Elaine Marie Cooper Author

Historical Fiction That Grabs Your Heart and Feeds Your Soul

Colonial America

Book Launch: A Heart Set Free by Janet S. Grunst

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I am delighted to share the book launch of my fellow author and friend, Janet S. Grunst. Her debut novel, A Heart Set Free, is releasing today! Welcome Janet!

1. God often teaches us something through our writing. What did you learn about life, faith, or yourself in the process of writing?

About life: I have and continue to learn that it is never too late to pursue a dream. It may take many years, but with perseverance and a willingness to learn and not give up in spite of failures, if it is within God’s will, it will happen.

About faith: I believe that God can use my failures, inadequacies, and disappointments to encourage others as they walk through tough times.

About yourself: Over thirty years ago, when I began writing this story, I discovered that I thrive with structure. It is so much easier for me to maintain a habit than to initiate one, whether it is exercise, daily quiet time, or having a devoted time to pursuing one’s craft.

2. Is there a message in A Heart Set Free that you want readers to grasp?

The theme of A Heart Set Free is forgiveness and the power it has to remove the barriers that separate us from God and from each other, and even the need to forgive ourselves.

Lg-A Heart Set Free Final Cover

My Review:

While seeds of war are germinating in 1770 Virginia, seeds of hopelessness have brought Heather Douglas to a desperate decision: Submitting herself to indentured servitude an ocean’s distance from her home in Scotland.

Her life is no less desperate than Matthew Stewart’s, a widower whose loneliness for his children prompts him to purchase an indentured woman to help rear his family.

But can two scarred individuals find healing in hearts enslaved by lack of forgiveness?

A Heart Set Free  by Janet Grunst is a tender historical romance that will captivate your own heart with charming characters and threads of faith that weave a lovely, enthralling tale.

 

Back cover blurb

In 1770, Heather Douglas is desperate to escape a brewing scandal in her native Scotland. Penniless and hoping for a fresh start far away, she signs a seven-year indenture and boards a British merchant vessel headed to Virginia.

Widowed planter Matthew Stewart needs someone to help raise his two young children. The tall blonde standing on the Alexandria quay doesn’t look like much after her harrowing sea voyage, but there’s a refinement about her that her filthy clothing cannot hide. Could God be leading him to take this unknown indentured servant as his wife? 

When Matthew purchases Heather’s indenture, marries her, and takes her to his farm, she is faced with new and constant challenges. And Matthew wonders if they can ever bridge their differences and make a life together.

It is in the Virginia countryside that Heather begins her greatest journey, one of self-discovery and of maturing faith. Here, she discovers that her emotional and spiritual scars bind her far more than her indenture . . .  and love will finally set her heart free.

Just Janet

Author Bio

Janet is a wife, mother of two sons, and grandmother of eight. . Before pursuing a long-held dream of writing fiction she was employed in the banking industry for ten years and as a freelance writer for two regional publications. After taking a break to raise her children, she worked for an international ministry, Community Bible Study, most recently as the Executive Assistant for the Executive Director. She continues to serve as a leader in her local Community Bible Study class and in her church.

She lives in the historic triangle of Virginia (Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown) with her husband and West Highland White Terrier. Her love of writing fiction grew out of a desire to share stories that can communicate the truths of the Christian faith, and entertain, as well as bring inspiration, healing, and hope to the reader.

A Heart Set Free can be purchased at: Amazon.com

Visit her online: http://JanetGrunst.com

http://colonialquills.blogspot.com/

Facebook Janet Grunst, Author                                           https://twitter.com/janetgrunst                                                                                                               Represented By Linda S. Glaz

  

Hartline Literary Agency

 

 

Thanksgiving Excerpt: Legacy of Deer Run

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Some things were very much the same during Thanksgiving of 1800 (discussion about elections and the electoral college) yet some were quite different—like women not being able to vote!

Here is the Thanksgiving scene from Legacy of Deer Run, releasing on December 8:

 

“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 December 3, 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.

Dan noticed Susannah had grown very pale and she rested both hands on the table. She gripped the tablecloth. Eyes narrowing, her voice trembled when she spoke.

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

Mr. Dobbins reached toward his daughter’s hand and gently squeezed it. “Please do not fret, my dear. And forgive me for such unseemly, political talk on Thanksgiving Day. No, I do not think we are headed to war. Our most recent conflict is too fresh in everyone’s minds for anyone to desire such unpleasantness again.”

Although Susannah’s lips seemed to attempt a smile, Dan’s heart ached at the worry he saw in her eyes. He lifted his wine goblet for a toast. “To peace. And to God’s guidance in our elections.”

“Here, here.” Stephen lifted his glass, as did Mr. Dobbins.

“Well, now. Let us eat some of that mincemeat pie I’ve been hearing about. I understand from Modesty that it is the receipt that Missus Washington made for her husband, our venerable and late President George Washington. May his soul rest in peace.”

Susannah smiled weakly. “Yes. I shall serve it forthwith.” Exiting the room, Susannah slipped into the kitchen while the three men watched her.

“I should never speak of political concerns in front of Susannah. It always causes her distress.” Mr. Dobbins wiped his cheek with his napkin.

Stephen smoothed his napkin on his lap. “’Tis best women cannot participate in these ugly dealings. Or vote.”

“Here, here.” The three men lifted their glasses in agreement.

Legacy of Deer Run - Cover

Coming December 8, 2016…

“The Revolutionary War is a war that I know little about, but this intriguing book has certainly piqued my interest.  In Legacy of Deer Run, Elaine Cooper gently makes the reader aware that though the war was long over, not all was settled in the hearts and minds of those who survived. This gripping tale gives us a glimpse into the lives of families that were forever changed and relationships that were severely damaged.  The characters in Legacy of Deer Run were so real and the story so engrossing that I found myself thinking about it off and on as I went about my daily activities.” Nancy Cavin Pitts, author of  When You Come Home

 

 

Announcing the Winner of the Series Title!

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I was SO impressed with the submissions for this contest! All of the contestants were very creative and it made it difficult to narrow it down. When all was said and done, however, a choice had to be decided. So my publisher and I have chosen…

 

IN PURSUIT OF LIBERTY AND LOVE

Saratoga Letters will be Book 1 in this series.

 

And the WINNER IS:

BECKY SMITH!!

 

Congratulations, Becky!! She will receive a signed copy of Saratoga Letters, plus a $10 Amazon gift card.

THANK YOU once again to all of my faithful readers who helped us pick out a title for this brand new series! Be blessed, friends.

9781938499142

“Saratoga Letters” is sure to captivate every romantic at heart. Through the use of period writing, Elaine Marie Cooper creatively depicts two love stories set in separate centuries within the same book. Her brilliant use of letters to bridge the stories of Abigail and Abby brings mystery and suspense while piecing together their connections after 200 years. If you enjoy both historical and modern day romance, then Saratoga Letters is a double delight.” — Amazon reviewer

To purchase Saratoga Letters, click here.

Series Title Contest!

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Dear readers,

My publisher and I would like to come up with an idea for a series name, with Saratoga Letters being Book 1 in the series. Are you feeling inspired?

Well if you are and your series name is chosen, or your suggestion is closest to the final decision, you will win a signed copy of Saratoga Letters plus a $10 Amazon gift card.

Here are the guidelines:

– It should reflect the American Revolution, possibly with a phrase from the Declaration of Independence

– It should have a definite hint of romance

– It should be no more than a 4-5 word phrase

I know you can do it! Just leave your entry in the comment section on this blog post. Or if the comments are not cooperating (sometimes they don’t!), just email your suggestion to elainemariecooper (at) yahoo (dot) com

Winner will be announced here next Thursday, November 10.

Thank you for helping us out!!

9781938499142

To purchase Saratoga Letters, click here.

Making the Cover Photos: “Saratoga Letters” Part 2

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If you missed Part 1, here is the link. Click here.

Part 2

Starbucks orders were taken and a predawn trip made to the local coffee shop. The drive-thru line was long so I parked, ran inside, and was first in line! I headed to Maddie’s home where everyone—photographer Nicole, costumer Laura, makeup artist Sharla, and myself—converged to begin preparations.

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First order of the day was to distribute the coffee and then fill everyone in on the details of the photo shoot. Although the setting for 1777 required minimal makeup, a “natural” look of applied coverage would be needed for the bright lights. While Sharla applied Maddie’s makeup, I explained a bit to Maddie about the scenes she would be portraying in the photos. She was a quick learner!

Once the makeup was finished, Maddie put on part of her costume. We saved the outer gown that would wrinkle from a seatbelt. That wasn’t a problem for ladies in 1777. 😉

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We must have looked like a convoy as we drove over to the site that Nicole had found previously. It was a wooded area open to the public. Laura helped Maddie do the finishing touches to the costume and we traipsed through the grass until Nicole determined the perfect locations. The shooting began, with Nicole’s mom, Deb, holding up the light shield for the perfect lighting.

Maddie posed like an expert, conveying the fear that Abigail Gillingham experienced as her evil uncle abducted her to the enemy camp to nurse the wounded soldiers.

Hundreds of shots later, 1777 photos were complete. Now we had to shift into 1977 mode!

IMG_1607Sharla had to add lots of extra makeup to Maddie’s “natural” look. Then the costume change occurred as Maddie donned typical clothing of 1977, including flared jeans and a gauzy rust-colored top. So grateful for Etsy’s vintage clothing!

Now Maddie had to portray Abby, reading a letter written by her ancestor 200 years prior. The yellowed paper represented a typed letter that her grandmother had copied from an original parchment. The actual pages that Maddie is holding were a children’s story that I’d written years ago and is now in the care of my agent who is trying to find a publisher. LOL!

Hundreds of photos later, it was a wrap. Two hours that were the culmination of months of preparation. Breathing a deep sigh, I thanked each and every member of the team, paid them for their time and effort…and thanked God who made it all possible.

9781938499142

 Saratoga Letters releases October 4. Here is the link to pre-order Saratoga Letters

Making the Cover Photos: “Saratoga Letters” Part 1

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As I had done with the cover of Fields of the Fatherless, I took on the daunting task of setting up a photo shoot for Saratoga Letters. Everything seemed to be going fairly smoothly—until the model we had scheduled had a medical emergency three days prior to the photo shoot!

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Trying not to panic, I prayed…and God delivered a very capable and sweet replacement. Maddie slipped into the role of “Abigail” and “Abby” beautifully as you will see in the finished photos. (Our first model was fine within a short time, by the way, praise the Lord!)

Our professional costumer, Laura Poresky, was a joy to work with. She always went with the flow and abrupt changes of plans and I am so grateful for her sweet attitude. We scheduled another pre-shoot fitting with Maddie. Lo and behold, everything fit beautifully! The corset however was a bit of a challenge! And none of us who wear modern clothing have to deal with the tight restrictions of Colonial American “stays” that are the hallmark of the clothing in that era.

Laura, who is the head costumer for Living History Farms in Urbandale, Iowa, designed the blue linen short gown from an old pattern in her possession. She made the rest of the costume previously, including the fichu (neck scarf) that is visible on the cover photo.

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I designed (ahem…) the blue striped ticking bag that carried Abigail’s medicinals. As they would have done in 1777, I hand sewed the thick material—and developed a whole new appreciation for the strength needed to be a colonial woman tending to the needs of her household. A bag like this was filled with glass bottles of medicinals in the opening chapters of Saratoga Letters.

The lighting as well as the trees beginning to change their foliage color were both important for the setting which took place in both Fall 1777 and 1977. By now you may be scratching your head and wondering why two separate centuries! When you read Saratoga Letters, it will all be clear.

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As the date approached I prayed for perfect weather. Once again, the Lord came through and we could not have received a more perfect day: Clear, crisp air and just the right amount of sunshine. It was perfect.

As I took everyone’s Starbuck’s orders to begin the day, I prepared for the photo shoot and prayed all would be well…

(Continued on September 22)

To pre-order the paperback of Saratoga Letters, click here.

To pre-order the Kindle version, click here. Both versions are at a discounted price when pre-ordered.