Whether it's a conversation with a friend, a word that is penned, or a craft that is made, everything we do leaves a stitch in the fabric of time. Join us as we investigate the stitches of the past and present...
"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: ... a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak" (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7).
We've had a few gorgeous days here in Colorado and it has put me in the mood for Spring Cleaning! As part of the spiffing up here at Stitches Thru Time, we are making a few adjustments and changes that we hope will freshen things up around here. AND to celebrate, we are offering a GIVEAWAY! Stay tuned to the end of the post to hear about that. :D
Weekly Windup
We've had a wonderful time with the Weekly Windup and giveaways here at STT. But this year we are going to change the way we operate our giveaways. Instead of running them as a blanket giveaway over two weeks, they will be handled by each author in their individual posts. This will free us up to deliver more fresh content, instead of taking so much time to assemble the WW posts, etc. So, you will see the Weekly Windup posts go away, but the giveaways will still be coming!
Wednesday Posts
Since so many of us have church on Wednesday and several members have had to cut back with time constraints, STT will no longer have a new post on Wednesdays. By taking this day off, we will be able to keep the same fun and upbeat community around what we love, our faith, books, history, crafts and friendship.
Spiffing and Cleaning
You might see a few adjustments to the appearance of the blog and the ease of finding past posts. That's all a part of our Spring Cleaning and spiffing up. :D
Now for the Giveaway!
One blessed commenter will receive their ebook of choice from any Stitches Thru Time author!
We are all so excited to see what this next year has in store for all of us, and sharing each experience here at Stitches Thru Time!
[Angela here, and for the month of may we are having have a little fun here every Wednesday as
authors
from Barbour's Backcountry Brides collection share a little about their
villains! I'll let Gabrielle take it from here:]
Love on Colonial America’s Frontier
Travel into
Colonial America where eight women seek love, but they each know a
future husband requires the necessary skills to survive in the
backcountry. Living in areas exposed to nature’s ferocity, prone to
Indian attack, and cut off from regular supplies, can hearts overcome
the dangers to find lasting love?
My story, Love’s Undoing,
begins in what would one day become central Minnesota on the banks of
the Upper Mississippi River in 1792 at a Scottish fur post. Abi is the
daughter of a Scottish fur trader and an Indian mother. Early in the
story, she leaves the post and travels to Montreal to find her sister.
She and the hero, Henry, are accompanied by a Chippewa guide, Migizi,
and the man her father hopes she’ll marry, Robert. She longs to get away
from the confines and expectations of the fur post and see what the
world has to offer.
The
villain of the story is Robert who wants to marry Abi and keep her at
the fur post. He doesn’t understand her desire to see the world and
tries to thwart her dream. His enemy is Henry, who is his complete
opposite. At every turn, he tries to belittle Henry and point out his
flaws to Abi. When Abi’s world comes crashing down around her, Robert
swoops in to take her away from Henry and Montreal. He appears to be the
hero, but he’s only returning Abi to the life she doesn’t want. In the
end, Henry saves the day and becomes the real hero Abi deserves.
Gabrielle
Meyer lives in central Minnesota on the banks of the Upper Mississippi
River with her husband and four children. As an employee of the
Minnesota Historical Society, she fell in love with the rich history of
her state and enjoys writing fictional stories inspired by real people,
places, and events. You can learn more about her and her upcoming
releases by visiting her website www.gabriellemeyer.com or her Facebook page www.Facebook.com/AuthorGabrielleMeyer.
Today is the official release date for The Backcountry Brides, even though Barbour let it out a couple of weeks early. There are eight historical romances all set in the "backcountry" of Colonial America, as they referred to the frontier. Lots of well-researched history in this collection, nestled in the background of realistic romances for that era. To celebrate the release, the authors have put together a nice prize package including a copy of the book, a Kindle Paperwhite, some handmade note cards, a CD of Scottish fiddle music, a booklet of Colonial dolls, and - of course! - some quality chocolate. Enter today ... and good luck!
Oh! And Don't forget to leave a comment to get your name in the drawing for Missing by V.B. Tenery! Winner announced in the May 14th edition of the Weekly Windup.
How exciting that Barbour released The Backcountry Brides early! This collection includes Her Redcoat, my story set at Fort Michilimackinac during the Indian uprising known as Pontiac's Rebellion. The backcountry, which is what the Colonials called the frontier, was sparsely populated, largely inhospitable, and undeniably dangerous. Not the best setting for a romance! Or is it? Romance in the backcountry looked very different from romance today. Remember that sparsely populated part? There wasn't a lot to choose from. Marriages were often for protection, companionship, and to share the workload. In short ... they were practical. But that doesn't mean there couldn't be a spark. A certain something. A change in the air. An awakening of desire. My hero and heroine meet at a time when cultures were clashing. The French were moving out, the British were moving in, the local tribes were being forever changed, and a new culture of those with mixed European and native blood was rising. Tensions were high. The stakes were life and death. However, the human heart being what is it, my hero and heroine are drawn together. They don't have years - or even months - to work out a traditional courtship. Time is short and danger surrounds them. They have one shot and must find the courage to take it, even though it means turning their backs on everything else. It was a brutal time in our history and one in which the weak did not survive. I enjoyed writing their story, and I hope readers will enjoy it as well.
Don't forget to leave a comment to get your name in the drawing for
Cloaked in Love by Stitches author Elaine Manders! Winner will be
announced in the April 30th edition of the Weekly Windup.
Pegg Thomas lives on a hobby farm in Northern Michigan with
Michael, her husband of *mumble* years. A life-long history geek, she writes
“History with a Touch of Humor.” When
not working or writing, Pegg can be found in her barn, her garden, her kitchen,
or sitting at her spinning wheel creating yarn to turn into her signature wool
shawls.
Welcome to the Weekly Windup! I hope each of you had a wonderful Easter.
There's still time to get your name in the drawing for Catherine Castle's book, so be sure to do that this week.
If you are a winner, please Contact Us to claim your prize.
This Week's Giveaway:
Bidding on the Bouquet by Stitches author Catherine Castle
The
chance to catch a bridal bouquet containing a solid gold rose makes
underprivileged, down-on-her-luck grad student Marietta Wilson pawn
everything she owns to come up with a bid to win a bridesmaid spot in
the most prestigious wedding of the season.
When he
discovers his sister is auctioning off bridesmaid spots in her wedding
party, wealthy, elitist Chip Vandermere is appalled. Not only is it in
poor taste, but no self-respecting lady would stoop so low as to bid.
Convinced Marietta is a gold digger, Chip sets out to thwart her plans.
A social climber and a social misfit. Can a Bridal bouquet unite them?
Comment on any post now through April 9th to get your name in the
drawing! Winner will be announced in the April 10th issue of the Weekly
Windup. Paperback giveaways are for U.S. residents only.
Coming up this week:
Tuesday, 4/3: Tidbits on Twins from Special Guest Lillian Duncan Wednesday, 4/4: Passover with Catherine Castle Thursday, 4/5: ACFW New Releases Friday, 4/6: TBA Saturday, 4/7: Interview with Toni Shiloh
A Passionate Hope, Hannah's Story by Jill Eileen Smith -- Hannah has spent her life trusting God, loving her husband, putting up with abuse from a second wife and still she has no child--until one day she discovers the secret to her own heart's longings and rejoices in what will soon become God's promised hope. (Biblical from Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group)
Contemporary Romance:
Focus On Love by Candee Fick -- In the standalone sequel to Dance Over Me, photographer-turned-actress Liz meets a freelancer who has put his career on hold, but when Ryan shows her what true love is all about, her life may never be the same. (Contemporary Romance from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas)
Love by the Numbers by Laura V. Hilton -- When false allegations by the bishop back home catch up with Lydia and threaten to ruin her reputation, can she clear her name and find lasting happiness? Or will her sunny disposition fade away into heartbreak? (Contemporary Romance from Whitaker House)
Historical Romance:
This Treacherous Journey by Misty M. Beller -- Widowed and with child, Emma Malcom is fleeing arrest. Innocent of her husband’s crimes, she and her brother hope to make it through the Rockies to Canada for a clean start. When a city woman, heavy with child, appears on Simeon Grant’s doorstep with her injured brother, her presence resurrects memories he’s worked hard to forget. Widowed and childless because of his own bad choices, can he overcome the past that haunts him to give her the safety she needs? Will Emma break through the walls around Simeon’s heart before it’s too late, or will the dangers of these mountains be the end of them all? (Historical Romance, ACFW Qualified Independently Published)
The Lost Castle by Kristy Cambron -- Ellie Carver arrives at her grandmother’s bedside expecting to find her silently slipping away. Instead, the beloved woman speaks of a secret past and castle ruins. Of a hidden chapel that served as a rendezvous for the French Resistance in World War II. Of lost love and deep regret . . . But her grandmother suffers from Alzheimer’s, and Ellie must act fast if she wants to uncover the truth of her family’s history. Drawn by the mystery surrounding The Sleeping Beauty—a castle so named for Charles Perrault’s beloved fairy tale—Ellie embarks on a journey to France’s Loire Valley to unearth its secrets before time silences them forever. (Historical Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)
The English Lieutenant's Lady by Evelyn M. Hill -- I’m not your enemy.” He held her gaze, willing her to believe the lie. It’s 1845. Britain and America both claim the Oregon Territory, and neither side is willing to back down. To survive, British Lieutenant Geoffrey Montgomery and American Lia Griggs both are pretending to be someone they're not. The last thing either of them wants is to fall in love. And as the threat of war grows stronger, choosing to stay together could cost them everything they have. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
The Widow of Rose Hill by Michelle Shocklee -- Widowed during the war, Southern slave owner Natalie Ellis strikes a bargain with a Union Colonel to save her plantation and her son’s inheritance: in exchange for use of her family’s property, the army will provide workers to bring in her cotton crop. Natalie Ellis is everything Colonel Levi Maish loathes: a Southern slave owner. But the plight of the beautiful Widow Ellis stirs to life his compassion and the heart he’d thought hardened by war. While the army camps on her land, Levi finds himself contemplating a future with Natalie and Samuel. But when he learns where her husband perished during the war, he knows a life with Natalie is impossible. How could she ever forgive him for what he’d done in battle on the banks of the Bull Run? (Historical Romance from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas)
The Sea Before Us by Sarah Sundin -- As D-day approaches, an American naval officer and a British Wren work together on invasion plans. But if he succeeds, will he destroy what she loves most? (Historical Romance from Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group)
Across the Blue by Carrie Turansky -- A determined young aviator who strives to be the first to fly across the English Channel also longs to win the heart of an aspiring journalist who is secretly covering the race across the Channel. (Historical Romance from Waterbrook/Multnomah [Random House])
High Treason by DiAnn Mills -- CIA Operative Monica Alden and FBI Special Agent Kord Davidson face the challenge of their careers when a Saudi Prince's life is threatened on American soil. (Romantic Suspense from Tyndale House)
Kill Shot by Susan Sleeman --
As the ballistics and weapon’s expert for the FBI’s special task force nicknamed the White Knights, Rick Cannon has known the Department of Defense was developing self-steering bullets and feared their effects in the hands of the wrong people. Now his fear is coming true. The ammunition been stolen, and the Knights are called in to find the thief and stop the killings. When therapist Olivia Dobbs discovers one of her military clients moments after he is murdered, she becomes both the FBI’s prime witness, and suspect. But with a sniper now training his rifle on her, Rick must recall all the skills he learned as a Marine sniper to make sure the next bullet fired isn’t a kill shot that takes Olivia out. (Romantic Suspense from Faith Words [Hachette])
Supernatural Thriller:
The Man He Never Was by James L. Rubart -- In this fresh take on the classic Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, James L. Rubart explores the war between the good and evil within each of us—and one man’s only chance to overcome the greatest divide of the soul. (Supernatural Thriller from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)
Western:
Cheyenne Sunrise by Janalyn Voigt -- Can a woman with no faith in men learn to trust the half-Cheyenne trail guide determined to protect her? (Western by Mountain Brook Ink)
When autumn
leaves come falling down…I go to the craft store.
The other day as
I browsed Hobby Lobby for some picture stands, I was stopped in my tracks by
the most beautiful orange burlap ribbon. Half price. How could I resist? I had
no idea what I’d do with it, but surely something would hit me.
Since I’ve used
the same fall wreath for the last fourteen years, I pulled out the first
possibility from that nebulous part of my brain where all my undeveloped creative
thoughts reside. A new wreath. After some google research, I found three fall
wreaths I like because they’re cheap and easy, and I can add a pretty orange
burlap bow.
Trouble is, I can’t
make up my mind. Which do you think would go well with my bow? I’ve included
the links to the directions in case you’d like to make your own.
This monogrammed
style appeals to me because it obviously has the perfect place for my bow. But
I don’t like the letter. I’d rather attach something representing the season
like a scarecrow or a horn of plenty or an owl. I love owls on anything.
This one I love
for its simplicity. How easy would it be? If I had access to some grape vines,
I could make my own wreath frame. But it looks a little unbalanced. I seek
balance in everything—in decorating, in food, in writing, in people. Is it just
me, or does it seem there are more unbalanced people out there these days,
leaning to extremes one way or the other? And I prefer books that keep the plot
and characterization balanced. Overall, I like this style of wreath, though,
and my orange burlap ribbon would give it the pop of color it needs. Apparently,
I seek balance in color too.
Talk about
balance, this style has it. Maybe too much. What I like about it is the use of
leaves. You can buy floral leaves, of course, but why not gather your own? You
can make them permanent by soaking them in liquid glycerin and drying them.
Instead of stringing them up like this design, I’d attach them with hot glue in
an artless way and stick an owl right in the middle. I’d add the bow and
hanger, both made out of my ribbon, at the top.
Do you remember the feeling you get when you're on a roller coaster and the cars reach the top of the incline just about ready to let go and launch into the ride?
That's how I feel right now.
A mix of excitement, why-did-I-get-myself-into-this, and that feeling in your stomach like you ate a troll for lunch.
That's right, it's book launch day. And in a lot of ways, it feels like a roller coaster ride. Even though this is technically my 6th 'official' book to be published, I still get the same feeling I did with the first one.
One of my adoring fans reading Solve by Christmas
Of course, this book launch is magnified a little bit because I'm stepping into a little bit of a new genre. My very first mystery. So even though reviews up to this point have been encouraging, it's nerve wracking to know that people other than my adoring family and friends are going to read it.
Now is the real test.
Did you readers know authors get so nervous? Because I know I'm not the only one. LOL.
Anyway, a FUN FRIDAY post is exactly what I need to get my mind off of being so nervously happy. So let's play a couple of games. First, let's craft a mystery of our very own. I'll start with the first sentence, then you can comment with the next sentence or two of the story and we'll build from there.
Ready?
Eli was terrified of the dark. But what he saw when the lightning flashed made him wish for cave darkness.
Help me continue the story in the comments below! Your comments will get your name in the drawing for a fun, Solve by Christmas list pad.
Win this super cool list pad!
Also, just for ya'll, we have extended the Solve by Christmas pre-order bonus through today! If you order today, September 1st, LAUNCH DAY and forward your purcahse receipt to vwpreorder@gmail.com you will get the fantastic pre-order bonuses which include a printable file of postcards, gift tags, etc. as well as more than 15 minutes of exclusive behind the scenes discussion of the book. Check it out on Amazon.
Since I'm going to be on the road most of the day today, I'll probably add some more games in the comments. So be sure to check back and be part of the fun!
I can’t believe it’s been four
years since I joined this group of super talented ladies to form Stitches Thru
Time. In 2014 I was just beginning my writing career and knew I’d have to start blogging.
Joining a group sounded like a smart idea. I could learn from more experienced
bloggers, and the focus was on writing and crafts. I love both.
About that same time I was
finalizing the research on my first western series, Intrigue under Western Skies. The story of a snarky cattle baron
who falls in love with a woman who’s a cross between Pollyanna and Yoda (but a
lot better looking), and they fight a passel of the meanest critters you’d ever
hope you don’t meet. I’m currently working on the third book in the series
where the Wild West Show comes to the ranch.
The Wild West Shows of the late nineteenth
and early twentieth centuries were the beginning of entertainment for the common
people. Some started by Buffalo Bill were traveling shows, much like the
circus, performing all across the United States and even Europe. Others, like
that originating at the 101 Ranch in Oklahoma, made the population come to
them, drawing in crowds up to 65,000.
These shows included all the
rodeo favorites of bronco busting, roping, bull riding, and shooting. But it
also included reenactment of Indian wars and ceremonies, and fancy horse tricks.
I patterned my fictional Wild
West Show like the 101 Ranch’s where such legends as Buffalo Bill, Will Rogers,
and Edith Tantlinger, the female Indian sharp-shooter, performed. The Miller
brothers’ 101 Ranch of Bliss, Oklahoma covered 110 acres of cattle land and a fabulous ranch house, pictured below. It
became so famous people started coming just to see how a western ranch
operated. The Miller brothers took advantage of their popularity and put on
shows.
The star of my fictional show is
a woman much like Annie Oakley with the gun, but she is also an equestrian
acrobat as well. These riders performed death defying feats while riding atop a
horse that galloped around an arena. The cowgirls were especially popular. Riding
bareback, the girl would kneel, stand, and leap from one horse to another—electrifying
the crowds. These talented women performed with the grace of a ballerina and
the precision of a gymnast.
The Wild West shows generated a romanticism
about the Old West that lingered throughout the next century, and for some of
us, it continues. Western movies and TV shows of the sixties and seventies
proves that. Western books are still popular, including western romance.
One good thing about the
popularity of the Wild West Shows was it portrayed the Indians’ bravery, and
probably reduced the level of prejudice against the Native American.
Do you prefer contemporary or historical western romance?
Time is running out to enter our big Birthday Bash, so post your comment today.
Howdy, y'all! Crystal here and call me bias, but today I've got another great Texan author in the hot seat, the wonderful Lena Nelson Dooley! I met Lena for the first time at an ACFW conference years ago. What do I recall? My friend Joy in the driver's seat, Lena in the passenger's, a crammed trunk, and equally full backseat. 🙂 Did I mention a lot of laughter? I think we guffawed all the way to the airport. Since then, I've gotten to know Lena better as she's roped me into doing a number of covers for her. She's such a sweetie, y'all! So strap in and enjoy this interview. (Oh and be sure to watch out for the info on her generous giveaway.😉)
Welcome back to Stitches Thru Time, Lena. For those of us who don't have the
privilege of knowing you, tell us a bit about yourself.
I was born on a dark and stormy night. I remember it well. (Just kidding.) I grew up in the
Ozark Mountains of northwest Arkansas. My family moved to Texas while I was in
college. I transferred to a Texas college, and they soon moved to New Mexico. I stayed in
Texas and married a Texan. We’ll be married 53 years in November. I came from a
family with members who always wrote. The only other one who is published is my
brother who was a pastor. He had a book of sermons published.
That's so cool. I didn't know all that. Thanks so much for sharing, and speaking of sharing...
Since we're celebrating our 4th birthday here on STT, can you share with us a funny birthday
memory or a memory from when you were four years old?
No. As old as I am, it’s hard to pinpoint specific memories. This one is about my brother
and me on his birthday, maybe about 9 th or 10 th . After we had a birthday meal with cake
and ice cream, we were doing the dishes. We took turns each meal with who washed and
who dried. He was washing and I was drying. He decided we should have a sword fight.
He handed me a large butcher knife and he took a paring knife out of the water. We
weren’t that good at controlling them. One time, I swung the knife and hit him on the side
of his thumb. It wasn’t funny then, because his hand really bled a lot. I screamed bloody
murder and the parents came running. They were able to take care of it without going to
the doctor, and he told them it was his fault. That’s when my older brother became my
hero. We never knew whether they found out the truth.
Awww, sounds like you have a great brother, but what a memory! That one would definitely stick. Speaking of the past, I know you write stories from yesteryear. Where did you get your
love of history?
I’ve always loved history, just not remembering the dates. When I was old enough to read
books, I often chose historical novels from the library. Every elective in college was a
history course about a country or time period I found interesting.
That's interesting. I didn't enjoy history as much until I began reading inspirational historical romance novels. Can you tell us about your newest release? What is your story about?
My last full-length release is A Heart’s Gift.
In July, this book won the Faith, Hope, and
Love Readers Choice Award in the long historical category.
Congratulations!
Since then, I’ve been
published in a 9-book novella collection. My story in that is contemporary, Strange
Voices in the Night in the Summer Fireworks collection.
Those covers look awfully familiar. 😉
Where did you get the inspiration for your story?
This story had percolated in my brain for quite a while. I believe that every story comes
from God. And I pray while I’m writing it. In this one, God turned it into a suspense
novel about 2/3 of the way through.
Cool! I pray about my stories and for my readers too. I love it when God throws me curve balls. :) What do you hope folks will take away from your story?
That God always has a plan. We just need to stay connected with Him and be obedient to
His directions.
Amen!
Do you have a favorite scene in the book? If so, can you tell us a bit about it?
There are so many. I especially loved the wedding scene in this marriage-of- convenience
story. Things happened that neither the hero nor the heroine expected.
Unexpected twists are always fun. :) What do you plan to work on next?
Right now, I’m working on a proposal that my agent is going to send to my dream
publisher.
Ooo. Fingers crossed. :)
Where can readers connect with you? Where can readers buy your book(s)?
If readers go to my Amazon Author Page, they can find all of my books. The link is in
the list above. Or they can ask their library or local bookstore to add the book they’re
interested in to their shelves.
Thanks so much for that list and info. Last but not least, apart from writing, what is your favorite creative outlet?
In all my long years (I’ll be 75 on November 13), I’ve done a lot of different things from
painting to needlework and beyond. Right now, I’m a screenwriter for a Christian movie.
Coolness! Can't wait to hear/see more about that!
Thanks so much for being our guest today, Lena. It was such a treat! And speaking of treats...
Lena has generously offered to give away three different audio books to threedifferent people. The winners will get to choose from the book covers on this site (Listen to Lena Nelson Dooley Audiobooks | Audible.com) (Any except the Pirate's Prize book).
Winners will be announced in the Weekly Windup post on Monday, Aug 28th and are responsible for contacting STT to claim their prize.
So tell us, folks, do you prefer historical or contemporary stories? Paperback, audio, or ebook? Let's talk!
Maybe it's just me, but when my birthday rolls around, I find myself reminiscing about the years gone by. Especially about other birthdays of my past. Like the time I was turning 3 or 4 years old and we went to the White Fence Farm in Colorado and they put a sparkler on top of my cake and took me on a ride in a white carriage. Or the time my parents surprised me with a 3-story barbie doll house complete with elevator. Or the time I found half a dozen 4 leaf clovers on my 24th birthday.
*sigh* Good times.
Well, guess what!! Julie's back this year and offering us a giveaway today of her book Engaged! Winner's choice of Ebook or Paperback.
Trish Maxwell’s back in Speculator Falls with egg on her face and a lot
of apologies to make. She left the mountain town for her dream job in
New York City, only to come back unemployed. With no prospects, she
works at her family’s department store and makes amends as she finds a
new passion creating window displays for Adirondack businesses. She
works hard and tries to convince the people of Speculator Falls she’s
changed for the better. As Trish pitches in with community events, she
meets paramedic Wayne Peterson, the one man who doesn’t seem to judge
her. She even makes friends with Jenna Regan, who helps Trish when
people demand to know what’s next in Trish’s life. Living in New York
City has been Trish's goal, but the more she’s around Wayne and the
Adirondack area, the more she’s drawn to revising her plans. Just when
Trish thinks the plan for her life’s coming together, a second chance
comes her way that could give her every career goal she’s ever wanted,
but threaten to tear her and Wayne apart. Can Trish surrender fears
about her future and discover God’s plan for her?
Howdy y'all! It's me again--Crystal Barnes, and I'm super excited to have fellow Texan and superb author Kathleen Y'Barbo here with us today. I love hearing Kathleen's stories whether in person or in print, and I'm sure you'll enjoy this interview and giveaway today.
Welcome to Stitches Thru Time, Kathleen. Thanks so much for being here. For those of us who don't have the privilege of knowing you, tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m a 10th generation Texas and the author of more than 80 books with over two million copies of my books in print.
I've enjoyed so many of your inspirational historical romances. Speaking of the past, where did you get your love of history?
My earliest reading materials were historical novels. From the Pollyanna books that were handed down to my mom to the Little House novels I checked out from the library, I have always loved reading about times past.
You and me both, although I cut my teeth on Janette Oke books.
Can you tell us about your newest release? What is your story about?
My newest release is a novella included in the Of Rags and Riches collection (Barbour Publishing, June 2017):
A Gift in Secret by Kathleen Y’Barbo - New Orleans, Louisiana, 1871
May Bolen offers Sam Austin a marriage of convenience. He will get to run the company that drove him into bankruptcy, and she will be free from her father’s rule to travel the world. But when Sam meets May, he knows the offer is too good to be true—or convenient—when hearts become tangled.
That sounds like a great read! Where did you get the inspiration for your story?
I knew who May was well before I knew what story I would give her. There’s something about a woman who will sacrifice everything for her family that appeals to me. As I sat down to plot the novella, I decided the best man for the job of falling in love with May was a man whose love for his family was just as strong. Then, of course, I had to add a conflict where if one of them got what they wanted, the other would lose out. Voila! A story began to take shape.
Sounds like the makings of a great tale, but on top of a great plot, I enjoy a good spiritual thread too. What do you hope folks will take away from your story?
I hope that readers will see that sometimes the Lord gives you what you need instead of what you thought you wanted. And, when He does, that thing you need may come in a way that you never expected. We serve a creative God, and once we figure out we cannot figure Him out, life generally goes a whole lot better.
Amen, Sister!
Do you have a favorite scene in the book? If so, can you tell us a bit about it?
I love the scene where upper crust May marches herself down to the grungy New Orleans docks —a place unlike anywhere she’s ever been--to confront ship’s captain Sam Austin and tell him just exactly how things are going to happen. She’s just so darn cute as she’s trying to maintain her dignity while she’s dodging one obstacle after the other. And Sam is such a man’s man and hero…although he thinks she’s cute too. He just doesn’t plan to tell her so.
LOL! I can just picture the hilarity of that scene. I love it!
What do you plan to work on next?
I am writing an 18th century pirate story, also set in New Orleans, that pits a Spanish nobleman’s daughter and the man who’s secret past is no secret to her.
Oooo. Sounds interesting. :) I can't wait to hear more. I'm sure our readers will want to keep in touch. Where can they connect with you?
Readers can email me through my website at www.kathleenybarbo.com or find me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Last but not least, apart from writing, what is your favorite creative outlet?
I love to read! I used to sew, smock, and knit, but now that my kids are grown, I just don’t do those things anymore.
Well, now that's cool. I don't know much about smocking, but I do know something about reading. That's one of my favorite pastimes too. :) And speaking of reading, y'all, Kathleen has most graciously offered to give away a digital copy of Of Rags and Richesto one of this posts commenters.
So let's chat! In the comments below, tell us...
What do you think (as a reader) is essential to a great story? A great plot? Great characters? Interesting setting? Spiritual thread?
The winner of Kathleen's Of Rags and Riches will be announced in the Weekly Wind-up post on Monday, August 21st, so be sure to check back and see if you've won.
Also, Don't forget every comment this month gets your name in the drawing for our Grand Birthday Prize and our Runner-Up Prizes giveaways as well!
It’s with pleasure that I write a piece for the Stitches Thru Time Blog. I began years ago as one of its regular bloggers. But, alas, I can never keep up a blog. I’m terrible with keeping up journals and/or diaries too. Instead my time seems better spent writing books.
Two of the books I’ve written in the past 4 years are the first in my series, titled A Thousand Shall Fall and Too Deep for Words. The third book will release some time next year and it’s titled, There Is A Season. All three books take place in the Shenandoah Valley, home of the famed Shenandoah River.
What is it about rivers anyway? Stop a moment with me and think about my question. Rivers evoke emotions, of course. Serenity and longing, sadness and fear. They inspire songs like “Moon River,” “Old Man River,” and “Proud Mary” who’s “rolling on the river,” just to name a few tunes. There’s also “Oh, Shenandoah,” an early nineteenth century folk song about the Shenandoah River. Most of us have heard it, but if you’re not familiar with the song, below is a YouTube link to a lovely, heart-tugging rendition.
Figure 1: The Shenandoah River taken from a Mountain Lookout
Indeed, the same elements of romance and mystery surround the Shenandoah Valley or “Daughter of the Stars,” as the Native Americans called it, and a couple of years ago my husband Daniel and I decided to take a road trip and explore it. We picked the perfect time of year, October. The trees were just beginning to turn.
The year we went was 2014, which also marked the 150th anniversary of the Battles of Winchester III and Cedar Creek which some would argue ensured a Union victory during the American Civil War.
Figure 2: Historical Marker on Old Valley Pike (US 11)
Figure 3: Marker and the place where both Union and
Confederate troops bivouacked
Battles for control of the Shenandoah Valley involved legends of the Civil War—men like Turner Ashby, also known as the “Black Knight of the Confederacy,” and Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson on the Confederate’s side. On the Union’s side were notable officers like Phillip “Little Phil” Sheridan and George “Autie” Custer, two men who went on to fight Indian wars in the west after the Civil War ended. General Sheridan was also instrumental in the preservation of the land now known as the Yellowstone National Park.
I’m an American History enthusiast, so the Valley’s rich history beckoned me. It was the second day of our road trip, a perfect autumn day, warm and sunny when Daniel and I visited historic Winchester. I walked past the Taylor Hotel that often served as a hospital for wounded soldiers. During the Civil War, the town was the center of three battles, one in May of 1862, the second in June of 1863, and the last in September, 1864.
Why so many? Winchester is the gateway to the Shenandoah Valley.
Figure 4: The Taylor Hotel which served as a hospital during the CW
Figure 5: Historic Winchester
I had no problem imagining the ladies of Winchester, Virginia, caring for soldiers who had been wounded in those conflicts. But no matter how gruesome the task, these courageous women rolled up their sleeves and tended to bloodied, wounded warriors. During America’s Civil War, their town, located in the lower Shenandoah Valley, was no stranger to cavalry raids, guerilla ambushes, and clashes between the North and the South.
Diarist Laura Lee lived in Winchester. She was age thirty-eight when she wrote the following on October 19, 1864: “Heavy cannonading was heard here from daylight this morning. It was distant but very distinct. By 10 o’clock, news came that (General) Early had made the attack at Middletown and had been very successful, cutting up the 6th and 19th Corps badly and capturing a large number of guns and prisoners” (excerpt from Winchester Divided, p. 173).
But the Confederate successes were short lived. The famed “Sheridan’s Ride” took place that day, and the commander sufficiently roused his war-weary troops and led them on to victory. The Shenandoah was then in control of the Union Army and stayed that way until the end of the war.
You can see more pictures of my road trip and some historical images on my Pinterest Board, “A Thousand Shall Fall.” Click on the link below.
Later that morning, Daniel and I decided to spend time cruising Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah National Park. It’s known for its spectacular views, and that’s no understatement!
We stopped at Signal Knob, a place on Massanutten Mountain where Confederate soldiers spied on the Union Army. Southerners watched Yankees’ movements, and then signaled their commanders as to the enemy’s location. At just the right time, the Rebel Army would attack.
Figure 6: Andrea at Signal Knob (on a windy day)
Afterwards, Daniel and I paused on the Old Valley Pike (US 11) to glimpse the historic Stickley farm (now private property). The home once belonged to Colonel Daniel Stickley. During General Jubal Early’s pre-dawn attack on October 19th, the Stickley property became a battlefield. Later, the Stickley’s home became a hospital. The sturdy pine kitchen table was used for surgical amputations.
Figure 7: The Stickley Farm
In his book, From Winchester to Cedar Creek, Historian Jeffry Wert quotes a soldier who survived the Cedar Creek battle. “Here one of our boys, Anthony Riley, was shot and killed…His father was by his side; the blood and brains of his son covered the face and hands of the father. I never saw a more affecting sight than this; the poor old man kneels over the body of his dead son; his tears mingled with his son’s blood. O God! What a sight.” (Kindle e-book edition, location 4781).
The next day, Saturday, our final visit was Middletown and its annual Civil War Weekend. The majority of events were held on the Belle Grove Plantation grounds. Some 5,000 re-enactors descended on the plantation’s grounds, and about the same number of attendees were expected, making this particular Civil War event one of the nation’s largest.
Figure 8: The Cooley Mansion (aka Belle Grove Plantation)
Figure 9: This is the office inside the mansion that General Philip
Sheridan used when Belle Grove served as Federal Headquarters
Figure 10
Figure 11: Andrea with two “living historians.”
Figure 12: Reenactors pose for a picture
But before we left for home, I asked Daniel if we could stop and see the Shenandoah River once more. I was particularly drawn to its north fork near Front Royal where a skirmish between Yankee and Rebel cavalries took place in August of 1864. The river was shallow last year, but its banks were just as hallowed as ever.
As we drove home to Wisconsin I realized that rivers are living entities, life sustainers, and, most importantly, God’s creation. Like these rolling waters, remnants of history will continue to ebb and flow throughout generations. However, it’s up to us to keep them alive.
Figure 13: Andrea at the north fork of the Shenandoah River near Front Royal
Leave a comment below to be entered in this post's giveaway. One blessed winner will receive a copy of A Thousand Shall Fall AND Too Deep for Words.
Winner's choice of print or ebook, although outside of the USA will get an ebook. Winner will be announced in the Weekly Wind-up post on Monday, Aug 14 so be sure to check back to see if you won!
AUTHOR BIO
Andrea Boeshaar has been married for nearly 40 years. She and her husband, Daniel, often brag about their 5 precious grandchildren. Andrea’s publishing career began in 1994. Since then, thirty of her books have gone to press with nearly one million copies in print! Additionally, Andrea cofounded ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and served on its Advisory Board. In 2007, Andrea earned her certification in Christian life coaching and she and her husband operate Steeple View Ministries which strives to eradicate illiteracy throughout the United States and the world by providing wholesome alternatives with clear Christian messages to readers.
