Elaine Marie Cooper Author

Historical Fiction That Grabs Your Heart and Feeds Your Soul

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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

Two Christian Movies, Two Reviews

March 25, 2018 by emcoop 6 Comments

 

This was a first—seeing two quality Christian films playing at the theater in one week. You could have knocked me over with a kernel of popcorn when I saw the previews.

My husband and I first went to I Can Only Imagine, the true story of Bart Millard, lead singer of the Christian group, Mercy Me. The powerful story shows him growing up in an abusive home, revealing the terrible truth of how bad it was without being too explicit. We are left to understand that Bart was physically abused by Dad and that their relationship was toxic, filled with pain, and bitterness that prevailed in Bart, even though he was a Christian. It was not until he was forced to deal with his lack of forgiveness that Bart was able to write his break-out song, “I Can Only Imagine,” a multi-award-winning tune.

 

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

The song, “I Can Only Imagine” has personal meaning for my husband and me. It was played at our daughter Bethany’s memorial service in 2003. I know from numerous other stories that it has been played thousands of times in funerals everywhere. The song is that meaningful. Thank you, Bart Millard.

 

The second movie we saw was Paul, Apostle of Christ. It’s the story of the Apostle Luke as he visits Paul in prison in Rome and becomes a scribe for the book of Acts, the story of the early church. Words can’t adequately do justice to the powerful message in this film. Tears are brimming in my eyes as the movie plays over in my mind.

 

The commitment of the early church in the dark days of Rome when the evil Emporer Nero burns down much of the city, then torches Christians while they are still alive to light the streets of Rome, is unfathomable. Although the script is careful not to get overly gory, it is still horrifying. There were young children in the theater. Parents would be wise to preview the film before bringing them.

 

But to watch what true persecution was—and is in many places today—makes claims of persecution in the United States seem beyond ridiculous. The early church was truly persecuted in the worst possible ways. And in many countries, that persecution against Christianity continues. We must pray it does not get that bad in our country. Already Christians are being targeted in the courts for their faith.

 

The Book of Acts
The Book of Acts

But even if it were to get that horrible, is your faith up to the challenge? I pray that mine is. The words of Luke as he is temporarily in the group heading for the “Roman Circus” the next day are memorable: “Yes there will be pain. But it is only for a moment.” And then, they will be with Jesus in glorious eternity.

 

It is a hope for all Christians. And a reason to be in prayer.

 

Two movies whose stories are separated by centuries, yet the message that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever shines in them both.

 

Please see these movies if you can. And support quality Christian movies so that more will be made and the message of hope in Jesus be proclaimed.

 

My Irish Heritage

March 17, 2018 by emcoop 10 Comments

 

On this St. Patrick’s Day, there will be many a celebration of those who are Irish by birth as well as those who choose to be Irish for the day. Everyone wants to be at least a little bit Celtic on March 17!

This year, especially after having my DNA deciphered as my birthday gift last April, has reminded me of my own Irish heritage and the stories my mom would share with me about her years growing up in an Irish neighborhood in Brooklyn New York. But I’ll go back a generation before my Mom, to her Mom, born Lucy Devlin in 1894. My grandma Lucy was born of Irish immigrants who met in New York City after arriving (I presume) through Ellis Island. Lucy was one of five children born to Mary Rogers and Peter Devlin. Great Grandpa Peter died at a relatively young age, leaving Mary to raise the children.

They lived in a 4-story tenement apartment that had no heat. It was hard living and I remember my mother telling me that Grandma Lucy had a scar on the palm of her hand. When Mom asked her about it, Grandma Lucy explained that a drunk had come into their apartment and was going to attack her mother. Grandma Lucy grabbed onto that knife with her bare hand and would not let go until the drunk was no longer a threat.

The family had a cat named Minnie. She was memorable for the fact that, one day, she fell out of the apartment window and onto the pavement below. Since cats have nine lives (apparently), Minnie survived the fall, but, thereafter, she had to feed herself by lifting food up onto her paw and placing it in her mouth. Minnie was one tough Irish kitty. 😉

Grandma Lucy and Uncle John
Grandma Lucy and Uncle John

When she was a teenager, Grandma Lucy met a young man who loved to sing and tap dance. His name was Benjamin Prince. Now Benny as he was called was descended from British parents so I’m not sure how Lucy’s Irish family responded to that union. Nevertheless, they married in 1912 and a year later, my Uncle John was born. Grandpa Benny worked on the upper railroad in NYC and when Uncle John was not even a year old, Grandpa Benny died in a terrible accident at work in October of 1913. Unbeknownst to Grandma, she was pregnant with my mom who was born in July of 1914.

These were the days before unions and worker’s compensation and my Grandma Lucy would bundle up her new baby and go to court to fight for compensation for the loss of her husband. She received no recompense at all.

Grandma Lucy had to leave her two little ones with Great Grandma Mary while Lucy went to work for the phone company. I’m certain she struggled to make ends meet but a family member told me that she always presented herself well with professional attire.

When my mom was very small, a young German immigrant took an interest in Grandma Lucy. He went away to fight in WWI in Europe and when he returned, he carried a gift for my mom in his bag—a child’s hand-painted china tea set made in Bavaria. It must have won Grandma Lucy’s heart because when mom was about six-years old, Grandma Lucy married the man who I called “Grandpa.”

In later years, even when Grandma had dementia, Grandpa always had his arm tenderly wrapped around her shoulders whenever they sat on the sofa together. Grandma would tell everyone, “Marrying that man was the best decision I ever made.” To see their sweet romance last until 1970 was a joy.

And that tea set that Grandpa brought back for my mom after WWI? It sits on my hutch in a place of honor—a treasure to hold from my Irish heritage.

Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Frank, my siblings, and I (the youngest one making an awkward face!)
Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Frank, my siblings, and I (the youngest one making an awkward face!)

 

 

 

The Great Snow of 1717

January 6, 2018 by emcoop 4 Comments

I first wrote this post a few years ago and it ran at Colonial Quills Blogspot. It seemed an apt year to run it again! 😉

During the frigid winter in much of the country this year, it seems a logical time to search the Colonial American era too see if they had any memorable winters on record. Indeed, I quickly discovered a terrible blizzard dubbed, “The Great Snow of 1717.”

Although there were not official weather records kept at the time, there were sufficient diaries of the day describing a winter that began in December of 1716 with five feet of snow, then climaxed in the Great Snow from February 27 through March, 7, 1717. The area blanketed by the frigid white flakes was the colony of New York and the other colonies throughout New England.  It was certainly possible the snow was more widespread but white populations had not spread much further west at that point.

In “Historic Storms of New England” written in 1891, author Sidney Perley noted that even the oldest Native Americans of that day said that their ancestors had never seen such a storm.

FrozFallsKraft

Beginning on February 27, the Great Snow was actually four snowstorms that began with a typical, New England nor-easter, dropping a mixture of rain, sleet and snow. But by March 1, the major snowstorm hit. Then another storm on March 4. Then the worst of the three hit on March 7.

 

The cold colonists huddled in their homes, no doubt praying for relief. Many single story homes were completely buried by the additional five-feet of snow, plus drifts of up to 20 feet.

 

In Hampton, Massachusetts, some residents could only escape the confines of their homes through a window on the second floor. The chimneys in some dwellings were even covered with snow.

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One widow in Medford, Massachusetts was trapped in her single story home. Her residence could not be found for many days until, finally, an eager rescuer observed a small plume of smoke. Neighbors brought their shovels to dig a pathway to the widow’s window. They discovered her supply of firewood had been depleted so she’d resorted to burning furniture to keep her children warm.

 

Postal delivery was temporarily halted but resumed after several days with post boys travelling on snowshoes. One New England carrier found the snow in the woods to be five feet deep while in some places, six to fourteen feet.

 

Not only were the humans impacted by these storms, animals both domestic and wild suffered tremendous losses. Even weeks after the storm, cattle were found dead, some still standing in their frozen state.

The greatest loss in wildlife appeared to be the deer that became victims of the starving bears and wolves. Estimates cited that nineteen out of every twenty deer were killed that winter. It was such a huge loss that towns elected officials known as deer reeves to protect the survivors and allow for the forest population to increase.

Jan 2015 SNOW, more pictures 001

Deer reeves had the authority within their jurisdiction to inspect private homes for the presence of fresh venison or deer hides. Fines were levied for those who broke the law.

 

The Great Snow damaged many orchards. Crusty ice broke branches, while surviving cows, wandering along the frozen crust of snow that stood many feet tall, munched on the tops of tender fruit trees. The bovines suddenly had access to choice morsels on the upper branches, thus injuring the future crop.

The storm, however, did not stop romance. Young Abraham Adams of Newbury, Massachusetts was homebound for a week when he could take no more: He missed the object of his affection, Miss Abigail Pierce, who lived some three miles away. Undaunted by the prolific snow outside his door, Mr. Adams donned his snowshoes and walked outside through an upstairs window onto the snow.  He found his way to the home of his love, entering through an upstairs window in Abigail’s house. He was the first visitor the family had received since the storm.

The Great Snow may have delayed the mail delivery that week—but it could not halt the delivery of love. 🙂

20161204_094506Photo credits:

Rick Kraft Photos

Robin Bowen

Vicky Sluiter

Tina Rice

Angi Griffis

New Beginnings

January 1, 2018 by emcoop 2 Comments

 

The New Year is always a time for reflection. While others may commit to resolutions or one word to focus on for the new year, I tend to make it more of a time to contemplate many things: My writing, my goals, my relationships, my planner schedule! So much to be considered!

And as I think about starting a New Year, I want to be, more than anything, an obedient servant of the Lord. I want to pray more about each and every decision, trusting that God will show me the way.

While I want to attend every writer’s conference that I can, I pray for wisdom to choose the right ones.

While I want to write every novel idea swimming around in my head, I want to actually pen the ones that the Lord guides me to write.

While I want to do so many things this year, I need His wisdom to do that which pleases Him.

This may sound so simple. Yet in my busy life, which only seems to get busier, I need discernment. And I must pray for that and for wisdom, and for obedience to God’s direction.

To try to pick just one word for 2018 seems nearly impossible. And that’s OK. It may be a trendy post on social media to choose “one word” for the year but life is filled with many things, including my family who I treasure so very much.

One thing I know is that I have great anticipation for 2018. Somehow 2017 left me with many insecurities and yet I know if I entrust even this to God, He will refresh me with being secure in Him.

Promise of Deer Run - Cover

On Monday January 8, I’ll be participating in a nine-author Facebook party with books that contain the theme of “New Beginnings.” My 2nd Deer Run Saga book seems to fit that category, so I’ll be adding that book to the prize package. But for those who read this blog post and leave a comment, I will choose one winner of a signed paperback of Promise of Deer Run. Just a way to say “thanks” to my many supporters as we begin the year of our Lord, 2018! May your New Year be blessed!

To join the Jan. 8 party, go to this link.

 

If you’d like to subscribe to my blog, enter your email address in the appropriate box on the upper right of this page.

 HAPPY NEW YEAR and WELCOME, 2018!

 

Ten Years and One Day Later …

October 21, 2017 by emcoop 4 Comments

 

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.

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