Elaine Marie Cooper Author

Historical Fiction That Grabs Your Heart and Feeds Your Soul

emcoop

Risen the Movie: Review

by 4 Comments

My eyes are burning with fatigue from a busy week of work and fighting a cold. But they will continue to burn a few minutes longer until this burning message gets posted for my readers to view: Please go see the movie “Risen.”

It is a story of an unbeliever—but not just any unbeliever. He is the Tribune Clavius in charge of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. He pointed his finger to direct the order for the final thrust of the sword into the side of the victim on the cross. Of course, he did not really kill Him. Jesus had already surrendered his spirit moments before Clavius arrived.

The story actually begins with a fierce battle during which a close friend of Clavius is killed. Before he can even clean the filth of battle from his war weary body, he then most give the final directions at the foot of the cross. From there, one disaster after another unfolds in Jerusalem as the Jewish leaders fear the followers of Jesus stealing the body and claiming resurrection, and Pontius Pilate fearing the imminent arrival of the Emporer who will discover chaos in the region.

As Pilate’s close aid and keeper of order in Jerusalem, Clavius is plagued by this incessant message with every crisis: “Tribune, Pilate summons you.” As the tensions build, you begin to dread each summons almost as much as the exhausted Clavius. Of course the investigation of the post resurrection begins the real story as the Tribune’s sense of truth begins to be challenged.

 

Credit Sony Pictures Entertainment
Credit Sony Pictures Entertainment

Tribune Clavius is played with such skill by Joseph Fiennes that you truly believe he is the character he portrays. He is completely measured in his emotions, yet reflects in his eyes the torment he is going through.

 

The rest of the cast is just as fitting for their roles making one wish you could give a round of applause for the casting director.

 

Although most Christians know the story well of the crucifixion and resurrection, this story carries an altogether new approach that is intense, thoughtful and well written. I loved this movie and would recommend it for all believers as well as for those who struggle believing. They would identify well with the Tribune Clavius.

 

Banner photo credit: Sony Pictures Entertainment

Three Upcoming Romances to Celebrate Valentine’s Day

by Leave a Comment

This year of 2016 is an exciting time for this Historical Romance writer. Not one, but THREE new releases will offer your heartbeat the opportunity to flutter with romantic joy. Here is the synopsis of each book and the release dates:

 

Promise of Deer Run (Book 2, Deer Run Saga) Releasing June 16, 2016 through CrossRiver Media

The year is 1790.

The American Revolution is long since over, yet the battles still live in the hearts of the survivors.

One young veteran is haunted by the painful memories of war. He still awaits a father who has never returned from battle and feels the sting of betrayal from a former love. He withdraws into his own world, clinging to one hope: Perhaps his father still lives.

Only one person in Deer Run seems to understand him: Nineteen-year-old Sarah Thomsen, who feels a kinship with the loner veteran. She senses the wounds in his spirit as much as she struggles to bury her own traumatic memories of war. And the veteran’s search for his father touches a chord of empathy in Sarah, as she feels the loss of a father she never knew.

While the couple begins to find hope in a mutual affection, others determine to destroy it. Slander and misunderstandings ignite a fire of doubt and mistrust, destroying whatever faith they had in each other.

Can two souls longing for healing and trust love again? Can faith—and a family—be restored?

 

Saratoga Letters (releasing through Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas October 4, 2016)

The engagement that was the turning point in favor of the American Patriots during the Revolutionary War is the event driving this novel.

1907857_4273358328641_2678156944773778737_o

Part 1 takes place in 1777, immediately after the Battle of Saratoga in the colony of New York. The story begins after the first skirmish and follows a romance that grows between enemies—a Colonial woman named Abigail who is forced to provide nursing care, and a wounded British soldier, William. The reluctant nurse is also pursued by others in the enemy camp who have less than gallant intentions toward her. Abigail does not know who she can trust—or who might betray her.

Part 2 takes place in 1977. It’s been 200 years since the Battle of Saratoga and Revolutionary War re-enactors are gathering in New York State. Among the re-enactors are descendants of the original soldiers from both sides of the battle. Men and women come from as far away as Europe to remember the historic conflict that turned the tide in the American Revolution. But some conflicts have never been resolved and some of the players in 1977 are in as much danger as those in 1777.

When past meets the present, will romance from years ago be reborn? Or will ancient hostilities be unearthed? Letters from long ago may hold the key.

 

Legacy of Deer Run (Book 3, Deer Run Saga) Releasing December 8, 2016 through CrossRiver Media

The year is 1800.

A young man makes weapons for the defense of America, still a fledgling nation. He also protects his heart from the allure of a young woman whose station in life keeps her out of his reach.

The lady fights her own war against loneliness and grief. Despite her finery and airs, she is drawn to the young armory worker who is distant yet disarming.

Love is not the only entanglement. The nation’s enemies are afoot. They creep within the very walls where America’s defenses are forged. Who are they? When will they strike? Who will survive their terrorism?

Intrigue of the heart and intrigue of the times are only part of this compelling story—Book 3 of the Deer Run Saga. This series finale is a gripping mix of romance and deception, faith and forgiveness, transgression and trial.

 

So friends, get ready for a busy year of romance reading as you celebrate Valentine’s Day!

Webinar Interview – “Bethany’s Calendar”

by 2 Comments

I can think of nothing in my life that was as devastating as losing my daughter to brain cancer. And when I felt that inner “call” to write about that experience, I wished I could ignore it. But I knew it was pointless to argue with God.

The result was the book known as “Bethany’s Calendar.” It won the Selah award for best nonfiction memoir in 2015, but the award itself pales with the impact the book has made in encouraging others and giving hope in the midst of despair.

 

This past week I had the privilege of being interviewed about my daughter, the impact on my family, and the ways the Lord has used my daughter’s testimony to inspire many.

You can watch the webinar at this link anytime. Just click here and go to Episode 32. I pray you are blessed.

The story of my daughter's journey with cancer.
The story of my daughter’s journey with cancer.

 

Review: “A Reluctant Melody” by Sandra Ardoin

by Leave a Comment

For such a complex novel filled with twists and turns, the story line of “A Reluctant Melody” remains clear, easy to follow, and captures your attention throughout.

It’s 1892 and Joanna Stewart is a young widow of twenty-six, but the circumstances and bad decisions she has made in her past have brought enough tragedy and rejection to last a lifetime. All she wants to do now is sell her home bequeathed by her late husband and start a new life, far from the accusing eyes and castigating tongues of the town. These haughty neighbors only reinforce what she already knows: Her sins are unforgivable.

Just as she finds a glimmer of hope when a buyer makes an offer on her house, she is instead forced to face the very man who ruined her life.  Instead of running away, she must wrestle with her guilt all over again, as well as the feelings of attraction she has long repressed—feelings that sent her on a downward spiral so long ago.

ARM Cover

The settings in “A Reluctant Melody” by Sandra Ardoin sweep you back in time to 1890’s North Carolina. Ms. Ardoin has done her research well, helping the reader feel the sights, sounds and pacing of the era. Every detail from clothing to hair styles to the stricter mores of the time transport a reader to another time and place.

Although the atmosphere fills your senses, it is the characters who truly shine in this complicated yet well developed story. Ms. Ardoin creates believable protagonists and antagonists who draw you into understanding the complexities of life, the ramifications of sin, and the redemption that is possible for all if they will accept it.

This is a historical I will be recommending for a long time. A five-star tale of intrigue, hope and romance. Well done!

 

Author Bio:

Sandra Ardoin_Headshot

Sandra Ardoin writes inspirational historical romance. She’s the author of The Yuletide Angel and A Reluctant Melody. A wife and mom, she’s also a reader, football fan, NASCAR watcher, garden planter, country music listener, antique store prowler. Visit her at www.sandraardoin.com and on the Seriously Write blog. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Goodreads, and Pinterest. Join her email community to receive occasional updates and a free short story.

 

You can enter her launch team giveaway by clicking here

Release Day Tomorrow!

by 6 Comments

I am so excited that it is the eve of release day for Road to Deer Run!

I have anticipated this re-release of my first novel ever since the Deer Run Saga was contracted with CrossRiver Media. When it first released in 2010 it was in need of edits and a new cover. CrossRiver Media has provided both, plus a whole new audience of readers. I am blessed.

I’m giving two blog links that are running this week in celebration. They provide much background information about Road to Deer Run that you might find interesting.

Click here for the first blog post.

Click here for the second one.

If you want to participate in my online facebook party, here is the link for it. Click here.  There is a bounty of prizes in a drawing Friday morning!

Thank you to all my readers for your support. I am so grateful.

Road to Deer Run - Cover

You can pre-order paperback copies through CrossRiver’s site. If you use the promo code DEERRUN25, you will receive a 25% discount at checkout. Click here

You can order kindle at Amazon. Click here

First Five Requests get Free Audio of “Fields!”

by 5 Comments

My publisher for Fields of the Fatherless has just let me know that he is offering FIVE coupons for a free audio version of the same! There is a stipulation however: If you download it for free from audible.com, he requests that you listen and post a review.

If you’ve never had a chance to read or listen to Fields of the Fatherless, you could be in for a surprise. Most Americans are well familiar with the first day of the American Revolution and the battles at Lexington and Concord. But are you aware there was a far worse battle that occurred that same day in a small village called Menotomy? You might ask how I learned of this, since it is so often left out of our history books.

The answer is simple: I grew up in Menotomy, now known as Arlington, Massachusetts. In fact, my house was down the street from the site of this terrible battle. I’d walk by that old wood frame house year after year and wonder what the sign out front meant. It was not until I was an adult that I researched the story of the Jason Russell House and the terrible events that occurred there on April 19, 1775.

As I studied the events of that day, I learned about the family that lived there. And I chose to focus on one family member, Betsy Russell, daughter of Jason Russell. She was just 18-years-old that day in 1775. And I’m certain the tragedy of those hours of battle lived in her heart until the day she died. So the story is told through the eyes of Betsy, a teen on the verge of womanhood whose hopes for a peaceful life of raising her own family seem suddenly shattered like the shards of glass littering her lawn after the attack.

 

So if you’ve never heard the audio version of Fields of the Fatherless, you are in for a dramatic presentation read by actress Becca Ballenger. If you would like this audible version for free, be among the first five to request the coupon code. Leave your email in the comment section in this format: suchandsuch (at) gmail (dot) com.

Best wishes!