Elaine Marie Cooper Author

Historical Fiction That Grabs Your Heart and Feeds Your Soul

American History

The Fourth of July in “Road to Deer Run”

by Leave a Comment

With the upcoming release of the newly-revised Deer Run Saga, I am posting the excerpt of the 4th of July reading of the Declaration of Independence that is a crescendo event for the character of Daniel Lowe. This excerpt is from Road to Deer Run:

The older man  was similar in  appearance to  Josiah, but  the resemblance ended there, as the father had a more humble demeanor in both his countenance and speech. He read the Declaration with a clear, audible tone, obviously moved by the passion underlying the text. It was easy to understand why Mr. Grant had been chosen to do the reading. [Read more…] about The Fourth of July in “Road to Deer Run”

Celebrate Flag Day!

by 4 Comments

In 1836, an eleven-year-old boy named William said a final farewell to his beloved grandmother, Elizabeth Ross.

In 1870, the now forty-five year William Canby stood before the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, presenting evidence that his grandmother, Betsy Ross, had hosted a secret visit by George Washington to her upholstery shop in June of 1776. The new commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, along with Robert Morris and Colonel George Ross, approached the young Widow Ross about creating a flag to represent the 13 colonies fighting for freedom. According to William Canby, his grandmother helped design the flag with the circle of stars that is still known today as the Betsy Ross Flag.

Although many have disputed Canby’s story over the years, there appears to be much evidence to support his claims. So much so that in April of 2009, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission officially recognized Betsy Ross’ contributions to our fledgling nation. The official sign in front of her home on Arch Street in Philadelphia reads:

“Credited with making the first Stars and Stripes flag, Ross was a successful upholsterer. She produced flags for the government for over 50 years. As a skilled artisan, Ross represents the many women who supported their families during the Revolution and early Republic.”

 

Betsy Ross Flag
Betsy Ross Flag

The story of Betsy Ross is an inspiring one. She was widowed not once but three times in her 84 years. Her first husband died from an explosion at a munitions depot. Her second died in a British prison. Her third husband succumbed to illness. She gave birth to seven daughters, two of whom died in infancy. Despite these many tragedies, she continued to support her growing family by running her successful business.

Besides being credited by many with designing and sewing the first flag, she was commissioned in May of 1777 by the State Navy Board of Pennsylvania to sew flags for Navy vessels. The receipt for this work is kept in the Pennsylvania Archives.

That same year, on June 14, 1777, the first official flag of our new nation was adopted by the Continental Congress. Today, we still celebrate June 14 as “Flag Day.”

*     *     *

I was about eleven-years-old when I visited the home of Betsy Ross. I was enthralled with the history that filled every corner, and clearly remember the kitchen being in the basement—such an odd concept for a child of the 20th century! I discovered a love for the ornate pitchers and bowls that early Americans used for washing up before they had indoor plumbing. I came home with two miniature pitchers and bowls that I bought in the gift shop and treasured for years.

When I think about the eleven-year-old grandson of Betsy Ross treasuring the memory of his grandmother sharing tales from the American Revolution, my heart is stirred. What an impact she had on his young mind! I can envision him sitting near his Grandma as she repaired one of the many flags worn with age that were returned to her hands for restoration throughout the years. The recipients of the flags had not forgotten who the seamstress was. Nor did William Canby. And he cherished the tales from the woman he admired.

What kind of a legacy will we leave our children and grandchildren? Will it be one of using our talents that the Lord has blessed us with?

“Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men.” Proverbs 22:29 (NIV)

Do we use every opportunity to teach our children about God’s ways and inspire a dedication to Him?

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deut. 6: 5-7 (NIV)

If I learn nothing else from the story of William Canby and his dedication to his grandmother, Betsy Ross, I will always remember her legacy of inspiring memories of importance in his mind—memories shared along the way that were forever imbedded in his heart.

What memories will your children and grandchildren hold dear?

Happy Flag Day! Let our banner be one of Christ’s love and grace

For more information about Betsy Ross, click here.

 

 

 

Author Alice Wisler Interview and Review: Under the Silk Hibiscus

by 5 Comments

Short Synopsis of Under the Silk Hibiscus:
During World War Two, Nathan and his family are sent to Heart Mountain, an internment camp in Wyoming for Japanese-Americans. Nathan’s one desire is to protect the family’s gold pocket watch, a family heirloom brought over from Japan. He fails; the watch is stolen. Struggling to make sense of his life in this land of “freedom” as the only responsible man of the household, Nathan discovers truths about his family, God, and the girl he loves.
Interview with Alice J. Wisler:
Tell us the story behind writing Under the Silk Hibiscus.
Friends in town have parents who were in internment camps during World War II and after hearing a few of their stories, I wanted to learn more about that time in our history.  I grew up in Japan, and yet had not read much about Japanese-Americans that  were forced to camps in 1942 because they looked like the “enemy” (i.e., they were of Japanese descent).  The research I did for the novel was mind-boggling and thought-provoking.  I got to interview one woman who was in a camp in Arizona. In addition to Under the Silk Hibiscus being a novel (fiction), I want others to grasp the history (truth) and have an understanding of what transpires when we let fear and prejudice overtake us.
Give us a glimpse of how your writing journey began.
From the time I was six, I loved to create stories.  My first and second grade teacher in our one-room school house in Kyoto, Japan, encouraged me.  She let me read my stapled-stick-figure-illustrated booklets to the class.
 ???????????????????????????????
We have in common that we write both nonfiction and fiction. Has combining these two genres been a challenge for you? If so, how?
 
I started off with fiction.  I used to write love stories on Saturday afternoons when I was in middle school.  But when my son died in 1997, I found non-fiction to be what I needed to write.  I wrote a lot of articles for grief and bereavement magazines.  My devotional, Getting Out of Bed in the Morning, is dear to me because it is about grief and loss—such a huge part of my life.   I don’t think writing both types of books has been a challenge.  So many writing techniques are similar for both of them.
Do you have current writing projects you are working on?
Always.  Fiction and non-fiction.
How can readers connect with you?
Please follow me on Twitter
Facebook Author Page
and my blog, The Patchwork Quilt
 
UnderTheSilkHibiscusCover
 My Review of Under the Silk Hibiscus:

Some historical novels are merely entertaining while others carry you on a journey of insight into human nature and the power of God to transform. Under the Silk Hibiscus fits into the latter category and transports a reader to a Japanese internment camp during World War II.

This novel is the story of a teenage boy of Japanese descent. Although an American by birth, he is forced into a world where he is under suspicion solely based on his family’s heritage.  His entire world is shaken with loss and grief as he is forced into the role of keeping the remnants of his family intact.

With endearing characters and a story that unfolds with both realism and hope, this novel by Alice J. Wisler earns an enthusiastic five stars.

Author Bio:

Alice Wisler has authored four novels published by Bethany House:  Rain Song (Christy Finalist), How Sweet It Is (Christy Finalist), Hatteras Girl and A Wedding Invitation, and Still Life in Shadows by River North/Moody. Her devotional, Getting out of Bed in the Morning:  Reflections of Comfort in Heartache (Leafwood), covers the many losses we face and how God sustains us through each one.  Under the Silk Hibiscus, released by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, is her latest novel and first historical.

In 1999, she founded Daniel’s House Publications (in memory of her four-year-old son Daniel), an organization to help fellow bereaved parents. She teaches Writing the Heartache workshops and Writing the Psalms workshops both online and at conferences across the country. The workshops stress the value and benefits of writing from pain and loss for healing, health, and hope.

In 2012, she and her husband started a business, Carved By Heart, where they carve log cabin mailboxes, memorial plaques/remembrances, house number signs, bird feeders, rustic clocks, and other home décor.

Although Alice grew up as missionary kid in Japan, and traveled the world, she’s now settled with her husband, three children and the handsomest boxer you’ve ever seen, in Durham, NC.

Alice is offering a Kindle copy of Under the Silk Hibiscus to one blessed winner! Leave a comment on this blog with your email address and you will be entered in the drawing.

245th Anniversary of Boston Massacre

by Leave a Comment

Today is the 245th Anniversary of the infamous Boston Massacre. The incident took place even before the American Revolution officially began, but was a key event that ignited the flames of anger leading to that war.

Snow was still on the ground that freezing day in Boston in 1770, much as it is now. The King’s Army had already occupied the city for two years in hopes of quelling riots that broke out in protest to the increased taxes levied by King George and the British Parliament. The American Colonists were frustrated and angry. Tensions between the soldiers and the 16,000 residents of Boston were already high. [Read more…] about 245th Anniversary of Boston Massacre

Celebrating — One Hundred Reviews!

by 4 Comments

Perhaps other more well-known authors are used to it. But this not-on-the-New-York-Times-Bestseller-List author is grateful beyond words. My one hundredth review of Fields of the Fatherless posted this week on Amazon. Even better, the reviews tally up to 4.8 out of 5 stars.

God is so gracious and has blessed Fields of the Fatherless beyond anything I might have hoped for. He is the one I give credit to for this milestone and for the awards this book has won.

I want to thank each of you who have read this young adult fiction and responded to the story. Your positive reflections about Fields of the Fatherless have touched me deeply. Some readers offered criticism and I am grateful for that as well. Authors who shut their ears to the voices of critics are not allowing themselves to grow in their craft. May I never be so caught up in “my own way” that I will not listen to input from others.

Thank you, thank you, readers and reviewers! I cherish you and am honored to write books that both entertain and teach something about the history of this great nation. And if you are inspired to grow stronger in your faith through the words that I write, I am truly blessed beyond measure.

Winners of “The Promise of Deer Run”

by Leave a Comment

On June 27, I posted about PTSD Awareness Day and offered three copies of The Promise of Deer Run to three commenters.

I am delighted to announce the three winners of my post Revolutionary War novel that deals with Post Traumatic Stress in veterans. They are:

 

Heidi Morrell

Debra Butterfield

Janet Grunst

Promise of Deer Run, The
Book 2 in the Deer Run Saga

Congrats to each of you! A signed copy is on the way!

If you missed the article about PTSD Awareness Day, I am reposting it. Click here.