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Historical Fiction That Grabs Your Heart and Feeds Your Soul

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American History

Online Party to Celebrate American Historical Novels

January 28, 2019 by emcoop Leave a Comment

Tonight is the night to visit a Facebook party that features 10 authors who have written novels set in historical America. These parties, hosted by author Tamera Lynn Kraft, are so much fun!! I hope you can come, starting at 4:00 pm EST and ending … whenever they end! Actually, prize winners will be announced later that evening so recipients will not be left holding their breath, wondering. 🙂

If you can’t arrive when it starts, drop in anytime. You are always welcome!

The Grand Prize is a $50 Amazon gift card plus a copy of each author’s book. But there are several smaller prizes offered along the way, with individual offerings from the authors.

I’ll be featuring both War’s Respite and Love’s Kindling between 8-9 pm EST (7-8 CST) and giving away either an e-book or paperback of Love’s Kindling plus a 4×6″ leather writing journal with a vintage nautical design. It will fit into one’s purse when the muse strikes and you want to make notes. Or perhaps, write a novel. 🙂

Here is the link to join the party: click here Hope to “see” you there!

  • Leather Journal

Celebration Day—Books Release!

January 18, 2019 by emcoop 2 Comments

It does not matter to me that I have been through book-release-days before. Six times before, to be exact.

If you ask a mother with many children, she will likely fawn over each and every new baby that she births. Every child is a treasure.

For authors, the birth of every book is a joy that is the culmination of months, and sometimes, years of work. And today, I am birthing TWINS! The release of both War’s Respite and Love’s Kindling, are especially treasured as they are my first published books since 2016. That year, I spent many months of treatment for an infection that pushed my writing schedule behind. Way behind.

So today, to experience my first releases since 2016, is beyond a joy. Coming back after a seemingly endless hiatus is both exhilarating and comforting. It’s a relief to know the inspiration still exists. And I praise the Lord for it.

Today is the release of the first two books in my new series entitled Dawn of America. Book 3 is entitled Winter’s Ravage and Book 4, Courier’s Return.

War’s Respite is the prequel novella to the series and will only be released in E-book format. Love’s Kindling will soon release in paperback form as well as E-book.

This series is set on the shores of Connecticut in 1779, when a little-known attack by the British occurred during the American Revolution. This unexpected discovery while doing online research immediately piqued my writer’s muse. This history needed to be told.

I hope that these stories are a blessing to you as you follow the lives of the fictional families who are impacted by the events that turn their lives upside down.

Thank you for being my readers!

Link to order War’s Respite: click here

Link to order Love’s Kindling: click here

New Releases!

January 16, 2019 by emcoop 6 Comments

In just two days, Friday, Jan. 18, I have the first two books in the Dawn of America Series releasing: War’s Respite and Love’s Kindling. I cannot tell you how excited I am to see these stories in print!

War’s Respite is my very first prequel, set 16 years prior to Love’s Kindling. War’s Respite is also a novella, while Love’s Kindling and the next two books in the series are all novels.

I’m also quite excited to have a completely new website, thanks to the patient efforts of my webmaster, Cody. He has had the patience of Job in dealing with the numerous glitches that have reared their ugly head in the process. But his persistence—and the prayers of many friends—have saved the day. Thanks to ALL of you who prayed.

My two releases will be featured on several other websites in the near future and I will post them as they release. In the meantime feel free to check out my new site, and read about my new releases under the “Elaine’s Books” tab on my menu bar.

Most importantly, I pray that these two new books will bless you in unexpected ways.

Thank you!! Elaine

Links to pre-order:

https://www.amazon.com/Wars-Respite-Elaine-Marie-Cooper-ebook/dp/B07KYVJW4P/
https://www.amazon.com/Loves-Kindling-Elaine-Marie-Cooper-ebook/dp/B07KYWXMLH/

When Characters Push the Historical Envelope

December 19, 2018 by emcoop 15 Comments

Note from Elaine: I am re-posting this blog by Kathleen Maher because my website was under construction when it first appeared and most of my subscribers did not receive it!

The challenge for historical fiction writers is to avoid anachronism. In other words, it must be historically and culturally accurate for the time period in which the story is set. Author Kathleen Maher understands the challenge and is my guest blogger today. Kathleen has not one, but two, novels releasing! Here is her post with some awesome giveaways! — Elaine 

 

The historical writer has the unique challenge of making characters interesting and appealing by today’s standards without sacrificing authenticity. We strive to stay true to historical detail in all things. Transportation, even city maps showing which roads existed back then. Clothing, furnishing, popular music and literature of the times. But what about the character itself? Obviously, one wouldn’t write about a NASCAR driver in the 1800’s. But what about attitudes, beliefs, values? Societal expectations on ladies and gentlemen were quite strict. Writers live in one world but try not to allow modern ways to influence their story world. It’s easy to slip into social anachronism.

I have the thrill and chaos right now of two books launching simultaneously. That’s a lot of characters. A lot of personalities vying for attention. So, for simplicity’s sake I’ll focus on my two heroines. Both are from the mid 1800’s. Both have high ideals and strong faith. Both seek to “push the envelope” of women’s roles in their society. But the *how* and the *why* is critical.

KathleenLMaher_TheAbolitionistsDaughter_1400

In The Abolitionist’s Daughter, Marietta Hamilton is a passionate idealist. She has been raised by parents active in politics—her father serves Senator William Seward who becomes Lincoln’s Secretary of State– and further, her family offers their home as a station on the Underground Railroad. She has unique positional influence and predisposition to the desires burning within her heart. Desires to help the helpless, to champion the downtrodden. To rescue those trapped in slavery, poverty and disadvantage. And those desires have been fueled by the church she attends, the faith she holds, the speakers she has heard. Her world has conditioned her for the work.  All except for one factor—women in the Victorian age, especially young ladies seeking their social debut and of marrying age—were expected to be demure, retiring, winsome, and skilled in feminine arts. Not little firebrands or social activists.

The challenge for me, then, was to create a crusading female within the context of the times. Women WERE encouraged to participate in charity. Women were praised for making social alliances and exerting influence through their feminine wiles. Charm, beauty and persuasion went a long way, even for the high society of a very visible Washington family with a mother who watched her only daughter with an eagle eye. Much could be accomplished, playing the piano and entertaining guests, in diverting  unwanted matchmaking attempts. And maybe pushing her boundaries by writing letters to the Virginia-born horseman who has stolen her heart, with or without her parent’s awareness.

And then there are the ways society itself began to change during this time. Women had begun to gain traction in educational opportunities. Marietta seeks to escape the noose of finishing school and attends a female college with a very rigorous academic standard. The school places harder social strictures on her than her mother did, so again, she must navigate these expectations in an authentic way to achieve her goals. All the while keeping the spark of the forbidden romance with her “common” cavalry soldier alive.

Victorian Christmas Brides Collection cover

My second heroine, SarahAnn Winnifred from Love Brick by Brick in Victorian Christmas Brides Collection, has very ambitious goals for a woman of her times. In 1857, she has been taken under the wing of a husband and wife doctor team and is being apprenticed to become a female doctor. Her mentor, Dr. Rachel Gleason, is a real historical figure who was only the fourth woman in history to earn her MD. SarahAnn works at the Gleason’s health resort, a Victorian invention called a Water Cure, which employed the use of mineral springs, baths, tonics, and wraps for the perceived curative powers of water.

SarahAnn is determined to elevate herself from humble beginnings as an orphan, and education and new opportunities for women in careers was an increasingly authentic means. Though historically accurate, I weighed her character goals and motivations carefully. Women then simply were not driven by the same ambitions as women of today. Some modern women delight in rocking the boat and stretching boundaries. But not so much with Victorian women.  I believe the natural progression of women’s roles in history followed genuine need and not so much want. For example, when husbands went off to war or died, women had to fill roles that under other circumstances would have been unlikely or inappropriate. In my character’s case, she works because a gracious lady has offered to take her under her wing, to grant her a better future. My heroine has chosen to pursue a career because she finds love and marriage unlikely due to her social standing. A chance acquaintance at the Water Cure may open doors to a yuletide romance she never considered possible.

 

The Abolitionist’s Daughter
1860-1864 Shenandoah Valley, and Elmira, NY
When a fiery social crusader interrupts a slave auction, a horse trader and his twin brother are set on a collision course with war—brother against brother. Can the passion that severed ties inspire a love strong enough to overcome hate?

Purchase link: Click here

The Abolitionist’s Daughter book trailer link: Click here

Love Brick by Brick by Kathleen L. Maher in The Victorian Christmas Brides Collection
1857 Elmira, New York
SarahAnn Winnifred overcomes orphanhood apprenticing with pioneering doctors. Rufus Sedgwick, relocating his English estate, seeks help for his ailing Mum. Christmas reveals the secret wish of both hearts—for love.

Purchase link: Click here

Pinterest board:Click here

author photo alternate (2)

Kathleen L. Maher has had an infatuation with books and fictional heroes ever since her preschool crush, Peter Rabbit. She has a novella in BARBOUR’s 2018 Victorian Christmas Brides collection, featuring her hometown of Elmira, New York. She won the 2012 ACFW Genesis contest for her Civil War historical romance, releasing this summer under a new title The Abolitionist’s Daughter. Her debut historical, Bachelor Buttons, blends her Irish heritage and love of New York history.  Kathleen shares an old farmhouse in upstate New York with her husband, children, and a small zoo of rescued animals.
Follow Kathleen

on Facebook Click here
on Twitter: Click here 
on Amazon: Click here

 

and on Pinterest: Click Here

 

Thanks so much once again for having me today, Elaine.  I look forward to interacting with your readers.

 

 

 

 

The Thanksgivings in Deer Run

November 20, 2018 by emcoop 2 Comments

The fictional village of Deer Run is the setting for the Deer Run Saga. And since Christmas was not generally celebrated in Colonial New England, Thanksgiving was the main holiday at the end of harvest season. A time to rejoice in God’s provision and a reason for hard-working families to pause in their busy lives to thank God and spend time with loved ones.

A few years ago, I posted this blog about the various Thanksgiving celebrations that I included in each of the Deer Run books. I think the message in this post is as relevant today as it was when I wrote it.

May your Thanksgiving be blessed!

 

Thanksgivings in Deer Run

If you are blessed enough to be gathering with family and friends this Thanksgiving, you might be thinking that it’s a mixed blessing. We love our families, but they can sometimes say the wrong thing…or share an embarrassing story…. or be grieving and need encouragement. So how can you handle these situations?

Perhaps Thanksgiving stories from the Deer Run Saga can give all of us a few pointers. When it came to family gatherings, the Lowe family could spark plenty of conversation!

 

Handle embarrassing moments with humor:

Children can say the most unexpected things, which can cause deep embarrassment, as well as hilarity. There was just such a moment in Road to Deer Run when six-year-old Sarah blurts out a phrase she has heard her mother say—without understanding it might be inappropriate in front of a male guest.

It was a statement by her midwife/mother that started the verbal exchange:

“Well, I am so relieved that Missus Stearns did not begin her travail before I could partake of this Thanksgiving bounty.” The midwife sat back from the table, obviously satiated. “She should be sending for me any day now.”

“The husbands come home from war,” Sarah interjected, “and nine months later they are calling for the midwife. That is what mother always says.” Sarah resumed eating her cake, wiping crumbs off her blue woolen bodice. 

Mary’s eyes opened wide and her cheeks turned bright red.

Widow Thomsen glared at her young daughter and said tersely, “That is what we say in the company of females only, Miss Sarah.”

“I am sorry, Mr. Lowe.” The girl paused in her eating and stared at her lap. “I did not realize that men did not know this was the way of it.”

Everyone stifled a laugh and Daniel nearly choked on his piece of cake, so amused was he by this exchange.

“That is quite all right, little miss. I am grateful to be informed of the ‘way of it.’” He stole a glance over toward Mary, who looked even more lovely with the scarlet in her cheeks. “Your cake is delightful.”

It was a brilliant strategy on Daniel’s part by not allowing Sarah to be humiliated and by changing the topic to diminish Mary’s embarrassment.

Allow those who are grieving to share their sadness:

In Promise of Deer Run, veteran James Thomsen, home from the Revolutionary War for several years now, is still plagued by the years away from Deer Run. He missed so many moments with his family while defending his country—moments in time lost forever. It was the sharing of a hilarious family memory that occurred while he was away at war that abruptly brought a stab of regret to James’ heart.

 

Her older brother abruptly stopped laughing and gazed with fondness at his little sister. “I did miss a great deal of your childhood, did I not? So many years at war… “ He stared into the distance with a sober expression.

Hannah took his hand. “We all missed you so, James. We knew why you needed to be gone. And we are so proud of you.” She leaned over and kissed her husband.

He smiled but the joy did not reach his sad eyes. “Thank you, Hannah, but those years with all of you are gone forever. That is what I regret the most.” He took a sip of wine from his tankard and sighed.

Everyone was quiet for several moments. It was Widow Eaton who broke the silence.

“Let us not dwell on the sad past but on our joyous and bountiful future.” She held up her tankard of wine. The others raised theirs as well.

“Hear, Hear!” The chorus rang out from all.

A hearty, “hear, hear” to Hannah for acknowledging her husband’s pain, to the group for not trying to diminish his loss, and to the widow who encouraged the group to have hope for a peaceful future and not dwell in the past.

 

Don’t spoil family conversation by speaking about politics:

 

In Legacy of Deer Run, Thanksgiving dinner is filled with fine food and delightful conversation—until Susannah’s brother, Stephen, brings up politics.

“So what do you think of the election next month, Father?”

Mr. Dobbins scowled. “I think our country is in for another precarious attack upon our freedoms. With that extremist Jefferson in the running, no telling where our country is headed.”

Stephen nodded. “The newspapers are filled with attacks on President Adams—accusing him of being a monarchist, senile, vain and having an ‘ungovernable temper.’ ‘Tis getting fractious and ugly. And that beastly Burr running with Jefferson.” Stephen shook his head and took another sip of wine.

“Well, when the Electoral College meets December3, let us pray they remember Jefferson’s zealous support of the French, despite their attacking our naval vessels. I think Jefferson was in France far too long. His arrogance smacks of sedition.”

The room became very quiet.

Susannah grew very pale and she rested both hands on the table, gripping the tablecloth. Eyes narrowing, her voice trembled when she spoke.

“Do you think we will have another war, Father?”

 

What started out as the perfect Thanksgiving meal quickly morphed into a setting ripe for indigestion—and fear. The political conversation was halted by the men at the table, but it was too late to assuage Susannah’s anxiety. Words once spoken cannot be retrieved.

So when you gather with your family and friends this holiday, try to be sensitive to others who may be grieving, be careful to avoid distressing political talk, and by all means, keep a sense of humor if and when embarrassing moments occur. And if your family is anything like the Lowe’s, something unexpected can always happen!

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“A Heart For Freedom” Releases!

October 18, 2018 by emcoop 2 Comments

 

Author Janet Grunst won the Selah Award in 2016 for A Heart Set Free, and now the much-anticipated sequel, A Heart for Freedom, has released! Here is the back cover information:

 

He longs for freedom, but he won’t risk those he loves.

Matthew Stewart wants only to farm, manage his inn, and protect his family. But tension between the Loyalists and Patriots is mounting. When he’s asked to help the Patriots and assured his family will be safe, he agrees.

She’s seen the cost of fighting England, and she wants no part of it.

In Scotland, Heather Stewart witnessed the devastation and political consequences of opposing England. She wants only to avoid war and protect the family and peace she finally found in Virginia. But the war drums can be heard even from home in the countryside, and she has no power to stop the approaching danger.

The consequences are deadly.

When Matthew leaves for a short journey and doesn’t return, Heather faces the biggest trial of her life. Will she give up hope of seeing him again? Will he survive the trials and make his way home? What will be the consequences of his heart for freedom?

A Heart For Freedom Cover

My Review:

A Heart for Freedom by Janet Grunst is a historically-accurate novel that depicts the quandary of the colonists in 1776. While many Americans desired freedom from England, an equal number desired to remain loyal to the King. What is often missing from historicals during this time period is the other third of the colonists—those who desired freedom yet desired peace as well. Their simple lives as farmers and merchants were about to be turned upside down by war and they knew the consequences would be life-changing. They could no longer ride the fence of indecision.

This novel is a riveting look at the rippling effects of events that force the main characters to choose one side or the other. They long for peace that can no longer be, as the discontent of the Patriots and the military response of the King’s Army force the issue.

In A Heart for Freedom, a sequel to A Heart Set Free, Ms. Grunst shares the lives of Heather and Matthew Stewart, who struggle to remain neutral as farmers and owners of an ordinary (a Colonial era hotel). They, along with their children and their circle of friends, become impacted by the Revolution in ways that disrupt their peace of mind and challenge their faith. A compelling read that makes me look forward to Book 3 in this series!

 

Author Bio:

Janet S. Grunst 2

 

 Janet is a wife, mother of two sons, and grandmother of eight who lives in the historic triangle of Virginia (Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown) with her husband. Her debut novel, A Heart Set Free was the 2016 Selah Award winner for Historical Romance. A lifelong student of history, her love of writing fiction grew out of a desire to share stories that communicate the truths of the Christian faith, as well as entertain, bring inspiration, healing, and hope to the reader.

You can read Janet’s blog here

Available on Amazon here

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