Book Review: Swept Into Destiny

November 17, 2017November 14, 2017 ~ Kathleen Rouser ~ 2 Comments

Swept Into Destiny by Catherine Ulrich Brakefield

Released May 24, 2017 from CrossRiver Media Group

Book Description from Amazon:

One brave decision leads to serious consequences. Maggie is secretly educating the slaves at Spirit Wind Manor. But the manor’s serenity is soon threatened by abolitionist John Brown. A new republic looms on the horizon and with Abraham Lincoln’s presidency, her countrymen’s anger escalates as secession spreads across the southern states. With the fires of civil war glowing on the horizon, Maggie is swept into its embers realizing she is in love with the manor’s hardworking, handsome Irishman Ben McConnell. Ben joins the Union Army and Maggie is forced to call him her enemy. An unexpected chain of events leads her into choosing where her loyalties lie. Conscience and consequence—did she care more for Ben or for her beloved South? As the battle between North and South rages, Maggie is torn. Was Ben right? Had this Irish immigrant perceived the truth of what God had predestined for America?

My Review:

Catherine Ulrich Brakefield’s flowing descriptions pull you into Swept Into Destiny and keep you immersed in the world of the Antebellum south and beyond. This isn’t just a world of beaus, belles, and balls, but of moral ambiguity and searches for truth. As much as the readers are shown the beauty of Spirit Wind Manor, deep struggles are also revealed.

Maggie Gatlin secretly teaches the slave children to read and cares for them in real ways. The kindness she and her mother show to the slaves wins them more enemies than friends amidst the southern economy.

Enter Irish immigrant, Ben McConnell, who values freedom and principle above wealth and ease. Treated like dirt by those who hire him, his father, and friends for menial labor, such as clearing the swamp, he readily identifies with the plight of those enslaved.

As Maggie and Ben become attracted to one another, the war separates them as Ben fights for the Union Army. Maggie struggles with the questions of unity versus secession; all the while clinging to the Savior they share. Will the war separate Ben and Maggie forever?

Brakefield has researched the era well and adds details to evoke the reality of suffering at the time of the Civil War, bringing actual historical events and people into play through much of the novel. With a romance as tumultuous as the war that divides Maggie and Ben, Brakefield doesn’t leave any loose ends. Fans of historical fiction with a strong faith message will greatly enjoy Swept Into Destiny.

Digging deep with Clementine Hutton from Treasured Bride

November 12, 2017November 10, 2017 ~ Jenna Brandt ~ Leave a comment

Novel PASTimes: If you had a free day with no responsibilities and your only mission was to enjoy yourself, what would you do?

Clementine: I would love to spend the day searching for new specimens for my rock collection. I’m a closet rock hound, much to other people’s chagrin. It’s simply not done for a decent young lady to be playing in the dirt. *grins widely* And I adore it!

Novel PASTimes: What impression do you make on people when they first meet you?

Clementine: I think they believe I am clumsy or shy.

Novel PASTimes: What’s your idea of a good marriage?

Clementine: I believe having acceptance and friendship makes a good marriage. People aren’t perfect. I don’t believe you should expect perfection out of yourself or a spouse. Love them for who they are.

Novel PASTimes: What are you most proud of about your life?

Clementine: My strength and perseverance.

Novel PASTimes: What are you most ashamed of in your life?

Clementine: Believing that I had failed as a wife with my first marriage, when in fact, I had the wrong husband the whole time.

Novel PASTimes: Do you believe in God?

Clementine: Absolutely! I had once thought I was abandoned but then he brought me my own angel.

Novel PASTimes: Is there anything you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t done?

Clementine: I think perhaps I would like to discover a new rock formation or mineral

Novel PASTimes: What was the best and worst thing that’s happened in your life?

Clementine: Worst was when I was lost. I fell and was trapped. I almost died! The best thing? Finding myself and my Micah.

Novel PASTimes: Tell me about your best friend.

Clementine: Oh, that is easy! Micah. I have never had anyone support me like he has. He loves me unconditionally and it amazes me every day.

Novel PASTimes: What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done to someone? Why?

Clementine: My goodness! Well, I… uh… I disobeyed my first husband. I guess that was the worst? He would get really angry when I acted out of line. I hate disappointing people so I try to treat everyone like they are family.

Novel PASTimes: What would you like it to say on your tombstone?

Clementine: Very simple: Beloved wife and mother.

Novel PASTimes: Describe your ideal mate.

Clementine: Understanding, loving, strong morally

Novel PASTimes: What are you most afraid of?

Clementine: enclosed spaces

Novel PASTimes: What do you like best about yourself? Least?

Clementine: The best: I particularly like how strong I have become mentally and how much I feel like I have grown. I have been through a lot and feel like I can handle just about anything now. What do I like least? I hate being antsy or nervous.

Novel PASTimes: What do you like best and least about the other characters in your book?

Clementine: I found a few new acquaintances in Virginia City. Doctor Brown and his wife were a godsend! Such a warm and loving family. They took me in when I had no one and nothing left. I think they were my guardian angels when I needed them.

Novel PASTimes: We have enjoyed having you share with us Clementine. Good luck with your endeavors in Virginia City.

Author bio: Ginny Sterling is a pen name for an Indie romance writer. She has lived in several different parts of the United States and settled finally in Kentucky. She spends most of her free time writing, quilting, shopping or watching a select few television shows.

Ginny has a twisted fascination with collecting Starbucks coffee mugs from all over the country and adores the smell of coffee brewing. Her collection has literally filled over six kitchen cabinets…and does she stop? No.

Ginny loves to write (and read) books that make her smile, laugh, or cry. She has been known to cry at Hallmark commercials and still cannot watch the movie “Titanic” or “The Notebook” to this day without bawling for hours. Softy!

If you would like to learn more about Ginny, you can reach her on her website or on Amazon.

Character Interview with Harrison Mark Taylor from West of Forgotten

November 1, 2017November 1, 2017 ~ Jenna Brandt ~ Leave a comment

Novel PASTimes: Where have you lived?

Harrison: Family home in Straight Creek, KY; New Orleans; drifted around a bit, and landed in Federal, Wyoming Territory

Novel PASTimes: What job have you had?

Harrison: Cavalry officer during the War of Southern Rebellion, and now, U.S. Marshal

Novel PASTimes: What person do you most admire?

Harrison: That’s a toss-up between two people—my wife and A.J. Adams. Rachel is head-strong, determined, smart as a whip, and I’m not ashamed to admit, most of the time, she’s a better person than me. Doesn’t hurt I think she’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, even when she’s dressed in denims and a chambray shirt. A.J….he’s the most honorable man I’ve ever known.

Novel PASTimes: What is you overall outlook on life?

Harrison: Life’s what you make of it.

Novel PASTimes: What if anything, would you like to change about your life?

Harrison: Right now, not a single thing. Guess you could say I’ve got everything a man needs to be happy and content—a good woman at my side, a job that most of the time should kill me with sheer boredom interspersed with moments of utter insanity, a kid that’s as smart as his mother, and another one on the way.

Novel PASTimes: How are you viewed by others?

Harrison: Most people would say I’m a straight shooter.

Novel PASTimes: How would you describe yourself?

Harrison: I’m a little taller than most men but appearance wise, I’m no better looking than the next man.

Novel PASTimes: What is your strongest and weakest character traits?

Harrison: Rachel says that I can’t see shades of grey, that everything is black and white in my world. Guess that could be both a strength and a weakness.

Novel PASTimes: How much self-control do you have?

Harrison: When I was younger, I had a wicked temper. I’ve learned to control that.

Novel PASTimes: Do you have a talent?

Harrison: I’m pretty good at reading people. Made winning at poker a lot easier.

Novel PASTimes: What do people like best about you?

Harrison: I don’t beat around the bush.

Novel PASTimes: What’s your favorite food and drink?

Harrison: I’m a steak and potatoes man. Never did like all that fancy French food in New Orleans. And, give me a smooth, mellow bourbon over anything else.

Novel PASTimes: What book are you reading at the moment?

Harrison: Reading one by Robert Stevenson called An Inland Voyage.

Novel PASTimes: Best way to spend a weekend?

Harrison: What is a weekend? Rachel and I own one of the largest spreads in the Territory and I’m a deputy U.S. Marshal. Friday and Saturday nights get a little busy in town and I’m spending those nights breaking up fights in the saloons. There’s times, I think the ladies of the morality preservation group have it right, that the saloons should be shut down.

Novel PASTimes: What would a great gift for you be?

Harrison: If someone could turn back time for me to June 30, 1863. I would have let A.J. go back to his troops and not taken him prisoner.

Novel PASTimes: When are you happy?

Harrison: When I’m with Rachel. Don’t even need to be doing anything, just sitting on the porch with a cup of coffee and knowing she’s in the house…

Novel PASTimes: What makes you angry?

Harrison: Look, I know this isn’t a popular sentiment and when there’s a war, someone has to win and someone has to lose, but that anger aimed at the South in this country right now makes me angry. I’m not arguing that the War of Southern Rebellion mowed down more than half a million lives. I’m saying that the men who fought for the Confederacy were just like me and almost all the other men who fought to save the Union. I won’t say if they were right or wrong in their assertions of state’s rights and over-taxation. But, I will say that for the most part, those men were as steadfast and brave as any man who wore Union colors. And, to blame them for the war—it was a war, like any other. Rich man’s war and a poor man’s fight. I guess someone has to take the blame for tearing this country apart but it makes me angry to hear it.

Novel PASTimes: What makes you laugh?

Harrison: Rachel. And her—no, our son, Joshua.

Novel PASTimes: Hopes and dreams?

Harrison: That Joshua never experience anything like that war.

Novel PASTimes: What’s the worst thing you have ever done to someone and why?

Harrison: I told you that Rachel says I can’t see grey areas, that it’s all black and white to me. She’s wrong. After the war was over, I realized that there has to be grey, somewhere, but orders are orders. At Tullahoma, I captured my best friend. I was personally responsible for sending him to a prisoner camp in upstate New York. And, he’s dead because he was in that camp and I blame myself to this day for his death.

Novel PASTimes: Biggest trauma?

Harrison: Seeing Rachel held at gunpoint and not being able to keep her safe.

Novel PASTimes: What do you like best about the other main characters in your book?

Harrison: I like that Rachel doesn’t take any guff from me and she gives it right back in full measure. It makes me real happy when Joshua says I’m his father, even though I’m not. I’m the only father he’ll ever know.

Novel PASTimes: What do you like least about the other main characters in your book?

Harrison: I can’t and I don’t hold it against either Rachel or Joshua, but it does bother me who that boy’s father is.

Novel PASTimes: If you could do one thing and succeed at it, what would it be?

Harrison: I want to be a better father to Joshua than my father ever was for me.

Novel PASTimes: Fast Facts

Parents: Joshua and Kyla

Siblings: Two sisters and a half-brother, Jason

Eyes: Hazel, I guess.

Hair: Rachel says it’s a brownish-blond. I never thought about the color—though there is some grey in it now.

Voice: Deep

Right- or left-handed? Right-handed

author picture better About Lynda J. Cox: Once upon a time there was a little girl who said when she grew up, she was going to have dogs like Lassie, own horses, and live on a ranch just like the Ponderosa. Two out of three isn’t bad. If she can’t live on a ranch, Lynda J Cox writes about characters who do. She writes steamy westerns, what one reviewer called an authentic blend of Old West action and happily ever after romance. She has won The Laramie Award for best debut novel, short listed for The Laramie for her third book, and her last three books have all been given 4.5 to 5 stars by InD’Tale Magazine. You can found out more about Lynda on her Amazon Author Page, FB Author Page, or Author Web page.

Interview of Tavin Knox and Gemma Lyfeld from The Reluctant Guardian, a LIH Regency.

October 29, 2017October 27, 2017 ~ Jenna Brandt ~ Leave a comment

susie cover The pair arrive in the drawing room of a Mayfair townhouse. After exchanging pleasantries, taking our seats and pouring tea, we begin with small talk.

Novel PASTimes: Gemma, I like your red cloak.

Gemma: Thank you, ma’am. So do I.

Tavin: I wish you’d have worn something else. That cloak has caused naught but trouble.

Novel PASTimes: Trouble?

Gemma: Mistaken identity. Someone else has one like it.

Tavin: Someone dangerous. And it almost cost your life.

Gemma: Well, it didn’t, thanks to you.

Novel PASTimes: Can you elaborate?

Gemma: A female smuggler who operates near my home wears a red cloak like this, and a smuggling ringleader known as The Sovereign thought I was she. Since I am not—and I saw his face and can identify him—there is some concern I might be in danger. Which I am not. The Sovereign does not know who I am, and dozens of ladies wear red cloaks. Besides, he is in Hampshire, and I am now here in London for my Season.

Tavin: I agree that you are not in danger, but I still say you shouldn’t wear that thing anymore until things are. . . settled.

Tavin’s gaze occasionally flickers to the door and windows, as if certain someone will barge in on our interview.

Novel PASTimes: Let’s move on. Where were you born?

Gemma: Hampshire. The New Forest area. ‘Tis beautiful, so green.

Tavin: Scotland.

Novel PASTimes: Oh? I detect no noticeable Scottish burr.

Tavin: I was educated in England. My mother was English. It was important to her family that I sound English. I haven’t been to Scotland in years.

Novel PASTimes: Would you like to go back shortly? To visit family?

Tavin: I’m a little busy these days.

Novel PASTimes: Ah, yes. You’re a spy for the Revenue Agency.

Tavin: No, you’re mistaken. I’m in the import business.

Gemma: *shaking head*:We may speak freely here, Tavin. She won’t tell anyone. *Turning to interviewer* Of course he’s a spy. “Import business” is a euphemism for his secretive work for the Revenue Agency. He was hunting down the Sovereign when I intruded upon his investigation. He’s been ordered to guard me for the time being.

Tavin: I’m not accustomed to playing nursemaid. I should be back in Hampshire to bring that rogue to justice.

Gemma: If it was up to me, you would be. Believe me, I do not like you watching me, disapproving of everything I do.

Tavin: I don’t disapprove. Unless you’re careless. Which you are, far too often for my liking.

Gemma: You’d have us live in a cage. The boys cannot be confined.

Novel PASTimes: The boys?

Gemma: My brother’s children. They adore Tavin. Their parents allowed me to bring them to London with me for the Season. They’re my greatest joy.

Tavin: She’s more of a parent to them than their own mother. And they love her, those imps.

Novel PASTimes: You’re smiling, Tavin. Thinking of the boys?

Tavin: They’re a mischievous pair. They love castles and knights and making trouble. I’m. . . fond of them. In my line of work, a family is out of the question. Perhaps spending time with them is making me realize what I shall never have.

Gemma: You could, someday.

Tavin: Not in my line of work, and I’ll not leave it until—well, that is neither here nor there. I have one occupation: capturing The Sovereign.

Gemma: Then let us finish this once and for all. Let’s make a plan I shall return to Hampshire and lure the Sovereign out. If he wants to kill me because I can identify him, he is sure to take the bait—

Tavin: Ach, no—that’s the maddest thing I’ve ever heard—

Novel PASTimes: Wait a second—I hear a trace of Scottish burr in your voice that I didn’t detect before, Tavin.

Gemma: That happens when he’s upset.

Tavin: *scowling* Forgive me.

Gemma: There’s nothing to forgive. It’s the real you.

Tavin: *still scowling* Next question?

Novel PASTimes: Um, all right. There’s been gossip about town regarding your relationship. People think you’re courting.

Tavin: As I’ve said, a man like me cannot have a family. I’ve had to stay close to her to protect her, but everyone has been told we are family friends. ‘Tis no lie. Those gossipmongers say what they like.

Gemma: His closest friend is my brother-in-law.

Novel PASTimes: So you wouldn’t be together at all, ever, by choice?

Gemma: No. I mean—if circumstances were different. . .

Tavin: I—well, I suppose not.

Gemma: But we are friends, are we not?

Tavin: Of course. And it hasn’t been all bad, spending so much time together.

Novel PASTimes: So you’re friends and that’s all? You’re sure there are no romantic feelings underlying things here?

Tavin: No. Next question.

Gemma: None whatsoever. Our relationship is strictly platonic. A matter of business ordered by the Crown. Tavin doesn’t. . . and I do not. . . there are no feelings of that nature.

Novel PASTimes: That’s not what your book says. I see a kiss on page—

Gemma: Oh my.

Tavin: That’s enough. Interview over.

The Reluctant Guardian Blurb: When Gemma Lyfeld inadvertently interrupts a dangerous smuggling operation in her English village, she’s rescued by a mysterious Scottish spy. Now with criminals after her and her hopes for an expected marriage proposal recently dashed, she will make her society debut in London. But not without the man tasked with protecting her…

Covert government agent Tavin Knox must keep Gemma safe from the criminals who think she can identify them—a mission he never wanted. But as he escorts her and her rascally nephews around London, the lovely English lass proves braver than he ever imagined. Suddenly, the spy who works alone has one Season to become the family man he never dreamed he’d be.

SD author photo Susanne Dietze began writing love stories in high school, casting her friends in the starring roles. Today, she’s the award-winning author of over a dozen historical romances who’s seen her work on the ECPA and Publisher’s Weekly Bestseller Lists for Inspirational Fiction. Married to a pastor and the mom of two, Susanne lives in California and enjoys fancy-schmancy tea parties, genealogy, the beach, and curling up on the couch with a costume drama and a plate of nachos.

If you would like to connect with Susanne Dietze, you can sign up for her newsletter or visit her website, Facebook, Twitter or Amazon pages.

Interview with Amelie Leclaire and Pierre Girald from The Oregon Pursuit by Jenna Brandt

October 3, 2017October 27, 2017 ~ Jenna Brandt ~ Leave a comment

Novel PASTimes: If you had a free day with no responsibilities and your only mission was to enjoy yourself, what would you do?

Amelie: I can’t imagine such a luxury since my parents died. I would love to go into Oregon City and pick out some new clothes.

Pierre winks: You mean a regular day for me. I am kidding. I do have some responsibilities. I usually go out for the evening with friends after I handle my business affairs. *He turns to Amelie* By the way, I can take you into Oregon City any time you like and make that happen.

Novel PASTimes: What’s your idea of a good marriage?

Amelie: Both the man and woman have the same ideas and beliefs and they need to respect one another, allowing each to be their own person.

Pierre: Finding someone who makes you happy and you love them not despite their flaws but because of them.

Novel PASTimes: What are you most proud of about your life?

Amelie: I’ve been able to take care of my younger sister after our parents’ deaths.

Pierre: I’ve done my best to protect the people I love.

Novel PASTimes: What are you most ashamed of in your life?

Amelie: I refused to accept help from those who offered and I ended up putting myself in a dangerous situation because of it.

Pierre: I refused to see the reason why the two women I loved in my life both picked God over me.

Novel PASTimes: What do you believe about God?

Amelie: He is always there for me. His strength and love is what got me through the loss of my parents.

Pierre: I was raised without God. I continued on that road until I met Amelie Leclaire. She showed the power of God’s love and mercy.

Amelie blushes: You flatter me. I’m glad to see the changes in your heart.

Novel Pastimes: Is there anything you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t done?

Amelie: I want to travel to France one day and see where my parents came from as well as sample French cuisine.

Pierre: Since Amelie wants to go to France, I would love to take her there. I can’t help giving her whatever she wants.

Amelie: I have to admit, he loves to spoil me.

Novel PASTimes: What’s the worst thing that’s happened in your life? What did you learn from it?

Amelie: Both my parents died in a tragic accident. I learned to lean on God as well as the friends God placed in my life.

Pierre: I lost the woman I thought I loved to another man. I learned that what we consider an awful turn of events often can be a blessing in disguise. If I had ended up with Margaret, I never would have met Amelie. She is the true love of my life.

Novel PASTimes: Tell me about your best friend.

Amelie: Debbey McCoy is funny, loyal and a good Christian. She had been my friend since as far back as I can remember. Her father is the pastor of West Linn’s only church.

Pierre: William Almonbury speaks his mind, loves adventure and thinks he’s witty, but between you and me, he’s not as funny as he thinks. However, he is a good and loyal friend.

Novel PASTimes: What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done to someone? Why?

Amelie: I judged someone before I knew them. I thought all the women who worked at the local saloon where disreputable women but due to circumstances, I ended up working with them. As I got to know the women, I realized I was wrong. Just because you have to do certain things to survive doesn’t make you a bad person.

Pierre: I belittled their beliefs. I didn’t understand why they were so important to them and instead of asking why, I just avoided it.

Novel PASTimes: Describe your ideal mate.

Amelie: I’m drawn to tall, dark haired men with a handsome smile. He has to enjoy my independent nature and love the Lord as much as me.

Pierre: *He looks at Amelie* I am glad to fit your description. For me, I love a smart and loyal woman. I also tend to be drawn to when with strong faith and gumption. Physically, I don’t really have a type but after meeting Amelie, I would say my favorite combination is golden brown hair with blue eyes.

Novel PASTimes: What are you most afraid of?

Amelie: My aunt will take my sister, Elise, back to Paris with her if I can’t manage to take care of her.

Pierre: Failing the people I love.

Novel PASTimes: What do you like best about yourself? Least?

Amelie: I like that I am loyal to my friends and family. I wish I could stand up for myself, especially with my aunt.

Pierre: I like my protective nature. I wish I was better at accepting rejection.

Novel PASTimes: One last thing. Will you share an excerpt and blurb from your book The Oregon Pursuit as well as a buying link?

Blurb:

Surrender to destiny: a window to heart opens, when one door closes.

The Oregon Pursuit (Book 4) After Amelie Leclaire’s parents pass away in a tragic accident, she must return home to West Linn, Oregon to take over the family bakery. Amelie was training to be a midwife but must give up her plans in an attempt to provide a stable life for her younger sister. Pierre Girald, the Vidame of Demoulin, is traveling to West Linn on business. A chance meeting at the bakery and Pierre is instantly intrigued by the alluring Miss Leclaire, she on the other hand, is less impressed until she gets to know him. Through many trials and setbacks, will the couple be able to form a lasting relationship or will his past and her financial problems put an end to their potential?

Window to the Heart Saga: a recountal of the trials, adventures and relationships of the family and friends of Lady Margaret. The first three books detail her journey and book four focuses on the cousin of her best friend. The series has compelling themes of love, loss, faith and hope with a supremely gratifying conclusion in book 3 and 4.

Exceptionally sincere and wondrously engaging, The Oregon Pursuit shows the journey between letting go of a troubled past and finding new hope.

This book can be read on its own as a stand alone book or as part of the series.

Excerpt:

“I am glad you allowed me to take you to dinner tonight, Amelie.”

“I am glad you asked me to join you.”

“You have no idea how badly I want to lean down and kiss you right now, but with your aunt sitting in the carriage watching us, I will abstain. I do not want our first kiss to be a spectacle for others.”

“How considerate of you, but how do you know I would let you kiss me in the first place?”

He gently let his hand travel along the length of her upper arm and felt her skin prickle under his touch. “Because if this happens when I touch you, I know you want to know what will happen, as much as I do, when we kiss.”

“If we kiss,” Amelie corrected, with a playful smile.

“Oh, I am certain, mon étoile, it will happen. It is only a matter of when,” he stated as he moved towards her, as close as proper etiquette would permit, “and how.”

Amelie looked up into his eyes through her bounty of thick, dark lashes, and Pierre felt himself go weak in the knees. This woman had an effect on him unlike anything he had ever encountered. Every time he thought he had the upper-hand, she managed to cause him to become off kilter again.

You can buy The Oregon Pursuit on Amazon

About the Author:

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Jenna Brandt would love for you to follow her on Amazon. Just click the above follow button. She is a Christian historical fiction author and her books span from the Victorian to Western to WWI eras with elements of romance, suspense and faith. You can find out more about her any time at http://www.jennabrandt.com and sign up for her newsletter.

She has been an avid reader since she could hold a book and started writing stories almost as early. Jenna has been published in several newspapers as well as edited for multiple papers and graduated with her BA in English from Bethany College where she was the Editor-in-Chief of her college newspaper. She’s an on-going contributor for The Mighty Website and her first Blog was published on Yahoo Parenting and The Grief Toolbox as well as featured on the ABC News and Good Morning America websites.

Writing is her passion but she also enjoys cooking, watching movies, reading, engaging in social media and spending time with her three young daughters and husband where they live in the Central Valley of California. She’s active in her local church where she volunteers on their first impressions team as well as writes for the church’s creative team.

Visit Jenna on her Website, Facebook, Twitter or Goodreads