by Crystal Caudill | Dec 3, 2024 | Character Interview
I had the honor of meeting Anna Sullivan when I endorsed A Song of Deliverance by Donna Wichelman, and now I am blessed to introduce you to her and her story. The author, Donna Wichelman, is graciously giving away a copy of A Song of Deliverance to the person who comments and fills out the Rafflecopter widget at the end of this post. Before we dive into Anna’s interview, let me introduce you to her story and what I had to say about it in my endorsement.
A Song of Deliverance by Donna Wichelman
Born into the Irish system of land-holding that favors the moneyed class, Anna Sullivan has no dowry and no chance of marrying the man she loves. Poor and heartbroken, she flees Ireland to tend to Uncle Liam’s house in Colorado and take on her deceased aunt’s sewing business.
But when Anna arrives in Georgetown, she discovers a mine disaster at the Singing Silver Mine has killed her uncle. Orphaned and destitute again, she gathers her faith, courage, and ingenuity to establish a life in the community. Only one person stands in her way—the mine’s owner.
A wealthy grief-stricken widower of European nobility, Stefan Maier threw all his energies into making his mark as a silver mining baron in Colorado. Now everyone blames him for the mine disaster that killed nine men. But how does he convince the lovely and opinionated Irish woman of his innocence?
Will Anna’s heart soften towards Stefan? Will Stefan prove himself worthy of Anna’s affections? Each will have to risk everything to attain what they each want most—love.
“Wichelman delivers a story set in the mining world that is rarely explored with such depth of research. Readers will appreciate Wichelman’s attention to detail and story where the hurts of the past meet the tragedy of the present with a heart for community and hope for a better future. Definitely check out this beautiful reflection of God’s love and provision during unexpected and difficult times as soon as possible.” ~ Crystal Caudill, Author of Counterfeit Love
Purchase Links: Amazon
Now for our interview with Anna.
CC: I’m so excited to get to introduce you to my readers, Anna. Would you mind telling them a little bit about yourself?
AS: Good day to you. My name is Anna Katherine O’Sullivan from Ireland. I’m the main character of the story you’re about to hear–a story about finding the faith and courage to persevere despite the most tragic circumstances and discovering God has never been farther from you than a tiny breath away.
CC: So true. So what or who is your biggest problem in life?
AS: I was born at a time in the nineteenth century when the Irish system of land-holding favored the moneyed class. I had no dowry, no chance of marrying the man I loved. Though he tried to stop me from emigrating to America, his well-to-do parents would never approve of a marriage between us. “They’ll put you out to pasture with the sheep until you get some sense about you,” I told him. Poor and heartbroken, I fled Ireland to tend to Uncle Liam’s house in Georgetown, Colorado and take on my deceased aunt’s sewing business.
CC: It’s so hard when circumstances out of our control force us from the ones we love.
How would you describe your relationship with God?
AS: My journey with God soon became rough once I arrived in Colorado. Faithfully, I attended the church in Ireland and believed God had provided a path forward to earn a living–do better than “butter and egg money,” as Ma hoped for me before she died of cancer. But on the day I arrived in Georgetown, tragedy awaited me. My uncle had died in a mining disaster at the Singing Silver Mine, where he worked. One of the local pastors’ wives, Laurel Thomas, befriended me and tried to comfort me. But I questioned how God could have brought me to Colorado only to leave me once more orphaned and alone in the world without a way of earning a living. It was a poor plan from where I stood on the matter.
CC: It’s sos hard to understand God’s plans, especially when they make no sense to us and feel so painful.
How do you think others view you? Do you feel this is an accurate representation of you?
AS: As you can see, I can have a bit of an attitude–opinionated, some call me–making up my mind before I know all the facts. Ach, it is that Irish temper that sometimes arises to the surface that causes me trouble.
CC: Ha ha! I’m not even Irish and my temper can get me in trouble!
Tell us a bit about the personal journey you through during this story.
AS: I’d never considered myself without gumption in Ireland. A person in poverty must always corral the resources to get by. Now, I had to dig deep down into my heart and soul and find the faith and courage to create a new life for myself in a strange, new world despite what appeared to be God’s mistake. Over and again, I encountered circumstances that required the mettle to persevere.
CC: And that is such a wearying experience, isn’t it?
What is your greatest skill that helps you through the story?
AS: Finding my initiative once more, I took up my aunt’s sewing business she had left behind for me, and I built upon the reputation she had made. This enterprise, as well as others, served me well as I established a life in the community.
CC: What a blessing to have such great skill with a needle. I can barely hem!
How would you describe the love interest?
AS: Sometimes our preconceptions prevent us from seeing clearly what God’s plan is. I have to admit my first impressions of the handsome Mr. Stefan Maier did not impress me. For one thing, he owned the Singing Silver Mine, and people held him responsible for the mine disaster. Then, when I discovered he hailed from European nobility, I wrote him off as above my class and out of my reach as Seamus had been back in Ireland. Even when Stefan insisted our class differences didn’t matter, it took me some time to cast off old prejudices without lingering regret. But when he sacrificed his life to prove to me and all of Georgetown who caused the disaster that killed nine men, I saw him for the man he truly was, and the veil across my eyes fell.
CC: What a beautiful story of growing to see someone for who they are and not just what we think.
If there is one thing you could tell the reader, what would it be?
AS: I thank the good Lord for Laurel Thomas, who reminded me that we might plan and scheme and think that we have our lives under control, but it will always be the purposes of the Lord that will be established. He promises to make our paths straight if we boldly move forward, trusting His plan over our own.
CC: Having those truth speakers in our lives is so important.
Thanks for hanging with us today. Readers, if you’re looking for a a good read over the Christmas break that isn’t Christmas, I definitely suggest picking up this one. If not now, then in the New Year.
About Donna Wichelman:
Weaving history and faith into stories of intrigue and redemption grew out of Donna’s love of travel, history, and literature as a young adult while attending the United World College of the Atlantic—an international college in Wales, U.K. She enjoys developing plots that show how God’s love abounds even in the profoundly difficult circumstances of our lives. Her stories reflect the hunger in all of us for love, forgiveness, and belonging in a world that often withholds second chances.
Donna received her master’s degree in mass communication/journalism from San Jose State University and became a communications professional before writing full-time. Her short stories and articles have appeared in inspirational publications. She has two indie-published Christian romantic suspense novels in her Waldensian Series—Light Out of Darkness and Undaunted Valor. Her historical romance, A Song of Deliverance, releases on December 3, 2024.
Donna and her husband of forty years participate in ministry at their local church in Colorado. They love spending time with their grandchildren and bike, kayak, and travel whenever possible.
Connect with Donna: Website | X | Facebook | Instagram | GoodReads | BookBub
Readers: What books do you know that also feature enemy to lovers books?
Giveaway:
Donna has graciously decided to give away one copy of A Song of Deliverance. Be sure to comment on the questions above and then hop over to the Rafflecopter to be entered. Giveaway open from time of posting until 11:59 p.m. EST on 12/10/2024.
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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 | Sep 10, 2024 | Author Interviews
One of the many blessings of the writing community is I get to meet new authors. I’ve yet to meet Heather in person, but it’s a blessing to have her on my blog today. (Also, Heather is generously giving away a print copy of her book, Weaving Roots, to one U.S. Residents. Details at the end.)
Heather Wood grew up in the Chicago suburbs, loving history, classic literature, writing stories, and Civil War reenacting. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree in Bible/Theology from Appalachian Bible College, she settled in Virginia with her husband David. Her early passions fuel her writing today, although she spends most of her days now working to infuse her love for God and good literature into the hearts of her four children.
You can connect with her through: Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram
Now for the fun stuff! I have to admit I am partial to my Fast Five. 🙂 So settle in as I hit Heather with rapid-fire.
CC: Pineapple pizza or candy corn?
HW: Pineapple pizza
CC: Test the waters or dive in the deep end?
HW: Test the waters
CC: Guacamole or salsa?
HW: Guacamole
CC: Silly hats or silly socks?
HW: Silly socks
CC: Passwords or secret handshakes?
HW: passwords, the more clever the better
I love clever passwords, but the trick is remembering them. LOL! Let’s dive into the nitty gritty of this interview.
What fiction book has most impacted you?
HW: Safely Home by Randy Alcorn
CC: I’ve heard good things about that one.
What is one book you think everyone should read, aside from the Bible?
HW: God’s Smuggler by Brother Andrew
CC: I’ve not heard of that one. I’ll have to check it out.
When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer.
HW: After I finished my first book in my thirties.
CC: The thrill of finishing a project is really something, isn’t it?
What has been the biggest challenge for you on your writing journey?
HW: Weaving together the “magic” of my creative side with knowledge of the writing craft.
CC: That is definitely a challenge!
How have you seen God work through your writing journey?
HW: Absolutely! He regularly provides inspiration in my books that I know didn’t come from me.
CC: I love watching him work.
Do you have any advice for those who want to write their own stories?
HW: Read, read, read! By being a voracious reader, you start to see what you like in story, how plots are formed, the amount of details included you like, and so on.
Now I’m excited to talk about Weaving Roots.
Purchase your copy at Amazon | Barnes and Noble
CC: Where did you get the idea for the story?
HW: It started with the little lines I put into my first book about my characters’ parents that I was forced to work with in order to write their story. As I began to develop the parents’ character arcs and journey, it took me back to their childhood. The plot came from the real history of the Oliver Hibernian Free school in Baltimore.
CC: I love the connection to the Oliver Hibernian Free School.
What about this story drew you to it?
HW: How relatable it is. I’m always struck by how our generation’s problems aren’t new and people have feared and struggled with the same things through much of history.
CC: As they say, there is nothing new under the sun.
Which readers will be the ones who most love this book?
HW: Readers of character-driven stories with dynamic characters, strong faith that isn’t preachy, and a side of romance.
CC: All great elements in a book.
What was some of your favorite research you discovered while preparing for this story?
HW: I loved going to Baltimore and seeing the real locations and touching the real documents from the Hibernian Society minutes in the research library there.
CC: Oh, travel research is the best!
How did this story affect you as you wrote it? Did God teach you anything?
HW: I wrestled through the question of what is our responsibility and what is God’s responsibility in raising children. When do we fight for them and when do we let go and leave them with God? Can we do both at the same time? As a mom, it’s an important lesson to learn and I appreciated the scriptures this question took me to.
CC: Those are some tough questions to wrestle through.
What do you hope readers will take away from your story?
HW: That life wasn’t easier in “the good old days” and the same God who was trustworthy and carried his people through difficult circumstances back then is the same God we can turn to today.
CC: Amen.
I always like to end with a fun question so . . .
You find a genie in a lamp. What three wishes would you make?
HW: 1) to see my loved ones follow God, 2) to have a reputation of integrity and truth, and 3) to have a summer camp with my Christian Mommy Writers friends and their families so our kids can play together every year.
CC: Those are wise choices, and that last one is especially fun.
Readers, I hope you’ll check out Weaving Roots and then leave a review on Amazon, Goodreads, and/or BookBub. You wouldn’t believe how important that is to an author.
Giveaway
Heather is giving away a print copy of Weaving Roots to one continental U.S. resident. Contest runs from now until 9/17 at 11:59 pm EST.
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Reader, how has God used fiction to impact YOUR life?
by Crystal Caudill | Aug 13, 2024 | Author Interviews
Rachel Fordham is a woman with a big heart and love for her foster kids. I love reading her stories, both her fictional ones and the real ones about her life and family. It’s my pleasure to introduce you to her this week, just in time for her newest release, Beyond Ivy Walls. She is graciously providing a giveaway for this interview, so check out the details at the end of the post. But first, let me introduce you to her properly.
Rachel Fordham is the author of The Letter Tree, Where the Road Bends, A Lady in Attendance, A Life Once Dreamed, The Hope of Azure Springs, and Yours Truly, Thomas. Fans expect stories with heart and she delivers, diving deep into the human experience and tugging at reader emotions. She loves connecting with people, traveling to new places, and daydreaming about future projects that will have sigh-worthy endings and memorable characters. She is a busy mom, raising both biological and foster children (a cause she feels passionate about). She lives with her husband and children on an island in the state of Washington.
You can connect with her through: Website | Facebook | Instagram | GoodReads
Now for the fun stuff! I have to admit I am partial to my Fast Five. 🙂 So settle in as I hit Rachel with rapid-fire.
CC: Pineapple pizza or candy corn?
RF: That’s a tough one….Pineapple pizza (but neither is very appealing)
CC: Test the waters or dive in the deep end?
RF: Usually test the waters but with writing I jumped in the deep end!
CC: Guacamole or salsa?
RF: Salsa (the fresher the better)
CC: Silly hats or silly socks?
RF: Socks! No need to be the center of attention if I don’t have to be.
CC: Passwords or secret handshakes?
RF: Hmmmm….I have no idea…. my daughters made up a pretty cute handshake the other day.
I love how adorable your girls (and all your kids) are. Let’s dive into the meat of this interview.
What book has most impacted you?
RF: This is impossible to answer! But I think being read to as a child changed everything. I remember begging for one more chapter. I remember my mom crying while reading the end of Where the Red Fern Grows. Those early memories led to a love of reading and that led to a love of writing. Thanks Mom!
CC: That is so true, and God bless your Momma for instilling such a love of reading in you.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
RF: I think I was always a writer…but didn’t know it. I loved reading and picking apart storylines from a very young age. I loved rewriting endings to movies after watching them. And I loved writing assignments when I was in school. But I always thought I was too ordinary to write a novel. I didn’t give it a try until after having my fifth baby. I needed a creative outlet. One day my husband said, “you read so much, why don’t you write a book.” And so, I did! And haven’t stopped since.
CC: I love your husband’s support and launching you into this madness called writing.
How have you seen God work through your writing journey?
RF: Absolutely! Often as I get to know my characters and put myself in their heads, I gain empathy I didn’t have before. Or a theme in a book ends up being for me. Or a reader will message and what they say will touch my life. The little mercies all along the way have been so beautiful. I feel super blessed for the light I’ve found while writing!
CC: God is truly wonderful in His mercies and working in us and through us in our writing journeys.
Now I’m excited to talk about Beyond Ivy Walls.
Reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast, a recluse and a young woman discover that the scars of life are no match against an act of love.
Iowa, 1903. All of Monticello believes Otis Taylor has been away fostering his musical genius. But the truth is that his father exiled him long ago, rejecting Otis’s appearance and the scars that came with it. Now that he is the last living Taylor, Otis has covertly returned to settle his family’s affairs and rid himself of his past for good. However, he soon discovers that he may not have been the only abandoned Taylor and begins a tireless search for his missing toddler niece.
At twenty-three years old, Sadie West left her family farm and found employment at the Hoag feather duster factory. It isn’t a romantic job, but she’s hardly had a glimmer of romance since her beau went off to college, leaving her with no promise of a future together. Desperate to save money and help her family make ends meet, she trespasses and finds shelter in an abandoned building–and is thrown in the path of the town’s mysterious bachelor.
Otis’s wounds are deep, but as Sadie’s friendship with him grows, she begins to fall for the man beneath the mask. Locating his long-lost niece, however, is more difficult than either could have imagined, and Sadie West may be the key to Otis Taylor finally finding his way home.
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CC: Where did you get the idea for Beyond Ivy Walls?
RF: The ideas for this story came from every direction. I read the Monticello, Iowa newspaper from the early 1900’s and discovered miracle cures, the Hoag feather duster factory and the town’s obsession with roller skating. But those things alone were not enough to build a story around. And so, I added a little Beauty and the Beast, a dose of Jane Eyre and some Light Between Oceans. I’m incredibly proud of the way the ingredients came together.
CC: Oh that is a lot of fun! I love finding historical tidbits to build a story around!
Who was the most challenging character to create?
RF: Sadie was a lot harder to write than Otis. She comes from a healthy, functioning family. She doesn’t have as much baggage as Otis. It made showing character growth harder. But hard isn’t bad. I love that Sadie has sisters she loves and parents she is proud of. We need more examples of functioning families in literature.
CC: That is a true statement. It is really hard to write functioning families in fiction, but we do so need them.
Which character was the most fun to create?
RF: I love, love, love writing secondary characters who are more than just accessories. I adored the older couple in this book!
CC: Secondary characters can be so much fun, and they can completely change a story too!
What was some of your favorite research you discovered?
RF: I reached out to the library in Monticello, Iowa and asked some questions about the Hoag Duster factory. They wrote back that they could do better than old articles, they connected me with a descendent of the original owners. Having a personal contact made researching this book extra fun.
CC: There is nothing like trying to contact some historians only to find a more personal connection that you can really work into a story.
What do you hope readers will take away from your story?
RF: I hope they close the book with a happy sigh!! It’s always my hope that readers will feel like the time they spent in one of my books was time well spent. I hope they are entertained, uplifted and that they will think twice before judging others. I hope they leave the book a little better than they went into it.
CC: What a beautiful hope to hold on to. I am sure readers will walk away with just that. Speaking of readers . . .
Which readers will most like your book?
RF: Readers of historical romance who love happy endings, butterflies in their stomachs, and enough depth that it isn’t just fluff.
And one last question before we end our time:
What animal is most like you?
RF: A night owl…or maybe an early bird. I am guilty of staying up way too late and then having to get up early. Someday…I’ll sleep.
CC: Oh do I feel this one. Left to my own devices, I am definitely a night owl! Too bad life demands use to be morning birds.
Readers, I hope you’ll check out Beyond Ivy Walls and then leave a review on Amazon, Goodreads, and/or BookBub. You wouldn’t believe how important that is to an author.
Giveaway Info
Rachel is graciously providing one U.S. resident, 18 years and older, with a signed copy of Yours Truly, Thomas–an earlier book of hers that I really enjoyed. Use the Rafflecopter below to enter. Entries open until 11:59 p.m. EST on August 20.
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Reader, what do you know of the Asian front during WWII? What things interest you about this story?
Baltimore, 1828