Oh, Shenandoah! with Guest Andrea Boeshaar #giveaway

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.

https://www.pinterest.com/akbwrites2/a-thousand-shall-fall-book-1/

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.

Website: www.andreaboeshaar.com
Twitter: @AndreaBoeshaar
Facebook: www.facebook.com/andrea.boeshaar

Welcome Back Andrea Boeshaar! #Giveaway

Crystal and Andrea at the 2014 ACFW Gala

 Howdy y'all! Crystal here. Today I get the joy and privilege of sharing Andrea Boeshaar with you. For those of you who don't know she was one of our early members of Stitches Thru Time and an amazing writer. Today's she's answering questions about her new release A Thousand Shall Fall and giving us a chance at a giveaway, so let's get this party started!

Welcome back to Stitches Thru Time, Andrea! For those who don't have the benefit of knowing you, tell us a bit about yourself.

Sure. I’ve been married for nearly 40 years. My hubby Daniel and I have 3 wonderful sons, 1 beautiful daughter-in-law, and 5 precious grandchildren. My publishing career began in 1994. Since then, 31 of my books have gone to press. Additionally, I’m one of the cofounders ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). I served on its Advisory Board for a number of years. In 2007, I earned my certification in Christian Life Coaching and now I’m the Owner/CEO of Pink Ink, Inc., a company committed to encouraging and equipping professional women to put their best faces forward. Those interested can find out more on my website. www.AndreaBoeshaar.com

Congratulations on your new release! What is your story about?

Thank you, Crystal!

“A Thousand Shall Fall” takes place in the autumn of 1864. Spirited Carrie Ann Bell is searching for her runaway sister in the heart of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Disguised as a Yankee soldier, she stumbles into a skirmish near Front Royal—and instead of her sister, she finds trouble.

Colonel Peyton Collier of the Union cavalry division arrests her for impersonating an officer, but protects her from worse consequences. Soon the Southern girl finds herself drawn to the chivalrous Yankee horseman, discovering that her foe has become her ally—and more than that, someone she could love. 

But Carrie has promised to keep a dark secret, never suspecting that her silence might threaten the life of the gallant Colonel who holds her—and her heart—captive.

Ooo, that sounds like such a great read! Where did you get the inspiration for your story? What do hope folks will take away from your story?

I’ve been a Civil War enthusiast since the 1980s. My father passed along the interest to me. If he were alive, he would enjoy all the information about the CW on the Internet (although websites must be fact-checked). I always loved the classic 1960s movie “Shenandoah.” When my husband and I visited the Shenandoah Valley last year for the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Cedar Creek, it felt like home. It’s a lovely area of our country, and so rich in history. But as for true inspiration, I give God the credit. He is the one who put this story on my heart and now I’m writing an entire series.

Oh, that sounds like a wonderful place to visit and the history...wow! What a treat! Speaking of treats...cam you share with us a treat from your book? Do you have a favorite scene you can tell us about?

Yes, actually. In one of the first few chapters, Carrie (the heroine) tries to jump from a bridge into a Sycamore tree to escape the skirmish of which she’d gotten herself in the middle, but she slips and falls into the tree’s crux. When Peyton (hero) finally discovers her hours later, he thinks she’s a Confederate lad. He asks the boy’s name, then says, “And don’t say Zacchaeus because I’m in no mood for fun and games.”
(Get it? Zacchaeus/Sycamore tree?) :)

As readers will find, I like to infuse humor into dire and/or dramatic scenes. Humor is, after all, a coping mechanism. In fiction, I think humor—when used appropriately and done right—can lend welcome relief from a scene which may otherwise be too emotionally difficult to read.

LOL! Oh, I love it!!! I'm so glad you infuse humor into your stories. You mentioned this is a series, so what do you plan to work on next?

I’m currently writing book 2, “Too Deep for Words.”

Great Title! I'm sure folks would love to keep tabs on what you've got cooking. Where can readers connect with you? Where can readers buy your book(s)?

Readers can find me on the web (blog and Pinterest): www.AndreaBoeshaar.com
They can “LIKE” me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/andrea.boeshaar
On Twitter: @AndreaBoeshaar

Thanks so much for those links. Last but not least, apart from writing, what is your favorite creative outlet?

I like to do a lot of things—when time permits. Scapbooking and photography are two of my creative outlets. I’m a novice at both, although they give me much needed relaxation.

* *

Thank you for hosting me, Crystal. I’d like to invite you and readers of Stitches Thru Time to celebrate with me. It’s the launch of “A Thousand Shall Fall.” From now until December 10th, readers can enter to win an e-copy of my novel AND a Kindle Fire HD 6”!!!
Just click on the following link:
http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/a-thousand-shall-fall-andrea-boeshaar

I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and very Merry Christmas!

I second Andrea's well wishes and I'd like to add a BIG Thank-You to her for being our guest today. 

All right, folks. Do y'all have any questions for Andrea? Have you read any of her stories? If so, do you have a favorite?

Happy Valentine's Day!

Today in celebration of Valentine's Day, Andrea Boeshaar is giving away her latest historical series, Fabric of Time. These are traditional print books. Leave a comment and your name will be entered into the drawing that will be held this evening. Don't forget to include your email address!

Threads of Hope

Book 1

  

The year is 1848, and Kristin Eikaas has traveled from Norway to Wisconsin with dreams of a new life. But when she arrives, she finds one disappointment after another. Worse, her superstitious uncle now believes that his neighbor’s Oneida Indian wife has put a curse on Kristin. Everyone knows the Sundbergs put spells on people…

Everyone except Kristin. Her run-ins with Sam Sundberg only prove that he is a good man from a Christian family. But when her uncle discovers she’s been associating with Sam, his temper flares. To escape his tyranny, Kristin gratefully accepts a job as the Sundbergs’ house girl, finding solace at the family’s spinning wheel.

In the time Sam and Kristin spend together, their friendship develops into much more, and Sam prays about a match between them. But opposition threatens to derail their newfound love. Will they have the courage to stand up for what is right—even against their own families?

Threads of Faith

Book 2

Julianna Wayland is running for her life! She hides in a crate on London’s dock, only to be loaded onto a ship bound for America. During the voyage she meets Captain Daniel Sundberg, and by the time they reach New York’s harbor, she is certain she’s in love with him.

The only problem is, Daniel has plans for himself—plans that don’t include her. Daniel has wealth and influence on his mind, two things that were never very important to his father Sam Sundberg. He attributes his father’s lack of ambition to his overbearing mother, Kristin. No, Daniel longs for more than the life his parents live as farmers in Wisconsin.

But will a twist of fate prove that God’s ways are higher than Daniel Sundberg’s? And as Julianna struggles to find her place in a new world, will trouble from her past derail the life she is looking for?

Threads of Love

Book 3

Emily Sundberg considers herself a proper school teacher of the Twentieth Century. But a decade ago, she behaved more like a tomboy than a young lady. So when the neighbor’s grandson came to visit one summer, they became fast friends and Emily even got her first kiss –

Unfortunately, Jake Edgerton told all the boys at church. Rumors circulated, the taunts and teasing began. Emily couldn’t confront Jake about it, either. He’d returned to Fallon, Montana and she never saw or heard from him again in spite of the letters she sent.

Over the years she’d worked hard to prove to the people of Manitowoc, Wisconsin that, despite past mistakes, she really was a decent, upstanding young woman, one befitting of a school teacher. But even with the passing of time, Emily’s never forgotten Jake and how he nearly ruined her life…

And now he’s a U. S. deputy marshal and he’s back in town!

Living History

By Andrea Boeshaar



Today's tidbit: If you want to learn about our country's history...live it. 

Of course, it's impossible to turn back the hands of time 150 years to the days of the American Civil War and you can't walk the cobbled streets of Jamestown during the American Revolution. However, one can visit museums, landmarks, take walking tours, and attend reenactments.

I attended a Civil War reenactment during Civil War Weekend last fall at the Wade House here in Wisconsin. I walked through both Yankee and Rebel campsites. I visited with women and asked about their dresses. I heard one lady discuss medical instruments used during that day.

One gentleman explained how the slang phrase, "the whole shebang" came into being. During the War Between the States each soldier was given half a shebang or tent. When they conjoined it with a buddy's...yep, they got an entire tent. The whole shebang. 

Kids especially can benefit from visiting historical places and/or attending reenactments. I still remember my parents taking us kids to the Vicksburg battlefield. We took turns sitting on the cannons and played tag. And while it didn't mean a lot at the time, it's a memory I'll carry with me forever. 

So instead of helping your children, or yourself, understand American history through textbooks and pictures or movies, consider living it this year.

Mornings with Miley

 By Andrea Boeshaar

When I get up in the morning, it's all about my dog. My back can hurt, my fibro can flare, but it's all about Miley. A yellow lab, she's so happy that I've managed to get my body out of bed. With her tail wagging she reminds me that the first order of business is fixing her morning meal. After she laps up her breakfast, it's time to take her outside where I stand on the back stoop and throw the Frisbee to her come rain, snow, or frigid temps. 

Sometimes I wonder if my neighbors whisper about the woman (me) who goes outside and into her back yard wearing jammies, boots, her winter coat. Cane in hand, this strange lady trudges around the yard after her hyper dog. (Hey, in the summer, I'm in jammies, a bathrobe, and have  my coffee in hand!)

Miley will be three years old this April and as she ages she's become more protective of my husband and me and our home. She has a ferocious bark that can make the UPS driver leave deliveries at the end of the driveway. But what impresses us the most is the unconditional love our pet shows us. As I muse this Friday morning, I find myself wishing I could show the Lord Jesus Christ that same level of devotion. 

So why can't I?

I guess there's no excuse for not being diligent about studying my Bible and praying, but I'll admit to getting distracted far too often. The cares of this life can weigh on my oh-so-human mind and then the sin of worry creeps in. But if I can just remember to take my beloved dog's approach and joyfully sit at Jesus's feet, look up into his glorious face, and say, "Feed me. Take care of my needs today." I believe He will do it. If He cares about even one small sparrow, how much more does He care for us?

Of Lighthouses and Fiction

By Andrea Boeshaar

About a decade ago, I wrote a novella for Barbour Publishing that was included in the collections Keepers of the Light and Lighthouse Brides. My story has been re-released in a new collection that released last fall. The setting is Milwaukee’s North Point Light. At the time I wrote “Beacon in the Storm,” the Coastguard owned the lighthouse and it was in sorry need of repair. They wouldn’t allow me to tour it (even though the officer I spoke with was in possession of the key) because he couldn't guarantee my safety. Even so, I fell in love with the old lighthouse and called it “my lighthouse.”

Built in 1851, the lighthouse opened for business in 1855. In the 1870s, erosion of the yard threatened the structure so the present one was built in 1886. Lake Park was constructed in 1893 and by 1900 the trees in the park threatened the lighthouse’s ability to guide ships safely into Milwaukee’s harbor. By 1912 the old tower was raised and a taller, more effective one (present tower) built. In 1994 the North Point Light was taken out of service.

I grew up hearing the foghorn that came from the light on the breakwater, except as a child I thought it came from the North Point Light. The deep bass warning call made it impossible for me to go to sleep at night. I’d always imagine the keepers of the light being very busy making sure ships that got lost in the fog didn’t run aground or slam into the breakwater.

Today Milwaukee County and North Point Lighthouse Friends run the lighthouse. It’s open for tours and weddings and it touts a museum with a Blue Star status. But I still call it “my lighthouse.” 

Are you a lighthouse-lover? Did you tour any lighthouses lately and, if so, which ones?

Thanksgiving Day Holiday History: Lincoln or FDR

By Andrea Boeshaar

A few days ago I heard on TV that President Roosevelt was the one who declared Thanksgiving Day the 4th Thursday in November. My brain sort of short-circuited. I'm an American History buff and I was relatively sure that the Thanksgiving holiday had been celebrated prior to 1942.

And, Ah-ha! I was right -- the TV personality was WRONG. (I just love being smarter than those guys on cable talk shows...ha - !)

Well, he wasn't exactly wrong...

Of course Thanksgiving began in November 1621 with the Pilgrims. They had survived a brutal winter in a new land and, after their first harvest, had a bounty. But it was in 1863, during the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln declared the last day of November a Federal holiday. He proclaimed:  "I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens."

Years later, when FDR took office, he changed the day in November. This angered many traditionalist Americans. In 1941, he admitted his mistake for the deviation and Congress officially made the 4th Thursday in November the holiday once again.

Thanksgiving, therefore, is a Christian holiday. It's a day when we stop and thank God for our many blessings. It's about family and, yes, eating turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, pumpkin, apple, pecan, and/or sweet potato pies -- and, now, getting Black Friday deals a few hours early. But it's traditionally a day set apart to thank God for America -- the greatest country on earth.

In spite of the hardships my husband and I have faced the past few years, I am truly blessed. My future is bright, because of my faith. I have hope because of Christ. And to share a special gift with readers, I'm offering everyone a free ebook download of Civil War romantic novella, Everlasting Light. This offer is good on Thanksgiving Day 2013 only!

So after thanking God Almighty and enjoying your Thanksgiving Day meal, kick back with a wonderful holiday story about love, loss, and loyalty. 

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!!!

UNRAVELED

By Andrea Boeshaar

Bible Verse:

 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven,

 all of whose works are truth, and His ways justice.

And those who walk in pride He is able to put down.

                                                Daniel 4:37

Thought for Today:

Do you feel like your life is coming apart like a cheap sweater?

I must admit to feeling like that often. After much deliberation, I've discovered that the more areas of my life I try to control the more unraveled I become. The more I dream about the perfect Thanksgiving Day or Christmas holiday – or book release – the more catastrophic the events end up being.

But why?

Great expectations, that’s why. I begin to expect greatness from myself -- and others. When that happens, I'm doomed to failure. But when I look up to the heavens, as King Nebuchadnezzar did in the book of Daniel, and give my expectations and desires to the God of the Universe, I can have that special peace that passes all understanding.(see Phil 4:7). My stress dissolves like butter in a hot frying pan. Ironically, many times when God uses me for a great purpose, I'm unaware of my own importance.

And there, my friends, is when true greatness is achieved.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, as I delve into my many tasks on this Monday and I expect 110% from myself and others, please give me peace instead of stress. Help me understand the difference between arrogance and true greatness. Your greatness. I give You my time and talent today and ask for Your wisdom for each hour and each task. I thank You in advance, Lord, for what You're about to do in my life. In Jesus's name, I pray...amen.