by Crystal Caudill | Oct 17, 2024 | Uncategorized
Thank you for your interest in the Written in Secret preorder promotion!
Scroll down to see the details for the giveaway and bonus goodies.
Already know what you need and are ready to fill out the form? Click here.
ABOUT WRITTEN IN SECRET
In the heart of nineteenth-century Cincinnati one woman holds the power to rewrite history.
What happens when fiction becomes reality? In the corruption-infested Queen City, danger lurks in every shadow, but Lydia Pelton refuses to stay silent. She writes under a pseudonym, E. A. Dupin, crafting crime novels to exact justice and right the wrongs she sees in society. When a serial killer decides to be the sword to her pen, Lydia is confronted with the consequences of her words. Four men are dead, and the city blames her.
With murders on the rise, Officer Abraham Hall’s only lead is Lydia’s fiction, and he is thrust into an investigation with the “Killer Queen of Romance.” Despite his misgivings about the woman, he realizes that even with his reputation for catching elusive criminals, he needs her help. But his unexpected attraction to Lydia proves as difficult to manage as the woman herself.
As the mystery unfolds, Abraham and Lydia race to rewrite the ending, not only for Cincinnati’s citizens, but for their own hearts too.
“Danger, mystery, hidden identities, villains, heroes, and gallantry! Everything you would expect in a dime novel, but better!” —Erica Vetsch, author of the Of Cloaks & Daggers series
“What a cracking start to a new series! I always enjoy sneaking a peek behind the curtain of a writer’s life, and this tale of authorly misadventure between the Killer Queen of Romance and an upright police detective has something for everyone. Definitely worth diving into!” —Carolyn Miller, best-selling author of the Regency Brides and Regency Wallflowers series
Preorder Links (More being added as they come to my attention)
Print Links:
Amazon | Baker Book House | Barnes and Noble | Books-A-Million | Bookshop.org | Christianbook.com |
Ebook Links:
Amazon | AppleBooks | Barnes and Noble | GooglePlay | KOBO |
If requesting from your library, this information may be helpful:
Title: Written In Secret
Author: Crystal Caudill
Publisher: Kregel Publishing
ISBN: 9780825449079
Release Date: March 11, 2025
Preorder Promotion Information
THANK YOU so much for your interest in preordering Written in Secret or requesting it your local library purchase it. You have NO idea how important preorders are for a book. Anyone who preorders or requests their library to purchase the book will receive a set of bookmarks, bookish stickers, and a signed bookplate with exclusive access to digital content that will come out release week.
In addition to that, everyone will get one entry for the monthly giveaways. Every month starting in October and ending March 11, I’m going to give away one prize pack for a total of six prizes and six winners.
How to enter:
Preorder your digital, paperback, or hardback copy from your favorite retail site. Fill out this form. You only need to do it once to be entered to win. Non-winning entries will be rolled over to next month’s giveaway.
*No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win. A purchase will not improve chances of winning. Odds of winning will depend on the total number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.*
Alternate method of entry – Request your local library to purchase a copy of Written in Secret or mail a note with your name, email, and mailing address to
Crystal Caudill, Author
P.O. Box 84
Demossville, KY 41033.
Dates and Prizes:
*International residents will get a gift card in lieu of the prize pack.
Giveaway #1 – print copy of Counterfeit Truth, library card zipper pouch, book light (Opens October 1, closes October 31. Winner will be contacted the week of November 1 by email).
Giveaway #2 – print copy of Counterfeit Truth, library card zipper pouch, book light (Opens November 1, closes November 30. Winner will be contacted the week of December 1 by email.)
Giveaway #3 – Bookish tote with matching pen and notebook (opens December 1, closes December 31. Winner will be contacted the week of January 1 by email.)
Giveaway #4 – print copy of Counterfeit Truth, library card zipper pouch, book light (Opens January 1, closes January 31. Winner will be contacted the week of February 1 by email.)
Giveaway #5 – Bookish tote with matching pen and notebook (opens February 1, closes February 28. Winner will be contacted the week of March 1 by email.)
Giveaway #6 – Bookish tote with matching pen and notebook (opens March 1, closes March 11. Winner will be contacted the week of March 11 by email.)
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by Crystal Caudill | Oct 15, 2024 | Character Interview
One of my favorite perks of being an author is the ability to read books for endorsement. I was blessed to meet Eleanore Wainright through the opportunity to endorse A Christmas at Hotel del Coronado by Kathleen Denly. In fact, here is my endorsement for Eleanore’s story:
“With unexpected twists, a second chance romance, a mystery, and a beautiful historic California beach setting, Denly weaves a Christmas tale that will entertain and delight. It’s the perfect quick read for any season, and especially for those who love a touch of Christmas all year long.”
Kathleen Denly is graciously offering an e-copy of her book, Harmony on the Horizon, the first book in her Chaparral Hearts series (all set in the early days of California). You can find the details for that giveaway at the bottom of this interview. Before I get to introduce you to Eleanore Wainright, let me introduce you to her story.
A Christmas at Hotel del Coronado by Kathleen Denly
When death visits Coronado, will secrets of the past keep them from uncovering the truth?
Her entire life, Eleanore Wainright has been molded to fit the ideal society wife in the glittering world of New York’s elite. Her father’s aspirations for her are clear: marry a man of wealth and status, and secure their family’s future. But when she arrives at the Hotel del Coronado with intentions to do just that, Eleanore’s carefully laid plans are thrown into disarray when she comes face to face with Thomas Harding, the man who shattered her heart and disappeared without a trace.
Working as a bellboy at California’s newest and most prestigious resort, Thomas never imagined crossing paths with Eleanore again, let alone amidst the backdrop of a suspicious death.
As the investigation continues and tensions rise, Eleanore and Thomas are forced to confront not only the ghosts of their past but also the secrets that threaten to destroy their future and the futures of those they hold dear. With the eyes of New York’s elite upon them, they must choose between the responsibilities they’re expected to fulfill and the love they’ve always yearned for, risking everything in the process.
Purchase Links: Amazon
Now for our interview with Eleanore.
CC: I’m so excited to get to introduce you to my readers, Eleanore. Would you mind telling them a little bit about yourself?
EW: What a pleasure to meet you! I’m Eleanore Wainright, daughter of Mr. Rupert Wainright of Wainright Steel Enterprises. It was my father’s request that brought me to the Hotel del Coronado with the goal of obtaining a proposal from Mr. James Mitchell. James’s family owns two railroad lines and were included in the recent publication of Mr. McAllister’s “Four Hundred” list – a list of New York’s most elite families. James is the sole heir to his family’s fortune and my marrying into a Four-Hundred family would open many doors of opportunity for Father. James seems pleasant enough, but I worry what he’ll think if he discovers the mystery novels I’ve been publishing under a pseudonym. Would he order me to quit writing? And then there’s Thomas Harding, the childhood playmate who stole my heart before breaking. I thought I’d never see him again. What is he doing working as a bellboy at this hotel? Whatever his reason, I’ve done my best to avoid him. Unfortunately, I do need his help finding the truth behind this tragic death. The Coroner’s investigation is definitely going in the wrong direction. I just hope we can figure things out before my father discovers we’ve been spending time together.
CC: What or who is your biggest problem in life?
EW: I thought I had my future figured out. I would marry James Mitchell, continue writing my mystery novels in secret, and share a life with James and Father among New York’s most elite families. Then Thomas reappeared and suddenly things are far more complicated and confusing. How can I still feel attracted to a man who promised me the world and then left without saying goodbye?
CC: Oh that is so hard. And given I know the details of this story . . . I can say that figuring out where the future leads in one crazy ride.
How would you describe your relationship with God?
EW: I believe in the Lord, but understanding His will for my life can sometimes seem as clear as a cup of hot chocolate. It sure would be nice if He could send me a letter in plain writing letting me know which path I should follow. It seems no matter which future I choose someone is going to wind up hurt.
CC: Boy do I feel that one! As much as I love hot chocolate, I’d prefer my plans to be as clear as a road map with step-by-step directions.
What is your greatest skill that helps you through the story or makes you appealing to a possible love interest?
EW: My intense curiosity makes me keenly observant. This not only feeds my mystery novels, but can come in rather handy when determining whom to trust and even in helping a loved one find their lost item.
CC: Curiosity and keen observation are wonderful traits that you demonstrate beautifully in this story.
If you were to describe yourself as an animal, which animal would it be and why?
EW: My compulsive curiosity would probably make me a cat, but I think I’d prefer to be a fly that could visit room after room unnoticed but observing everything. Although, no, maybe not a fly. They’re ugly, noisy, and are frequently squashed. Perhaps a butterfly would be better. They’re small enough to slip through small cracks, can still fly, don’t make a sound, and aren’t likely to be squashed. Yes. I do think I would enjoy being a butterfly.
CC: Smart choice to be a butterfly instead of a fly. I wouldn’t have thought about it in that way. Before we wrap up, I have one more question for you.
If there is only one thing you could tell the reader, what would it be?
EW: Never accept something at face value. Rarely are things entirely or only as they seem and people often misrepresent themselves or situations (intentionally or unintentionally) based on how they view the world. Questions are the key to truly understanding the world we live in and the people who share it with us. Always ask more questions. Find the truth.
CC: It’s so wise to realize the way people seem or portray themselves (whether intentionally or unintentionally) is influenced by how they view the world. Until we understand how they view the world, it can be difficult for us to truly understand them.
Readers, thanks for hanging out with Eleanore and me today. If you’d like your chance for a free e-copy of Harmony on the Horizon, check out the information below. And tell us in the comments, has there ever been a time when you’d misjudged a person until you go to know them better?
About Kathleen Denly:
Kathleen Denly writes stories to entertain, encourage, and inspire readers toward a better understanding of our amazing God and how He sees us. Award winning author of the Chaparral Hearts series, she also shares history tidbits, thoughts on writing, books reviews and more at KathleenDenly.com.
Kathleen lives in California with her loving husband, four young children, two dogs, and ten cats. As a member of the adoption and foster community, children in need are a cause dear to her heart and she finds they make frequent appearances in her stories. When she isn’t writing, researching, or caring for children, Kathleen spends her time reading, visiting historical sites, hiking, and crafting.
Connect with Kathleen: Website | Kathleen’s Reader Club | Facebook | FB Reader Group | Instagram | GoodReads | BookBub | Amazon
Giveaway Information
Kathleen has graciously offered an e-copy of Harmony on the Horizon for one lucky winner. Use the Rafflecopter below to enter. Drawing runs until 11:59 p.m. EST on 10/22/2024.
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by Crystal Caudill | Oct 8, 2024 | Character Interview
I absolutely adore all of Erica Vetch’s characters, and Miss Philippa Cashel is no different. I am almost halfway through her story, but due to life, deadlines, and having to start a massive project over, Miss Phillipa and Bertie glare at me from the shelf. They do not like where I left them, and I can’t say I do either. Even as I’m forced to wait to find out what happens, I am NOT forced to wait to talk to her for this interview. I’m counting it as one of the benefits of getting to count my blog as part of my job. So before spending time with Miss Phillipa, let me introduce you to her story.
A Thieving at Carlton House by Erica Vetsch
The Home Office has asked Sir Bertrand Thorndike to head an investigation into stolen royal jewels. It’s the perfect chance for Bertie to step out of his brother’s long shadow. His superior, The Duke of Haverly, has a plan that makes him balk: in order to sell his cover, Bertie must play the part of a man looking for love, ready to reform his rakish ways. The duke is willing to let Bertie name his own investigative team, but his recommendation that the team include Philippa Cashel has Bertie on his guard. Does the duke-known for his behind-the-scenes machinations-have an ulterior motive?
Philippa Cashel escaped her life as one of society’s best-known courtesans, devoting her life to helping other women in dire straits. So when Sir Bertrand Thorndike approaches her about joining his team as an agent of the Crown, she is skeptical. She’s focused on getting her school for underprivileged women up and running, not in cloak-and-dagger skullduggery. Her hope is that if she labors hard enough at her charity work, she might begin to feel worthy of God’s forgiveness. When one of Philippa’s rescued girls is arrested for stealing the royal jewels and another is murdered, Philippa will risk partnering with Bertie to find the loot and stop the killer. Two brilliant minds-with two wary hearts-and one cunning deceiver are on a collision course in Regency England.
Purchase Links: Amazon | Baker Book House | Christianbook
Now for our interview with Miss Philippa.
CC: I’m so excited to get to introduce you to my readers, Miss Philippa. Would you mind telling them a little bit about yourself?
PC: I find it so difficult to introduce myself, as I do not wish to hold on to the past, but my past has shaped so much of my present. Though I hope my present is what is shaping my future and I can put the early years of my life behind me. You see, I am the illegitimate child of an earl and his long-time mistress. At least she was his mistress until he decided one day that she was not. This action forced us onto the streets of London, and I supported us the only way I knew how…and consequently became one of the most sought-after courtesans in the city. But the love of my half-sister and her husband showed me that I could leave that life and forge a new one, rescuing women who used to be as I was. A Thieving at Carlton House shows me embarking on the biggest part of my new way of life…forming a charity for women in dire straits. Though I’m about to find myself in some dire straits of my own!
CC: Why, yes. Yes, you are. But some of the worst dire straits bring about some of the most amazing futures, and I’m eagerly trying to meet my word count goals so that I get to see what that is.
What or who is your biggest problem in life?
PC: From the outside, people would say my biggest problem in life is trying to overcome my past as a ‘fallen woman’ but I know that my greatest problem is the unforgiveness I’m toting around concerning my father’s abandonment, and how that’s eating at my soul.
CC: Unforgiveness is so difficult to overcome. How often do we think that it doesn’t hurt anyone by the person you deny it to when really it is us who suffer the most? I feel for you as you walk this road.
Since you have such a difficult past, I’m sure tha thas affected your relationship with God. How would you describe your relationship with Him?
PC: When I was on the streets, my relationship with God was best described as adversarial. Now I would describe myself as a fledgling in my faith, a bit tentative, and always wondering if I’m worthy of His love. I’ve a long way to go, it seems.
CC: It is definitely a life-long journey.
How do you think others view you? Do you feel this is an accurate representation of you? Does it bother you or make you feel good about yourself?
PC: Most men tend to see me as an object, a pretty thing to parade around. Though not my brother-in-law or strangely, Sir Bertrand Thorndike, with whom I work in a secret capacity for our Majesty’s Government. My father views me as something he’d rather forget…and has done an admirable job in that endeavor. The new pupils at the Eleos School for Women in Need, hopefully see me as a friend and mentor.
CC: I know those girls would be in a completely different place without you, and I am certain they look up to you as a friend and mentor. I know I would.
Tell us a little bit of the personal journey you go on throughout this story. What areas of growth do you find yourself facing?
PC: Though I have some very real danger, it is the road to forgiveness that I find the most arduous to traverse.
CC: Amen and hugs.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
PC: I would change my circumstances more than myself. I would have been a much-cherished daughter of a happily married couple, secure in their love and never forced out onto the streets. At times, I have despised my face and form, as they are appealing to many men, but I was also grateful for it, as it allowed me to live a certain way, with beautiful things and plenty to eat at that time of my life.
CC: I think there are aspects of all of our past circumstances that we wish we could have changed, but the older I get the more I realize those difficult circumstances were needed to make me who I am today. There would be many a girl’s life who would be still on the street if you hadn’t walked through what you did, rose above it by God’s grace, and then turned it into a ministry.
What is your greatest skill that helps you through the story or makes you appealing to a possible love interest?
PC: I’m resilient. And I can read people. I can sense when someone is lying or hiding something. And I am a very good listener.
CC: I happen to know for a fact that these skills are very helpful for you in this story . . . and attractive to a certain man.
If you were to describe yourself as an animal, which animal would it be and why?
PC: A cat. Wary, a bit aloof, and only comfortable in a situation where I feel safe.
CC: I can see that!
How would you describe the love interest of the story?
PC: I am in no danger of falling in love. My past makes romantic love impossible. I must concentrate on healing from my trauma and focus on pouring my affection into the girls I rescue…though if I was to fall in love, it would have to be someone I respected, and who had a generous nature, who saw me as a person of worth, not an object to own and display.
CC: I think God is in the business of surprising us with the secret desires of our heart. I’m certainly looking forward to reading the rest of this book . . . and the rest of the series. I am sure there will be much that will surprise you and us (the readers).
If there is one thing you could tell the reader, what would it be?
PC: Harboring unforgiveness against someone is like drinking poison and hoping the other person gets ill. You only damage yourself by not forgiving…forgiving doesn’t release the other person of responsibility. Forgiving keeps that person’s actions from ruining your life.
CC: Definitely a life lesson for us all . . . and a hard one to learn.
Readers, you probably can already anticipate what I have to say: GO GET PHILIPPA’S STORY, A Theiving at Carlton House by Erica Vetsch. We MUST know what happens to Philippa and how God chooses to work in her life.
Let me know in the comments: Have you read The Gentleman Spy (where we first met her) or A Theiving of Carlton House? What do you think of Philippa?
About Erica Vetsch:
Best-selling, award-winning author Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum. You can connect with her at her website, www.ericavetsch.com and you can find her on Facebook at The Inspirational Regency Readers Group where she spends way too much time!
Connect with Erica: Website/Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram | BookBub
by Crystal Caudill | Oct 1, 2024 | Reading Challenge
It’s another month our challenge: Unlocking Ecclesiastes 3. I’m so excited to join you again this year with guest reviews from our reading challenge participants. If you want to submit a review for upcoming months, feel free to email me using my contact form. If you are looking for suggestions as to what to read each month, may I recommend joining my Crystal Caudill’s Reading Friends Facebook group, or visiting Avid Readers of Christian Fiction or Inspirational Historical Fiction Index. I’ll also include a short list at the bottom of this post.
Don’t forget to comment at the bottom of the post for your chance to win a book off my prize shelf. *The list of prizes available from my prize shelf can be found here.*
Unlocking the Past: Ecclesiastes 3
Just as Ecclesiastes has two opposites in each verse, most months will leave you with two options to choose from.
“For everything there is a season,
a time for every activity under heaven.”
September Verse: A time to tear and a time to mend.
Challenge Theme: A Tailor/Seamstress character
October Verse: A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
Challenge Theme: A mute/deaf character or a character who advocates for others
A Tailor-Made Bride
by Karen Witemeyer
Review by: Crystal Cauilld
This book was a reread for me, and I believe it was the first Kare Witemeyer book I ever read. I remember picking it up off my library’s new releases shelf and being hooked on her books from there on out. She is one of a handful of authors whose books I will purchase, even though I think I’m several series behind at this point. I adored how the beauty of life inspired Hannah Richards dress designs and outlook. She was a woman I could admire, with tenacity and kindness I hope to mimic in my life. And I LOVED Jericho/J.T.. He’s such a gruff but soft-hearted guy. This book was a great mix of humor, spiritual insight and growth, and sweet romance. I will always recommend Karen’s books!
Genre: Historical Romance, Western
Plot Overview:
Jericho “J.T.” Tucker wants nothing to do with Coventry, Texas’s new dressmaker. He’s all too familiar with her kind–shallow women more devoted to fashion than true beauty. Yet, except for her well-tailored clothing, this seamstress is not at all what he expected.
Hannah Richards is confounded by the man who runs the livery. The unsmiling fellow riles her with his arrogant assumptions and gruff manner while at the same time stirring her heart with unexpected acts of kindness. Which side of Jericho Tucker reflects the real man?
When Hannah decides to help Jericho’s sister catch a beau–leading to uproarious consequences for the whole town–will Jericho and Hannah find a way to bridge the gap between them?
Giveaway
For your chance to win a print copy, comment with what book YOU read for this month. Use the Rafflecopter below for extra entries and to mark that you left a comment. Entries end on the 7th of each month at midnight EST, and the winner will be drawn sometime that week and notified by email. The winner will be announced on the Rafflecopter widget.
*Open to all residents of the contiguous USA, legally able to enter, and an e-book format or Amazon Gift Card will be awarded to those outside that range who are legally able to enter.
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Recommendations for October:
- Sheltered by the Doctor by Danielle Grandinetti
- The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen
- Sons of Blackbird Mountain by Joanna Bischof
- Saving Amelie by Cathy Gohlke
- Deadly Pursuit by Irene Hannon
What did you read for the challenge? What were your thoughts on it? Would you recommend it?
by Crystal Caudill | Sep 24, 2024 | Author Interviews
I have had the joy of getting to know Karen online and finally in person when we did a book signing together in Pigeon Forge. Karen is such a fun and interesting person, and I’m so glad to get to introduce you to her today. (And learn a bit more about her myself.) Karen is also graciously giving away a signed copy of Where Trees Touch the Sky to one lucky U.S. Resident. Be sure to check out the details at the end of this post. Now before we jump to the meat of the interview, allow me to formally introduce you.
KAREN BARNETT is the award-winning author of nine novels, including When Stone Wings Fly and The Vintage National Park Novels. Before becoming a novelist, she worked as a ranger naturalist and outdoor educator at Mount Rainier National Park and Oregon’s Silver Falls State Park. When not writing, Karen enjoys photography, hiking, public speaking, and decorating crazy birthday cakes. She lives in Oregon with her family. Learn more at KarenBarnettBooks.com.
You can connect with her through: Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram | Ranger Bear FB | Ranger Bear Instagram | BookBub
Now for the fun stuff! I have to admit I am partial to my Fast Five. 🙂 So settle in as I hit Karen with rapid-fire.
CC: Pineapple pizza or candy corn?
KB: How about just pineapple? I’m on a weird auto-immune diet right now that doesn’t allow either pizza or candy. I’m going a little crazy, but I’m happy it’s working. And once you’ve been off sugar for a while, fresh pineapple is an incredible treat!
CC: Test the waters or dive in the deep end?
KB: Test the waters.
CC: Guacamole or salsa?
KB: Guac. Yum!
CC: Silly hats or silly socks?
KB: Socks. Hats rarely fit on my melon-sized head.
CC: Passwords or secret handshakes?
KB: Secret handshakes sounds like more fun!
Yikes on the diet, but I totally need to get the sugar out of my system. I hope it helps you! Let’s dive into the meat of the interview now.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
KB: I’ve always been an avid reader, and I spent as much time in the public library as my parents would allow. I think I was still pretty young when I stopped once to gaze at the long rows of shelves in our library, amazed at the sheer number of books that were available to me. A grand thought crossed my mind–I could add even more stories to these shelves for other people to enjoy. Of course, I had no clue at the time how difficult writing a book would be.
My dream was never about bookstores or best-sellers lists. It’s always been about libraries!
CC: I love that! My public library was how I survived. I will forever be grateful to see any of my books in that wonderful building.
What does your writing process look like from beginning to end?
KB: I like to do a lot of research ahead of time. Since I write stories set in national parks, that means visiting the park to get a sense of what makes that place special. If I get a chance to visit a park archive, I’m like a kid in a candy store. Just call me a history geek!
After that, I typically write a short (and loose) synopsis. Since I tend to write by the seat of my pants, I avoid outlining. For me, that’s too many spoilers. I enjoy discovering plot twists in the same way that readers do, and the story comes to life when the characters do things that surprise me. I’m sure that probably sounds crazy to non-writers because the characters come out of my imagination. But I’ve learned to give my fictional friends freedom to make some of their own choices.
CC: I completely understand this sentiment. LOL And may I say how jealous I am of you getting to travel to the parks for your research? Maybe one day in retirement.
What is your writing Kryptonite?
KB: Fear. Fear and self-doubt lead me to some dark places and convince me that no one will like what I’m currently writing. The internal voices whisper stuff like, “Why did you write it that way? That sounds dumb. This is boring. Who cares?” That can slow my writing process to a crawl. The only thing that brings me out of it is remembering that God is right there with me. Like the story of the loaves and fishes, He can take my meager offering and feed souls with it. It’s not up to me. It’s all Him.
CC: I cannot tell you how much I needed that reminder tonight. May we all offer up our meager offerings for His purpose.
What has been the biggest challenge for you on your writing journey?
KB: My biggest challenge has been procrastination. There a thousand little distractions that seem more fun (or more critical) than sitting down and getting my daily word count done. Because of that, I end up getting increasingly anxious as my deadline approaches. That stress tends to suck the joy out of the creative process.
CC: Ain’t that the truth. Facing my own deadline, I’m feeling that heartily.
Before we dive into the second section of our interview, allow me to share the blurb for Where Trees Touch the Sky.
Some secrets have shadows as long as the redwoods are tall.
In the early 1920s, the accelerating destruction of the California redwoods is more than nature-loving Marion Baker can bear. Throwing herself headlong into the work of the Save the Redwoods League, she is shocked to learn that Frank Duncan, a man she’s grown to love, is the son of one of the area’s worst timber barons. Though devastated by the betrayal, she realizes this could also be an opportunity–if only she can convince him to help preserve her favorite grove from his father’s greedy grasp. Is her love strong enough to persuade him to save these precious trees? Or will Marion choose to sacrifice her beliefs to keep Frank by her side?
Nearly fifty years later, in 1972, polio survivor June Turner is deeply proud of the legacy her great aunt Marion has left as a redwood warrior. And despite her disability, June is determined to prove herself capable as a ranger at the recently established Redwood National Park, even if it means taking to the trails with her crutch in hand. What better way to carry on the family tradition of preserving Gods magnificent creation?
When aspiring film student Adam Garner approaches June to help make a documentary about Marion’s life, she swiftly grabs the opportunity to spread her aunt’s worthy reputation. That is, until they unearth a secret that might shatter the family legacy. In the scramble for answers, June may lose not only her family pride but also her own dreams.
Karen Barnett’s beautifully crafted split-time novel, set against the majestic backdrop of a beloved national park, immerses the reader in history that feels as fresh as if it happened yesterday.
Purchase your copy at Amazon | Baker Book House | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook
CC: Where did you get the idea for the series?
KB: In a way, this story has been percolating ever since I was in elementary school. While cleaning out her classroom, a retiring teacher let us adopt some of her discarded textbooks. I snatched up a couple of children’s literature compilations. Reading late into the night, I fell in love with a Newberry Honor book called Big Tree by authors Mary and Conrad Buff. It told the tale of the redwoods from the point of view of a single tree. I have dreamed about these forests ever since. In Where Trees Touch the Sky, one of my main characters names a specific redwood after a friend of hers, and I included that tree in honor of the children’s book I loved.
CC: That is so sweet. I love how our childhood can really echo forward to influence the stories we write today.
Which readers will most like this book?
KB: Publishers often ask writers to describe our target audience. A couple of years ago, I met a woman who embodied my ideal reader. She loved camping in national parks, but due to her husband’s illness, she was now unable to travel. I felt very honored when she shared that my books filled that need for her, and now I often picture her as I write. My national park novels have been described as “armchair travel.” I love it when people tell me my books inspired them to visit parks, but my heart truly goes out to the readers who can’t.
CC: That is beautiful and perfect. I’m in a position right now where travel, especially to places like national parks are just too physically demanding for my family. It may be quite a while before I can enjoy the actual parks, but I can concur that it is so wonderful to be able to “travel” to them in your books.
What was some of your favorite research while preparing for the Shadow Creek Chronicles?
KB: I wouldn’t call this my favorite, but perhaps the most disturbing! As someone who loves trees and parks, I was eager to dig into the history of the Save the Redwoods League as background for Where Trees Touch the Sky. I was disturbed to learn that many of my conservation heroes were also strong proponents of eugenics. Eugenics was a popular movement among intellectuals of the early 20th century that claimed we could “improve” humanity and eliminate both poverty and mental illness by controlling who was allowed to have children. One of the founders of the STR League wrote a book that later inspired Hitler. Have you ever heard the expression, “Don’t meet your heroes?” I was tempted to leave this upsetting fact out of the novel, but I decided it was important to be true to history even when it’s ugly. Maybe especially then!
CC: History, even when ugly, should be shared and not hidden. How else can we learn from it. I’m glad you shared it, but it really is hard to realize our heroes weren’t as perfect as we once thought.
Which character was the most fun to create?
KB: June Turner, the heroine of my 1972 timeline, was both the most challenging character to write, and also the most fun. I struggled to accurately portray her disability and also to be sensitive to how she was described. It was a bit overwhelming to consider what June might have endured as a disabled park ranger–not just physical barriers, but discrimination from people who assumed she wasn’t capable of doing the job. On the other hand, that made her a lot of fun, too. She turned into a real spunky character who was able to speak up for herself. I learned a lot in the process of writing her!
CC: I love that you have shown that aspect of life for people. My MIL is legally blind, but she has always done her best to not allow her limitations to slow her down or keep her from what she wanted. It’s time to wrap this up and I always like to end with a fun question.
You find a genie in a lamp. What are your three wishes?
KB: Hmm. That’s tough. I know one wish would be for the ability to travel in time. There are so many things I’d love to see and experience–the American west before we filled it up with cities and roads, hearing Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount with my own ears, discovering what my parents were like as children, etc. But I’d probably tuck the other two wishes in my pocket for later!
CC: Smart woman!
Readers, I hope you’ll check out Where Trees Touch the Sky and then leave a review on Amazon, Goodreads, and/or BookBub. You wouldn’t believe how important that is to an author.
Giveaway
Karen is graciously providing one U.S. resident, 18 years and older, with a copy of Where Trees Reach the Sky. Use the Rafflecopter below to enter. Entries open until 11:59 p.m. EST on October 1.
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Reader, what national parks have you visited or want to visit?
