Elaine Marie Cooper Author

Historical Fiction That Grabs Your Heart and Feeds Your Soul

Colonial America

240th Anniversary of the Battle of Saratoga

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September 19, 1777: Saratoga, New York State

 

A dead soldier lay on top of him, but William was too weak to push him off.

Was the corpse an insurgent or his mate? The king’s soldier couldn’t discern regimental colors in the thick, black smoke.

And blood was blood—the smell sickened no matter the allegiance of its owner. The sticky fluid oozed from William’s own arm and leg too. Perhaps his chest. Was his life ebbing closer to eternity? He tried to inhale, but the weight of the body squeezed the air from his lungs.

Dizziness overtook him.

Is this the end?

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And so begins Saratoga Letters, the story of both William and Abigail, followed by Ian and Abby. This two-part historical romance covers two separate stories, interconnected through the generations. It is a tale of war and the commemoration of that war two hundred years after the event.

 

Today marks the 240th Anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga that became known as the turning point of the American Revolution. It was the first great victory for the American Continental Army and drew the allegiance of France in fighting with the Americans against the British. It was a massive victory of mostly farmers armed with muskets fighting against the best trained army in the world at that time. Few believed it could be done, yet history proved the doubters wrong.

 

For more information about the Battles of Saratoga, I recommend Richard Ketchum’s book entitled Saratoga.

Road to Deer Run - Cover

For two historical romance novels set in this war, you can read Saratoga Letters (click here to purchase) or Road to Deer Run (click here to purchase). Also available in kindle.

 

So what drew my interest in this particular battle? It was a young British redcoat named Daniel who fought in the 21st Regiment of Foot in that battle. He was taken prisoner after the defeat, escaped the line of prisoners, and ended up in Massachusetts where Daniel met and married a young woman named Mary. Daniel Prince was my 4th great grandfather.

Elaine&Rock

Traveling with Your Dog

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Earlier this summer, my husband and I did a very brave thing—we traveled thousands of miles with our dog, Mocha. We really weren’t sure at the time if it was courageous, or really stupid!

I had a research trip to go on, along with scheduled book signings in upstate New York. This would have necessitated finding full time care for our 8-pound Chihuahua/ mix. We decided we couldn’t part with our eight-month-old pup for two whole weeks so preparations got under way to take her with us.

We learned a lot about traveling with our furry baby so I thought I’d share some of the travel tips that might help you, should you want to hit the road with your Rover.

MochaCannon

  1. Bring calming medication from the pet store or your vet. Also get pill pockets to hide the pills in, in case the medicine is not palatable. Those pill pockets were a life saver!
  2. If your dog is small, invest in a doggie car seat. We ordered the “Snoozit 2” online and it was awesome. It fit in our seat belt in the back. We purchased an extension belt that attached to Mocha’s harness. That way she would not become a projectile object in the event of an accident. Bring your pup’s favorite toys and blanket.
  3. Find hotels that allow dogs. LaQuinta Inn and Suites were our home-away-from-home for two weeks. Mocha made herself at home in each one!
  4. Carry puppy pads and use them. No explanation should be needed. 😉
  5. Stop every couple of hours at rest stops. You will both need it!
  6. Bring a sweater if your dog tends to get cold. I was SO glad we did since it was rainy and chilly the whole time, despite the calendar telling us it was summer.
  7. Bring food your puppy likes. Traveling can change their appetite. I know it’s a no-no but a few times we resorted to buying a plain hamburger and giving her a portion. It never upset her stomach or caused problems, and it gave her sustenance!
  8. Protect your pup from the sun. We purchased a simple screen that attached to the inside of the window to give her protection from the rays.
  9. Be a responsible pet owner. Don’t assume you can bring your pet wherever you go. There were times my husband and I had to take turns going inside libraries, museums, etc.
  10. Give your pet a break from travelling. Non-stop travel on the road is no fun for anyone so plan on staying in one place at least a couple of days here and there. You—and your furry baby—will be glad you did!

 

Here are a few fun pics of our trip to New York from Iowa. And by the way, we are very glad we took Mocha. Now she LOVES to go in the car!! 🙂

LaQuinta Inn and Suites

MochaPacked

 

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Mocha chasing ducks outdoors at a McDonalds
Mocha chasing ducks outdoors at a McDonalds

 

Mocha and Steve eating outdoors at a fast food place
Mocha and Steve eating outdoors at a fast food place

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Mocha and Steve walking on the Hudson River
Mocha and Steve walking on the Hudson River

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

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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.

 

 

 

 

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.

Christmas in Legacy of Deer Run

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December is a lovely time to celebrate the release of Legacy of Deer Run. And although the characters in the story do not attend a church where Christmas is celebrated, I managed to work in a tender Christmas story in the chapter entitled “Gift.” Here is an excerpt with quotes from the character of Susannah Dobbins:

“’My mother’s family always celebrated Christmas as the birth of Jesus. I know that most of the churches feel it is unscriptural, but Mother always said it was her favorite holiday growing up. Although we did not celebrate it in our home, each Christmas Eve she would leave a tiny gift for Stephen and me on our pillows so we would find it in the morning. She said that it was just a reminder of Christ’s birth—and a reminder of how much she loved us.’ Susannah’s lips trembled and she blinked rapidly. Dan held her closely…”

Because he loves her, the character of Dan discovers a way to bring Christmas home to Susannah in a simple and unexpected manner. But it would spoil the surprise if I revealed it here!

Legacy of Deer Run - Cover

Today celebrates the re-release of Legacy of Deer Run with all new edits, book cover, and even book club questions. I hope this third and final book in the Deer Run Saga blesses you this Christmas and all year. Merry Christmas!

 

 

About the Book…

 

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 battle 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.

 

To purchase Legacy of Deer Run, Book 3 of the Deer Run Saga, click here.

To purchase Road to Deer Run, Book 1 of the Deer Run Saga, click here.

To purchase Promise of Deer Run, Book 2 of the Deer Run Saga, click here.