Paris socialites, Nazi boyfriends, Resistance spies… The Socialite takes readers into a glamorous world of divided loyalties, danger, and love. J’Nell Ciesielski is here to tell us all about it and give us some insight into her own reading preferences as well. Welcome to the Index, J’Nell!

France , Paris , Military Bases or Schools , 1940s , 1939-1945 (US WWII) , World War II , Aristocrats/Social Elite, Military, Spy , Forbidden Love, Love Triangle, Opposites Attract, Protector Falls for the One in Peril, Socially Unequal Romance , Ciesielski-J’nell

The Socialite   Glamour, treachery, and espionage collide when an English socialite rushes to save her sister from the Nazis. As the daughter of Sir Alfred Whitford, Kat has a certain set of responsibilities. But chasing her wayward sister, Ellie, to Nazi-occupied Paris was never supposed to be one of them. Now accustomed to the luxurious lifestyle that her Nazi boyfriend provides, Ellie has no intention of going back to the shackled life their parents dictate for them—but Kat will stop at nothing to bring her sister home. Arrested for simply trying to defend himself against a drunken bully, Barrett Anderson is given the option of going to jail or serving out his sentence by training Resistance fighters in Paris. A bar owner serves as the perfect disguise to entertain Nazis at night while training fighters right below their jackboots during the day. Being assigned to watch over two English debutantes is the last thing he needs, but a payout from their father is too tempting to resist. Can Barrett and Kat trust each other long enough to survive, or will their hearts prove more traitorous than the dangers waiting around the corner?

J’Nell’s Website

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Questions about J’Nell’s Story

What inspired this story?

One day I was browsing something super important and stumbled across a black and white picture of six beautiful girls. The Mitford sisters. Six gorgeous daughters born into an aristocratic English family, each girl with a different passion: Diana the fascist, Jessica the communist, Unity the Hitler lover, Nancy the novelist, Deborah the duchess, and Pamela the poultry connoisseur. Whoa. How could such different personalities belong in the same family? What would you do if your sister got moon-eyed over Hitler?? Bam. An idea was born.

Which scene (give us the chapter) is your favorite, the one you never tired of working with? Give us a reason to look forward to it.

I really loved working with the scenes set in Bavaria. For a writer it was such a challenge to put myself and my characters into the town Berchtesgaden where only Nazis were allowed to live. So much tension all around and between the characters, especially when they’re invited to have dinner with Hitler.

Did you stumble upon anything in your research for this book that made you sad?

Any time you study history there are going to be equal parts amazing stories and sad realizations. During WWII, ordinary people rose up to do incredibly heroic deeds, but so many innocents suffered at the hands of evil. Anyone deemed undesirable were packed off like animals to concentration camps where they were murdered or worked to death. The sheer inhumanity of it is beyond belief.

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Questions about J’Nell’s Reading

What other Christian Historical Novels are similar to yours in setting or storyline? I adore Kristy Cambron and Kate Breslin. They write in similar eras with stories set around both world wars, spies, adventure, and romance, with a similar voice of storytelling as me.

What Christian Historical Novel taught you something about the craft of writing because it was so well done? Tell us a bit about what it taught you. I’m going old school, but Gilbert Morris was my first teacher when it came to writing, to storytelling really. He taught me what imagery can do and how it can make readers feel. He taught me the delicate dance of burgeoning romance between men and women in the middle of a ballroom surrounded by crowds of people yet only seeing each other. I learned about the importance of point of view, tension, black moments, and final payoffs. All important tools for writers.

J’Nell is giving away an e-book copy of The Socialite. International entrants welcome. Enter the Rafflecopter below!

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Ready for a trip to the Caribbean Islands? Today, Lorri Dudley brings us an insider look into The Merchant’s Yield, book two in her Leeward Island series, and answers some questions about her own reading. Welcome to the Index, Lorri! 

England , Island , 1810s , 1810-1820 (England Regency) , Marriage of Convenience/Arranged Marriage, Married Romance, Protector Falls for the One in Peril , Illness , Dudley-Lorri

The Merchant’s Yield   It was a marriage of inconvenience, but life has a wicked sense of humor. Charlotte Amelia Etheridge has cowered to her mother’s sharp tongue and endless demands for the last time. In a fleeting moment of rebellion, she recklessly asks a foreigner from the Leeward Islands for a dance. But her one courageous act lands her in a compromising position. Forced to wed a stranger, Lottie leaves the only home she’s ever known to reside on the isle of St. Kitts. Nathaniel Winthrop’s troubles are mounting, and the rumors of him being cursed are spreading. Due to the dwindling sugar crop, he risks everything to start his own shipping company. The last thing he needs is a wife, especially one with a weak constitution. Yellow fever has already claimed the lives of his mother and siblings. He must guard his heart against falling in love with this gentle beauty, knowing island life will be a death sentence. No longer under her mother’s scrutiny, the newfound freedom of the island rejuvenates Lottie’s spirit. If her days on this earth are limited, then it’s time she lives life to the full. Now it’s up to her to prove that even though Nathan was coerced into marrying her, she’s the one he can’t live without.

Lorri’s Website

Other books in this series:

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Questions about Lorri’s Story

Did any of the characters in this book “surprise” you?

I can’t say too much without giving anything away, but the villains in The Merchant’s Yield didn’t start as the villains. I had plans for those characters to be the voice of wisdom and encouragement. I remember sitting at my computer, typing when the characters took on a life of their own. I stared at my screen and even said out loud, “I can’t believe they just did that.”

Did you stumble upon anything in your research for this book that made you laugh?

Towards the end of the story, my heroine encounters the famous privateer Jean Lafitte. Most historians would consider Lafitte to have been a pirate, but it’s frequently documented that Jean Lafitte was offended by the term and preferred privateer or corsair. As soon as I read about Lafitte’s brash and quirky behavior and the common belief that he attended the naval academy in St. Kitts, I knew my hero needed to have an association with him. I couldn’t help but laugh when I read Governor Claiborne of Louisiana put out a $500 bounty for the capture of Jean Lafitte for illegal smuggling. Jean casually strolled down the main road, stopping to read each poster. The following day new proclamations replaced the old declaring a grander reward of $1,000 for the capture of Gov. Claiborne.

What do you hope readers learn from this story?

I hope readers will realize that God is bigger than our fears and any hurtful words meant to keep us from our purpose. Back a year ago, when the plot for The Merchant’s Yield was just beginning to form in my mind, I never would have imagined the entire world would be undergoing a pandemic, and fear would be running rampant. I hope people can be encouraged by how Lottie overcame her fear of sickness and death, and how she realized life is meant to be lived. Life shrinks or expands according to our courage. Fear keeps our world small, but God has bigger plans if we step out in faith.

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Questions about Lorri’s Reading

What other Christian Historical Novels are similar to yours in setting or storyline? Lisa T. Bergren has written novels taking place in Nevis (the sister island of St. Kitts). Her Sugar Baron’s Daughters series takes place about 40 years earlier during the Georgian Era.

Who is your favorite Christian Historical heroine? I love heroines who show fortitude. Liberty Caldwell from Freedom’s Ring, written by Heidi Chiavaroli, is caught in a time when the colonists are rising up against British rule. She must survive as a lone woman torn between the patriotic loyalties of her family once held and the kindness of a British soldier who holds her heart. The tough yet strong decisions she must make will sometimes break your heart, and other times have you cheering.

Lorri is giving away either a paperback or an e-book. International entries welcome! Enter the Rafflecopter below!

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Tracie Peterson opens an exciting new series set in the beautiful Willamette Valley with her newest release, Secrets of My Heart. Get a peek into the story behind the story and Tracie’s own favorite reads in the interview below. Welcome to the Index, Tracie!

Oregon , Boardinghouses/Inns , 1870s , 1865-1880 (US Reconstruction) , government agent, Hospitality Services, Lawyer , Disguised/Dual Identity, Widowed , Friends to Lovers, Mystery, Suspense , Racial Discrimination, Secrets , Peterson-Tracie

Secrets of My Heart Nancy Pritchard finds herself a widow with a world of problems when her deceased husband’s schemes start to come to light. As she searches through the pieces of her loveless marriage, Nancy realizes there is a lot that she didn’t know about this man. Seth Carpenter is a childhood friend of Nancy’s who has recently returned to Portland. He’s delighted to see her again, and as a lawyer, he is able to help her sort through the legal aspects of her husband’s death. But there’s more to him than meets the eye, and his job will take him into a darker side of Nancy’s life–a side she didn’t even know existed. As they search for the truth behind her husband’s death, their attraction to each other creates complications, and the threat to Nancy increases. Can Seth be honest with her about who he really is and why he’s come to Portland? And can Nancy bear another betrayal?

Tracie’s Website

Other books in this series:

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Questions about Tracie’s Story

What inspired this story?

I was at a museum in Oregon City and came across a lot of interesting information about the corruption and problems between the white settlers and native people. I learned that many racist laws – such as it being illegal for blacks to live in Oregon—weren’t completely wiped off the books until the 21st century. As I dug in I found so many fascinating tidbits of history that I knew there was a story I wanted to tell.

Did you stumble upon anything in your research for this book that made you squirm?

It’s hard to read and see how ugly people were in regard to folks with a different color of skin or culture than their own. The attitude of whites in this time period was that blacks and native peoples were too simple to be able to learn—too stupid to be able to function as equals—too bias to change their ways, when all of those things could be said of the whites pointing their fingers. The forced changes put upon the Native Americans that robbed them of their language, culture and heritage was shameful, and yet at the same time some people instigating those changes did have the Native American’s best interests at heart. It was definitely a difficult history.

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Questions about Tracie’s Reading

	What Christian Historical Novel taught you something about the craft of writing because it was so well done? Tell us a bit about what it taught you. Bodie Thoene’s the Zion Covenant and Zion Chronicles really opened my eyes to blending accurate historical detail and storytelling. I loved her sub-plotting and characters and I believe those two series really gave birth to my desire to write Christian historical series fiction.
	What was the last Christian Historical Novel you read, and what was your favorite thing about it? The last historical I read was Kimberley Woodhouse’s Express Bride. I very much enjoyed the development of her characters and spiritual arc. Lately I’ve been reading a few contemporaries, namely the Sensible Shoes series by Sharon Garlough Brown.
	What’s your favorite Christian Historical novella or short story? Calvin Miller wrote a series of novellas and my favorite one was titled Snow.

Be sure to keep an eye out for Tracie’s upcoming giveaways by checking her Facebook Page.

Today, Tracie is giving away three hardcover copies of Secrets of My Heart (USA Only). Enter the Rafflecopter below!

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Timeless. Gripping. Masterful. Passionate. Empowering. These are just a few descriptors I’ve seen circulating about The Tea Chest. Heidi Chiavaroli is here to give us an insider on how this story came into being, as well as share some of her favorite reads. Welcome back to the Index, Heidi!

Massachusetts , Boston , Famous Landmarks , 1770s , 1492-1775 (US Colonial), Split Time Periods , American Revolutionary War , Military, Unusual Profession , Badly Injured, Famous People, Native Americans, Physical Handicaps, Women in the Military , Based on Actual Characters or Events, Forbidden Love, Marriage of Convenience/Arranged Marriage, Unusual Romantic Relationship , Abuse, Addiction, British Colonial Rule, Divorce, Genealogy, Miscarriage/Infertility

The Tea Chest Boston, 1773 Emma Malcolm’s father is staunchly loyal to the crown, but Emma’s heart belongs to Noah Winslow, a printer’s assistant and a Patriot. Her father has promised her hand to Samuel Clarke, forcing her to give up Noah and the friends who are like family to her—as well as the beliefs she has come to embrace. After Emma is drawn into the treasonous Boston Tea Party, Samuel blackmails her with evidence condemning each participant, including Noah. Emma realizes she must do whatever it takes to protect those she loves, even if it means giving up the life she desires and marrying Samuel. Present Day Lieutenant Hayley Ashworth is determined to be the first woman inducted into the elite Navy SEALs. But before her dream can be realized, she must return to Boston in order to put the abuse and neglect of her childhood behind her. When an unexpected encounter with the man she once loved leads to the discovery of a tea chest and the document hidden within, she wonders if perhaps true strength and freedom are buried deeper than she first realized. Two women, separated by centuries, must find the strength to fight for love and freedom. . . and discover a heritage of courage and faith.

Heidi’s Website

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Questions about Heidi’s Story

What inspired your story?

Since I knew I wanted to write about the events of the Boston Tea Party, I dove into researching everything I could about the circumstances surrounding it. My historical heroine, Emma Malcolm, was birthed when I read an account of the brutal tarring and feathering of customs official John Malcolm. This servant of the crown was quite a character in his own right—very outspoken and stubborn, with no patience for the antics of the Patriots. And yet I found myself feeling compassion for him. He was treated cruelly and inhumanely by those we find ourselves lauding as heroes today.

I imagined what it’d be like if he had a daughter—one who sympathized with the Sons of Liberty . . . one who sympathized with the very political side her father was intent on squelching. What if his daughter befriended those plotting to dump the tea? What if she aided them? What if she was even in love with one of them?

Once I had the historical story line down, I thought it might be fun to explore a contemporary woman who also longs to fight for her country and prove herself the best way she knows how. In my research about women in the military I learned that in July 2017, it was announced that for the first time, a woman would enter the training pipeline to become a Navy SEAL. I imagined what this unidentified woman had gone through and what propelled her to enter such rigorous training. I decided to explore her story in fiction.

Emma and Hayley, my contemporary heroine, both long to serve their country despite broken families. They both long to prove themselves and seek a greater worth and identity.

What was the hardest part of your book to write?

There’s a scene with Emma at the end that I fought tears to write. She had become dear to me and I didn’t exactly look forward to what I was about to put her through. But I better not say any more, or I might spoil things!

What character in your book turned out to be your favorite?

I have a soft spot in my heart for my historical hero, Noah Winslow. He has some real struggles, but in the end I admire him for how he deals with them.

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Questions about Heidi’s Reading

	What was the last Christian Historical Novel that surprised you with a plot twist you didn’t see coming? The Seamstress by Allison Pittman. Oh, my, what a masterpiece. That plot twist at the end completely wrecked me, but the story was all the better for it.
	What was the last Christian Historical Novel you read, and what was your favorite thing about it? We Hope for Better Things by Erin Bartells. This was a seamless telling of three different timelines, which made such a beautiful (and heartbreaking) impact on the reader. So well done.

Heidi is giving away a paperback copy of The Tea Chest (USA Only). Enter the Rafflecopter below!

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Uncommon danger calls for heroes and heroines to step up with uncommon courage, and Laura Frantz’s newest novel delivers both. Laura is visiting today to answer questions about her work and some of her favorite fiction reads. Welcome, Laura!

Virginia , Appalachian Mountains, Forts, Frontier America , 1770s , 1492-1775 (US Colonial) , Prisoners , Protector Falls for the One in Peril , Abduction, Indian Captivity ,

An Uncommon Woman Unflinching and plainspoken, Tessa Swan is not your typical 18th-century woman. Born and bred on the western Virginia frontier along with her five brothers, she is a force to be reckoned with. Quiet and courageous, Clay Tygart is not your typical 18th-century man. Raised by Lenape Indians, he returns a hero from the French and Indian War to the fort that bears his name, bringing with him Tessa’s long-lost friend, Keturah, a redeemed Indian captive like himself. Determined to avoid any romantic entanglements as fort commander, Clay remains aloof whenever he encounters the lovely Tessa. But when she is taken captive by the tribe Clay left, his hand–and heart–are forced, leading to one very private and one very public reckoning.

Laura’s Website

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What inspired this story?

Reading Indian captivity narratives over the centuries, particularly the women. Mary Ingles, Jemima Boone, and other female captives are truly remarkable and reveal much about our history and the frontier American spirit.

What was the hardest part of your book to write?

Using the Lenape language or any tribal language is always a challenge. Also, incorporating these languages in a respectful way that today’s reader can understand is challenging. Even a few words enriches the story and adds realism.

What character in your book turned out to be your favorite?

Keturah Braam, the Dutch Indian captive and childhood friend of heroine Tessa Swan. So much to admire in this character who not only survived but thrived along the thorny path life took her.

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Questions about Laura’s Reading

	What Christian Historical Novel did you reread last, and why did you reread it? I recently re-read Siri Mitchell’s Love’s Pursuit because it is beautifully written and defies the usual happily-ever-after ending. A brilliant book with memorable characters and a remarkable spiritual message. Plus, the cover is one of my favorites ten years later.
	Which character in a Christian Historical Novel do you wish you could spend time with in the real world and why? Robert Falconer, one of George MacDonald’s fictitious heroes. He is an incredible model of Christ in action on earth in bodily form, being the hands and feet of Jesus. MacDonald’s revised novels by Michael Phillips and Bethany House are my favorite reads.

Laura is giving away a paperback copy of An Uncommon Woman, US entrants only. Enter the Rafflecopter below!

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We’ve all been looking forward to the next installment in the Daughters of the Mayflower Series. Today Shannon McNear is on the Index answering questions about her book The Rebel Bride and her own favorite reads. Welcome to the Index, Shannon!

Tennessee , Appalachian Mountains, Famous Landmarks, Farm , 1860s , 1861-1865 (US Civil War) , American Civil War , Military, Spy , Badly Injured, Physical Handicaps , Based on Actual Characters or Events, Enemies/Rivals to Lovers, Falls for the Caretaker , Illness, Secrets, Traumatic Pasts (PTSD)

The Rebel Bride During the clash between Union and Confederacy, quiet Tennessean Pearl MacFarlane is compelled to nurse both Rebel and Yankee wounded who seek refuge at her family’s farm. She is determined to remain unmoved by the Yankee cause—until she faces the silent struggle of Union soldier Joshua Wheeler, a recent amputee. The MacFarlane family fits no stereotype Joshua believed in; still he is desperate to regain his footing—as a soldier, as a man, as a Christian—in the aftermath of his debilitating injury. He will use his time behind enemy lines to gather useful intelligence for the Union—if the courageous Rebel woman will stay out of the line of danger.

Shannon’s Website

Other books in this series:

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Questions about Shannon’s Story

Is there anything in this book that is inspired by/modeled after something in your own life or someone you know in real life

Pearl’s father’s health issues and her struggle to adapt and care for him was inspired by my own mother’s medical journey. She had advanced diabetes, had nearly every diabetic complication possible including being on dialysis, and suffered damage from several mini-strokes and a later heart attack. She didn’t ever not know who family was, but her perception of time was very skewed and hard to deal with. Her faith, though, was always “there” and we had no doubt that when she passed, she went immediately to be with Jesus.

What character in your book turned out to be your favorite?

I love Portius. He was one of those who just came out of nowhere and almost takes over the story.

Were there any historical facts that you discovered in your research that made you change something in your story?

Oh yes! For one, the premise of having Union POW’s quartered in civilian homes was a little thin—most were sent directly to Confederate prisons, regardless of condition. Also, I hadn’t fully understood the terms of parole, or how prisoner exchange worked (and though official exchanges were discontinued by that time, groups of wounded prisoners were exchanged on both sides after Chickamauga), or—and this was the biggest—that the Emancipation Proclamation really had no effect in Tennessee. It was interesting, though, to learn later that Tennessee governor Andrew Johnson freed his own slaves in October 1863, and effectively ended slavery in the entire state at that time. Also, the real-life timeline of the battles of Chickamauga and Chattanooga were tricky to work with. Many times I had to tweak this or that in the storyline to fit with the actual historical events.

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 Questions about Shannon’s Reading

	What Christian Historical Novel taught you something about the craft of writing because it was so well done? Tell us a bit about what it taught you. Francine Rivers’s Mark of the Lion trilogy will always stand as one of my favorites. Be real to the time—and be real to your faith—regardless of the ugly or uncomfortable you might uncover or have to portray. And for anyone who has heard Francine speak—it’s part of the process to let your own spiritual journey shape the story, and be shaped in turn. Every story she’s written, I believe, has come from some struggle in her own faith walk.
	What was the last Christian Historical Novel you read, and what was your favorite thing about it? This doubles as an answer for another question, what’s the last one I binge read? 🙂 But, Connilyn Cossette’s Counted with the Stars. I read one of hers a couple of years ago and LOVED it, and in addition to her recent Christy award (Yay!! Well deserved!!!), my 17-yo daughter has been discovering her work and coming to me to discuss it, so I decided to go back and catch up on the ones I’ve missed. I love how she makes the era come alive with so much detail. Her characters are very real. And God used her portrayal of Moses (Mosheh) to encourage me in a way I didn’t know I still needed … and then that ending … wow. :-O So good. SO, so good. Anyway—I set aside almost everything else on a Sunday afternoon (including a nap, LOL) to read this one!
	What Christian Historical Novel in your To Be Read pile is begging you to make time to plop down with it right now? Lori Benton’s The King’s Mercy. I’ve had it for a LONG time but was saving it until my last deadline was past. Hers are so deep and rich, and I always hit a stretch where I can’t bear to stop reading, but I’m making myself savor it a bit at a time. At least for now!

Shannon is giving away either a paperback (USA Only) or an ebook (International Entries welcome). Enter the Rafflecopter below!

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You’ve been waiting for Jess and Derek’s story, and here it is! Full of secrets and intrigue, it’s sure to delight lovers of history and Kristi Ann Hunter’s signature wit. Welcome, Kristi, to the Index!

England , Estates/Manors, Fictitious Kingdom/Country, Traveling , 1800s , 1810-1820 (England Regency), Regency , Food Preparers, Historian , Amateur Detective, Orphan/Loner , Enemies/Rivals to Lovers, Mystery, Save the Inheritance, Suspense , Secrets , Hunter-Kristi Ann

A Pursuit of Home In early 1800s England, Jess Beauchene has spent most of her life in hiding and always on the move in an effort to leave her past far behind her. But when she learns the family she thought had died just might be alive and in danger, she knows her secrets can only stay buried for so long. Derek Thornbury loves the past, which has led him to become an expert in history and artifacts. He knows Jess has never liked him, but when she requests his help deciphering the clues laid out in an old family diary, he can’t resist the urge to solve the puzzle. As Jess and Derek race to find the hidden artifact before her family’s enemies, they learn as much about each other as they do about the past. But can their search to uncover the truth and set history right lead to a future together?

Kristi’s Website

Other books in this series:

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Questions about Kristi’s Story

What was the hardest part of your book to write?

There is a great deal of art in this book. I have never been particularly enamored with paintings and sculptures, but now I suddenly had a character that lived and breathed visual art and a story that revolved around such items. Researching art history and learning how to find the grandeur in something I had never fully appreciated before was an interesting and growing experience, but it was also difficult.

Were there any historical facts that you discovered in your research that made you change something in your story?

When this story was nothing but a vague ember – really no more than the notion that a side character from a previous novel really deserved a story of her own – I stumbled across a fascinating fact that led me down the research rabbit hole and really inspired the entire backstory for my heroine. The Holy Roman Empire didn’t entirely dissolve until 1806. 1806! That is a very long time after I’d been taught that the Roman Empire had “fallen”. Following the path of that long lasting empire revealed other interesting bits of European history that I pulled together into a fictional country that birthed my plucky heroine and the issue that forces her to get the help of the hero.

What do you hope readers learn from this story?

If readers walk away from this book with the knowledge that their past does not define their future, I will be happy. Both of these characters are living confined by past events, though in different ways. In order for them to find a way to move forward together they have to break free of the idea that those pasts have made their futures unchangeable. The path before us is determined one step at a time and we get to choose that next step.

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Questions about Kristi’s Reading

What Christian Historical Novel taught you something about the craft of writing because it was so well done? Tell us a bit about what it taught you. When I was beginning this writing journey and still trying to determine what type of author I wanted to be, another writer recommended I read Karen Witemeyer’s To Win Her Heart. What struck me so much about this recommendation is that the reader wasn’t a Christian, didn’t attend church, had no religious affiliations at all, but she’d read this book three times. When I read it, I was struck by how well the story of faith was woven into the story of two relatable, wonderful characters. At that moment, I knew what I wanted my writing to be.

If your job was to sell one author’s historical fiction (besides your own) which author’s wares would you want to peddle? And which is your favorite by that author? Regina Jennings! I simply love everything she writes. There’s always this wonderful blend of fun and seriousness against the backdrop of interesting history. Picking a favorite is so hard! I have recommended her Sixty Acres and a Bride a lot because I love retellings of Ruth, but I think my favorite of hers is A Most Inconvenient Marriage because it is such a great example of the blendings she’s capable of writing. Of course, then there’s the camels in her Fort Reno novella, Bound and Determined, so… yeah. Picking a favorite is difficult.

Kristy is giving away either a paperback (USA Only) or an ebook (Internationals Entry welcome). Enter the Rafflecopter below!

**If you don’t want to enter Rafflecopter, tell me in a comment below: “I’m not entering the rafflecopter, but please throw me in the hat” so I can manually put you in there for a chance.**

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Are you ready for a new series from Misty Beller? Welcome, Misty, to the Index!

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Questions about Misty’s Story

What character in your book turned out to be your favorite?

I really became attached to all four of the characters we see the most in Hope’s Highest Mountain, but I think my favorite is Micah, the hero. First of all, who doesn’t love a strong mountain man? 😊 But Micah was deeply wounded from the loss of his wife and daughter, and I could feel his pain as I started writing the story. I grieved with him for what would never be, especially as he wrote the letters to his daughter. Of course, that it all the more important that he get a happy ending!

What do you hope readers learn from this story?

The theme of hope was important to me as I wrote this story. As Hope’s Highest Mountain starts, Ingrid and Micah were both in the depths of hard times in their lives. Micah’s was a self-imposed penance as he grieved the loss of his wife and daughter and the part he played in their deaths. For Ingrid, she’d just lost her father in a tragic wagon accident, and had no idea what her life should look like moving forward. Through the story, both of them realized that though life would be different in the future, there was hope that the new life God had planned for them could be even better. They never would have found the better, though, if they hadn’t gone through the hard times. 😊

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Questions about Misty’s Reading

What was the last Christian Historical Novel whose characters stayed in your head days after you finished reading it? The Wood’s Edge and Flight of Arrows by Lori Benton. These books tell a connected, continuous story, and such a gripping story they tell! It’s been a couple of months since I listened to them on audiobook, and I still find myself longing for more of the characters. I’m planning to listen to them again soon, maybe even after I finish the series I’m listening to now. Lori does a great job of taking us into the lives and minds of both the colonial frontier settlers, and also the Indians who struggled to understand the strange ways and wars of the white men.

What was the last Christian Historical Novel that surprised you with a plot twist you didn’t see coming? The Spice King by Elizabeth Camden. Her stories are always so intriguing! I don’t know how she comes up with such unique occupations and settings and storylines, but I’m always fascinated as I read each of her books.

Misty is giving away either a signed paperback (USA Only) or an ebook (Internationals Entry welcome). Enter the Rafflecopter below!

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I’ve seen some great reviews go by in my social media over this book, doesn’t the cover look wonderfully mysterious? Welcome Joanna to the Index!

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Questions about Joanna’s Story

What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

Finding Lady Enderly is just such a unique plot for me to work on, and I loved the surprises that came even when I was writing it. The big question of the book is, where’s Lady Enderly? What’s happened to her? And that truth changed many, many times in the book—which was incredibly fun for me to keep up with! The dynamic between the hero and heroine was also fabulously different than the typical tropes. They must pretend not to know one another, which makes it challenging to keep them engaging each other on the page—the resulting relationship dynamic was absolutely my favorite romance element of any book I’ve written. It was just a blast to write these two and their love story.

What character in your book turned out to be your favorite?

Definitely the hero! The heroine has lots of pluck and street smarts, with just a huge heart, but that Sullivan McKenna blew me away. Sully, as he’s called, is a spirited Irish/English fiddle-playing sailor with a big, joyful personality and a deep, deep love for the heroine.

Which scene is your favorite, the one you never tired of working with? Give us a reason to look forward to it.

There are some pivotal moments of surprise that were absolutely delicious to write, but the scene that catches my heart through every single edit is in chapter 16, and it’s a moment of truth for the heroine and her hero. They’ve spent the entire book having to communicate in secret (and often romantic) ways, but in this scene they are actually allowed a few private moments to speak face to face. That’s when deep things are dealt with and the authentic love between them is almost palpable. I loved writing that scene so much and I’d never tire of going back to tweak it!

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Questions about Joanna’s Reading

	Who is your favorite Christian Historical heroine? This would definitely be Pearl in Susie Finkbeiner’s depression-era novels. She’s crafted with such an authentic voice that, although her life is terribly hard, never begs pity from the readers. She’s simply telling about her world and everything she encounters, and Finkbeiner captured her beautifully.
	If your job was to sell one author’s historical fiction (besides your own) which author’s wares would you want to peddle? And which is your favorite by that author? Kristy Cambron never ceases to amaze me. Her work only grows better with time. Her stories are rich and achingly beautiful, from the setting to the heart-wrenching characters and their journeys. She handles a split-time story model so well and you just ache for every character by the end. My favorite of her books so far is the Lost Castle series—those are magnificent books.
	What was the last Christian Historical Novel you read, and what was your favorite thing about it? Michelle Griep’s third book in the Bowstreet Runners series, called The Noble Guardian was the most recent, and it’s terrific! I loved the adventure that’s paramount to all her stories, but in this one in particular, there are just so many terrible things that happens to that poor heroine—and the way she rises above them is stunning. I often find role models in Griep’s characters, and her prose is magnificent! Rich in period detail and flavor from each character, the lines of her books just suck a reader in for the whole ride.

Joanna is giving away THREE paperbacks (USA Only). Enter the Rafflecopter below!

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Have you been checking out this historical series based on true crimes? Such an interesting premise for a series! I’ve always wanted a book cover with a lantern, and Angie’s not only has that, but a plot revolving around grave robbing, so intriguing. Welcome Angie to the Index!

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Questions about Angie’s Story

What inspired this story?

There are a couple of things that inspired me. One, my father is a doctor and grave-robbing is a curious part of medical history in the U.S. And two, I had read Charles Dickens’ American Notes about his visit to Lowell cotton mill in Massachusetts—a fascinating corner of women’s history. Gloughton Mill is modeled after what I learned about Lowell.

Why did you choose the year your book is set?

I chose the year 1824 because this is after grave-robbing became officially illegal in Massachusetts (yeah, it wasn’t written into law until 1815!), and cotton mills had been established in America.  

What research book or website used to write this book was your favorite to peruse?

The National Geographic Desk Reference to Nature’s Medicine! Because my heroine loves healing, this book shared different plants and their historical medical uses in different parts of the world. It is a fascinating reference book!

Did you stumble upon anything in your research for this book that you thought was strange or surprising?

How common grave-robbing was throughout history, and how the pressure from the deceased’s families is what led to implementing laws in the U.S.

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Questions about Angie’s Reading

	What was the last Christian Historical Novel you read, and what was your favorite thing about it? Sherrinda Ketchersid’s Lord of Her Heart. I loved reading in the medieval time period. We don’t see many books set there in the Christian Fiction category, and it’s a fascinating time period!
	What Christian Historical Novel in your To Be Read pile is begging you to make time to plop down with it right now? The Seamstress by Alison Pittman. I am so excited about the premise of this book. I love the concept of looking into an actual literary figure and speculating the story behind the story.

Angie is giving away a choice copy (USA Only for print). Enter the Rafflecopter below!

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Isn’t this a gorgeous cover? And to know it’s based on a real person is always cool. I’m so happy to have Tara on the Index!

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Questions about Tara’s Story

What inspired your story?

Where Dandelions Bloom was inspired by real-life Civil War hero Sarah Emma Edmonds. I discovered this larger-than-life hero while doing research for another story and was immediately entranced with Emma’s courage. Not only did it take guts for her to run from her abusive father to find shelter in the chaos of war, but she was so remarkable as a soldier, her commanders took note and had her work with James Pinkerton as a spy. At one point, she was a woman playing the part of a man playing the part of a woman. Talk about courage!

What was the hardest part of your book to write?

Writing Cassie’s mental and emotional break-down was extremely difficult. Soldiers endure so much both on and off the battlefield. Compound that trauma with the continual deception of being a spy, as well as the scars of running from an abusive father, and trying to write inside Cassie’s viewpoint was emotionally exhausting.

What did you learn about yourself while writing this book?

God has a unique way of testing me on what I write. It makes me think twice before embarking on a new story! Where Dandelions Bloom was written at a time in my life when I was struggling with forgiving someone. God used Cassie and Gabe’s story to tenderly remind me that holding on to that anger and bitterness only keeps me strapped to the one who hurt me. Forgiving cuts the cords and removes the weight, allowing me to enjoy freedom and joy again.

God also taught me of the resilience of the dandelion…beauty that continues to bloom among the hard places. He showed me that sometimes He doesn’t remove us from our hard circumstances because He’s more concerned about shaping us into the image of His Son through those circumstances. That’s when something amazing blossoms.

What character in your book turned out to be your favorite?

Jonah Phifer. How could anyone not love such a fun-loving, precocious little bundle of trouble? He was the dandelion in this story…a beam of light during the shadows of war.

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Questions about Tara’s Reading

	Which book got you hooked on reading Christian Historicals? When I was a young teen, my Mom had a collection of books by Janette Oke and Lori Wick. I would gobble up everything they wrote. While reading Lori Wick’s The Californians series and Wings of the Morning, I realized I could do nothing but read historicals for the rest of my life and be completely content.
	Who is your favorite Christian Historical heroine? Hadassah from Francine Rivers’ A Voice in the Wind. Her transformation from a trembling girl who questions her faith to a brave, heroic woman of God is inspiring and deeply touching.

Tara is giving away a hardback book (USA Only). Enter the Rafflecopter below!

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If you like stories based on true stories, this one’s for you. A friend of mine read it and said, “This story completely undid me, then stitched me back together with hope.”

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Questions about Cathy’s Story

What inspired your story? 

The Medallion was inspired by two true stories—the first was the WWII account of Itzhak Dugin and his Jewish family, persecuted in Lithuania.  Their heart-wrenching story made world news when the tunnel from which Itzhak escaped the Nazis was discovered using modern technology. The second was the story of Irena Sendler, a Polish Catholic social worker within Żegota (an underground Polish Council to Aid Jews), who developed a network to rescue children.  Despite terrible risks, they smuggled 2,500 Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto and certain death at the hands of the Nazis, then hid them in Polish homes, convents, churches and hospitals until the end of the war.  Approximately 2,000 of those children were found after the war. Theories abound regarding the whereabouts of those missing.  I couldn’t help but wonder, and imagine:  What became of those 400 to 500 missing children?  What became of one?

What did you learn about yourself while writing this book? 

Researching Poland and all that happened to its citizens—Jewish and Gentile alike—during Nazi and Russian occupation broke my heart.  Conditions and the atrocities perpetrated loomed horrific, creating impossible choices amid life and death situations. There were times I wondered if I could keep researching the details of that history, keep writing a story that grew out of it.  But I learned—or learning was reinforced—that I could do hard things, research hard things, write hard things.  We’re all made for hard things.  Sometimes what the Lord asks of us is not easy, but the journey and the outcome prove so very worthwhile.

Why did you choose the year your book is set? 

Germany’s September 1939 bombing of Warsaw, Poland shocked the city into the startling reality of blitzkrieg and occupation—and set the stage for all that would come in my story.

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Questions about Cathy’s Reading

What Christian Historical Novel did you reread last, and why did you reread it?  Christy, by Catherine Marshall.  I’m writing a novel that leads up to America’s entry into WWII set in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, not far from where I grew up and where my grandfather’s family lived.  Rereading Christy, even though it took place in the mountains and was set years before my novel, felt like coming home, back to the roots of my ancestors.  It connected me with people my older characters might have known in their childhood and helped me find my sense of place for the story I’m writing.  Besides, I simply love Christy. Catherine Marshall created characters that live in my memory as real people. What Christian Historical Novel taught you something about the craft of writing because it was so well done? And tell us a bit about what it taught you. I’ve learned from many Christian historical novels, but especially from Christy.  Catherine Marshall brought extraordinary detail to her setting and to the personal and cultural challenges her characters faced.  She infused flesh and blood into multi-dimensional characters set in a unique time and place, then brought her heroine, a young and naïve girl, into a world she could barely comprehend but was determined to navigate and join. Through Christy, Catherine wove heartache, faith challenges, romance, and ultimate but realistic victory into one beautiful novel.  When I grow up I want to write like that.

Which was the last Christian Historical Novel you read, and what was your favorite thing about it?  I read Carrie Turansky’s No Ocean Too Wide for endorsement.  It’s a beautifully written book about the plight of British Home Children sent to Canada, with or without their parents’ permission.  Carrie’s treatment of the topic rang authentic, her characters sprang to life on the page and her historical settings were vibrant.  It’s truly a heart tugging book and so well done.

Cahty is giving away a hardback book (USA Only). Enter the Rafflecopter below!

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Have you ever been curious about the palace life of the Old Testament kings? This looks like a wonderful way to immerse yourself in that life without actually having to live it! 🙂 I hope you enjoy Jill’s interview!

Egypt, Israel , Jerusalem , Foreign Setting (Not USA or England), Middle East , 0-Everything BC , Biblical Events , Royalty , Biblical Characters , Based on Actual Characters or Events , Smith-Jill Eileen

The Heart of a King King Solomon was wealthy and wise beyond measure. He could–and did–have anything he wanted, including many women from many lands. But for all his wisdom, did he or the women in his life ever find what they searched for all of their lives? In this engrossing novel, you’ll find yourself whisked away to ancient Israel, where you’ll meet Solomon and four of the women he loved: Naamah the desert princess, Abishag the shepherdess, Siti the daughter of a pharaoh, and Nicaula the queen of Sheba. As you experience the world of Solomon through his eyes and the eyes of these women, you’ll ask yourself the ultimate question: Did Solomon’s wisdom ultimately benefit him and those he loved . . . or did it betray them?

Jill’s Website

Other Books in this Series:

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Questions about Jill’s Story

What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

This book was meant to be a compilation for four e-books that I wrote on four women in King Solomon’s life. Exploring their stories was fun as I wrote them in first person and could better put myself into their worlds.

When I went to compile the stories, however, I didn’t want to give readers the same books under different packaging with a little more of Solomon added in. So I turned the book from first to third person, interwove the four e-books and added much more from Solomon’s point of view. I had to cut some of the e-books, so if people want the full picture, they will still want to read those, but what I enjoyed most was pondering Solomon through the book of Ecclesiastes. I used much of the Song of Solomon in the e-books and in this book, but I added section breaks where “The Teacher” speaks from his older and wiser perspective. I love the book of Ecclesiastes, so it was poignant to imagine how he might have felt at the end of his wild pursuits and frantic living. Wisdom taught him much, but wisdom could not keep him from sin. Only God’s grace can do that. In the end, I hope and believe that he learned that lesson.

What character in your book turned out to be your favorite?

That’s a tough question because each woman as well as Solomon were unique and I liked all of them. Siti (Pharaoh’s daughter) was probably one that was the most challenging because her faith remained in her god Bastet. She questioned Solomon’s loyalty to Yahweh and accused him of breaking his God’s laws. She reminded me of so many skeptics in the world today.

But I probably enjoyed Abishag (The Shepherdess) the most. In my imagination she came from humble roots and she accepted her role in life even when it went against her dreams. Her faith in Adonai kept her strong, and if she remained close to Solomon, she could have been a good influence on him.

Did you include a real historical character or incident in your story?

The Queen of Sheba is mentioned in the folklore of Ethiopia and Arabia – both claim her as theirs and both have different stories to tell of her relationship with Solomon. She is given different names by both countries/kingdoms and since I didn’t want to use either one of their stories exclusively, I mixed them together and gave her a different name that also came up in my research. The true story is lost to history and known only to God, but Jesus mentions her (The Queen of the South), which authenticates her existence outside of the Old Testament alone.

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Questions about Jill’s Reading

	What Christian Historical Novel did you reread last, and why did you reread it? I rarely reread a book except the Bible. However, I have reread Two From Galilee by Marjorie Holmes many, many times over my lifetime. The last time I read it was probably a few Christmases ago. And I reread it the year my dad died. He died in November and it was a great comfort to me that Christmas. (It is a love story of Joseph and Mary.)
	What was the last Christian Historical Novel you read, and what was your favorite thing about it? I am in the middle of reading The Ladies of Ivy Cottage by Julie Klassen right now. So far my favorite things about it are the multiple romantic threads woven throughout and the hint of mystery that I’ve yet to discover. I’m rooting for a certain character to marry her true love, but I haven’t reached the end yet to find out what happens.
	What was the last Christian Historical Novel you binge read? A Wreath of Snow: A Victorian Christmas Novella by Liz Curtis Higgs. I downloaded the sample at Christmas this past year and quickly bought the book to finish it. The story was compelling and I hated to see it end. Stories like that, which offer the reader hope, make a difference in a person’s heart, especially during the holidays, which can be difficult.

Jill is giving away a paperback book (International Entrants welcomed!). Enter the Rafflecopter below!

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This is my favorite cover of this series, they were saving their best for last. Maybe Jennifer is too! 🙂 Thanks to Jennifer for coming to share about her story.

Other Books in this Series:

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Questions about Jennifer’s Story

What inspired your story?  

The framework for The Artful Match grew out of the series itself: three sisters who were raised in George Muller’s famous orphanage in Bristol each come to London at different times and find new lives. The more unique aspects of Cara’s story grew out of my interest in Victorian art. I thought it would be fascinating to visit the Bohemian world of the artists, who freely take Cara in when she has nowhere else to go. I also knew early on that Cara’s story would be especially fun to write, because her personality is so different from my own. Not only is she a talented artist, but she is free-spirited, impulsive, and wears her heart on her sleeve. She never quite fits in anywhere and is desperate to step out from the shadow of her more grounded and successful sisters. Surprisingly, she finds her answer in the place she least expects. A big theme in this book is the joy of discovering the real purpose for the talents God gave you.

What character in your book turned out to be your favorite?

I love them all, of course—even the crusty dowager countess, who has her reasons for seeing the world as she does. However, the character who really warms my heart is 7-year-old Amelia, Henry’s ward. There is some question about her parentage, and although she is well treated, she has no real emotional bonds with anyone. Her caretakers are not equipped to give her the kind of love a child craves. Amelia’s frustrations make her stubborn and unruly, but she is also clever and resourceful. Her bravado is a cover for her insecurity about where she belongs in the world. Cara’s heart immediately goes out to the girl, for she understands what it is like to grow up without parents. Although Amelia begins the story as an emotional outcast, she will ultimately be the catalyst that brings the family together.

Did you include a real historical character or incident in your story?

Yes! Early in the book, Cara pays a visit to the Grosvenor Gallery, an art gallery that was famous for being very forward-thinking and unique. Cara meets Lady Blanche Lindsay, who co-owned the gallery with her husband, Sir Coutts Lindsay. They both loved art and were painters themselves. In addition, Lady Lindsay played the violin, wrote music, and even had a song copyrighted. Later in life she wrote novels, too. A woman of many talents! Unfortunately, her marriage to Sir Coutts was not a happy one, and eventually they separated. But while they were together, the gallery had a huge impact on the art world and is still remembered today for its many innovations.

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Questions about Jennifer’s Reading

	What Christian Historical Novel in your To Be Read pile is begging you to make time to plop down with it right now? The Far Side of the Sea by Kate Breslin. At the moment, I seem to be fascinated with books set during World War I. So many interesting books about this time period are being written.
	What Christian Historical Novel are you most excited to read that hasn’t yet come out? The Number of Love by Roseanna M. White. Code breakers and spies –sounds intriguing!

Jennifer is giving away a paperback book (International Entrants welcomed!). Enter the Rafflecopter below!

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So glad to have Amanda with us today. If you just must read series in order, make sure you pick up #1 at $3.20 on ebook on Amazon or check out the other book dealers’ sales prices! Let’s hear about the newest, it looks great!

Other Books in this Series:

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Questions about Amanda’s Story

What inspired your story?

I have my readers to thank for this particular story.  When I finished the Texas Dreams trilogy, many readers told me that they wanted to know what happened next.  In particular, they were intrigued by Thea, the little sister in Paper Roses, and wanted her to have her own book.  It took a while – Paper Roses was released in 2009 – but they finally have a chance to see what happened to Thea when she grew up.  I hope they’re as captivated by her story as I was.

What research book or website used to write this book was your favorite to peruse?

I’m a firm believer in on-site research, so you won’t be surprised that my favorite source of information for this book wasn’t a book or a website, but a museum.  One of the times when my husband and I were traveling through Texas to research books, we visited the Texas Ranger museum in Waco.  What a fascinating place!  I could have spent the whole day there, studying the exhibits and watching the films.  When we finally pulled ourselves away, I knew that one day I would write a book with a Ranger as its hero.  That’s why Lawrence, the hero of Tomorrow’s Garden, the third of my Texas Dreams books, was a Ranger.  But one Ranger hero wasn’t enough, so when I was plotting A Tender Hope, I decided to match Thea with a Ranger.  What fun that turned out to be!

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Questions about Amanda’s Reading

What Christian Historical Novel taught you something about the craft of writing because it was so well done? And tell us a bit about what it taught you. I’ve admired Stephanie Grace Whitson’s books for many years and for many reasons, including her meticulous research and her memorable characters. The book where her craft shone most brightly for me was A Claim of Her Own. Although I don’t consider myself easily surprised, when I reached the second scene and discovered the freighter Swede’s true name, I laughed, then reread the first scene, watching how carefully Whitson had crafted that scene. Great job!

Which was the last Christian Historical Novel you read, and what was your favorite thing about it? I just finished reading Suzanne Woods Fisher’s Minding the Light and can’t wait to read the third book in the series, The Light Before Day. If I could only choose one thing as my favorite aspect of the book, it would be the skill that she used in weaving two historical periods together at the same time that she gave readers unique insights into the Quakers. (Yes, I know those were two things, but there are so many things to admire in Fisher’s writing that it’s difficult to choose only one.)

Amanda is giving away a paperback book (USA entrants only). Enter the Rafflecopter below!

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If you loved The Tale of Two Cities, or just want something out of the ordinary, Allison’s new book looks like a winner. I’ve heard great things about it already, and it’s cheap on ebook at the moment–if you don’t want to wait to see if you win, snap it up right away!

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Questions about Allison’s Story

What character in your book turned out to be your favorite?

My favorite character turned out to be Gagnon, the young widower who brought these two orphaned cousins into his home. That was a little surprising for me, because I don’t usually enjoy crafting the more godly characters in my novels. Usually they just stand as stalwart examples who serve as a gravitational pull for my more interesting “sinners.” While Gagnon certainly fulfills that role, he is a bit more dimensional than that. I loved the moments when his anger and frustration bubbled to the surface. I couldn’t wait to get to the part of the story when we learn of his struggle with sin. Most of all, I enjoyed crafting his love for his country—faults and all. He lives in the grip of poverty but refuses the call to revolution. He recognizes the monarchy’s faults but will not allow slanderous talk at his table. In fact, “Gagnon’s table” becomes a metaphor in itself throughout the novel. It is a place of peace and welcome and plenty, even when that plenty doesn’t seem like it would be nearly enough.

Which scene is your favorite, the one you never tired of working with? Give us a reason to look forward to it.

I’d have to say it’s the chapter that depicts the attack of the women on Versailles. Chapter 25. This is a favorite scene of mine from A Tale of Two Cities, with the infamous Mme Defarge at the forefront. To think, these were women driven by poverty and starvation, who had held their dying children and watched the life drain from their husbands. They took up what weapons they had and took action. I’m not one to ever (really, ever) condone violence, but this gives us a picture of what happens to a society pushed too far. Often, men are credited for the dramatic shakes in history. In this case, women—housewives, mothers, widows—delivered a terrifying message to the monarchy, a taste of the murderous regime to come. I loved taking that momentous event and whittling it down to three women: Renée, the seamstress, an innocent observer to the chaos; Marie Antoinette, the queen, a wife and mother herself, cowering in the face of homicidal rage; and Anne, a persona pasted to a nameless, forgotten figure, who may have struck the first mortal blow of the revolution.

What research book or website used to write this book was your favorite to peruse?

I had this great book called Versailles (Tony Spawforth, 2010) that went into exquisite detail about the history, architecture, floor plan, and functionality of the palace at Versailles. Early in planning the book, I desperately wanted to actually go to Versailles, but now I wonder if I would have gleaned as much from that trip as I did from this book. Today, it is a museum; in the days of my story, it was a working home, a public place, a government workplace, a warehouse. So I incorporated a lot that I learned in that book into the plot, of course, whenever Renée is running around the halls, zipping in and out of rooms. But certain details also wormed into my understanding and depiction of historical characters. For example, I learned that Louis XVI’s office was in a room still depicting murals and other decor in deference to the god Poseidon. I’ve always felt Louis XVI was unprepared, and maybe a bit unwilling, to be a king—literally underwater, out of place, drowning in the rising sea of revolutionary violence.

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Questions about Allison’s Reading

	What other Christian Historical Novels are similar to yours in setting or storyline? This one came out a couple of years ago, but A Refuge Assured by Jocelyn Green takes place in the years immediately following the French Revolution. The heroine is a lace-maker spared the violence of the regime (they executed anyone associated with the excesses of the aristocracy), and the story highlights one of the great mysteries of the royal family: Whatever happened to the dauphin, Louis-Charles? It’s a fantastic read, bringing the survivors of the violence in France to the newly formed United States.
	Which was the last Christian Historical Novel you read, and what was your favorite thing about it? The last Christian Historical Novel I read was Sons of Blackbird Mountain by Joanne Bischof. It’s actually been out for a while, but I was waiting to read it when it was my turn for book club pick! My favorite thing about it is the same as my favorite thing about her previous novel, The Lady and the Lionheart—Bischof is unafraid of crafting physically imposing heroes—with almost brutish physiques—and giving them true, deeply buried, heartbreaking vulnerability. In this novel, Thor—a totally deaf man who struggles with alcoholism—has carried a hatred for his younger brother, blaming him for their mother’s death. It’s something he cannot reconcile and, given the limits of language, has no recourse to really work it out. Nobody writes men better than Joanne. They are interesting and dimensional, their stories crafted so individually to themselves. She’s fearless that way.
	What Christian Historical Novel in your To Be Read pile is begging you to make time to plop down with it right now? There are so many! But two that stand out as an actual challenge are the final titles in the Price of Privilege series by Jessica Dotta. These, too, have been out for a while and just came to my attention in the past year through the gushing of my friend and agent, Rachel McMillan. There’s an urgency here, because the three books comprise a single story arc, and I’ve let far too many other reads get in the way of finishing the series!

Allison is giving away a paperback book (USA entrants only). Enter the Rafflecopter below!

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There is just something about the mountains that draws, yes? And if you loved Christy and want to return to that beautiful setting in fiction, check out Pepper Basham’s next book.

Carolinas, North Carolina , Appalachian Mountains , 1910s , 1900-1930 (US Early American) , Mercantile/Shop Keeper, Teacher, Writer , Basham-Pepper

My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge: Laurel’s Dream Journey into the Blue Ridge Mountains of 1918 where Laurel McAdams endures the challenges of a hard life while dreaming things can eventually improve. But trouble arrives in the form of an outsider. Having failed his British father again, Jonathan Taylor joins is uncle’s missionary endeavors as a teacher in a two-room schoolhouse. Laurel feels compelled to protect the tenderhearted teacher from the harsh realities of Appalachian life, even while his stories of life outside the mountains pull at Laurel’s imagination. Faced with angry parents over teaching methods, Laurel’s father’s drunken rages, and bad news from England, will Jonathan leave and never return, or will he stay and let love bloom?

Pepper’s Website

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Questions about Pepper’s Story

What inspired your story?

I LOVE THIS STORY!!! 😊 This book came out of family history stories that my grandmother would tell me from as many as five generations back. Some of the characters are based on real-life people from my family history but most are just representations of people I grew up imagining as I’d listen to my granny’s stories. Having the opportunity to celebrate my Appalachian culture through the mode of creative writing, and allowing readers to ‘visit’ this disappearing culture, has been such an honor and joy.

Which scene is your favorite, the one you never tired of working with?

AHHHH!!! Only one???? Well, in the second chapter (spilling into the 3rd chapter) there’s this encounter with a mountain lion that was SUPER fun (and a little eerie) to write! It’s a great way to introduce the hero to the Appalachia culture with a little zing 😉

Did you stumble upon anything in your research for this book that made you sad?

Actually, both sad and ‘aha’ – in Appalachia there was a lot of alcoholism, but for a portion of folks in this area (particularly men) they had this very strange way of being drunk. Seasonally, actually. My granny would share stories of men staying drunk during winter, but working 9 months out of the year (spring-fall) without any ‘drunk’ spells at all. When I started doing research about this, there were a few articles relating Seasonal Affective Disorder to the type of alcoholism that was happening in the mountains. With the natural darkness of the days, combined with the ‘darkness’ of the surrounding mountains, AND the relative remoteness of being stuck in those mountains during the cold winter – it started making a lot of sense.

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Questions about Pepper’s Reading

	What was the last Christian Historical Novel whose characters stayed in your head days after you finished reading it? A Name Unknown by Roseanna White
	Which book got you hooked on reading Christian Historicals? Mary Connealy’s books – beginning with Petticoat Ranch 😊
	What Christian Historical Novel in your To Be Read pile is begging you to make time to plop down with it right now? Laura Frantz’s novel A Bound Heart

Pepper is giving away winner’s choice of a paperback book (USA entrants only) or an ebook (Worldwide entrants). Enter the Rafflecopter below!

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I hope you enjoy learning about another installment in the popular Daughters of the Mayflower series, set in the war of 1812 on a ship, by an author who knows her war of 1812 and her way around a ship!

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Questions about MaryLu’s Story

What inspired your story? 

I have always loved the War of 1812. I don’t remember ever learning about it in school, but it’s truly a fascinating war. Did you know the British burned down Washington D.C.?  Anyway, I have a series set during this war called Surrender to Destiny. This is the war in which our National Anthem was written!  So, when my publisher asked me to write this book as part of the Daughters of the Mayflower series, I jumped at the chance.

Which scene is your favorite, the one you never tired of working with? Give us a reason to look forward to it. 

Hmm. Well, at the risk of giving away part of the story, *SMALL SPOILER ALERT* there’s this one scene that I had so much fun writing. The hero and heroine have fallen in love, but they both think the other one is a spy for their enemy. Hence, they are forced to confront each other and both pull a pistol on the other at the same time. It sounds like a frightening scene, but it ended up being rather fun and humorous

Did you stumble upon anything in your research for this book that made you sad? 

Yes, there was a tragic death on the British side that really hit me hard. His name was General Robert Ross and he was a hero and a darling of England. He made a name for himself in the Napoleonic wars. He was young, honorable and well-liked among his men. They say his death caused the troops to lose so much morale that they lost the war.

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Questions about MaryLu’s Reading

	Which book got you hooked on reading Christian Historicals?  Linda Chaikin’s Buccaneers series!
	If your job was to sell one author’s historical fiction (besides your own) which author’s wares would you want to peddle? And which is your favorite by that author? Without a doubt, Michelle Griep.  I simply adored her novel, The Captive Heart!  But I love everything she writes.
	What Christian Historical Novel are you most excited to read that hasn’t yet come out? The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep

MaryLu is giving away a paperback book (USA only). Enter the Rafflecopter below!

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Have you heard of Hope by the Book? It’s a new magazine for readers of Christian Fiction and it looks so good! The first issue comes out soon and you can use the code BOOKISH to save $4 on a subscription. This month’s book just earned a bookmarked review from Hope by the Book, check it out!

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Questions about Melissa’s Story

If you could be one of your characters, who would you choose to be and why?

I’d choose Jacob. The man has integrity and patience. Patience beyond what I possess.

What research did you have to look up to make your character’s professional decisions authentic?

I did a ton of research, of course, but I hit upon a JACKPOT article that basically shaped Jacob’s job and several plot threads. The article was titled: “City management in the old west: what was it like to manage a small city in Wyoming in the mid-1880s, and how did the city administration evolve in response to a variety of issues confronting the Laramie city council?”

If you’re not a writer, you may not know how exciting it is to find an article that answers EVERY question you could possibly have on how to set something up. Usually you have to go digging around all over the place to find answers, but I found so many answers in this article and even things I could add that I’d never have thought to add. Some of the crazy jobs I gave to Jacob you may think I just made up to complicate his life, but I didn’t. Read this sentence from the article:

“However, in these early days, the chief of police or town marshal performed many duties not normally associated with law enforcement, including removing corpses from an old cemetery, notifying citizens that they needed to construct sidewalks, capturing stray livestock, filling potholes on city streets, and raking the city’s streets and alleys.”

If you read the book, you can see Jacob doing all of that. 🙂

Were there any historical facts that you discovered in your research that made you change something in your story?

Yes, eight years ago, when I first started writing this, I set it in 1887 (for some reason I don’t recall) and as I worked at writing the book, I kept reading historical books on the area and ran across a single sentence that blew away my whole entire premise! In the winter of 1886/1887 there was a huge blizzard that basically devastated the area. Land in the area would have been pretty worthless and Jacob could buy basically any land he wanted so Annie’s land wouldn’t have been much of an enticement. So I had to change some things to set it earlier in the 1880s.

So, given the blizzard coming, I knew in a few years, Jacob and Annie’s place is going to fall on some major hard times historically, which made me sort of sad for their happily ever after, hence why I decided to make Jacob think about breeding fine horses instead of going all gung-ho about cattle ranching so that they’ll be ahead of the game come the blizzard they don’t know will hit them. I’m looking out for my characters. 🙂

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Questions about Melissa’s Reading

	What Christian Historical Novel did you reread last, and why did you reread it? I reread the two Abby Gaines books: The Earl’s Mistaken Bride and The Governess and Mr. Granville. I remember reading those years ago and saying that the author was now an auto-buy, so I wanted to brush up on why I said that because I forgot. 🙂 Probably because it was well written and it was refreshing that the heroes both primary and secondary were rather highly flawed and yet I still rooted for them.
	What Christian Historical Novel taught you something about the craft of writing because it was so well done? And tell us a bit about what it taught you. Maid to Match by Deanne Gist. I remember reading that one and being so impressed at the end on how flawlessly the set up was for me to flip pages and there felt as if there was no lag anywhere. So I outlined the book and discovered some tricks on how to keep the push/pull between the hero and heroine going strong if set up similarly.
	What was the last Christian Historical Novel that made you cry? Mark of the King by Jocelyn Green. I read that on a long drive during vacation and had to sniff back the tears as my husband in the driver seat likely thought I was a loony crying beside him in silence.

I’m giving away a choice of paperback or ebook (International Entrants welcome if you are on this list of countries.). Enter the Rafflecopter below!

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Are you in the mood for Christmas? Doesn’t the cover look like one you ought to read by a fire?

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Questions about John’s Story

What inspired your story?

I am intrigued by people, family dynamics and overcoming obstacles. Jacob’s Bell: A Christmas Story encompasses all of this. I also, love Christmas and how the holiday can transform peoples’ hearts.

What character in your book turned out to be your favorite?

Jacob! Absolutely hands down.

If you could be one of your characters, who would you choose to be and why?

Jacob. His life was such a roller coaster, and at some points, such a train wreck, but he overcame his obstacles and achieved his goal; forgiveness. What a journey!

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John is giving away FIVE books (USA only). Enter the Rafflecopter below!

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Questions about Melanie’s Story

What inspired your story?

A castle in Austria! My husband and I backpacked across Europe to celebrate our fifth wedding anniversary, and our favorite stop was the ancient town and alpine lake called Hallstatt. Along the lakeshore was a medieval castle that captured my attention, but it took me years to uncover its story.

On this trip, we discovered that this Austrian region is often called “Devil’s Dustbin” because the Nazis retreated through these Alps near the end of World War II, throwing all sorts of valuable items in the lakes. Because of the water’s depth and the many hiding places in the underwater forests, caves, and shifting sands, people continue searching for World War II artifacts here today.

Which scene is your favorite, the one you never tired of working with? 

The first chapter with Max Dornbach digging in the cemetery was my favorite scene to write. Annika, the girl who helps care for the Dornbach property, is watching her friend Max as he digs in this plot behind his family’s estate, and the first paragraph hints at the future for her character. Then the scene transitions into her longing to be loved by him.

I loved writing this chapter, because I wanted readers to hear Annika’s heart and see Max from her point of view. Also, I wanted readers to wonder what Max is burying in the cemetery.

Were there any historical facts that you discovered in your research that made you change something in your story?

A historical fact that I uncovered completely changed the direction in the second half of the story. Unfortunately, I can’t tell you what it is because this unusual fact is pivotal to my contemporary character finding resolution to the almost eighty-year-old mystery in the book. 🙂

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Questions about Melanie’s Reading

	What other Christian Historical Novels are similar to yours in setting or storyline? Cathy Gohlke’s Secrets She Kept and Kristy Cambron’s The Lost Castle are both fascinating time-slip novels with stories set partially during World War II.
	Which book got you hooked on reading Christian Historicals? Catherine Marshall’s Julie compelled me to read and then write inspirational historical fiction. I empathized with the main character (a young writer) and was inspired by the powerful themes of faith and love in the story.
	Which was the last Christian Historical Novel you read, and what was your favorite thing about it? I just finished reading The Solace of Water by Elizabeth Byler Younts. It’s a beautifully-written story about three women, set during the 1950s in Pennsylvania’s Amish country. Elizabeth is a gifted wordsmith and invites readers into her fictional world in such a way that you feel deeply for the characters and their heartache, hoping they will find healing for their pain.

Melanie is giving away a paperback copy (USA only) and I’m giving away winner’s choice of ebook of any of the books mentioned above. Enter the Rafflecopter below!

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For more chances to win a paperback, Melanie is giving away ten on her website here. And there is a Goodreads giveaway from 9/4 – 10/4.

I had the privilege of reading this book early and recommend it. Those that prefer that the romance does not take center stage and those that want something of a romance involved should both be happy. If you’ve ever read Francine Rivers’ Mark of the Lion trilogy and have ever wanted to read something else like it, this book has the same feel without all the gladiator games. Ancient Corinth/Athens, underhanded Romans, the early church. Skilled writing.

Greece, Foreign Setting , 0031BC-476AD (Roman Empire) , Aristocrats/Social Elite, Businessmen , Biblical Characters, Criminal/Outlaw , Abuse, Adoption, Divorce , Afshar-Tessa

Thief of Corinth First-century Corinth is a city teeming with commerce and charm. It’s also filled with danger and corruption—the perfect setting for Ariadne’s greatest adventure. After years spent living with her mother and oppressive grandfather in Athens, Ariadne runs away to her father’s home in Corinth, only to discover the perilous secret that destroyed his marriage: though a Greek of high birth, Galenos is the infamous thief who has been robbing the city’s corrupt of their ill-gotten gains. Desperate to keep him safe, Ariadne risks her good name, her freedom, and the love of the man she adores to become her father’s apprentice. As her unusual athletic ability leads her into dangerous exploits, Ariadne discovers that she secretly revels in playing with fire. But when the wrong person discovers their secret, Ariadne and her father find their future—and very lives—hanging in the balance. When they befriend a Jewish rabbi named Paul, they realize that his radical message challenges everything they’ve fought to build, yet offers something neither dared hope for.

Tessa’s Website

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Questions about Tessa’s Story

What inspired your story?

The apostle Paul had a special affection for the people of Corinth. Perhaps this was because he founded the first church there through his personal ministry. Many of Corinth’s inhabitants were on the naughty side. In his letter to the house churches he helped to build, Paul says they had been greedy, immoral, drunkards, slanderers and swindlers before Jesus grabbed a hold of them (1Corinthians 6:9-11). I wanted to write about a character that fit this mold. Someone who was a bit of a rascal, with a lot of spunk, and yet managed to be lovable. My favorite books are often about imperfect characters, people who make wrong choices and land themselves in deep pits. That is how my character Ariadne was born. A woman who seemed to have it all, but turned to theft in order to solve the mounting financial problems of her beloved family.

Why did you choose the year your book is set?

Most of this story takes place around 50 AD, smack in the middle of Paul’s second missionary journey. It is an exciting time both in history and in the world of faith. The Romans are at the height of their power and ingenuity. The city of Corinth sparkles with engineering marvels. They have figured out ways to install glass in their windows, an art which is subsequently lost for centuries. They have indoor plumbing (a fact I use to advantage in one of Ariadne’s heists. I’m afraid I have a weakness for bathroom humor.) The Roman Empire of the first century is one of the most exciting time periods to write about. Subtly running beneath this grand display of power is the river of faith that is flowing through the work of men like Paul. As a writer, I can’t ask for a better period to write about.

If you could be guaranteed to publish a book set anywhere and at anytime, what setting would you love to set a novel in?

I am known for writing biblical fiction. But I would love to write a historical novel based in England during Jane Austen times.

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Questions about Tessa’s Reading

What other Christian Historical Novels are similar to yours in setting or storyline? Biblical fiction is growing in popularity, and many writers are contributing to the genre. From Ted Dekker to Davis Bunn, Christian authors are penning stories based on Bible events and times. Other writers include the lovely Mesu Andrews, who recently released Isaiah’s Daughter, a novel set in the Old Testament era.

Which book got you hooked on reading Christian Historicals? Hard to say. I have always been a fan of historical fiction. I think my first specifically Christian historical novel was A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers. Of course I became a fan after that!

Tessa is giving away a paperback copy (USA only) and I’m giving away winner’s choice of ebook of any of the books mentioned above. Enter the Rafflecopter below!

**If you don’t want to enter Rafflecopter, tell me in a comment below: “I’m not entering the rafflecopter, but please throw me in the hat” so I can manually put you in there for a chance.**

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If you’re one who’s looking for an unusual heroine in a romance (as in, not the gorgeous, flawless heroine) this may be the book for you! Welcome Rachel with her new book!

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Questions about Rachel’s Story

What did you learn about yourself while writing this book?

During the writing of this book my son became very ill. In fact he was so sick I didn’t open my laptop for five months. When I did come back to it I found a lot of strength from the words I had previously written. The Hope of Azure Springs is full of characters that have endured hard things and have to go on living despite them. In my writing I’d encouraged them to continue to find joy. At that time in my life I very much had to follow my own advice and like Em I had to live and love and trust in brighter days ahead.

What character in your book turned out to be your favorite?

I really came to love all of the fine folks of Azure Springs but Margaret might be my favorite. She was so true to herself, full of wisdom and she has an excellent sense of humor. If I lived in Azure Springs I’d want to be her neighbor!

Which scene is your favorite, the one you never tired of working with? Give us a reason to look forward to it.

Honestly, the epilogue is the scene that stands out the most to me. I was done writing this book and happy with how it wrapped up. Then days later I woke up in the middle of the night and just knew it needed a little bit more. An early reader said “it’s the cherry on top of a perfect sundae” and I agree. It’s not long but it’s what brings it full circle and I could not imagine the story without that little ending scene.

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Questions about Rachel’s Reading

	Which was the last Christian Historical Novel you read, and what was your favorite thing about it? The Lady and the Lionheart By Joanne Bischof. The setting was so intriguing but more than that it was the characters that won me over. By page one I was rooting for them. I still haven’t figured out how she did it. It’s really a wonderful read.
	What Christian Historical Novel in your To Be Read pile is begging you to make time to plop down with it right now? The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz. It’s sitting where I can see it right now and as soon as I have a lull in my busy life (we have a houseful of little people) I’m going to pick it up and devour it.

Rachel is giving away either a signed paperback or ebook (USA only) and I’m giving away winner’s choice of ebook of any of the books mentioned above. Enter the Rafflecopter below!

**If you don’t want to enter Rafflecopter, tell me in a comment below: “I’m not entering the rafflecopter, but please throw me in the hat” so I can manually put you in there for a chance.**

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I’m excited to have Michelle on the blog. I recently read Brentwood’s Ward and I’m now a fan. Here’s her newest!

Join the adventure as the Daughters of the Mayflower series continues with The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep.

Book I: The Mayflower Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse – set 1620 Atlantic Ocean (February 2018)
Book II: The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo – set 1725 New Orleans (April 2018)

Here’s a fun site you might want to mention. It’s just for the Daughters of the Mayflower series and offers extras and freebies. http://www.daughtersofthemayflower.com/

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Questions about Michelle’s Story

What inspired your story?

The idea for this story came from a legend that sprang up during the years of the French and Indian War and was first printed in an 1875 Ohio newspaper. Apparently there was a shipment of French gold being moved from Fort Duquesne to Fort Detroit. En route, the French soldiers were afraid of an impending attack, either by Indians or British soldiers—it’s unclear. They decided to bury the gold and then hide until the threat passed. When they went back to retrieve their cargo, it was gone. Where did it go? To this day, no one knows.

What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

For research, my husband and I took a trip last summer to upstate New York. Wow. I had no idea how beautiful that part of the country is! The highlight of this trip was visiting a 3 day re-enactment camp set at Fort Niagara. They condensed an entire 18 day siege of the fort down to 36 hours.

What research did you have to look up to make your character’s professional decisions authentic?

My heroine is a scout for the British army. While I didn’t uncover any actual women scouts set during this period, I did find many women who were messengers. In actuality, a scout is a messenger, bringing back news of what they’ve seen, so I based my information on those brave women who passed news along the front.

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Questions about Michelle’s Reading

What Christian Historical Novel did you reread last, and why did you reread it? Author Laura Frantz is a huge inspiration to me. Her writing is always stellar, but in particular, I re-read A Moonbow Night to get into the mood of this era. She captures Colonial dialogue like none other.

If your job was to sell one author’s historical fiction (besides your own) which author’s wares would you want to peddle? And which is your favorite by that author? A new-to-me author I recently discovered is Joanna Davidson Politano. Her debut novel, Lady Jayne Disappears, is absolutely exquisite. It’s set in Victorian England, and as the name implies, is a bit of a mystery. I love both those elements. But what I really love is her beautiful prose. Her combination of words paints mind pictures like none other.

Michelle is giving away either a signed paperback or ebook (USA only) and I’m giving away winner’s choice of ebook of any of the books mentioned above. Enter the Rafflecopter below!

**If you don’t want to enter Rafflecopter, tell me in a comment below: “I’m not entering the rafflecopter, but please throw me in the hat” so I can manually put you in there for a chance.**

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Please welcome a debut novelist, Rebecca Jepson! I know there are many fans of the My Heart Belongs series and I’m happy to have Rebecca with us today to tell us about hers!

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Questions about Rebecca’s Story

What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

The characters, especially Millie, John, and Stephen. They’re so vivid to me, so . . . likable. That probably sounds strange, since I made them up! But whenever these three people interact, whether one-on-one or all together, the story comes to life. I also love the romantic element of the book, the reluctant attraction, the misunderstandings, the unspoken heart’s desires. The dynamic between the brothers is fun, too.

Which scene is your favorite, the one you never tired of working with? Give us a reason to look forward to it.

There’s a scene in chapter six where the romantic tension really builds. The hero is puzzled by the nervous way Millie is acting toward him. Being an unassuming guy, at first he doesn’t recognize her attraction to him for what it is, and mistakenly believes she’s afraid of him. I love this moment when he realizes the truth:

She gave him a skittish glance, half a smile, and suddenly, he knew. Intuition hadn’t revealed it to him, nor had experience. He had neither where women were concerned. But somehow, he’d solved the mystery.

She’s flustered. Not scared, flustered. He was unable to stop himself, then, from finding her gaze…and holding it until she blushed.   

If you could be guaranteed to publish a book set anywhere and at anytime, what setting would you love to set a novel in?

A fishing village in Wales, probably sometime between 1900 and World War I. I’ve been captivated by Wales ever since I watched The Englishman Who Went up a Hill but Came Down a Mountain, a delightful movie set in rural Wales in 1917. As for fishing villages, I think my fascination might have begun when I visited Seward, Alaska, an incredibly beautiful fishing port on the Kenai Peninsula.

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Questions about Rebecca’s Reading

Who is your favorite Christian Historical heroine? Probably Leana McBride from the Lowlands of Scotland series by Liz Curtis Higgs. Leana possesses a quiet, meek inner beauty, while still being imperfect enough to be relatable. And though she’s entangled in a web of deception, conflict and rivalry, she somehow manages to find joy in the little things, tending her garden and sewing her one-of-a-kind garments with an infectious delight. I return to the series again and again, always stirred by her story, which is based on the life of Leah in the Old Testament.

What Christian Historical Novel taught you something about the craft of writing because it was so well done? And tell us a bit about what it taught you. Stealing Home by Allison Pittman, a novel set in Picksville, Missouri in 1905. The writing in this book is absolutely fluid—an especially impressive feat because one of the main characters is deaf, yet whenever he communicates with the other characters, the writing flows seamlessly. One of the main things I gleaned from reading this book was to choose my words with great care and economy. I noticed as I read the story that wordy, sappy scenes weren’t needed to create a world of chemistry between the hero and heroine. It’s as if every word chosen to build that relationship is infused with passion.

Rebecca is giving away THREE paperbacks (USA only) and I’m giving away winner’s choice of ebook of any of the books mentioned above. Enter the Rafflecopter below!

**If you don’t want to enter Rafflecopter, tell me in a comment below: “I’m not entering the rafflecopter, but please throw me in the hat” so I can manually put you in there for a chance.**

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Welcome Jessica Nelson! We’re talking about her newest Regency release today. Who doesn’t love a library background for a cover?

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Questions about Jessica’s Story

What did you learn about yourself while writing this book?

I learned that I want to be like Henrietta, and not only learn to recognize real love, but to also accept it.

What research did you have to look up to make your character’s professional decisions authentic?

I had to read historical medical sites about surgeons, apothecaries, and physicians. I hunted down sites that deal with healing herbs that grow in England, and I even downloaded the pdf book A Practical Synopsis to the Materia Alimentaria and the Materia Medica. Written in 1808 and it fascinates me that I can digitally hold it in my curious little palms AKA hard drive. 🙂  

Did you stumble upon anything in your research for this book that made you sad?

The way epileptics were treated, the state of hospitals and asylums.

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Questions about Jessica’s Reading

	Which book got you hooked on reading Christian Historicals? That would be Francine Rivers’ Mark of the Lion series Who is your favorite Christian Historical heroine? I think I will always love Hadassah, from A Voice in the Wind. There is so much about her that resonated with me when I read it.
	What Christian Historical Novel taught you something about the craft of writing because it was so well done? And tell us a bit about what it taught you. The historical detail in Julie Klassen’s regencies put me to shame. And I have to mention the romantic tension in Julie Lessman’s A Passion Most Pure. Both books inspired me to take more care in how I write.

Jessica is giving away a copy paperback (USA or International) and I’m giving away winner’s choice of ebook of any of the books mentioned above. Enter the Rafflecopter below!

**If you don’t want to enter Rafflecopter, tell me in a comment below: “I’m not entering the rafflecopter, but please throw me in the hat” so I can manually put you in there for a chance.**

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I’m excited to host Amanda Cabot for a second end of the month giveaway! And Amanda’s been gracious to offer two paperbacks to two lucky readers, along with the ebook of anything book she mentions in the interview. Welcome, Amanda.

Other Books in this Series:

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Questions about Amanda’s Story

What inspired your story?

I’ve always been intrigued by the dramatic changes in medicine during the nineteenth century as doctors shunned the previously popular Heroic Medicine (techniques like bleeding and purging), and moved toward germ theory and a recognition of the importance of cleanliness.  There was such a contrast between the two schools of medicine that I thought it would be fun to pair a hero who exemplified all that was good about modern (well, as modern as it could be in 1881) medicine with a heroine who had good reason to distrust all doctors based on her experiences with the horrors of Heroic Medicine.

What research book or website used to write this book was your favorite to peruse?

T.R. Fehrenbach’s Lone Star: A History of Texas and the Texans is my go-to book for basic historical research on Texas.  Like the state itself, it’s big – more than 750 pages long – and filled with fascinating facts.  

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Questions about Amanda’s Reading

Which book got you hooked on reading Christian Historicals? Stephanie Grace Whitson’s Secrets on the Wind was so beautifully written and had such an intriguing plot line that it made me not only want to read everything she’d written but also try my hand at writing a Christian Historical novel of my own. It also inspired me to take a trip to Fort Robinson, but that’s a story for another day.

If your job was to sell one author’s historical fiction (besides your own) which author’s wares would you want to peddle? And which is your favorite by that author? Without a doubt, that would be Ann Gabhart. She’s such a talented, versatile author, giving readers wonderful books set in different time periods, not to mention that she writes mysteries as well as historical fiction. See what I mean about versatility? It’s hard to choose just one of Ann’s books, so let me list my two favorites: her current release, These Healing Hills, and Angel Sister.

Amanda is giving away a copy paperback (usa only) and I’m giving away winner’s choice of ebook of any of the books mentioned above. Enter the Rafflecopter below!

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Are you ready for Spring? I am! And this cover’s trees blossoming is making me impatient! Jan often bases her books on stories of her ancestors as she’s done for this one and that always intrigues me. Welcome Jan!

Other Books in this Series:

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Questions about Jan’s Story

What inspired your story?

This story was inspired by my grandfather. He had been left in an orphanage at an early age by his father only days after his mother died in childbirth. His newborn sister was placed for adoption, but his father never signed away his parental rights for Guy and his younger brother. So, they grew up in the orphanage, spending their summers working for area farmers. I put a fictional twist on the true story but kept my hero’s character as close to my grandfather as I could.

Did any of your characters “fight” with you until you succumbed and changed their personality or the story choice you were forcing them into?

I tried to make Luke Kaufman, one of the secondary characters, into a real weasel. I thought he was one of these fellows who considered himself a superstar in the community. But even though he cooperated with me early in the story, he wouldn’t stay in his predetermined role.

Which scene is your favorite, the one you never tired of working with?

There is a scene in chapter ten that was very hard to write, but it is definitely my favorite. Up until this point, Guy has been hiding behind an emotional wall, not revealing his feelings to anyone, not even himself. In this scene we see and feel what he wants…what he needs… And we’re left wondering if he is ever going to be brave enough to grasp at that dream that floats just beyond his reach.

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Questions about Jan’s Reading

Which was the last Christian Historical Novel you read, and what was your favorite thing about it? I recently read Suzanne Woods Fisher’s new release, “Phoebe’s Light.” I could tell that Suzanne had done extensive research on the history of Nantucket, the whaling industry, and the Quakers in the 1700’s, but the historical accuracy came second to the characters. Somehow, even when Phoebe made the wrong choices, I was rooting for her. I can’t wait to read the other books in the series!

What was the last Christian Historical Novel whose characters stayed in your head days after you finished reading it? Last spring, I read “Like a River from Its Course” by Kelli Stuart. It was haunting and beautiful. I had stayed up all night reading it and was a basket case the next day…but it was worth it.

Jan is giving away a copy paperback OPEN WORLDWIDE and I’m giving away winner’s choice of ebook of any of the books mentioned above. Enter the Rafflecopter below!

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I’ve always said if you smack a castle on a book cover, I’ll buy it. Well, it might not be a picture of a castle, but having it in the title on such a pretty cover comes close! 🙂 Welcome, Kristy, to the Index!

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Questions about Kristy’s Story

What character in your book turned out to be your favorite?

This is the first novel I’ve written where a main character doesn’t have a single line of dialogue—the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ castle became that unexpected favorite character as the story evolved. The castle is the silent witness of the stories that passed through the generations, recording the lives of those who lived and fought and died around its ruins. I loved to write a character that is immoveable but alive, ever-present but in the background, and asleep yet awakened, all at the same time!

If you could be one of your characters, who would you choose to be and why?

It’s a little scary to admit, but Ellison Carver has shades of my own life layered into her—so I kind of am a character! (This is my first novel in which that’s happened…) I wanted to honor the legacy of the generations who’ve lived and passed stories down to us. My grandmother—a college professor like Ellie’s Grandma Vi—battled Alzheimer’s Disease, and it felt right to tell a story from that place of deep understanding. Ellie’s journey in daring to dream of a new tomorrow… it was also similar to the “step-out and step-into your calling” author journey our family has been on in the last several years.

If you could be guaranteed to publish a book set anywhere and at anytime, what setting would you love to set a novel in?

How fun is this question, because I get to say that this is actually going to come true! I’m working on Book #2 in the Lost Castle series now, and it’s in a setting I love (Dublin, Ireland) with a storyline I’ve always found fascinating (WWI and the Easter Rising). After traveling to Ireland for research (with my husband and oldest sons – aka ‘Research Partners’), I fell in love with the land and the spirit of the Irish people. I can’t wait to write their story!

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Questions about Kristy’s Reading

If your job was to sell one author’s historical fiction (besides your own) which author’s wares would you want to peddle? And which is your favorite by that author? A couple of new 2018 titles I’ve recently read (and loved) are: THE WEAVER’S DAUGHTER by Sarah E. Ladd, and THE SEA BEFORE US, by Sarah Sundin. And a little secret I don’t mind sharing? I read every novel by these Sarahs. 😊 They’re the gold-standard for me in air-tight historical research seamlessly woven with skillful storytelling. I’m always swept away by their talent—and transported by their stories!

What was the last Christian Historical Novel that made you cry? Every Joanne Bischof novel/novella I’ve ever read has drawn such strong emotion, I end up in tears and remember the characters long after the final page. Joanne is a rare talent and I adore everything she writes.

Kristy is giving away a copy paperback (usa only) and I’m giving away winner’s choice of ebook of any of the books mentioned above. Enter the Rafflecopter below!

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I’m always excited to see books about time periods that don’t get much light in the fiction world! This sounds like a great one, and a story-within-a-story at that!

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Questions about Suzanne’s Story

What inspired your story?

While on a research trip, I signed away my life at the Nantucket Historical Association, put all my belongings in a locker, wore white gloves, and then…at last, I was able to hold Great Mary’s accounting book. It’s over 350 years old! She was one of the first settlers on Nantucket and was considered to be the “Deborah” of the Old Testament. As I squinted to read the faint ink of Mary Coffin Starbuck’s beautiful handwriting and careful accounting (she ran a store), I felt chills run down my spine. It was clear that she was highly regarded, extremely intelligent (though her husband, apparently, was illiterate), and involved in the lives of nearly everyone on the island—local Wampanoag Indians, settlers, visitors, traders, seamen. I knew there was a story here!

What was the hardest part of your book to write? 

Here’s the tricky part. I created a journal, written by Great Mary, that her great grandchildren pass on to each other. Thus, each book in the Nantucket Legacy series has a story within a story. It was not easy to write, to pull a reader along in a story without a sudden jarring of another time frame, another story. Hopefully, the entries of Great Mary’s journal slipped into the larger story arc without being distracting. Hopefully!

Did you include a real historical character or incident in your story?

I’m a firm believer in original sourcing for research—so I visited a number of historical ship museums to try and capture life in the American colonies. There was one whaling ship still in existence, and on it rested a “cuddy.” Think, shed-like. The captain’s wife had joined him on a whaling voyage. Most everyone experiences some seasickness at first, but a very few never recover and get their sea legs. Sadly, this captain’s wife was sick as a dog. He built her the cuddy, which helped a little. But she ended up disembarking and heading home at the first chance. As for me, I tucked that cuddy away and used it in Phoebe’s Light.

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Questions about Suzanne’s Reading

	Which book got you hooked on reading Christian Historicals? Lynn Austin’s Hidden Places. I loved the spunk of her female main character.
	What Christian Historical Novel taught you something about the craft of writing because it was so well done? Christy, by Catherine Marshall, has a little bit of everything—a love triangle, a wise older woman, a secret that shocks everyone, charming and quirky characters, and just enough haunting moments.
	What Christian Historical Novel in your To Be Read pile is begging you to make time to plop down with it right now? Jane Kirkpatrick’s All She Left Behind. Jane writes only one book per year, and puts so much careful research into her work. Can’t wait to dig into it!

Suzanne is giving away a copy paperback (usa only) and I’m giving away winner’s choice of ebook of any of the books mentioned above. Enter the Rafflecopter below!

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I had the opportunity to read Missing Isaac before it released and I quite enjoyed it! Here’s my review:

The title made me think there would be more to the search than there was and the cover and first chapters made me think this was a story of a young boy which I don’t think I would have enjoyed as much as what the book truly turned out to be. The story extends over years and sees him into adulthood and other characters share a lot of the limelight too, but it’s more a story of a set of characters as they grow in a world struggling with change. Valerie’s descriptive ability was simple and authentic feeling, making this town and its people seem real and sucked me in. Reading the author note, she did most of her research by oral history and is likely the reason why it felt so real.

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Questions about Valerie’s Story

What inspired your story?

I think I was still in college—many years ago!—when my uncle told me about the disappearance of a man who helped him pick cotton on his family farm. The man just vanished and was never heard from again. One of my cousins, listening to the story, speculated that this farm worker had met with foul play and ended up in a backwoods hollow. Those stories were the spark for mine—just imagining what might have happened. Before I knew it, I had a community of interconnected Southern families, a coming-of-age story, and two love stories, all wrapped around this mysterious disappearance.

What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

I would have to say the freedom of it—the joy of just turning my imagination loose. When I first started, I wasn’t thinking about getting published or writing to a particular market. I just wanted to see if I could take what I’ve learned as a magazine writer and produce a good fictional story. I so enjoyed watching the central character, a boy named Pete McLean, grow up, and I loved “meeting” other characters as they materialized: Isaac Reynolds, a black field hand who becomes Pete’s mentor and beloved friend; Dovey Pickett, a beautiful backwoods girl and the love of Pete’s life; Pete and Dovey’s widowed parents, Lila McLean and John Pickett; Miss Paul Pickett, queen of the backwoods . . .

What character in your book turned out to be your favorite?

Dovey’s widowed father, John Pickett, who started out as just a cardboard cutout of a character—very primitive and a little scary. I saw him primarily as an obstacle for Pete and Dovey to overcome. But the more I wrote him, I realized that John was meant to be a true romantic hero and the perfect vehicle to illustrate the basic dignity of every human being: Just because a man is poor, that doesn’t mean he isn’t intelligent and talented and devoted to his family. John embodies the longing and loneliness that I think are key to the book, but he also has great strength, integrity, and passion. Plus he’s one handsome farmer-craftsman. 🙂

Which scene is your favorite, the one you never tired of working with? Give us a reason to look forward to it.

There are actually two—Pete McLean and Dovey Pickett’s first real date and first kiss (Chapter 14), and the scenes during the tornado and its aftermath (Chapter 26). Those were incredibly difficult because it’s so easy for a romantic scene—or a highly dramatic one—to turn melodramatic. I tried to make them realistic—to capture that throbbing-heartbeat moment when you’re not sure what’s going to happen next. Readers will have to let me know if I managed it.

Some of my friends who read the manuscript described it as cinematic—they said they felt like they were watching it instead of reading it. That’s how I wrote the scenes I mentioned. I “watched” them first in my imagination and then wrote what I saw, if that makes sense.

Why did you choose the year your book is set?

There’s a wonderful singer-songwriter named Kate Campbell whose music I first discovered many years ago. I remember listening to her CD Visions of Plenty, which included songs about the South during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. And I was so taken by it because she was singing about that time the way I remembered it—through the eyes of a white Southern child. It was such a confusing time for kids—black and white—because so much of what we saw around us didn’t make sense. And it was such a dramatic and violent era that what often gets lost are the little pockets of humanity I saw back then —just ordinary people trying to do the right thing, only they weren’t sure what that was any more.

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Questions about Valerie’s Reading

Which book got you hooked on reading Christian Historicals?

I’m actually very new to this genre because I didn’t set out to write a Christian Historical—I just set out to tell a compelling story, and it so happened that the characters who interested me were people of faith, and the time period that interested me was historically significant. So I sort of looked up and found myself in Christian Historicals! I had a little exposure to them way back in the eighties (dating myself here), when I worked for a literary journal as a grad student at Baylor. Since then, this category seems to have exploded, with talented writers taking it in countless directions and exploring myriad time periods, settings, and characters. I just got back from the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance trade show in New Orleans, and it was almost too much to take in—so many exciting new titles and interesting writers. I look forward to discovering their work.

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Since Valerie is new to the genre, comment below with the name of one  Christian Historical novel you’ve loved that you’d recommend and a Christian Historical novel you really want to read but haven’t got your hands on yet. If you win the ebook, I’ll send you either Valerie’s book or the one you want the most but don’t have. 🙂 (Must be available in ebook format)

Valerie is giving away a copy paperback (USA only) and I’m giving away winner’s choice of ebook. Enter the Rafflecopter below!

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Welcome Jamie Jo and her debut Split Time novel!

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Questions about Jamie Jo’s Story

What was the hardest part of your book to write?

I believe the hardest part in writing this book was to switch from a very historical perspective and move into a present day scene as my present day character sought to uncover the history of the house, the people who’d inhabited it and how history then affected today. Not only was it sometimes hard not to get lost, but it was also hard to become aware of how much history does truly impact generations. Our choices, our faith, our consequences really are not our own. They touch many in the family tree.

What research did you have to look up to make your character’s professional decisions authentic?

Because one of the main characters, Ivy, is an assistant to her father who is a medical examiner, I had to research the different visual and physical signs related to post-mortem individuals. Time of death, signs of how they died, how to find forensic detail on what they died from. All of this information had to be consistent with the turn-of-the-century. Things like DNA and even fingerprints weren’t used or weren’t used frequently.

Did you stumble upon anything in your research for this book that made you sad?

Oh yes. Very much so. In researching human trafficking, which is a thread through the novel, I found it horrific in current day, but even more horrific how prevalent it really has been for centuries. It is a very overlooked, unaddressed crime against humanity that must be stopped.

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Questions about Jamie Jo’s Reading

	What other Christian Historical Novels are similar to yours in setting or storyline? Recently published, Lady Jayne Disappears has many of the same gothic, suspenseful and mysterious elements as The House On Foster Hill. I also would best compare my novels to Kristy Cambron’s as it relates to the split-time (half-historical, half-present day) structure.
	What Christian Historical Novel in your To Be Read pile is begging you to make time to plop down with it right now? I am super lucky to have a copy of Kathleen Y’Barbo’s book, The Pirate Bride due out in 2018 in my stack to read NEXT. I am super excited about the entire Barbour Publishing’s series Daughters of the Mayflower. I can’t wait to read them all!

Jamie Jo is giving away a copy paperback (usa only) and I’m giving away winner’s choice of ebook of any of the books mentioned above. Enter the Rafflecopter below!

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A merry welcome to Carolyn with this newest installment in her series!

Other books in this series:

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Questions about Carolyn’s Story

What inspired your story?

Miss Clara DeLancey is considered something of a villain (!) in the first two novels of this series, so I wanted to write something that presented her side of the story. Trying to make an unlikeable character likeable is a bit of a challenge, so I had to make sure there were enough redemptive qualities with her story, and provide a thread of humor and another romantic subplot in order to maintain reader interest. I hope readers come to understand why she has behaved as she has and grow in sympathy for her.

What character in your book turned out to be your favorite?

I love Benjamin Kemsley, the injured Naval captain and hero of our story. He might have saved hundreds of lives, but his struggles with family, finances, and fight for recognition are things many of us can relate with. He’s not your typical ‘tall, dark and handsome’ character, but someone who holds a certain rugged appeal in the Chris Hemsworth style. 🙂 Just because he might not have been born a gentleman does not mean he lacks gentlemanly qualities, as his care and protection and courage for those he loves proves. And he has a nice line in self-deprecating humor. (Oh, and did I mention he looks not unlike Chris Hemsworth?)

Did you include a real historical character or incident in your story?

Yes! With great fear and trepidation, I incorporated England’s Prince Regent into Miss DeLancey’s story. I was fortunate enough in 2015 to visit Brighton and see the Prince Regent’s magnificent Marine Pavilion, which was simply begging to be incorporated into a story, which naturally had to include something of King George III’s son, too. Contemporary accounts suggest that the Prince Regent (who later became King George IV) was a complex man, known for his corpulence as much as his somewhat hedonistic lifestyle, someone who sought pleasure in food, women, and appearances. To achieve something of the style of his manners and address I found The Letters of King George 1812-1830, edited by A. Aspinall, to be an excellent resource.

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Questions about Carolyn’s Reading

	What other Christian Historical Novels are similar to yours in setting or storyline? Kaye Dacus’s Regency-era ‘Ransome Trilogy’ deals with English sea captains, and has settings on the English coast.
	If your job was to sell one author’s historical fiction, which author’s wares would you want to peddle? And which is your favorite by that author? This is a hard one! I have truly appreciated Carrie Turansky’s support and encouragement, so I would want to help promote her Edwardian-era ‘Highland Hall’ series. But then, I’d also like to support Juliana Deering’s ‘Drew Farthering’ series, because I love the settings, the 1930s style and wit. And then there’s Dawn Crandall’s series… Argh! Too many good authors out there!
	What was the last Christian Historical Novel that made you cry? Roseanna M White’s ‘The Reluctant Duchess’ has such real characters that I couldn’t help but have a little cry. Very evocative writing. 🙂

Carolyn is giving away a copy paperback (usa only) and I’m giving away winner’s choice of ebook of any of the books mentioned above. Enter the Rafflecopter below!

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Don’t you just love the word play on this cover? I sure thought it was clever. Now that’s a cover that intrigues. 

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Questions about Joanna’s Story

What inspired your story?

When I was young and I’d see kids treating other kids terribly, or adults relentlessly harping on children to try to make them adults and rob them of normal childhood adventures, it bothered me. Being really quiet, I couldn’t simply walk up and tell the person all the spiteful things I wished to say, but neither could I let it go. So like any resourceful girl with a wild imagination, I simply wrote every one of those people into stories—and then punished their characters mercilessly. In my novel, the main character is equally quiet and equally merciless in her fictional punishment of the people around her. She finds herself in a household of wealthy “bullies” who need to be put in their place. She’d be homeless if she falls out of favor with them though, so she takes up her only weapon. Using the pen name Nathaniel Droll, she writes everyone into her serial novels and deals with them on paper. However, unlike my story, Aurelie is found out when the people around her start recognizing themselves in her characters.

What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

This book is about a writer, and I poured myself into her character. I am fascinated with the concept of story and historical writing because, like my heroine, I love to encounter people’s stories. I want to know all the pieces of their background that fed into who they are and inform the decisions they make. I regularly approach strangers and ask, “what’s your story?” The answers are often surprising and always delightfully intriguing. People want to be known, for it gives them a sense of value. Sharing their story and their life somehow validates their experiences. Very little eclipses the feeling of sitting at the feet of an older person whose body has all but stopped working and delving into their minds so alive with decades of life, watching their faces light up as they share themselves and realize their story is still very relevant. Each time I write a story, I sit at the feet of someone and I listen to their story. It was an immense blessing for my writerly heart to convey through this novel my love for story and the value of the people behind each one. Aurelie cares deeply about people and that always figures into the novels she writes. Writing this book allowed me to share my heart in a way few other writing projects have.

Did you stumble upon anything in your research for this book that made you sad?

“Anyone can walk into debtor’s prison. It’s getting out that’s hard.” That paraphrased dialogue from a Charles Dickens book was painfully true. Debtor’s prison completely baffled me. Charles Dickens actually spent a small portion of his youth in one of them (Marshalsea Prison) because his father, the family breadwinner, had become a debtor. The place was run like a business, with the prison guard essentially taking bribes from his inmates for edible food and blankets. Well-meaning relatives or friends gave “contributions” to the inmates when they visited, but the money was soon handed over to the man running the prison, and the inmates seldom climbed out of their situation. How is one supposed to pay off his debt if he’s locked up anyway?

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Questions about Joanna’s Reading

What Christian Historical Novel taught you something about the craft of writing because it was so well done? And tell us a bit about what it taught you. Laura Frantz’s A Moonbow Night is brilliant in both the laying out of gorgeous scenes and the expansive historical detail. What draws me to this book however, and every book by this author, is the warmth that gently cradles you as you step into her story and walk around with her lovely characters. The historical details ground you and set the scene, but Frantz has an incredible command of language—the color, the texture, and the feel of each word is gently drawn out like artful brush strokes. Laura Frantz books are to be savored and experienced as she skillfully draws you into the scene, attaches your heart to her characters, then lets you watch them firsthand as they experience heartache and hope and everything in between.

Which was the last Christian Historical Novel you read, and what was your favorite thing about it? Kristy Cambron’s An Illusionist’s Apprentice is a masterpiece. Cambron writes historical novels with themes that deeply resonate with us today, because she realizes that human nature, as well as the hope God offers, never changes. With a unique vintage backdrop to give the story flair, The Illusionist’s Apprentice takes you through a contrast of light and dark, hope and despair. As always with Cambron’s novels, you are left with a supreme sense of hope because of God, who is always evident in a big way with each of her stories. Aside from vibrant spiritual themes that nearly always give me the chills, her unique setting and immense historical research make her book unique and fascinating.

Joanna is giving away a copy paperback (usa only) and I’m giving away winner’s choice of ebook of any of the books mentioned above. Enter the Rafflecopter below!

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I have found, by running this sight, that I really like lantern’s on covers. I don’t know why, but they draw me, and today’s giveaway book has a lantern on it! Bonus points. Plus it’s Mary Connealy, so it’s going to be a fun book, I’m certain!

Others in this series: First one is FREE!

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Questions about Mary’s Story

What character in your book turned out to be your favorite?

I loved Cole Boden, the hero of Too Far Down, which is book #3 in the series. He is in the prequel, The Boden Birthright, right now free as an ebook and available in print in a collection called All For Love which will release next May. He was a little child in The Boden Birthright and saving Cole was almost all the focus of that book, though it led to romance and his father’s marriage and general mayhem. So, I loved writing this book. I’ve been eager to tell Cole’s story.

If you could be one of your characters, who would you choose to be and why?

Oh no contest. I’d want to be Mel (Call-Me-Melanie-and-I’ll-Kill-You) Blake. Melanie, the tough frontier cowgirl heroine of Too Far Down, is the kind of character I love writing. Tough, smart, hard working. She doesn’t back down for anyone and she always says exactly what she means. This could not be more exactly the opposite of me. I am non-confrontational to an alarming degree. I keep my mouth shut and think long and hard before I say anything that could upset anyone. My humor is mostly self-deprecating because at least I won’t be mad at myself, right? And then I go home and I write books and shoot people in them. It’s a nice safe outlet.

Did you include a real historical character or incident in your story?

I did. I based this story on a land grant conflict that was real life. Where an American changed his citizenship to Mexican to earn a land grant, then the border changed and suddenly his land grant is in America. and he changed his citizenship back to American. The New Mexico territorial government started rescinding these massive, million acre land grants and this American/Mexican/American guy wasn’t quite American enough, so he had his daughter marry a for-sure American and he managed to save his land grant. Anyway, research was fun and the story is outlandish and yet based on truth, it’s called the Maxwell Land Grant.

Why did you choose the year your book is set?

Heath Kincaid was a child in my Kincaid Brides Series. I’ve been dying to give him his own love story and he needed to grow up. That helped set me in time because I needed it to be at least ten years after Heath appeared as a ten-year-old in Over the Edge.

What research did you have to look up to make your character’s professional decisions authentic?

It’s so fun to do research because you end up on rabbit trails, looking up one thing, and that leads to something else. The research I enjoyed the most was when I found a bunch of old Indian fables to explain the ruins on top of some New Mexican mesas. Very fascinating to read and compare the story to reality and see the seeds of truth in them. For this specific book I found the Philmont Ranch—now owned by the Boy Scouts of America. And the gold mines on the top of Mt. Baldy…part of which is on the Philmont Ranch. That set me on the path to use those mines as a setting for my story.

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Questions about Mary’s Reading

Those below are FREE!	What other Christian Historical Novels are similar to yours in setting or storyline? Lori Copeland’s Men of the Saddle and Brides of the West series. Regina Jennings novels are favorites of mine. Everything by Karen Witemeyer. Margaret Brownley does work that reminds me of mine. I love Melissa Jagears work. Jen Turano has humor in her books and I’m always looking for that.  I shouldn’t have started because I’m leaving people out. Cowboys are hot right now!
	What Christian Historical Novel did you reread last, and why did you reread it? Well, oddly enough, I just ‘sort of’ re-read my Wild at Heart series. I had eye surgery recently for a detatched retina…and part of the aftermath of that is the doctor requiring me to lie face down for TEN DAYS! Yes, I was under Doctor’s orders to smother myself. So I needed books on tape and the one My Cowboy got me from the local library was my Wild at Heart series. I honestly really enjoyed it and it saved my sanity.
	What Christian Historical Novel taught you something about the craft of writing because it was so well done? And tell us a bit about what it taught you. When I read Francine River’s Mark of the Lion trilogy I felt like I really realized the power of word. The way she created that world, 1st century Rome, and then pulled me into it. Absolutely brilliant.

Mary is giving away a copy paperback (usa only) and I’m giving away winner’s choice of ebook of any of the books mentioned above. Enter the Rafflecopter below!

**If you don’t want to enter Rafflecopter, tell me in a comment below: “I’m not entering the rafflecopter, but please throw me in the hat” so I can manually put you in there for a chance.**

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