Pat Wahler's Blog, page 3

Cover Reveal – The Rose Code by Kate Quinn

As a reader, isn’t it exciting to discover an author you know will deliver a stellar story every single time? Let me introduce you to one of my favorite historical fiction authors.

In case you’ve been hiding under a rock lately and don’t know her, this is Kate Quinn. She’s a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, not to mention a Reese Witherspoon Book Club choice for her novel, The Alice Network.

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I met Kate in St. Louis last year when she was on book tour for The Huntress. She was such a delight and so entertaining, that I decided to catch her later that same day when she gave her second presentation at the St. Charles County Library. Yes, she’s that good.

After a long wait for her next book, I’m happy to say Kate will soon be releasing THE ROSE CODE. It’s a thrill and an honor to be part of her cover reveal celebration. First, here’s a glimpse at the story.

ABOUT THE BOOK –The New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Huntress and The Alice Network returns with another heart-stopping World War II story of three female code breakers at Bletchley Park and the spy they must root out after the war is over.



1940. As England prepares to fight the Nazis, three very different women answer the call to mysterious country estate Bletchley Park, where the best minds in Britain train to break German military codes. Vivacious debutante Osla is the girl who has everything—beauty, wealth, and the dashing Prince Philip of Greece sending her roses—but she burns to prove herself as more than a society girl, and puts her fluent German to use as a translator of decoded enemy secrets. Imperious self-made Mab, product of east-end London poverty, works the legendary codebreaking machines as she conceals old wounds and looks for a socially advantageous husband. Both Osla and Mab are quick to see the potential in local village spinster Beth, whose shyness conceals a brilliant facility with puzzles, and soon Beth spreads her wings as one of the Park’s few female cryptanalysts. But war, loss, and the impossible pressure of secrecy will tear the three apart.

1947. As the royal wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip whips post-war Britain into a fever, three friends-turned-enemies are reunited by a mysterious encrypted letter–the key to which lies buried in the long-ago betrayal that destroyed their friendship and left one of them confined to an asylum. A mysterious traitor has emerged from the shadows of their Bletchley Park past, and now Osla, Mab, and Beth must resurrect their old alliance and crack one last code together. But each petal they remove from the rose code brings danger–and their true enemy–closer…

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Here we go. Time to unveil the gorgeous cover for THE ROSE CODE.

What do you think? I know one thing for sure. With Kate Quinn at the wheel, you can expect a well-researched and fast-paced story guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat. I can’t wait to read this one!

Here are a few helpful links so you don’t miss out, including a link to preorder your copy of THE ROSE CODE.

Pre-order link to the book format and vendor of choice à  https://bit.ly/3k4t8o5

Add to your Goodreads list à https://bit.ly/2XBJgUD

Sign up for Kate’s newsletter à https://bit.ly/2DfrgIz

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Pat Wahler is the author of Western Fictioneers’ Best First Novel of 2018 and Authors’ Circle 2019 Novel of Excellence Award winner for Historical Fiction, I am Mrs. Jesse James . She is also author of the award-winning Becker Family series of contemporary romance novels, and a Five-Star Readers’ Favorite Christmas collection of short stories, Let Your Heart Be Light: A Celebration of Christmas .

Special Offer from Multi-Talented Author

There’s one thing I can assure you about writers. They’re strong, supportive of one another, and nearly always fun people to be around. This is certainly true of my amazing fellow writer and friend, Margo Dill, who balances more roles than anyone I know. Margo has a wealth of experience as a talented children’s book author, editor, teacher, and an exceptionally savvy mom. I’m delighted to welcome her to my blog today with an important message for parents, grandparents, and anyone who has a child in their life. Take it away, Margo!

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When I went to graduate school twenty-five years ago, one of my classes was about teaching reading and literacy. One of the things I learned in that class was the importance of reading aloud to kids in our soon-to-be classrooms. So, I did almost every single day I taught elementary school, whether it was third, fourth, or fifth graders. Some kids loved it; some took it as a time to get in a nap.

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But I read aloud, regardless, because I know it is important for all readers—those who are ahead and those who are behind. It teaches them fluency, expression, new vocabulary, comprehension, and more. If you have a struggling reader, and they never hear how a story is really supposed to sound, they may never realize that reading is glorious, and stories are wonderful.

As a parent, I have a nine-year-old who does not love reading. (UGH, trust me, I’m still trying.) But she does love stories. She’s not a struggling reader—she is ahead, but there’s something about sitting alone with a book that she doesn’t love. So, instead of fighting this, I embraced my inner teacher, and now I read to her every night before we go to bed.

We’re currently reading the Harry Potter series, book six; but we have read picture books, five-minute princess and Disney character read-alouds, my own writing, A Wrinkle in Time, and Clementine and Junie B. Jones books, to name a few. I’ve been doing reading out loud since she was a baby. And as long as she will let me, I plan to continue. (By the way, she also loves audio books and music—so my guess is I have an auditory learner—if you have a kid fighting you to read, this may be what you have to. Feel free to email me at margolynndill (at) gmail.com if you want some help or resources!)

So, when Fred Olds, who is an octogenarian whom I’ve known since before my daughter was born because we were in a critique group together, asked me if I would consider helping him publish some of his children’s stories, I read them and thought: These are perfect for parents and grandparents to read aloud to their children before they go to bed—children from preschool to upper elementary. So, I did publish them (and because I like to “Go Big or Go Home,” I wound up starting my own publishing company!), and three of his stories became, Read-Aloud Stories with Fred, Vol. 1, available in ebook (currently only 99 cents through 7/31) and print book from Amazon (soon to be in other marketplaces, too).

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There are three stories for kids, complete with a few illustrations. Each story can lead to amazing discussions with kids about responsibility, friendship, consequences, kindness to others, and more. I am a total believer in literature opening up discussions that are sometimes hard to have with kids—but that’s a whole other blog post.

I appreciate Pat allowing me to bend your ear for a bit about reading aloud to kids. Of course, I would love for you to check out Fred’s book—for only 99 cents, you can see what it’s about and even read it right off the Kindle app to your little ones. But I also have two other historical fiction middle-grade novels available as ebooks either free or for 99 cents through 7/31, too. You can check out each one of those here and then follow the link to purchase them on Amazon or for free on the StoryOrigin website.

But whether you choose one of my books or Harry Potter or The Lightning Thief or The Very Hungry Caterpillar, I hope that you will think about reading aloud to your children and grandchildren at bedtime, mealtime, or even in the evening over a snack. If you already do read aloud to your kids or grandkids, let us know in the comments below what you love to read!

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Thanks so much, Margo. Years ago, I read to my little ones and now I do the same for my four-year-old grandson. It’s part of his nightly ritual to hear stories, and he loves them.

What about you? Do you read to the children in your life?

For more about Margo, please check out the following links:

Check out my books, classes, speaking, and writing
https://www.margoldill.com 

Interested in becoming a better writer? Sign up for my Editor-911 newsletter:
http://eepurl.com/gc8tpn



Editor 911: Your Writing Projects are my Emergency!
https://www.editor-911.com

WOW! Women On Writing Classes
https://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/WOWclasses.html

WOW! Women On Writing blog
https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com 



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Pat Wahler is the author of Western Fictioneers’ Best First Novel of 2018 and Authors’ Circle 2019 Novel of Excellence Award winner for Historical Fiction, I am Mrs. Jesse James . She is also author of the award-winning Becker Family series of contemporary romance novels, and a Five-Star Readers’ Favorite Christmas collection of short stories, Let Your Heart Be Light: A Celebration of Christmas .

Q & A With Stephanie Dray

It’s always fun to highlight a favorite author, so it’s my pleasure to feature historical novelist Stephanie Dray, who has a fascinating new release now on preorder. Here’s a bit of background.

I met Stephanie a few years ago, when she and her co-author were in St. Louis to speak about My Dear Hamilton (another fabulous read). Steph is generous, funny, and down-to-earth. In addition, she’s a quite talented author.

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Stephanie Dray

As part of the cover reveal crew for Stephanie’s newest novel, The Women of Chateau Lafayette, I have some fun links to share. First here’s more about the book.

An epic saga from New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Dray based on the true story of an extraordinary castle in the heart of France and the remarkable women bound by its legacy in three of humanity’s darkest hours.

  Most castles are protected by powerful men. This one by women…

A founding mother…

1774. Gently-bred noblewoman Adrienne Lafayette becomes her husband’s political partner in the fight for American independence. But when their idealism sparks revolution in France and the guillotine threatens everything she holds dear, Adrienne must choose to renounce the complicated man she loves, or risk her life for a legacy that will inspire generations to come.

A daring visionary…

1914. Glittering New York socialite Beatrice Astor Chanler is a force of nature, daunted by nothing–not her humble beginnings, her crumbling marriage, or the outbreak of war. But after witnessing the devastation in France and delivering war-relief over dangerous seas, Beatrice takes on the challenge of a lifetime: convincing America to fight for what’s right.

A reluctant resistor…

1940. French school-teacher and aspiring artist Marthe Simone has an orphan’s self-reliance and wants nothing to do with war. But as the realities of Nazi occupation transform her life in the isolated castle where she came of age, she makes a discovery that calls into question who she is, and more importantly, who she is willing to become.

Intricately woven and beautifully told, The Women of Chateau Lafayette is a sweeping novel about duty and hope, love and courage, and the strength we find from standing together in honor of those who came before us.

And now (drum roll, please) check out the cover. Gorgeous, isn’t it?

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Gorgeous cover, isn’t it?

Here’s a short Q & A to tell you a little more about the book. Take it away, Steph!

What made you fall in love with Adrienne Lafayette and why do you think readers will fall for her as you did?

Thanks to a popular musical, the Marquis de Lafayette is known to a new generation as “America’s Favorite Fighting Frenchman”–and there’s good reason for that. He’s easily the most lovable of our Founding Fathers, and his wife, whom he called his dear heart, is just as lovable if not more so. Adrienne was our French Founding Mother, so right up my alley as a heroine, but at first I worried she was too sweet, devoted, and forgiving. In short, too gentle for a novel. Little did I realize that more than any other historical heroine I’ve ever written, Adrienne fought and sacrificed for her principles, courageously threw herself into danger, confronted tyrants, and endured trials that would have broken lesser mortals. She truly humbles me, and when I talk about the Lafayette legacy, I think of it as every bit as much hers as it is his.

How long did it take you to write this book? Did the story evolve as you researched, or did you always know you wanted to take on the lives of these particular women?

I was always interested in Lafayette–an interest that grew as Laura Kamoie and I co-authored America’s First Daughter and My Dear Hamilton. I think I had the germ of the idea for a Lafayette novel at least seven years ago, but I had other projects in the way. And I was always in search of an angle that would be fresh and unique. That came to me when I discovered that Lafayette’s castle in Auvergne, which had been purchased and renovated by Americans, served to shelter Jewish children from the Nazis. Knowing how deeply the Lafayettes both felt about religious freedom, I knew this would have pleased them, and it touched me. I was then determined to know which Americans had purchased the chateau, and when I found out, yet another glorious chapter in the Lafayette legacy was born. That’s when the story took shape for me about one special place on this earth where, generation after generation, faith has been kept with principles of liberty and humanity. I find that very inspirational, now more than ever.

The book is centered around Lafayette’s castle, the Château de Chavaniac, and the pivotal role it played during three of history’s darkest hours—the French Revolution and both World Wars. If you could have dinner with any three people (dead or alive) at Chavaniac, who would you choose and why?

Believe it or not, this is actually a difficult choice because so many incredible men and women passed through those doors. I’d have to start with the Lafayettes–though I hope they would not serve me pigeons, which were a favorite at their wedding banquet. To join us for dinner, I’d choose the colorful stage-star of the Belle Epoque, Beatrice Chanler, because she was a force of nature without whom Chavaniac might not still be standing. Actress, artist, philanthropist, decorated war-relief worker and so-called Queen of the Social Register, she was as mysterious as she was wonderful, and even after all the startling discoveries I made researching her larger-than-life existence, I have a million questions about the early life she tried so hard to hide. I can’t wait for readers to meet her!

Grab The Women of Chateau Lafayette, on preorder.

Enter for a chance to win an advanced reader copy.

Add Steph’s book to your Goodreads list.

Sign up for Steph’s newsletter.

I hope you’re as excited as I am to read The Women of Chateau Lafayette!

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Pat Wahler is the author of Western Fictioneers’ Best First Novel of 2018, I am Mrs. Jesse James. She is also the author of a contemporary sweet romance series and a Christmas collection of uplifting yuletide short stories and essays.

On the Home Front

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be trapped in a time loop? You know what I mean. A Phil Connors in Groundhog Day kind of situation where you experience the same thing over and over again. If so, congratulations. You are living it. Right now during this global pandemic, we’re in our own version of Groundhog Day. Each hour has an alarming similarity, and it’s not a whole bunch of fun.

Truth is, the coronavirus is an invader that’s run rampant. As a result, many people have become seriously ill. Others have died.

Lately, I’ve heard a lot of grumbling. Mostly from people who don’t like what they’re being asked to do to keep themselves and others safe. We might be wise to remember this isn’t the first time our citizens have been asked to make sacrifices for the common good. Take a look at history.

During World War II, people on the home front contributed to the war effort in many ways. The government issued ration books and allowed only a certain number of points per person for food purchases each week. Here’s a short article to show how rationing worked. Some supplies like meat, butter, sugar, and canned milk were hard to get. Cooks didn’t get mad. They got inventive, and came up with their own wartime recipes using what they had on hand. If you’re interested, here’s a site that collects World War II recipes.

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World War II poster (loc.gov)

But it wasn’t only food in short supply. Gasoline was also rationed. You might be allowed only a few gallons a week. Nevertheless, Americans were united in doing what needed to be done.

I suppose you could label such sacrifices as government overstepping its bounds and tromping on the personal rights of citizens. Americans had to do without things they needed or wanted. Yet rationing continued throughout the war years (that’s years, not months), and most people appeared to see compliance as their patriotic duty. They did what they were asked to do because they wanted to win the war.

Here we are facing a similar situation. It’s not what anybody wants to hear, but the pandemic is not going away soon. Perhaps we should look at our responsibilities in another way. Think about it like this. We are in a war, and we’d like the war to end sooner rather than later. How can we help make this happen? Simple. We can slow down the spread of the virus until a cure/vaccine is found.

Slow it down?

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YES!

Yes, and think how lucky we are. There’s no need to march off into a battlefield with guns blazing. All we’re asked to do is follow the recommendations of experts. Stay at home as much as possible, and away from large groups. Wear a mask and social distance. Wash hands often. These steps are a tiny annoyance, to be sure, but certainly not difficult. I don’t know about you, but I’d feel terrible if I ignored recommendations and unknowingly spread the disease to vulnerable people. If compliance helps save lives, as we’ve been advised it will, why not cooperate?

This isn’t the first time Americans have been asked to unite in the effort to defeat a deadly enemy. Most likely it won’t be the last. What happens on the home front, influences the fight. Can’t we prove we’re just as determined to come together and win the war as our ancestors were?

That’s my message, gang. I don’t usually write serious posts, but I felt this needed to be said.

Please do your best to stay safe. Take care of yourself AND each other.

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Pat Wahler is the author of Western Fictioneers’ Best First Novel of 2018, I am Mrs. Jesse James. She is also the author of a contemporary sweet romance series and a Christmas collection of short stories and creative nonfiction.

Count Your Successes

Here we are, in week eleventy-million of dealing with a global pandemic. One would think spending so much time at home means I am writing diligently every day, but I’ve found my focus is scattered. It’s far too easy for me to scroll through social media hunting for funny memes to post than it is to do actual… you know, work. My lack of productivity isn’t unique. Many have reported the same problem. After all, we are living through unprecedented times that will go down in history.

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Try, try again. (Pixabay)

The good news is, it feels like things have begun to – at a snail’s pace – improve. Most of my friends say they’ve settled back into a more regular work routine. I have too, and find myself able to write in one big afternoon chunk. Even though what I get on paper isn’t spit-and-polished, it’s a start. So, rather than beating myself up for the writing projects I haven’t completed, I decided to take an objective look at what I did accomplish in the past few months. Here’s what I found:

Although not nearly finished, I’m currently writing Chapter 26 of Pathway to Home, the final book in the Becker Family series, after being stuck at Chapter 5 for what felt like a million years.
Two of my essays were contracted by Chicken Soup for the Soul, bringing my total stories with them to eighteen (but who’s counting? LOL).
I have a brand new idea for a biographical historical novel which is sparking major inspiration.

Lemons Into Quarantinis

For many weeks now, we’ve all been in self-quarantine. Other than an occasional walk outside, my social life consists of once-a-week trips to the grocery store where I’m dressed like a doctor prepared for surgery. I dodge around other shoppers, using my cart to enforce the six feet social distancing rule. Woe be onto anyone who violates it.

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My social distancing weapon….I mean cart.

At home I clean and sanitize, wash my hands, sit in front of the computer, wash my hands, eat, wash my hands, read, wash my hands, eat some more, wash my hands, watch television, and wash my hands. Sleep is sporadic, with my internal alarm clock jolting me awake around 4:00 a.m. I then lay in bed twiddling my thumbs and making mental to-do lists for two and a half solid hours after which Winston and Bogey demand I get up and fix their breakfast.

What’s a person to do? During lock-down at our house, we’ve surprisingly logged a few unusual (at least for us) activities.

Hubby read an entire novel, something he hasn’t accomplished in decades
We assembled a jigsaw puzzle (too bad we discovered three pieces were missing)
I’ve cooked and baked and eaten more food than I have since the kids were toddlers
The dog has been pleasantly shocked to be invited on frequent walks around the lake behind our house
Mass de-cluttering has occurred (I can now almost view the entire garage floor)
We’ve grown accustomed to seeing friendly faces…on Zoom

I guess you can say we’ve learned to turn some of the lemons we’ve been handed into quarantinis. As restrictions start to ease, I can’t help wondering. Will any of our new habits continue, or will they, as Margaret Mitchell once said, be gone with the wind? Only time will tell. At this point, I’m both nervous and eager to get a tiny bit more rope.

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Quarantini, anyone?

What about you? Have you done anything unusual during quarantine? What’s the first thing on your list when you feel comfortable enough to venture back into the outside world?

As for my plan, once the dog and I can each get a haircut, I’ll be able to see well enough to let you know.

Friends and fellow readers, I hope you’re hanging in there and doing well. Take care of yourself, and please stay safe.

Coping in a Strange New World

Ever feel like you’ve been transported from reality to a strange new science-fiction story world? Yeah, me too. Due to the coronavirus, we’ve all become a society of people confined to our homes, practicing social distance. And it’s not only here in the United States. Nearly all places on the planet are in the same boat. Our lives have been turned topsy-turvy, and we have no idea how long it will last or what to expect. [image error]

If that doesn’t sound like the start to a scary science fiction story, I don’t know what does.

But as the saying goes, there are circumstances we can change, and others we cannot. I think we all know what category this sneaky virus situation falls under. All we can do is make the best of what we have, look out for one another, and muddle through.

Much as I wish I could invite everyone to meet me for a relaxing spa day, that’s off the table for now. What I can do, though, is offer links that may help to ease you through tough times. With that goal in mind, here goes…

I’m cleaning now more than ever – a task I’m not fond of doing. Are you discouraged by a lack of disinfectant wipes? I sure am. Here’s a simple do-it-yourself recipe that could help tide you over.

Wash, wash, wash those hands. Experts recommend at least twenty seconds of vigorous scrubbing – the length of two choruses of Happy Birthday. However, sometimes a sink and soap aren’t nearby. What then? Hand sanitizer is impossible to find. How about a do-it-yourself recipe to bridge the gap?

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Sigh. Toilet paper. Don’t get me started. Who knew this item would become more valuable than an oil well in the backyard? But I hear people are flocking to a new (actually an old) solution by installing a bidet. Reports say it’s an incredibly cleansing experience.

I find myself eating even more than cleaning. With bare grocery shelves, what are good basic items to stock at home? Here are some recommended food staples to have on hand. Adding my two cents, I’d include whatever special treats your heart craves. These are times that require self-soothing. Yes, that includes wine and dark chocolate!

When you’re stuck at home, it’s easy to plop in front of a screen (and eat) for hours at a time. This isn’t great for either your physical or mental well-being. Here are some tips to stay fit and healthy during self-isolation.

Entertainment… it’s a significant part of our lives. Some fun stuff comes via the screen, yet never forget reading is a great exercise for the brain. But wait! There’s more! For additional suggestions, check out this curious list of things to do while trapped inside.

Finally, please don’t forget to laugh. It’s one of my favorite coping mechanisms. You wouldn’t believe how many old sit-coms I’ve watched lately. To give you some ideas, here’s a list of ways to laugh more every day.

Well, that’s it, gang. I hope you find something to keep you healthy, happy, sane, and safe. If you have more suggestions you think would help others, please do leave a comment.

Meanwhile, take care of yourselves, and we’ll get through this together. There’s always a rainbow after the storm!

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Touching and humorous, you’ll love Pat’s latest contemporary romance, Along the Road (Becker Family Novel Book 2).

Pat’s other award-winning books and stories include:

On a City Street (Becker Family Novel Book 1)

I am Mrs. Jesse James

Let Your Heart Be Light: A Celebration of Christmas ONLY 99 CENTS UNTIL MARCH 31!

Ditching the Dye

Do you ever think you’d like to do something, but end up backing off because you’re not sure how it will turn out? Well, I’m not a stranger to such a dilemma. As an example, let me introduce you to my hair and a question I’ve been asking myself.

To dye, or not to dye?

I grew up quite blonde, but as years passed, my mane got darker. I didn’t like it, so my stylist added highlights to brighten my hair (and my spirits). Then, all on its own, my hair started to grow pale again. However, it wasn’t in a way that made me shout “Yipeee!” Gray had crept in. I graduated from highlights to an all-over blonde-color hair dye. It’s been good, though. My blonde hair and I have been happy together for quite some time. But over the past few years, I noticed a trend. More and more women were embracing their gray. They looked confident and fabulous and nothing like your mother’s grandma.

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Freshly colored.

In between hair appointments, I started to think more often about going au natural. Heather, my stylist, said she thought my hair would look fine without dye. She did, however, explain that growing in gray was a process, with frustrating moments. I mulled over the matter, and several times got brave enough to tell her, let’s do it. Then I’d chicken out.

Finally, I gave myself a pep talk. You’ve earned your gray hair. Stop hiding it, and get to know yourself better. After all, this isn’t a court order. Worst case scenario, and you can always go back to a manufactured blonde color. Voilà! The light bulb went off, and a decision was made. Time to transition. It’s now been six weeks since any color has been put on my head, and so far I haven’t panicked, thrown up, or felt the urge to get rid of my flip flops and buy a pair of support hose.

What I did do, however, was wonder whether anybody else was on the same path as me. A quick search of Facebook groups, and I found one called “Going Gray Gracefully“. With a title like that, how could I go wrong? I joined the group, and let me tell you, it has been an eye-opener. Many have chosen to do exactly what I’m doing. Women of all ages, shapes, and sizes are going gray and loving it. The group members are generous with sharing tips, encouragement, and best of all, inspiration. Thanks to their stories, I’ve gone from nervous to excited. We cheer each other on – virtual soul sisters – because we’re all in this journey together.

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Six weeks in (after purple shampoo)

Growing out gray isn’t a monumental event, but it feels a lot like forging any new path. Whether its publishing a first book or a fifth one (gulp, yes I did), singing a solo, or taking a solitary vacation somewhere far away, it’s natural to have doubts. That’s why it helps to have friends who say, “You go, girl.” There’s a feeling of comfort when you know others are experiencing the same thing you are, but will still talk you off a ledge. Like those who tell you about the magical purple shampoo. Or some simple ways to temporarily hide roots. Folks with whom you can commiserate and celebrate. Whatever the endeavor, a support group helps.

What will I look like when I complete this transition and my gray grows out? I don’t know, but I’m looking forward to meeting the “new” me.

Now let’s talk about you.

Is there something different or daring you’d like to try? What’s stopping you?

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Touching and humorous, you’ll love Pat’s latest contemporary romance, Along the Road (Becker Family Novel Book 2).

Pat’s other award-winning books and stories include:

On a City Street (Becker Family Novel Book 1)

I am Mrs. Jesse James

Let Your Heart Be Light: A Celebration of Christmas

The 9/11 Memorial and Museum

Anyone who knows me is aware I prefer to keep things light and entertaining. You’ll realize that the minute you read a post about our girls’ trip to New York and the whirlwind of Christmas-themed fun we had. However, on our third and final day visiting the city, we spent several hours in a much different fashion. We went to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. To describe the experience as meaningful, somber, and heartrending is an understatement.

At the museum, we walked across a paved area to observe twin pools, each one nearly an acre in size. Located in the footprints of where the North and South towers once stood, victim names are engraved on a bronze parapet that lines the perimeter of the pools. Names are arranged by the location and circumstance of each person at the time of the attack. Waterfalls at the pools add a soothing rush of sound before entering the museum.

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We walked through a metal detector and our belongings were searched in a manner similar to what happens at the airport. Then we were allowed to either join a guided tour, or wander through the museum on their own. We chose the self-guided tour.

The first thing I noticed was silence. Although a lot of people were present, very little discussion took place. In contrast, other areas were filled with the sights and sounds of breaking news broadcasts from September 11, interspersed with eyewitness accounts. It brought shivers down my spine and I have to admit my stomach lurched. Is there anyone who lived through this experience who doesn’t remember exactly where he or she was when it happened? A flashback: I felt like I was at my office – a court day for us – when the unfathomable news broke.

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As the girls and I stepped from place to place, we viewed reminders of the day’s horrors. We saw blips disappear from a radar screen as airplanes were grounded. Observed massive pieces of twisted metal and scraps of tattered clothing. Poignant photographs. A woman’s shoe. A firetruck, burned and partially crushed. Frantic notes left by people searching for loved ones. A room where walls are lined with photographs of people who died. Impromptu memorials.

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Tears streamed down my face. Most people around me had a similar reaction. Out of respect for the victims and their families, some parts of the museum do not allow photography, but I think the shots I took speak for themselves.

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[image error]If you haven’t yet visited the museum, I encourage you to do so. Like seeing the Pearl Harbor site, this is an intense experience, but a valuable one. And it is a part of our country’s history we must never forget. To find out more or plan a visit, check out the 9/11 Memorial and Museum website.

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Pat Wahler is a Missouri native and avid reader. She is author of Western Fictioneers’ Best First Novel of 2018 and Walter Williams Award winner, I am Mrs. Jesse James, along with a Five-Star Readers’ Favorite contemporary romance series, the Becker Family Novels; and a Five-Star Readers’ Favorite Christmas collection. 

Want to know more about Pat and her books? Check this out!

Christmas in NYC!

As promised, here’s a peek at the 2019 Girls’ Trip to NYC! First, a big shout-out of thanks to my wonderful daughter and daughter-in-love who planned this event as a combined Christmas/birthday gift for me. (Do you think they know how much I love Christmas?) How lucky am I to have two such strong and talented ladies in my life. Love you!