Bringing History to Life...

Elaine Marie Cooper has a talent for taking her readers places. The kind of places you can't get to any other way because they live in the past. Recently, I had the opportunity of reading  FIELDS OF THE FATHERLESS, her newest release. It's about an eighteen-year-old girl caught up in a battle of the Revolutionary War, that brought the fighting right up to her doorstep. 

Here's my review...

FIELDS OF THE FATHERLESS is a glimpse of the Revolution through a young girl's heart. Betsy Russell is someone who stands in that vulnerable place between youth and adulthood, when nearly everything touches one's passions. She is passionate about her family, about her beliefs, and--oh, is she passionate about the war and wanting to do her part.

Elaine Marie Cooper has done an excellent job of depicting the "coming of age" that occurs when ideas finally clash with reality in a young person's life, and the utter anguish that it can trigger in the human soul. Set against the backdrop of a little-publicized battle of the Revolution makes Betsy's eye-witness account spring more realistically to life. I especially liked that all the characters, both real and fictitious, were believable from beginning to end.

I like to call this kind of book a "time-travel book." Because not only is it possible for a person to "catch a glimpse" of a historical event through the true-life memoirs of people who actually lived through it, but it has been said that the difference between reading something that emotionally moves you, and having the actual experience, personally, is very small. I have also been amazed over and over by how much we can learn about our own lives by sharing in the lives of others this way.

I came away from FIELDS OF THE FATHERLESS feeling as if I had seen exactly what had happened during that particular battle "on the road to Concord," and how it effected ordinary people. And how they are still effecting us today. Not only would I recommend this book to anyone who likes "armchair time-traveling," I'm going to go looking for the bullet holes in the "Russell House" the very next time I find myself visiting the east coast. Which-- having had only a passing interest in the Revolutionary War up to this point-- is something that gives Elaine Marie Cooper the true mark of a storyteller. 

Which led me to a few questions I wanted to personally ask Elaine about writing this book. So, here's our little chat about that...

Welcome, Elaine! So glad you could stop by my book club this week.

Thanks for having me, Lilly.

My pleasure. I have to say one of the first things that popped into my mind after reading FIELDS OF THE FATHERLESS was how you discovered all the information. Having been raised near the heart of so much Revolutionary War history, was it taught more during your school years, or was it a personal interest that developed as you grew and began to notice the various historical places around you?

I think it was taught in more depth in New England schools than in other areas of the country. My husband (who grew up in California) knows all about that state’s history from his formative years. We had to share notes after we were married because we were each quite clueless about many historical events in each other’s states.

Betsy Ross House

But history always excited me and I would be the first to want to tag along on trips to Concord and Lexington when out-of-state relatives showed up for “the Tour.” I remember climbing the 100 plus steps to the top of Bunker Hill Monument and couldn’t wait to see the Betsy Ross House and Liberty Bell when we visited Philadelphia. History just came alive for me at these sites.

I'll bet it did. Do you have relatives who also lived in the area during that time, or is your family "relatively" new to these historic places?

My own family lived in Massachusetts during the Revolution although not near Lexington and Concord. My earliest ancestors came on the Mayflower (John Alden and Priscilla Mullins) but then settled in the Bridgewater area. In the 1700’s they moved to western Massachusetts, which is where my 4th great grandmother met and married a British soldier who had been taken prisoner after the Battle of Saratoga. He escaped from the line of prisoners, then met and fell in love with an American woman and started a family in Williamsburg, Massachusetts, not far from Springfield. Their story was the inspiration for my first novel, The Road to Deer Run.

My immediate family moved to Arlington, MA (near Concord) in 1960.

That is truly fascinating--I think I better read that book, too. What is it about the Revolutionary time period that keeps drawing you back to it? 

I think it is partly the family connection that draws me to the era. When I started researching the time period, I realized how personally these events impacted my grandparents from long ago. My 4th great grandfather fought in the terrifying battle of Saratoga. When I was a child, I was embarrassed to be descended from an enemy soldier. As an adult, I see things in such a new perspective. I can’t begin to imagine the horror of that war—the fear, terror and bloodshed—and the risk he took escaping and making a new life for a family in America.

The events of the start of the Revolution were so real to me growing up in Arlington, they stayed in my heart and mind throughout my life—and eventually poured from my pen into the manuscript called Fields of the Fatherless. Long overshadowed by the events at Lexington and Concord, I am so gratified that my hometown’s history can now be told.

And told very well, too, because I practically felt I was there in that battle. What is it you enjoy most about writing historical fiction?

I enjoy the fact that history can be brought alive in a way that a textbook cannot. When you assign personality traits and dialogue into a story form, suddenly a character becomes a person, not just a name on a page. Suddenly, history seems amazing and real.

It certainly does. FIELDS OF THE FATHERLESS is a very serious book. What age reader did you envision it for when you were writing it?

You’re so correct about it being very serious. I wrote it for adults and young adults. I believe it is far too intense for younger children.

What do you hope most that readers will take away from this story?

I hope that readers come away with a better understanding that, despite the most difficult circumstances or deepest grief, God is still our very present help in our time of need. 

That is so true, Elaine, no matter what era we find ourselves living in. Speaking of which... what's next for you?

What is next is a brief hiatus from historicals to complete a memoir of my daughter and the last two years of her life. She was only 24 when she passed away from a brain tumor ten years ago. My hope is that my story can help other families going through a serious illness with a loved one, to empower them to be advocates for their patient, as well as provide hope that they themselves can survive the pain, exhaustion and grief—with the Lord’s help.

Wow, what a monumental undertaking that sounds like, Elaine, but one that can be a lifeline to so many others. I'll definitely be praying for you during that project. Meanwhile, here's wishing you continued success with all your books, and the wonderful insights they have allowed so many of us to share.

Thanks, Lilly, it's been great to be here.

Novelist Elaine Marie Cooper is the author of The Road to Deer Run, The Promise of Deer Run and The Legacy of Deer Run. Her passions are her family, her faith in Christ and the history of the American Revolution, a frequent subject of her historical fiction. She grew up in Massachusetts, the setting for many of her novels. Fields of the Fatherless released October 2013. Visit her website at: 

www.elainemariecooper.com

Fields of the Fatherless...

Click on the cover to get the
Kindle version

Just downloaded this book by Elaine Marie Cooper, today, and can't wait to read. I'll be reviewing it later, but wanted to "spotlight" it for any who would like to join me in a foray into this little-known historic event that Elaine has has amazingly brought back to life. 

Not to mention I can see interesting discussions and parallels ahead. I absolutely love "armchair time-traveling" (less side effects than the real thing) so, come along with me and let's enjoy!

About the book...

In the early months of 1775, war is brewing in the American colonies. Although frightened, eighteen-year-old Betsy Russell of Menotomy Village, Massachusetts, wants to be prepared in case of attack by British troops. Her father, prosperous farmer Jason, is the fourth generation of Russells on this land, yet their very rights as British Colonials are being stripped away one by one. Will the King of England take their land as well? Tensions are growing here in the countryside west of Boston and the outbreak of battle seems a certainty. 

While Jason desperately wants to protect his family and their future, Betsy makes every attempt to be prepared for the worst. But not even the American militia could have predicted the bloody massacre that was about to occur right on the Russell's doorstep... 

Based on a true story.

About Elaine Marie Cooper...

Elaine Marie Cooper is the author of THE ROAD TO DEER RUN, THE PROMISE OF DEER RUN and THE LEGACY OF DEER RUN. Her passions are her family, her faith in Christ and the history of the American Revolution, a frequent subject of her historical fiction. She grew up in Massachusetts, only a few blocks from where the actual events in FIELDS OF THE FATHERLESS took place. Find out more about her by visiting: 

ElaineMarieCooper.com

True or False?

There are a few things in life we would rather not have to deal with. Most of which have to do with the supernatural. If you were to see a ghost, for instance, nine people out of ten would not admit to it. Because what would others think? More importantly, what would they think of you?

Even so, whether ghosts, premonitions, or near death experiences, most people have had some kind of supernatural encounter at some time in their lives. Including those who are the least likely to believe. Such as people in the medical profession. Medical people experience certain "supernatural phenomena" on enough of a regular basis to be forced to give some of them a name. Which is exactly what happened with something they call "The Lazareth Syndrome." 

This is when a person who is pronounced dead, unexplainably comes back to life, again. In the book THE RISING by Lynn Chandler Willis, which I reviewed several weeks ago, the author dealt so ingeniously with a case of the Lazareth Syndrome, that I simply had to invite her back to answer a few questions...

Welcome back, Lynn. I don't mind saying your book has kept me thinking long after I read the last page. Such an intriguing subject! How did you come up with the idea of using it as the main premise for THE RISING? Was there an "ah-ha" moment when it all came together for you?

Well, Lilly, I love playing the "what if" game and with THE RISING, I just kept taking it one step further. What if a troubled detective came face-to-face with a miracle? But what if she could only see it in black & white? What if... 

Yes, you've done a great job of weaving Detective Ellie Saunders's questions and skepticism into the issue. Which makes me wonder if this is a pathway you have been down, yourself, or have you always been a believer in this phenomenon called the Lazareth Syndrome?

I've always believed in the Lazarus Syndrome. Once in awhile you'll hear about it happening but you seldom hear about it being disproved. 

What do you hope readers will take away from the story? 

The power of forgiveness, especially forgiving yourself, and the power of redemption. Just the term 'born again Christian' has so much meaning. 

It certainly does, and you have done a marvelous job bringing those things into question. Which makes me wonder if we will we see other "phenomenon books" from you, or was THE RISING  a one-time deal?

 I've had readers show interest in continuing Ellie's story but I can't say it will happen, and I can't say it won't! I've always been interested in the "unexplained" but my two current projects are strictly mystery/suspense of the natural kind.

What do you find so intriguing about writing crime fiction? The individual mysteries? The characters? The investigative process? 

Probably the characters. I'm so intrigued by human nature and why people do the things they do. Hopefully some of that passion works its way into my characters.

It definitely keeps a reader wondering "who done it" all the way to the end. But just out of curiosity, do you like working on jigsaw puzzles? Do you ever get nightmares? 

Laughing - I don't MIND working puzzles but they aren't something I do often. I don't have the patience. And I don't have common nightmares, but, I do have some irrational fears of things like clowns, dolls, and especially puppets! I can stare down a spider much better than I can a puppet with a creepy smile.

Hazards of the writing profession, when one has to let themselves explore avenues we wouldn't be caught dead looking into in real life, right? I can relate to some of that, myself. Any way you look at it, THE RISING  was a great read, Lynn. So… what can we look forward to seeing from you, next? 

My current WIP is NOBODY'S BABY. It's about a small town newspaper owner/publisher involved in the homicide investigation of her friend. And, WINK OF AN EYE, is a Private Eye novel about a PI running from a double-cross who helps a 12-year old prove the kid's father didn't commit suicide.  

Wow, both of those sound intriguing. I'll look forward to seeing them. As I'm sure others will, too. Meanwhile, thanks for such an entertaining and enlightening story with THE RISING, and I hope it sparks as many questions in "real life" as it does while reading the book. 

Thanks, Lilly. I hope so, too! 

You can find out more about Lynn and her work by visiting: http://lynnchandlerwillis.com

More Than a Story...

CAIRO by Victoria Pitts Caine was a very different read for me since I have a habit of sticking to books about favorite historical times and places. However, being a lover of adventure as well, I couldn't pass this one up. The idea of a sort of female Indiana Jones was very appealing. 

With a spunky heroine who is brave enough to do whatever it takes to rescue her friends (even if she had to do it alone), Liz McCran was easy to like right from the beginning. The not-so-easy-to-like (but very mysterious) Donnie, whom she was traveling with, along with a dark and handsome local as their guide, would have made this plot good reading all by itself. 

But what a pleasant surprise to find it so well-researched, and peppered with many interesting stories, unusual facts, and detailed information about the Egyptian culture, itself. Riddles and clues were so well-woven into the story, I found myself wondering many times if that part was real, or imagined. Which (in my opinion) is one of the best storytelling traits an author can have. 

All of which makes CAIRO a great escape. One I would recommend  to anyone who would like to catch a glimpse into this ancient city, and come away feeling as if you had been there. Definitely looking forward to reading the other two books in this trilogy!

A few things I just had to ask…

Welcome, Vicki, thanks for stopping by for a chat.

Thanks for having me, Lilly.

This is a very well-researched novel. Where did your interest in Egypt come from, and how did you go about gathering such detailed information? Have you ever been there?

I've always been interested in ancient Egypt. I find the history, customs, and culture extremely exciting. I am an internet traveler and researched many different websites for the background information including travel sites, religious sites, and ancient legends and myths. I also bought a few books on the ancient culture. Along the way I interviewed people who were well acquainted with the Middle East and emailed a Coptic priest (Egyptian Christian) about the situations in the book. I've never traveled to Egypt, but have been asked by many who read the book if I have.

Well, you did an incredible job. After all that, what do you admire most about the Egyptian culture? 

The Egyptian Christians have a hard existence. In Egypt, Christians are few in ratio to the rest of the population, yet they have been practicing their faith since the fifth century. I find that fact totally amazing. They continue to persevere under adverse conditions.

That is amazing. How did writing a story about a place so different from most effect you as an author? Was this a one time thing, or are there similar books for your readers to look forward to? If so, are they all based in the Middle East, or are there plans to explore other places and life-styles?

In doing the research of believers so different from myself, I realize how lucky I am to live in a country where I'm allowed to believe as I do. CAIRO is actually the middle book in a trilogy. The first book, ALVARADO GOLD, is based on a story of a treasure hunt that is actually part of my family history. Addie Wright is a document restorer of Egyptian papyrus and artifacts for the San Francisco museum. In CAIRO Addie and her husband travel to Egypt for a vacation when they are kidnapped. 

At the end of the Cairo adventure Addie's cousin Donnie, who is a character in all three books, remains in Egypt.  In the third and final book, THE TEMPERING AGENT, he is involved in capturing a murderer and antique trafficker.

Wow, I will definitely look forward to reading those. Considering the turmoil that Egypt is in today, are there any special concerns or insights you have for these people you have come to know so well?

I am concerned for them. Watching the news here locally, there are many people who have family in Egypt and are fearful for their relatives in Cairo. I hope they will be able to rely on their faith in this current situation.

Which is a good reminder to keep them in our prayers. What do you hope readers will take away from this book?

I hope my readers will see that all things are possible through God, and even though you might find yourself in a situation where you think you know best, God is the one in control. Also, a little insight to what Christians go through in other countries that we don't even realize. It might even spark the question in our hearts if we'd pay the ultimate price for our beliefs.

Serious issues, any way you look at them, Vicki, and what a wonderful "vehicle" you've invented to bring them to the front of our conscience. Thanks so much for sharing.

Appreciate the visit, Lilly.

Victoria Pitts Caine has been a published author since 2007. She prefers to write fiction but has done a couple of pieces that are adaptations of true stories.  Christian Romance is her genre but there's a lot of suspense and adventure in her books, too.

She lives in Central California, and enjoys  reading, travel and collecting exotic gemstones. To find out more, you can visit her website.

Pastor's Wife Wears Biker Boots…

Now, there's a headline that could draw some attention. And it does! Because who could resist taking a second look at someone with such seemingly opposite…. umm… interests. It definitely caught my attention. Where could this story go?

All over the place! THE PASTOR'S WIFE WEARS BIKER BOOTS by Karla Akins, was delightfully entertaining. With just the right balance of humor and heart-tugs to make it one of those "feel good" books that leaves you with more hope in the human race than you started with. 

I not only enjoyed "riding along" with this crazy group of friends throughout the story, they continued to tag around with me long after I turned the last page. Loved the open honesty and golden heart of the main character, Kirstie Donovan, who actually admitted to being bothered by some of the things most of us would never be brave enough to tell anyone about. Oh, for friends like that!

But, hey-- they're out there. Because this book will have you taking a closer look at your own friends, and maybe seeing them in a different light than before. Which makes THE PASTOR'S WIFE WEARS BIKER BOOTS one of those books that not only entertains, but has "take away value., as well. Which, in my opinion, is one of the best kinds there are. Oh, yes, and it's realistic, too. Because author, Karla Akins, really IS a pastor's wife…

Who actually DOES wear biker boots!

Karla Akins' motorcycle at Deal's Gap
 where she tamed the dragon.

Which is why I couldn't wait to ask her a few questions about that...

Welcome, Karla... I'm so glad you could stop by for a visit!

Thanks for having me, Lilly, I wouldn't have missed it.

Well, I better start with the thing I'm sure everyone is wondering about first:  Are Kirsten's motorcycle adventures anything like your own real-life ones?

Yes they are. I attended motorcycle classes like Kirsten did but with a lot of practice before I took the class and I, too, had a difficult time learning how to master "the swerve." I also took a trip through the Smoky Mountains and rode the dragon (318 curves in 11 miles!). Oh, and I knocked over a coffee kiosk in a Harley Store once. I'm known for my gracefulness (not!).

I had a feeling about that, since the "realism" was all right there. I was also wondering if you are you a member of the Patriot Guard, or have you ever had any personal dealings with them.

I'm an "unofficial" member in that I am a member and can ride with them if called on but I've never had the privilege of riding with them--yet. I live a distance from where most of their rides are, so it's not been something I've gotten to do yet. I completely believe in what they do.

It definitely is something that would take a strong personal commitment, that's for sure. As a mom with three kids in the military, including a daughter deployed to Afghanistan, I can't say how much I appreciate that. 

OK, are you ready for the really big question?

I'm always ready, Lilly. You have to be when you ride motorcycles.

I should say. So, here we go. Umm... have you ever had a Big Foot "experience?"

I wish I had! But no. However, I do believe it's possible that a North American primate species exists. I'm a huge Bigfoot fan and love hearing stories about them. I watch all the Bigfoot documentaries and series on TV. Can't get enough of them. Anything that's a mystery such as that intrigues me.

You and an amazing amount of other people! But it falls into one of those categories most wouldn't talk about, so, it was brave of you to bring it up. By the way, does anyone else in your family share your enthusiasm for motorcycles? 

My husband and oldest son. In fact, I learned to ride so I could hang out more with them. They didn't think I'd do it. It really shocked them when I passed the first motorcycle written test.

I'll bet it got you a whole new brand of respect around your house! And, last but not least, I just have to ask if you have a name for your motorcycle, like Kirstie did for hers.

I do but I don't call it that very often. Right now my motorcycle is silver and I've called it Tin Man. But when it gets painted purple, I'm going to rename it Heaven (or if I ever get my trike!). I really love Kirsten's name for her bike. 

It is a great name, and would be yet another connection between you and your wonderful story. You know, I feel like I've known you forever.

Wouldn't have it any other way, Lilly.

Karla Akins is a pastor's wife who rides her own motorcycle. She is the mother of four boys and one step-daughter, and grandmother of five. She lives in North Manchester with her husband who is the pastor of Christian Fellowship Church, her twin teenage boys with autism, mother-in-law with Alzheimer's and three rambunctious dogs. Karla and her husband have been in ministry together for 30 years. You can find out more about Karla by visiting her website at KarlaAkins.com.

Risings: Fact or Fiction?

A little boy, beaten and left to die in an alley. A cop with a personal life out of control. When their worlds collide, God intervenes. Detective Ellie Saunders's homicide investigation takes a dramatic turn when a young victim "wakes up" in the morgue. The child has no memory prior to his "rising" except walking with his father along a shiny road. Ellie likes dealing with facts. She'd rather leave all the God-talk to her father, a retired minister, and to her partner, Jesse, a former vice cop with an annoying habit of inserting himself into her life. But will the facts she follows puts Ellie's life in mortal danger? And will she finally allow God into her heart forever?

My Review...

This is a book about life after death. Not the kind where one dies and goes to heaven. But the kind when one dies and comes back to life, again. You might say it's a controversial subject because there are so many different opinions about it. But the truth is, it has happened--and been documented--so many times, that medical science has its own name for the phenomenon. It's called, the Lazarus Syndrome. 

In THE RISING, Lynn Chandler-Willis has woven a compelling story about just such an occurrence. And from the very first sentence of, "The kid's not dead." it is a very hard book to put down. Detective Ellie Saunders is a person who deals with facts that can be proven (or otherwise), and is determined to track down not only an explanation, but whoever left the six-year-old in an alley to die in the first place. 

But one cannot brush up against such an incident without having their heart stirred. Even a well-guarded one. Her search for the truth takes the reader along a maze of speculative corridors, all the while asking the questions we would all probably ask if faced with the same situation. And somewhere along the line, one begins to ask themselves these questions, as well. 

Which is all I can say about the plot without giving away spoilers. At any rate, THE RISING is a well-written, suspense-filled mystery that will keep you wondering how it could all possibly end. Just right for a summer vacation when it doesn't matter too much if it keeps you reading into the night. One that will definitely keep you thinking about the subject even after you've turned the last page. Because it's a book that makes you think. 

And those are rare these days. 

Some words from Lynn...

Lynn Chandler-Willis

I’ve worked in the corporate world (hated it!), the television industry (fun job), the newspaper industry (burnt out), and even at a daycare center (stayed sick the entire time). I have two adult kids with great spouses who have blessed me with nine grandkids. They give me a lot of material.

I was born, raised, and continue to live in the heart of North Carolina – within walking distance to the kids and all the grands! I share my home and couch with Sam the cocker spaniel. He reminds me it’s okay to sometimes just sit and watch tv.

I believe in what if? I believe in the power of the kitchen table. Life and death decisions have been made around many. I believe sometimes bad things happen to good people, and sometimes good things happen to bad people.  Wondering why that is will get you nowhere. Accept it and move on. Often things aren’t what they seem. I like peeling back the layers, uncovering the mystery, page by page.

You can find out more about Lynn and her work by visiting: http://lynnchandlerwillis.com

Something to Think About…

A Romantic Suspense for Every Day of the Week.

Thursday's Child chases the whole...

Broken...with bits missing. That's how Niamh, senior prosecutor for the CPS, feels when she wakes in hospital severely injured with no knowledge what’s happened--for the past ten years. A tall man in a firefighters uniform claims he's her husband. While he's everything she's ever dreamed of, she doesn't know him. And if he was so important why can't she remember? Was there something so terrible in her marriage that her mind has suppressed it? 

My Review...

Niamh (pronounced Neeve, it's an Irish thing) has been getting death threats, but being a criminal lawyer, it's all part of her job. They don't have the impact they used to have on her. In fact, nothing does, anymore. For a long time, now, she's simply been throwing herself into work in such a way that there is little room left in a day to think about other things. She's in survival mode. The "I don't care, anymore," "just make it through another day," kind. 

Then--in a moment--her life is over. By the grace of God, she survives a major accident, but all the disaster, turmoil, and memories of the past eight years of her life are gone. Erased. And, blissfully, she can only remember who she was before those horrible times. But is this a blessing or a curse?

The thing I like most about a Clare Revell novel is the subtle yet gripping way she deals with issues we all end up having to face at sometime in our own lives. In Thursday's Child it's what happens when one is suddenly faced by the fact that they don't really like who they've become. Where do you go from there? It's a question we could all ask ourselves. 

Just watching the way Niamh and her family move through this scenario, makes one think a bit about themselves, and what they might do in such a situation. Maybe even shift a bit of perspective to feel better about our own lives because nothing quite so drastic has ever happened to us. 

Yes, that's what I like best about Thursday's Child, and this entire series. Or any other Clare Revell novel, for that matter. They not only give me a story that keeps me turning pages to see what happens, next… they make me think.

And I like that.

A bit of a visit with Clare...

Clare is my English author friend, and in case you haven't noticed, I very much enjoy the food and traditional aspects of each of her books. This time, she caught my interest with the mention of a couple of the more common English dishes that I didn't know anything about. So, hello, Clare, it's wonderful to see you, again.

Thank you, Lilly, it's good to be here.

OK. First up, BEANS ON TOAST. Now, that's an interesting combination. What kind of beans? Is it cold or hot, and is this a common breakfast item in England?

Tinned Baked beans on hot toast. Usually part of a full English breakfast but can be served alone. Very popular over here, and not just for breakfast. They make a quick substantial meal any time.

I'll have to try it. Although when I googled for a picture, someone commented that there was nothing quite so good as English sliced bread, and it was hard to get anywhere else. 

Well, I suppose some things can't be improved upon.

No doubt. Next up: What are cheese and onion pasties? Are they something you buy already made and are quick for dinner?

Pasties can be home made or shop bought. Shortcrust pastry filled with grated cheese and chopped onion and then oven baked. I often serve them for lunch or dinner with chips ( fries) or jacket spuds. 

Mmm. I imagine they'd work well for traveling (I think about that a lot, these days).

Very good for traveling. In fact, the Cornish miners used to take them down into the mines for lunch so often that when they immigrated to other countries, they became famous.

The miners or the pasties?

Both. But probably for different reasons. 

I see. One could definitely get a story out of that bit of information.

Go ahead if you'd like. I'm booked for the next couple of years just writing about people from Headley Cross.

And that's another thing, Clare. I love Headley Cross, and I really enjoyed seeing characters from some of your earlier books pop up in this one. It was a nice touch. Which makes me wonder where it is, exactly.

Headley Cross is about thirty miles southeast of London. It's in Berkshire on the edge of the Chiltern Downs. Weather is typically English. Lots of rain, some really hot days. Snow in winter. Fog in spring and autumn. Cold in winter. It's a small town about seven square miles with a population of 27,000. Readers can find out more by visiting the website I created for it, too.

Well, I definitely enjoyed my visit there, this time. And with you, too, Clare. Thanks so much for coming back, again. Here's wishing you all the best with Thursday's Child, and you can bet I'll be looking forward to Friday's Child, when it comes out in September.

Thank you, Lilly, and thanks for the visit, too.

Clare Revell

Clare Revell lives in a small town in England with her husband, whom she married in 1992, and her three children. Writing from a early childhood and encouraged by her teachers, she graduated from rewriting fairy stories through fanfiction to using her own original characters. Now, she enjoys writing an eclectic mix of romance, crime fiction and children's stories. When she's not writing, reading, sewing or keeping house or doing the many piles of laundry her children manage to make, she goes to Carey Baptist where she is one of three registrars. You can find out more about her at her website.

Spotlight on Sweet Home...

There's a new series by Jayna Morrow in the works about Sweet Home, Texas, dear readers, and the first book: GARRETT is out. Can't wait to read this one! 

Here's a peek...

"You can make plans, but the Lord's purpose will prevail." Proverbs 19:21

What happens when you're living the dream and things suddenly change? Micara Lee's charming existence starts slipping away as land developers threaten the town she loves.

What happens when your dream doesn't align with God's plan for your life? Garrett Hearth finds out when an injury ends his athletic career. Disenchantment and wavering faith keep him from the life he desires. Micara's beautiful spirit touches Garrett's heart... but can she help restore his faith and convince him to live the life God has planned for him?

Their happiness and the legacy of Sweet Home, Texas hang in the balance.

Here's an excerpt...

“I see you decided to show up.” The harsh words grated like a meat grinder in Garrett Hearth’s ears. They echoed with double impact in the small metal building that served as the town hall.

His brother, Gabriel, shoved a straw cowboy hat on his head and stomped in the direction of the large, glass front door. He slammed into Garrett’s shoulder as he passed—a childish gesture, but one that spoke volumes.

Garrett took a step back to absorb the shock of the aggressive move. The churlish greeting came as no surprise. Gabriel could always be counted on to let him have it, no matter what the situation or who was watching.

“Good to see you, too.” He raised his voice loud enough for others in the room to hear. He wanted to draw attention, simply because his brother disliked it, but Gabriel never looked back. Guess he wasn’t in the mood today.

Garrett didn’t understand Gabe’s animosity and he never would. Their lives were so opposite they might as well live on different planets.

He pulled his attention back to the here and now. The folks filing out of the city hall building wore a variety of expressions, from angry to nonchalant to visibly stressed. He’d missed the meeting. Not that it mattered. Most everyone in town was against him anyway. Well, he didn’t care. His property belonged to him, and he could sell it to whomever he wanted. He didn’t owe anyone anything.

A shaft of late-afternoon light pierced his eyes as the front door opened, and he squinted. A young woman with bouncy brown hair and long, slim legs jogged out the door and caught up with Gabriel. He watched as the two talked, the woman using lots of descriptive hand gestures.

Moments later, she returned to the building more slowly than she’d left. By this time, Garrett stood in the entryway alone. She stopped in front of him, the smell of earth and flowers wafting around her, and gave him a slight smile that ruffled his soul like a warm breeze.

“I need to lock up. Are you ready to leave?” A pleasant enough voice, Garrett decided, although she looked a bit tired from this closer perspective, and she seemed a bit exasperated.

She stood in the doorway and jangled a set of keys from fingertips that sported well-chewed fingernails. Her jeans were worn in the knees and torn in places. Soil covered the tops and sides of her athletic shoes. She wore a t-shirt that read It’s Easy Being Green on the front. Rich, brown hair was pulled into a ponytail, but some of it had worked free and was tucked behind her ears. She’d clearly been working outdoors, but her beauty shone through all the dirt.

She tapped her toes, and Garrett remembered she’d asked a question.

“Yeah, I guess I missed the meeting. I better head out.”

“It was a good one. I think we’re finally starting to convince the property owners that selling out to the developers is bad news for Sweet Home. We’re already beginning to see the effects of heavy construction everywhere. Those vultures.” She pursed her lips and narrowed a pair of hazel brown eyes. Garrett stepped around her and out the door. He didn’t want to get into a debate right now.

The roof’s overhang blocked the light, making it possible to see without a glare. Her expressive eyes sparked with raw emotion, and for a moment her passion for the town almost swayed him from his resolve on the issue dividing Sweet Home—to sell or not to sell.

Almost.

Progress had been creeping into the small Texas town for years. A rural area not far from Bishop, Texas, Sweet Home had drawn the attention of big-city developers. Landowners were being offered good money to sell. The situation had neighbor pitted against neighbor. For months, town meetings had tried to bring unity, but so far, the efforts had only added fuel to the fire.

“I’m sure I’ve seen you around before, but I don’t think we’ve officially met.”

The young woman’s statement refocused his mind and he noticed her ringless hand stretched out toward him. How long had he been lost in those beautiful brown eyes?

“Garrett Hearth.” Their hands made a warm connection. Hers sported a layer of dirt, which she transferred to him during the handshake, leaving his skin feeling a bit gritty.

Enthusiastic and beautiful. Too bad she was on the wrong side. That made her a beautiful bother.

“I saw you talking to my brother, Gabe. How long have you two known each other?”

Rumor had it that Gabe was involved with some dark-haired woman. One of his co-workers told him that she was a well-to-do real estate broker from Bishop. Gabe always traveled there to see her. Could this be her? For some reason, he hoped not. She looked more country than city.

“Gabe’s your brother?” Her eyes lit up like amber stars. “Then you’re another descendent of this town’s founding family!”

A sense of pride surged through him, then fell away like leaves from a tree in autumn. His ancestors had settled here long ago, and others established homesteads around them. The Hearth family had named the town. For many years, life in Sweet Home had been ideal for all residents—pure, simple country living.

Now it was time for change.

“Yeah. That’s my family.”

“You must be so proud of your rich heritage. What a history this area has.”

Her eyes sparkled as she looked toward the surrounding hay fields, where golden bales glowed in the early evening sun. Beyond them, a densely wooded area boasted a variety of trees—old oak, pecan, and cottonwood stood tall and majestic alongside smaller mesquite trees.

All of them slated to be cut down.

“War, drought, the Depression, flooding...this town has made it through it all.” This gal was nothing if not single-minded. “I can’t imagine anyone wanting bulldozers coming in and tearing it all down. Oh, well. We just have to keep praying.”

A big smile spread across her face, replacing the serious expression from half a second before. Garrett allowed his eyes to roam from her face to take in the rest of her. Whatever it was that she did outdoors, it must involve physical labor. Well-defined muscles in her arms flexed slightly as she turned the locks on the door. Even in work clothes, she had a classy air about her.

“Oh! Your brother.” Her ponytail bounced as she spoke. “I didn’t answer your question. I haven’t known him long. I own a small plant farm and sometimes do installs for clients. Gabriel hired me to complete his landscaping project at his house. Been working over there all day, and I’ll be there at least another two days. Lots of work.”

Thinking about the job must have made her self-conscious because she dusted her jeans and held grimy hands in front of her, fingers splayed. “I’m a mess. Barely made it to the meeting—not a chance of going home to clean up. I didn’t call the meeting this time, and it wasn’t convenient at all.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Garrett couldn’t help grinning at her sudden discomfiture. “You look great. And these old farmers and ranchers don’t give a hoot about appearances. You’re fine.”

So she wasn’t Gabe’s girlfriend. Excellent.

About Jayna...

JAYNA MORROW is newly published with Prism Book Group. Her first book, GARRETT, launched the Sweet Home series, with four more installments in the works. She is a member of ETWA (East Texas Writers Association) in Longview and enjoys giving workshops for writers. She is currently employed by Marshall ISD as a 4th grade reading teacher. You can find out more about her by visiting: JaynaMorrow.com