonial Americans. They held the teachings of the Bible very close to their hearts and believed God would help them in their quest for freedom. So, naturally, in choosing to write about this time, it was instinctual to include a spiritual thread in the series. I feel so happy and grateful with how God has led me as I write, and I think the inspirational nature of the series is very tangible—a message for everyone, really. (At the very least, it’s a great message for me. ;) )

What is your favorite thing about writing historical romance?
I love being swept away into a different time! No cell phones, no internet, no “electronic pollution” so to speak. The clothes, the food, the way of speaking, their outlook on life—there are so many things to love about historical romance!! This era, for me, holds a particularly luring kind of magic, and has since I was young. It’s SO much fun to immerse myself in the sights, smells, textures tastes, and sounds of Sandwich, MA, 1775.


What are you working on next?
I’m preparing to write the fourth book in the series, SO PURE A HEART. Not sure of a release date yet, but I’m hoping for Spring/Early Summer of next year. This particular story will feature a hero that readers might remember from book two, and the women he once loved…and lost. Super duper excited to share it with readers!!


Very interesting. Looks like you have some great stuff going on. Thank you so much for being with us! 

Readers, Amber has generously offered an ebook copy of HER ENTIRE SERIES as a giveaway! So be sure to leave her a comment to get your name in the hat. You'll also get an extra entry for sharing this post, so be sure to mention that as well. ;)

“Win or Die for Nellie Bly!” by Shirley Raye Redmond

When I was a teenager, I wanted to be just like reporter Pinkie Cochrane. I took journalism classes. I joined the journalism club. I volunteered to work on the school newspaper, The Kubasaki Typhoon. Pinky Cochrane was 17 when she sold her first newspaper story and so was I –a story about drug prevention programs for The Pacific Stars and Stripes. Later, I went to college to study journalism.

Now some of you are wondering, “Who the heck is Pinky Cochrane?” She was born Elizabeth Jane Cochrane in 1864 in a small mill town in Pennsylvania. Perhaps you know her by her pen name-- Nellie Bly.

After having success writing for her hometown paper, she mustered her courage and moved to New York City –with her mother in tow--where she convinced the New York World editor Joseph Pulitzer to hire her as an investigative reporter.

She allowed herself to be admitted as a patient to Blackwell Island, a notorious insane asylum and stayed there for ten terrifying days. She’d infiltrated scandalous factories and jails, and had even traveled to Mexico to cover that country’s internal political strife—all for the sake of a getting a scoop. The gal had grit!

It was her astounding journey around the world in 1889 that made Nellie the most famous woman on earth in her time. Nellie’s journey was inspired by Jules Verne’s popular novel of the day, AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS. Nellie suggested to her boss that she make the trip in 75 days. He would of course pay for the trip, and she’d send daily telegraphs to keep the world abreast of her progress.

Now Pulitzer knew a good gimmick when he saw one. He’d been toying with the same idea for weeks, but of course, he was planning to send a male reporter. He told Nellie, “A young woman can’t take such a journey all alone. Think of the dangers—thieves, shipwreck, and deadly diseases.” But Nellie knew her readers. They would care more about a plucky woman reporter than a man. And she said she wasn’t afraid. She’d make the journey and remarkably do so with only one carry-on bag!

Thousands of people turned up at the dock on November 14, 1889, the day Nellie’s ship left New York. Her mother kissed her goodbye—a professional timekeeper marked the hour and the minute of the ship’s departure. Nellie crossed the Atlantic to British Isles, crossed the channel to France—where she had a meeting with novelist Jules Verne, who sincerely wished her luck. From there she went on to Italy by train, to Egypt and the Suez Canal to Hong Kong. She was America’s darling by the time she boarded an American steamer in Yokohama, Japan—a ship that would take her back to the USA—to dock in San Francisco. The sailors on board had posted a sign in the engine room that read: “We’ll win or die for Nellie Bly”.

Despite encounters with Chinese bandits and exposure to plagues and pestilence and surly seamen, the most harrowing experience of her entire trip was in New Mexico. Three miles outside of Gallup, Nellie’s train raced at approximately 50 miles per hour across a bridge spanning a deep canyon. The bridge was under repair. The track’s nails were held in place with only jackscrews. The frantic workmen heard the approaching train too late to give sufficient warning. Miraculously, Nellie’s train sailed across the ravine safely—the bridge completely collapsing only moments later.

Like a raging prairie fire, Nellie’s fame was all consuming. Everyone, it seemed, wanted to touch her hand, see her face, or simply get a glimpse of her speeding train. Cowboys shouted and waved their hats as Nellie’s special train sped across the Arizona and New Mexico. Indians lined the tracks, raising their arms in salute as she passed, and Colorado ranchers rode hundreds of miles just to catch a glimpse of her train passing through La Junta.

Ten thousand fans turned out in Topeka, Kansas, when her train stopped there and an even larger throngs in Chicago and Philadelphia. When the train lurched to its final stop on the east coast, the station was crammed with frenzied well-wishers and marching bands. The cannons at Battery and Fort Green boomed out the news of her arrival.

Nellie jumped from the train to the platform. Her nose was sunburned in a most unladlylike fashion. She had a pet monkey on her shoulder. The timekeeper gave the official time as seventy-two days, six hours and eleven minutes.

Nellie had done it!

It was at that point that Nellie Bly became the most famous young woman alive. She received thousands of letters and telegrams from around the world congratulating her on her success. One was from the Jules Verne. It simply read, “Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!”

Her book about her travels went into ten printings. She went on to enjoy one adventure after another, interviewing famous people like Susan B. Anthony, and covering WWI as a foreign war correspondent in Europe. She died in 1922.

So, what do you think? Did Nellie exemplify spunky American spirit?

An award-winning writer and frequent conference speaker,Shirley Raye Redmond is the author of two inspirational historical novels, PRUDENCE PURSUED and AMANDA’S BEAU, as well as two dozen children’s books. Shirley Raye holds an M.A. in literature. She has been married to her husband Bill for forty years. They live in New Mexico and are blessed with two grown children, two adorable grandsons, and one spunky Scottish terrier. Touch bases at shirleyrayeredmond.com or Facebook and http://www.writechildrensbook.com/blog

Book Review: Daughter of Highland Hall by Carrie Turanski

I really enjoyed Carrie's style of storytelling, and the plot moved along nicely. There were enough subplots to keep the story interesting even through Kate's waiting and apprehension.

The thing I appreciated most about the story was the strong theme that physical and emotional attraction are not enough for a strong, healthy (not to mention Christian) marriage. To have things in common isn't enough either. There must be a mutual foundation of faith, and a mutual vision for the future. I really appreciated that.

I'll admit that Kate's character is not my favorite in the series. I wish Carrie would have spent a little more time developing Kate's spiritual journey and given us a glimpse into a more solid commitment to Christ since that was one of Jon's main concerns, but we didn't see that. That's my only disappointment in this book.

It was a fantastic story, excellently told and I'm looking forward to reading the third book in the series.

Woven Through Time and Generations

This summer while visiting my in-laws, and after much discussion with my husband, we decided to take up a new hobby and craft--I'm sure aspects will apply. :)

Let me begin ... at the beginning.

In 1956 my husband's grandfather decided to buy a new car. With a family to consider, he chose a four door sedan. But why not take a look at the most striking models of Chevrolet? A Bel Air.

Example only....but someday. ;)

My father-in-law was nine years old when the car was purchased. He enjoyed, and suffered through, many a long road trip in this car, trips hauling their boat to the ocean, and learning to drive when he came of age. His father babied the car, keeping it stored in his garage until his death.

The car was then offered to the grandsons - my husband and his brother. Unfortunately, both were busy trying to make ends meet and discover their place in the world. Years passed. A roof collapsed under the weight of too much snow, tarps began to give way to the elements and the ever present humidity of Vancouver Island was...ever present.

When we looked at it this summer (only seeing the front hood, which was very rusted) it was with the understanding that if anything was going to be done to restore the car, it needed to happen now, or we needed to walk away.

We were met with both some pleasant surprises as dust and mildew were cleared away:

After several days work we had her cleaned off and out. This is what the car looked like before we left for home with the plans to return in the next few weeks with truck and trailer to bring her all the way back to Alberta.

I must say it was a little nerve wracking "driving" a car with no brakes backwards down a ramp into our garage! Thankfully my hubby and his brother were up to the task of being both engine and brakes.

Though there's still an overwhelming amount of work left to do on this baby, I must say, I am very excited about prospects of preserving her for future generations...

My hubby and his father.

And I'm excited about writing a split-time romance about the restoration of a '57 Chevy Bel Air sometime in the future. Because really, they say "write what you know." ;)

What is an heirloom that has become precious to your family?