Elaine Marie Cooper Author

Historical Fiction That Grabs Your Heart and Feeds Your Soul

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FINALLY! The Selah Award Winner!

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I think I must be the worst Author-Blogger! How many months have flown by since I announced my friend, Janet Grunst, and I were both finalists in the category of historical romance for the Selah Award? Too many, that’s for sure!

 

Janet and me at Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference awards ceremony.
Janet and me at Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference awards ceremony.

In truth, I have been overwhelmed with a research trip, book deadline, and family trip for my son and daughter-in-law’s baby shower. I’ve not been twiddling my thumbs, but I apologize for this late blog post!

 

I owe all my readers an update. The short answer about the Selah winner is … Janet won the Selah award for historical romance!! Now, everyone who is a finalist wishes they received top award. But I tell you, when I heard Janet’s name announced as winner, I was thrilled!! She sat next to me stunned and I literally shook her arm and said, “It’s YOU!! Go up there and get your award!” Her wonderful husband, Ken, was there to see his wife receive this precious acknowledgement of a book well written and I was so pleased for them both. It was an awesome moment and I am SO happy for Janet!

 

Here is her Selah award-winning book cover for “A Heart Set Free,” so if you’ve not had a chance to read it, be sure to pick up a copy. And please write a review at Amazon and Goodreads. Other readers peruse book reviews and it can really help an author get attention for his or her book.

Lg-A Heart Set Free Final Cover

In summary, congrats to my wonderful friend, Janet, who deserves this special accolade for her first novel!

WELL DONE, dear friend!

 

Saratoga Letters: Finalist in Selah Awards!

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Yesterday was extra special when it was announced that Saratoga Letters was a finalist in the historical fiction category for the Selah Awards! What made the day even sweeter was my good friend, Janet Grunst, was also announced as a finalist … in the same category! I am truly excited for us both.

 

Lg-A Heart Set Free Final Cover

Janet’s book A Heart Set Free was a labor of love for many years for Janet and finally saw fruition this past year when it was published. Saratoga Letters was published at the culmination of one of the most difficult years I’ve ever experienced personally. I was diagnosed with a serious knee infection last April and was laid up in treatment for months.

I suppose it seems like writers just write their story, submit it to a publisher, do edits, and then watch it get a new cover and magically appear on Amazon.com. But there is so much more behind the story. There are family crises, numerous frustrations on the path to publication, and personal trials that become woven into the big picture. So when both Janet and I were chosen as finalists, it was a sweet reward indeed. Regardless of who wins (and there is a third contender in the category) just being a finalist is a category I treasure. And I thank the Lord for His goodness in the trials.

Selahs_Seal_Finalist_2017

Psalm 27:13-14

I would have lost heart, unless I had believed
That I would see the goodness of the Lord
In the land of the living.

Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage.

 

 

 

 

DNA kit for my birthday

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I recently celebrated a V.I.B. — a very important birthday. 😉 In celebration of the event, I asked for one gift: A DNA kit from Ancestry.com to determine the lineage of the person that I am.

It’s not that I don’t know the probable ancestry of most of my bloodlines. Lots of English, Irish, some German, and French Canadian. But there is a lingering question that birthed years ago when my grandfather shared that one of our “great-greats” was the first white child born in Indian territory.

Whenever a family member brought up our heritage, I mentally grabbed the words and stored them in my memory banks. Something about family history has always intrigued me.

That piece of information from Grandpa Mueller was re-ignited when I worked nights at the hospital. It was my custom to drive home after a busy shift and have some oatmeal at the dining table before settling down to rest. This one day proved different: As I switched on the TV with sleepy fingers, the Today show was playing. I sat down to eat, barely paying attention to my comfort food when I heard it: My father’s voice.

Suddenly wide awake, I focused on the television to watch an interview with the chief of the Winnebago tribe in Wisconsin. You may have already guessed that this was the homeland where my father grew up, where he was a descendent of a white child born in Indian territory, according to my grandpa. Was this a half-caucasian child?

Uncle Mel, Dad, and Uncle Dave
Uncle Mel, Dad, and Uncle Dave

To look at photos of my dad and his two brothers, there are many traits that seem to shine with Native American features. To look at me, I very much resemble my mother’s side of the family with my light hair and skin.

 

But I could not get the memory of hearing my dad’s voice coming from that Indian chief. The deep resonate quality was unforgettable. I have wondered about my heritage ever since.

 

On this birthday, I decided to put my questions to the DNA test. So I spent my birthday morning spitting into a test tube and mailing the solution to the lab in Utah where they examine the DNA of countless curious citizens who wonder where their cells had their beginnings.

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I can’t wait to get the results.

 

 

Mother-Of-The-Bride Devotional by Leign Ann Thomas

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                I so enjoyed Ribbons, Lace & Moments of Grace, a devotional written for mothers of the bride before the wedding. But I’ll let you in on a secret—it’s a blessing for mothers of the groom as well. In fact, this should be on the must read list for all parents of the bride or groom because it zeroes in on some of the key issues that can surface when preparing for a wedding. And it adds a Godly perspective to help you survive!

And the cover with purple (my favorite color!) only adds to the blessing that Ribbons, Lace & Moments of Grace is to me and probably many other purple-lovers.

So let me present the lovely mother of the brides, author Leigh Ann Thomas!

 

Welcome, Leigh Ann and congrats on this new release! When did the seeds for writing this devotional begin to take root in your writers muse?

Thank you, Elaine! From one purple enthusiast to another—it’s a joy to be here!

For me, becoming a mother of the bride was a tough transition. I went from being mom to three little girls to watching my nest become empty at warp speed. In my heart, I wasn’t ready to let go.

The idea for writing Ribbons, Lace, and Moments of Grace, came from my mistake of isolating myself during the early stages of preparing for our daughters’ big days. I was a mess! I assumed that no one could possibly understand my myriad emotions, so in effect, I curled into an emotional ball.

I had to hit a mother-of-the-bride wall before I realized I could trust God with my worries and concerns—that He loved my daughters more than I ever could and He had plans and purpose for them.

Over time, I learned that weddings can be messy. And chaotic, and silly, and stressful, and absolutely wonderful—as long as I walked with my Lord on the journey.

 

Did you keep a journal during the preparations for your daughters’ weddings?

I didn’t keep a journal, but I did save emails with my daughters—short chats about everything from planning details to sharing our excitement over an upcoming dress fitting or food tasting. Most of the weddings were organized long-distance, so email was our life-line. Lots of “I love you!” and “We can do this!”

BookCover--Ribbons, Lace, and Moments of Grace

I’m sure your daughters are so proud of you! What were their responses when they read this book?

My girls—Laura, Mary, and Katie—have been my biggest cheerleaders. I’ve depended on their love, support, and insights over the months of writing and fine-tuning the manuscript.

I was a little nervous when I gave them the early drafts because the book centers on a mom’s perspective (mine, and the precious women I interviewed). I knew the book would hold a few surprises concerning my thoughts and feelings during that time.

While reading, the girls laughed and enjoyed reliving shared memories. I think it brought home to each of us the blessings of walking together and allowing God to direct our hearts (even in the chaos!)

 

Do you have a sequel in mind for when — Lord willing — you become a grandmother? Inquiring GiGi’s and Mimi’s would love to read it!

Actually, my two oldest girls have been married for several years and I’ve been a Grammy for three years! Three little boys keep us extra-busy and we have a tiny princess due in May. Talk about joy! And yes, after a little more on-the-job training, I would love to write a sequel. I already have a wealth of material!

 

I imagine you do!! And congratulations. 🙂 Any writing ideas brewing in your muse for future works?

Oh, where to start! I love the devotional format so I’m working on an idea for a book of inspiration for women in transition (I know, who’s not in transition?) My heart is for women to know they are never alone—that we have a Heavenly Father who loves unconditionally and will guide and sustain us in an upside-down world.

Also, just for fun, I love to write short stories and would like to venture into longer works of fiction. My favorite part of being a writer is asking, Okay, Lord…what shall we do today? Should we try something new? Then grabbing my pen and getting busy!

How can readers access you on social media?

Website: LeighAThomas.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leigh.nallthomas

Twitter: @lthomaswrites

Amazon: Amazon.com/author/leighannthomas

Instagram: leighathomaswrites

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/785810.Leigh_Ann_Thomas

LeighAnnThomas_headshot2

Bio:

Leigh Ann Thomas is the author of three books, including Ribbons, Lace, and Moments of Grace—Inspiration for the Mother of the Bride releasing March, 2017. A columnist for AlmostAnAuthor.com, she has also written for Just18Summers.com, ChristianDevotions.us, and Power for Living. She is a contributing author in ten books and her work is included in two editions of Southern Writers Best Short Stories. You can find Leigh Ann on her front porch daydreaming story plots, or blogging at LeighAThomas.com.

 

 

My review:

What a moving and inspiring devotional! Ribbons, Lace, & Moments of Grace touches a chord with any parent who has experienced the life-altering transition of preparing for a wedding while also preparing to watch their child leave the nest. With both humor and sensitivity, author Leigh Ann Thomas walks mothers through the emotional journey of letting go with grace. I encourage this devotional to be read by every mother of the bride—and mother of the groom as well!

Leigh Ann is offering a free copy of her devotional to one reader who comments on this blog post. Be sure to leave your email to be entered in the drawing!

Meet Debut Author, Cindy Huff

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Cindy, CONGRATULATIONS on your debut novel, Secrets and Charades!

Tell us a bit about the plot, without giving away any spoilers.

Dr. Evangeline Olson’s niece has been writing to a rancher out west, posing in her letters as her Aunt Evangeline. When the good doctor finds out, she is livid. But a series of events both past and present cause her to revisit her niece’s charade.  Shame and fear had a lot to do with the decision. Prayer brought peace to go forward.

Rancher Jake began writing for a mail-order bride so that the niece he is caring for does not need to go away to boarding school. She needs a better education and genteel ways. Jake’s past as a veteran in the Civil War, along with his history of a broken romantic relationship, play into how he reacts to his new bride. There’s a lot more secrets within the community neither are aware of at first. These play a crucial role in building the relationship of Jake and Evangeline.

How were you inspired to write this story?

“Evangeline” came to me and shared her story. Some people close to me have battled these same emotional traumas. Placing Evangeline’s and Jake’s pain in an historical setting gives readers a little distance from their modern lives. Yet, the pain is still relatable.

 

Have you always been a fan of westerns? Do you have any favorite western authors?

I love a good western or any historical if it is done well. Louis L’amour writes great westerns. I was inspired by Jeanette Oke and Gilbert Morris when their Christian fiction spoke to the heart rather than preached at the reader.

 Secret & Charades front cover

Your female protagonist is a doctor. Was it difficult getting research about women physicians in that era?

Yes and no. If you stick to the internet you find interesting things. But the library and amazon used books provided so much more insight. I have a friend with a huge historical library. He was willing to share some great books. Choosing which things to put in my story was the challenge.

 

Any plans for a sequel?

Yes. I am currently writing a sequel. One of the secondary characters begged me to tell her story.  I have a third idea ready to start after I’m done with Bride in Disguise.

 

Any future novel ideas brewing in your writer’s muse?

I finished a contemporary romance entitled New Duet.  An abused widow meets a wounded warrior. Their past hurts and insecurities are relatable and I hope help those who read it. My agent is currently looking for a home for it.

I have other plot lines both historical and contemporary waiting to draw my attention for future novels.

cindy huff 2016

How can readers contact you on social media?

My blog:Writer’s Patchwork Blog www.jubileewriter.wordpress.com

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/cindyehuff

 

 Twitter: https://twitter.com/CindyErvinHuff

Facebook Author page:https://www.facebook.com/author.huff11/

 

Google+:https://plus.google.com/u/0/117599590227912410637

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8029703-cindy-ervin-huff

 

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1946016144/

 

Amazon URL https://www.amazon.com/author/cindyervinhuff

 

Thank you, Cindy, and, by the way, your book cover is gorgeous! Congrats again!

You are so kind.

 

MY REVIEW:

It wasn’t for love that physician Evangeline Olson left her home in Missouri in 1873. There were few options left to keep her fading medical practice alive and she had nothing left to lose by accepting a mail order bride request from a cattle rancher in Texas. But the emotional baggage from her past weighed more heavily on her than the numerous trunks containing her worldly goods.

Rancher Jake Marcum wasn’t seeking love but a mother for his orphaned niece. The  bride who arrived on the train from Missouri however, soon captured his affections. But it would take time, patience, and divine intervention to unravel the mysteries that shielded Evangeline’s heart from his ardor.

“Secrets & Charades” by Cindy Ervin Huff is an engaging post Civil War Western that captures a reader’s interest from page 1. Author Huff does an excellent job of weaving complexity into the simple life of the rugged Texas terrain.

A captivating novel of the Old West, “Secrets & Charades” should find itself on the bookshelves beside many long-loved western classics.

 

Cindy has offered to give a copy of Secrets and Charades to one commenter on this blog post. Please leave your email in the comment so we can contact you.

 

 

 

Returning to Saratoga

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It hardly seems possible that June is less than three months away! When I first began setting up events in the Saratoga Springs area, June seemed like a decade away. Yet here I am planning my tour and anxiously awaiting book signings, speaking events, and visits with historians! It is a history geek’s dream! 😉

If you are interested in having me speak at your church, library or women’s group in the upstate New York area, please feel free to contact me. I speak on everything from Colonial American history to being a patient caregiver and advocate. (Bethany’s Calendar)

You can email me at elainemariecooper@yahoo.com

Be blessed!

9781938499142

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