Elaine Marie Cooper Author

Historical Fiction That Grabs Your Heart and Feeds Your Soul

historical romance

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

 

Cover Reveal: “Saratoga Letters”

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I’ll not toy with your anticipation but rather, proudly share the cover for the soon-to-release, Saratoga Letters. But first, here is the back cover copy:

It is 1777. The Battle of Saratoga, a turning point of the Revolutionary War, encourages the American Continental Army with their first great victory. But there seemed little to celebrate for one patriotic woman forced to nurse wounded British soldiers right in their war camp. Thrust into deception by a cruel Loyalist uncle, Abigail is forced to lie in order to survive, all the while dealing with fears that challenge her faith. Danger stalks her everywhere, yet her salvation springs from an unexpected source.

Then…

 Two hundred years later, on the anniversary of the Battle of Saratoga, thousands arrive from Europe and the United States to celebrate the event—including descendants from the war. One young American, Abby, meets another offspring of a British soldier. When her life is threatened, Abby turns to the only person she knows at the event—her British ally. Can she trust him with her life? Or will he betray her in the same way Loyalist spies betrayed her ancestors? Perhaps letters from long ago will reveal the truth.

So here is the cover for my newest novel releasing October 4!

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Soon, I’ll share some pictures from the photo shoot done last fall. But I couldn’t wait to show you the final cover with the design from my publisher, Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas!

Three Upcoming Romances to Celebrate Valentine’s Day

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This year of 2016 is an exciting time for this Historical Romance writer. Not one, but THREE new releases will offer your heartbeat the opportunity to flutter with romantic joy. Here is the synopsis of each book and the release dates:

 

Promise of Deer Run (Book 2, Deer Run Saga) Releasing June 16, 2016 through CrossRiver Media

The year is 1790.

The American Revolution is long since over, yet the battles still live in the hearts of the survivors.

One young veteran is haunted by the painful memories of war. He still awaits a father who has never returned from battle and feels the sting of betrayal from a former love. He withdraws into his own world, clinging to one hope: Perhaps his father still lives.

Only one person in Deer Run seems to understand him: Nineteen-year-old Sarah Thomsen, who feels a kinship with the loner veteran. She senses the wounds in his spirit as much as she struggles to bury her own traumatic memories of war. And the veteran’s search for his father touches a chord of empathy in Sarah, as she feels the loss of a father she never knew.

While the couple begins to find hope in a mutual affection, others determine to destroy it. Slander and misunderstandings ignite a fire of doubt and mistrust, destroying whatever faith they had in each other.

Can two souls longing for healing and trust love again? Can faith—and a family—be restored?

 

Saratoga Letters (releasing through Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas October 4, 2016)

The engagement that was the turning point in favor of the American Patriots during the Revolutionary War is the event driving this novel.

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Part 1 takes place in 1777, immediately after the Battle of Saratoga in the colony of New York. The story begins after the first skirmish and follows a romance that grows between enemies—a Colonial woman named Abigail who is forced to provide nursing care, and a wounded British soldier, William. The reluctant nurse is also pursued by others in the enemy camp who have less than gallant intentions toward her. Abigail does not know who she can trust—or who might betray her.

Part 2 takes place in 1977. It’s been 200 years since the Battle of Saratoga and Revolutionary War re-enactors are gathering in New York State. Among the re-enactors are descendants of the original soldiers from both sides of the battle. Men and women come from as far away as Europe to remember the historic conflict that turned the tide in the American Revolution. But some conflicts have never been resolved and some of the players in 1977 are in as much danger as those in 1777.

When past meets the present, will romance from years ago be reborn? Or will ancient hostilities be unearthed? Letters from long ago may hold the key.

 

Legacy of Deer Run (Book 3, Deer Run Saga) Releasing December 8, 2016 through CrossRiver Media

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 war 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.

 

So friends, get ready for a busy year of romance reading as you celebrate Valentine’s Day!

Cover Reveal – “Road to Deer Run”

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Cover Reveal Day for Road to Deer Run is here at last! And soon, the newly edited text and the beautiful interior design will be available for readers to be swept up in this historical romance set in 1777. I cannot wait!

Book Launch Day will be December 10 but there will be plenty of opportunities before then to pre-order a copy for either Kindle or in paperback.  But keep December 10 on your calendar, as there will be lots of fun giveaways to celebrate this new version of Road to Deer Run. I’ll announce more details as the time draws near and I will set up an event page on Facebook.

Some say you can’t tell a book by its cover. While that may sometimes be correct, a book cover can reveal much about what is inside the story. What do you see in the facial expression of Mary Thomsen as she clutches a red coat in her arms? This new cover should give a hint at the intense story line of this historical romance. And since it is an inspirational romance, it is generally geared towards an adult audience rather than YA. There is nothing graphic in this book, but it is not intended for young children. It is, after all, a story set in the midst of the American Revolutionary War.

Road to Deer Run - Cover

I want to thank CrossRiver Media for breathing new life into the Deer Run Saga. The edits by Debra Butterfield and the new cover design allow readers of the earlier release to be in for a treat. It is basically the same story, but so much more.

 

The sequels will release in 2016: Promise of Deer Run in June and Legacy of Deer Run in December. I cannot wait to share these novels with you as well. It is a series close to my heart and I am grateful for its rebirth!