Elaine Marie Cooper Author

Historical Fiction That Grabs Your Heart and Feeds Your Soul

Deer Run

Ten Years and One Day Later …

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Ten years and one day ago is a date I will not soon forget. It was the day I received an assignment that changed my life.

I realized this week that my family and I would be commemorating the 14th anniversary of my daughter Bethany’s home-going to heaven—always such a difficult anniversary to bear. Try as I might to be strong, the tears seem to ebb and flow like a turbulent tide during a hurricane.

Then I realized, the date of October 20, 2017, was significant for another reason: It was ten years to the day that I “heard” the call to write my first novel.

I wrote about this event in the memoir of my daughter’s battle with brain cancer, Bethany’s Calendar:

 

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

On the fourth anniversary of Bethany’s death, I lay in bed without any intentions of getting up. I wanted to cover my head and hide from the world. I hated these dates of remembrance.

But God had other plans for me that day. With an inaudible voice speaking to my heart, I “heard” a very strange assignment. I was to write a novel about my ancestors during the American Revolution. The message was so clear to me yet so strange that I was embarrassed to tell Steve.

After all, although I had previously been a freelance writer for newspapers and magazines, I was now a fulltime nurse. Besides, the only time I had tried to write after Bethany’s death, I had melted into a pool of tears. I never wanted to write again.

And now I was being directed to write a historical novel. Okay, so I love history and family genealogy. But this made no sense.

Since our ways are not God’s ways, I decided to go to the used bookstore and start looking for books about American history. And the rest became part of my history as one novel turned into two, then two turned into three.

 

I wrote Bethany’s Calendar in 2014. Since then I’ve written three more historical novels and I am researching my next one.

Did I say that our ways are not God’s ways? See Isaiah 55:8-9. I cannot fathom His ways nor his purposes in all the plans he has for me. Yet I know that, if I am obedient to His Word and His sometimes bewildering beckonings, then I will find His purpose for my life. However strange His requests may sometimes seem.

Have you ever felt the Holy Spirit prompting you to do something unexpected? I’d love to hear your story.

The Surrender at Saratoga that Changed the World

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The battle continued to go poorly and rumors filtered through the hospital tent.

“We’re outnumbered. Our mates kept shootin,’ but they were shootin’ more.” Abigail’s patient gasped for air as she stitched the wound in his chest.

“Try to rest, Private. You are safe here in hospital.” Abigail gave the distraught soldier another drink of rum—just a sip with supplies so low.

More arrivals to the marquee carried similar tales of one defeat after another. Abigail overheard Mr. Braithwaite pause long enough in his duties to declare, “How can an undisciplined group of farmers defeat His Majesty’s finest? I never thought this possible.” He wiped his face with angry hands and returned to his tasks.

Everyone in the tent appeared stunned as this news spread rapidly.

Abigail’s mind was a battlefield of emotions, relieved at the American victory yet terrified about the outcome for William. Was he lost to her forever?

Excerpt from Saratoga Letters

 

On this date in 1777, October 17, the battle that changed history ended when British General John Burgoyne surrendered to American General Horatio Gates. This astonishing event was the first great victory for the Americans in the Revolutionary War and was dubbed the “Turning Point” of the Revolution. Because of this surrender, France joined forces with the Americans and helped the “undisciplined group of farmers” to defeat the best trained army in the world at that time. It was a victory that changed the course of history.

It also changed my family’s history as one of the British soldiers who was forced to surrender that day to became a prisoner of war was my ancestor, Daniel Prince. On his way to POW camp, my 4th great grandfather escaped the line of prisoners and made his way to western Massachusetts, where he met and married a young woman named Mary. As a child, I was terribly embarrassed that my ancestor was a British redcoat. Yet as I grew up, this story took on a glint of romance in my writer’s muse and I have featured the Battle of Saratoga in two of my historical romance novels. They are:

Saratoga Letters

 

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and

Road to Deer Run

Road to Deer Run - Cover

 

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?

9781938499142

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

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.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

Books about the American Revolution

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Dear friends,

Forgive my infrequent posts! I have been recovering from one knee surgery and am facing one more surgery on the same knee the end of July. In the meantime, I will try to use this time of less pain to post more often.

Since today we are celebrating the 240th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it seems an appropriate time to recommend my three books that that focus on the American Revolution. One of them is even being offered for free by my publisher!

The free one (on kindle) is Fields of the Fatherless, a novel based on a true incident from the first day of the American Revolution. Most folks know about the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Few know about the Battle of Menotomy which occurred the same day, and saw more casualties of war on both sides than any other battle that day.

To get it free just today, click here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The three book Deer Run Saga begins in 1777 during the War of the Revolution. The first two books are already released. They are available on kindle for $4.99 each. All three books are also available in paperback.

Very soon, two novels will be added to my releases: Saratoga Letters (October 4) and Legacy of Deer Run (Book 3 of Deer Run Saga) (December).

Thank you, my readers,  for the many reviews you have posted. I treasure you all!

Road to Deer Run. Click here

Promise of Deer Run. Click here

Promise of Deer Run - Cover

Road to Deer Run - Cover