Linda Shenton Matchett's Blog, page 83

Traveling Tuesday: West Virginia During WWII

Traveling Tuesday: West Virginia During WWII
West Virginia is the only state in America to form by seceding from a Confederate state. (Wikipedia has an interesting article about how that occurred). Nearly eighty years after joining the Union, West Virginia played a large role in World War II. Factories, mills, and mines expanded their workforce to produce huge quantities of materiel for the U.S. military and its Allies. Interwoven Hosiery manufactured socks for the army and navy, while other companies made tires, planes, jeeps, trucks, and parachutes. The railroad was kept busy transporting goods and servicemen and women.
The state is proud of the fact that it provided the fifth highest percentage of soldiers: nearly 220,000. Additionally, more than 1,000 of its women donned uniforms to serve in the auxiliary services.
Here are some of West Virginia’s award recipients:  Hershel WilliamsHershel Williams received the Medal of Honor for his bravery on Iwo Jima.Harrison Summers took out thirty-one German soldiers during exceptionally heavy fighting.Foster Feathers searched for landmines on Normandy.George Roberts, the Army Air Corps first black cadet was a combat pilot.
Now the Greenbrier Valley Airport, the field was used by the Army Air Force during the war. Other air fields include Cumberland, Elkins, Moundsville, and Buckhannon.
And what about those enemy alien diplomats?  Rather than immediately shipping them home, the U.S. interned the Germans and Italians at the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs. Diplomats from Hungary also stayed at the Greenbrier. The Japanese were sent to The Homestead Resort in Virginia. One article I found indicated that despite being allies in the war, the Germans and Italians did not get along (read: acrimonious), and the Italians were moved to the Grove Park Inn.
Children of German Diplomats
at the GreenbrierReasoning for a “high-end” experience for these individuals was the idea that if they were well-treated, U.S. embassy personnel would receive the same treatment. Internment was only supposed to last a couple of days, but instead dragged on for seven months because of red tape. Prisoners were exchanged during the summer of 1941 by way of Madagascar, South America, and other locations.
In late 1942, the Army purchased the property and converted it to the 2,000 bed Ashford General Hospital. Opening in October 1943, the facility served over 25,000 casualties before closing in 1946.
Thank you for your service, West Virginia.

Blog Tour: Sons of Blackbird Mountain

Blog Tour: Sons of Blackbird Mountain

About the Book   

Title: Sons of Blackbird Mountain  
Author: Joanne Bischof  
Genre: Historical Romance

After the tragic death of her husband, Aven Norgaard is beckoned to give up her life in Norway to become a housekeeper in the rugged hills of Nineteenth-Century Appalachia. Upon arrival, she finds herself in the home of her late husband’s cousins—three brothers who make a living by brewing hard cider on their three-hundred acre farm. Yet even as a stranger in a foreign land, Aven has hope to build a new life in this tight-knit family. But her unassuming beauty disrupts the bond between the brothers. The youngest two both desire her hand, and Aven is caught in the middle, unsure where—and whether—to offer her affection. While Haakon is bold and passionate, it is Thor who casts the greatest spell upon her. Though Deaf, mute, and dependent on hard drink to cope with his silent pain, Thor possesses a sobering strength. As autumn ushers in the apple harvest, the rift between Thor and Haakon deepens and Aven faces a choice that risks hearts. Will two brothers’ longing for her quiet spirit tear apart a family? Can she find a tender belonging in this remote, rugged, and unfamiliar world? A haunting tale of struggle and redemption, Sons of Blackbird Mountain is a portrait of grace in a world where the broken may find new life through the healing mercy of love.
My ThoughtsSons of Blackbird Mountain is a gripping novel about the complex relationships among family and community members. Yes, the book is a romance story, but it is much more than that. Serious issues such as racism, domestic violence, and segregation are explored and addressed with sensitivity and realism, making the story difficult to read at times. Each character has his or her own demons to fight, often resulting in tension with other characters or within themselves. Especially moving is Thor whose deafness and addiction to alcohol impacts his brothers and himself. The descriptions are vivid, effectively immersing me in 19th century Appalachia. Strong dialog enabled me to feel the characters’ emotions as strongly as if they were mine. Ms. Bischof did an excellent job of conveying Thor’s deafness and his ability to lip read and use American Sign Language. Themes of forgiveness, mercy, and salvation are woven throughout the story without being preachy. As with all of Ms. Bischof’s books, I will read this one over and over. Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book for free from CelebrateLit Publicity, and a positive review was not required. All opinions expressed are my own.
About the Author
JOANNE BISCHOF is an ACFW Carol Award and ECPA Christy Award-winning author. She writes deeply layered fiction that tugs at the heartstrings. She was honored to receive the San Diego Christian Writers Guild Novel of the Year Award in 2014 and in 2015 was named Author of the Year by the Mount Hermon conference. Joanne’s 2016 novel, The Lady and the Lionheart, received an extraordinary 5 Star TOP PICK! from RT Book Reviews, among other critical acclaim. She lives in the mountains of Southern California with her three children. Visit her online at JoanneBischof.com, Facebook: Author, JoanneBischof, Instagram: @JoanneBischof.
Guest Video from Joanne Bischof
Blog StopsHere are Joanne's remaining blog stops:July 8: Christian Chick's ThoughtsJuly 8: Luv'n Lambert LifeJuly 9: Cordially BarbaraJuly 9: Kathleen DenlyJuly 9: Reading is my SuperpowerJuly 10: Faithfully BookishJuly 10: Christian Bookshelf ReviewsJuly 10: Simple Harvest ReadsJuly 11: Novels CornerJuly 11: Inklings and NotionsJuly 11: Just CommonlyJuly 11: Two Points of InterestJuly 12: Maureen's MusingsJuly 12: Book by BookJuly 12: To Everything there is a SeasonJuly 13: Inspiration ClotheslineJuly 13: With a Joyful NoiseJuly 13: Pause for TalesJuly 13: Radiant LightJuly 14: The Christian Fiction GirlJuly 14: RemembrancyJuly 14: Proud to be an Autism MomJuly 15: Just the Write EscapeJuly 15: Bibliophile ReviewsJuly 15: Vicky SluiterJuly 16: By the BookJuly 16: Texas Book-aholicJuly 16: Debbie's Dusty DeliberationsJuly 17: Janice's Book ReviewsJuly 17: Jeanette's ThoughtsJuly 17: Big Reader SiteJuly 18: Connie's History ClassroomJuly 18: Amanda in PAJuly 18: Seasons of OpportunitiesJuly 18: Reader's Cozy Corner
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Joanne is giving awayGrand prize of a country crate, a jar of apple butter, a bag of gummy berries, journal, bath salts, honey spoons, copper earrings, and a blackbird sign!!

Click below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d140/sons-of-blackbird-mountain-celebration-tour-giveaway

Talkshow Thursday: Welcome back, Leeann Betts!

The Story Behind the Story of A Deadly DissolutionBy Leeann Betts
A series is a completely different animal to write than a stand-alone. In a stand-alone novel, you write about characters and events that you hope resonate with your readers, perhaps including an issue or topic that’s close to your heart, such as sex trafficking or the breakdown of the family. And then you’re done, and you can move on to the next collection of characters, settings, maybe a new issue or even the same one told from a slightly different context. A series, however, involves the same or at least some recurring characters, perhaps recurring locations, but different events.
So how to make every story in a series new and fresh, without confusing new readers starting in the middle, or losing existing readers who want some continuity without boredom?
In the case of A Deadly Dissolution, I took a recent event that thrilled me: I had the opportunity to go to Guernsey, Wyoming in October 2017 to see the total solar eclipse. The area was busy but not packed, because most people went to larger metropolitan areas in Wyoming and Nebraska to view the event. However—and isn’t there always a ‘however’?—those other places clouded over and where we were was the perfect viewing location.
I figured—and I say this a lot—“that has to go into a book”.
I did some research, and unfortunately, there were no solar eclipses—total or otherwise—in 2004 or even early 2005 on the east coast. I wanted this story set in Bear Cove, Carly’s hometown, because the last two books were set elsewhere, and I felt I needed to bring readers back to Bear Cove. But I did find out there was a lunar eclipse, and that everything west of New York was clouded over. Which fit perfectly into my story.
To write an effective mystery, we must have several elements:A compelling premise—mine was that the eclipse brought people to town who would leave as soon as the eclipse was over, so the suspect pool tended to be fluid.A personal interest—with Carly’s grandson going missing, she now has a murder and a kidnapping to solve, not to mention that somebody was trying to frame Mike for drunk driving. Are the three connected?A ticking time bomb—if Carly doesn’t solve these cases soon, the culprits could get away, so I closed the highway with Mike’s accident to slow that down.Red herrings a.k.a. suspects—I introduced several characters that might have done the deed, making sure each one had a good reason to be suspected.
The title was the tricky element this time around. Usually I have the title in my head and simply write the story that goes with it. This time I had the story but no satisfying title. Because of the accounting connection, I wanted something to do with accounting, of course. I settled on A Deadly Dissolution and referred to it near the end of the book. A dissolution is when a partnership dissolves, and it’s not usually amicable.
Question: Do you choose a book based on the cover design, the title, or the back cover copy?A randomly-drawn winner will receive a free ebook of A Deadly Dissolution.
About A Deadly Dissolution:The total lunar eclipse of October 2004 leaves more than Bear Cove, Maine, in the dark. The town’s newly-elected mayor, Walter Akerman, hires Carly to audit the town’s books but is then caught in a compromising situation with his secretary Evie Mack. A journalist in town to cover the eclipse turns up dead. Tom and Sarah’s adopted son Bradley comes to stay overnight to see the eclipse, then goes missing on a walk in town. When Mike’s car is in a serious wreck which the police say is an accident, Carly thinks somebody is trying to send her a message to stay away. How can she solve all these mysteries while not completely wearing herself to a frazzle? 
About Leeann:Leeann Betts writes contemporary suspense, while her real-life persona, Donna Schlachter, pens historical suspense. She has released seven titles in her cozy mystery series, By the Numbers, with number 8, A Deadly Dissolution, releasing in June. In addition, Leeann has written a devotional for accountants, bookkeepers, and financial folk, Counting the Days, and with her real-life persona, Donna Schlachter, has published two books on writing, Nuggets of Writing Gold and More Nuggets of Writing Gold, a compilation of essays, articles, and exercises on the craft. She publishes a free quarterly newsletter that includes a book review and articles on writing and books of interest to readers and writers. You can subscribe at www.LeeannBetts.com or follow Leeann at www.AllBettsAreOff.wordpress.com All books are available on Amazon.com in digital and print, and at Smashwords.com in digital format.
Website: www.LeeannBetts.com Receive a free ebook just for signing up for our quarterly newsletter.Blog: www.AllBettsAreOff.wordpress.comFacebook: http://bit.ly/1pQSOqV Twitter: http://bit.ly/1qmqvB6Books: Amazon http://amzn.to/2dHfgCE  and Smashwords: http://bit.ly/2z5ecP8

Blog Tour: Enduring Love

Blog Tour: Enduring Love

About the Book   Title: Enduring Love  
Author: Toni Shiloh  
Genre: Contemporary Romance  
Release Date: June 28, 2018

Belle Peterson is hiding a secret. Seeking sanctuary in the small town of Maple Run, she’s intent on starting her life over—one she hopes honors Christ. The plan was going great until an undeniable attraction to Micah has her wondering if she’s changed at all. Micah Campbell can’t understand why Belle is so uptight and wants nothing to do with her until the gentle whispers of God tell him to befriend her. He didn’t count on the feeling of protectiveness to rise up or that spark of attraction. Can love really conquer all or will Belle’s past be too much for Micah to handle?

Click here to purchase your copy!My ThoughtsEnduring Love is Toni Shiloh’s third book in the Maple Run series, and having read the first two books, I enjoyed catching up with the characters and meeting new ones. As with all of the author’s books, the characters are well-developed and complex. Belle is a new believer, and her struggle to assimilate her faith with day-to-day living is realistic and endearing. Friends and acquaintances help her without being preachy or using platitudes. The issue from her past (won’t say what - don’t want to give any spoilers!) is serious, ugly, and difficult to overcome, and the author did a good job of addressing it. I could feel Belle’s pain, guilt, and shame. Micah is a “man’s man,” yet sensitive to God and his friends – a man any girl in her right mind could fall for! The story tied up suddenly with an epilogue to explain the resolution, and I would have preferred a fuller handling of the ending. Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book for free from CelebrateLit Publicity, and a positive review was not required. All opinions expressed are my own.About the Author

Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and Christian fiction writer. Once she understood the powerful saving grace thanks to the love of Christ, she was moved to honor her Savior. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness. She spends her days hanging out with her husband and their two boys. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and president of the Virginia Chapter. You can find her on her website at http://tonishiloh.wordpress.com.

Guest Post from Toni ShilohHey there, Reader Friends!

I’m so excited for the kickoff of Enduring Love. This is book 3 in the Maple Run series and features the story of Belle Peterson and Micah Campbell. You may remember meeting Micah in book 2 of the series, he is Luke Robinson’s best friend. I tell you, this book has a special place in my heart, one that brought out all the emotions in me.

Belle Peterson is living a life filled with shame and regret. She knows mentally that she’s been forgiven, but can’t reconcile the fact to how a redeemed life should look. And when Micah Campbell walks in her life, she’s certain that she has to stay as far from him as possible to keep from back sliding.

Y’all know our wants rarely meet with reality. I had fun throwing Belle and Micah together in Maple Run. Sometimes to their chagrin but always to my pleasure. J Characters from Buying Love (book 1) and Finding Love (book 2) will make an appearance, rounding out the family that has been created in my fictional town of Maple Run, Virginia.

As you take the time to read Belle and Micah’s story, I pray you keep this verse in your mind. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” – Romans 8:1 KJV

God does not want us to live a life of shame and guilt. Once we ask for forgiveness, He gives it to us freely. Walk in an abundant life, my friends, and bless others with the grace you so freely received. 

Blessings to you, Toni
Blog StopsHere are Toni's remaining blog stops:
July 2: The Power of WordsJuly 2: Reflections from my BookshelvesJuly 3: Blossoms and BlessingsJuly 3: Faithfully BookishJuly 4: Texas Book-aholicJuly 5: Just the Write EscapeJuly 6: Carpe DiemJuly 7: Big Reader SiteJuly 7: Debbie's Dusty DeliberationsJuly 8: Bibliophile ReviewsJuly 9: RemembrancyJuly 9: Jeanette's ThoughtsJuly 10: A Baker's PerspectiveJuly 11: Janice's Book ReviewsJuly 12: Proud to be an Autism MomJuly 12: Mary HakeJuly 13: Karen Sue HadleyJuly 13: Simple Harvest ReadsGiveaway

To celebrate the tour, Celebrate Lit Publishing is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!Click below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/d0f2/enduring-love-celebration-tour-giveaway

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Marilyn Turk

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Marilyn Turk
Linda:  Thanks for joining me today. Your new release Shadowed by a spy is the sequel to The Gilded Curse. Where did you find your inspiration for this story? (Readers: Be sure to scroll to the end for the book blurb and purchase link)
Marilyn: Hi Linda. Thanks for having me. Where did I get my inspiration for Shadowed by a Spy? From my readers, first, who wanted to know what happened to my characters after my book The Gilded Curse ended. To answer that question, I had to brainstorm where the characters from the first book went next. It was only natural that they went to New York, my heroine, Lexie Smithfield’s home and also where she planned to attend nursing school. As a historic writer, I search for interesting events that happened in a particular year, and it just so happened a major event, the landing of Nazi spies on Long Island, happened after Lexie moved back.
LM: I love reading stories that include real events. The age old question for writers – are you a planner or a “panster,” and what is your favorite part of the writing process?
Marilyn: I’m a hybrid – both. I have to plan the story to pitch it, so I have a synopsis first. But what happens during the writing is often a surprise. However, I don’t think I’d ever be able to do a chapter by chapter synopsis as I’ve heard some publishers have requested. What I do plan is based on the 3-Act screenplay, so I know the turning point and the black moment and the end and pace the rest of the book around these points.
LM: You write historical fiction which requires an extra layer of research to ensure accuracy about the era. How did you go about researching this particular book and did you discover any extra special tidbits of information?
Marilyn: Writing historical fiction is an excuse to do research. Really, I LOVE the research because I learn so many interesting things. For this book, I contacted every place mentioned in the book. The nurses’ school no longer exists so I had to contact a number of NY agencies for information. Although the building still stands, it is currently abandoned, but what a gem when someone found a map of the original building for me! I read nurses’ journals from 1942 and even interviewed a 90+ former nurse who let me know about the uniform code. The hotel in the story is still in business after years of change, but someone at the hotel was a historian and gave me great information about it. The fun part was when my husband allowed us to put Long Island on our summer vacation so I could see the area where the spies landed, Amagansett, and also see the posh areas of East Hampton nearby. One of my favorite places was the neo-Elizabethan East Hampton Library built in 1912. The research librarian was a great help, and the library is so charming, I could live there!
LM: A fellow research junkie – excellent! I love research too. You write about multiple historic time periods. How do you decide which project/era to tackle next?
Marilyn: I started out writing about the Civil War’s effects on the coast of Florida, but a series developed that covers a period from 1861 to 1883. Since I live on the coast of Florida, I’m particularly interested in what happened here. Much of that history is relatively unknown, so I love finding a nugget of history and letting my characters experience it. At the time I brainstormed my World War II book, I was visiting Jekyll Island, GA, so that’s where I met Lexie. In addition, I’ve been writing a lighthouse blog for over five years, so I’ve done a lot of research about lighthouses, and that research, of course leads to stories. If you see a common thread, it’s a coast, so I doubt I’ll ever write a book set anywhere else.
LM: What’s the quirkiest thing you’ve ever done?
Marilyn: When I lived in Atlanta, I liked to drive by historic mansions in the Buckhead area of town and imagine what stories they could tell. One day a friend was in town visiting and we were driving around and I decided to drive into the driveway of one of the more forgotten-looking mansions. When I discovered the owners were in Europe and workmen were there, we decided to do a self-guided tour until we were asked to leave. I might still write a story set there (even though it’s not the coast). I learned later it’s called the Pink Castle and was built in 1923 – think Downton Abbey in Atlanta – ooh!
LM: You live in Florida, a beautiful area of the world, and a place many people visit. If money were no object, what is your idea of the ultimate vacation?
Marilyn: That’s a difficult question to answer, but I’d love to take one of those river cruises in Europe and see castles. I’d also love to go to Tuscany and take a cooking class.
LM: Sounds fun! What is your next project?
Marilyn I’m currently working on my Coastal Lights Legacy series. The second book will be out soon and then I have to finish book three, then book four. After that, I have a standalone book to write.
LM: Where can folks find you on the web?
Marilyn: My websites are http://pathwayheart.com, and http://marilynturk.com.You can also find me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/marilyn.turk.9
Twitter: @MarilynTurk
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/bluewaterbayou/ - where I have a page devoted to Shadowed by a Spy with lots of cool 1942 pictures!
Book Blurb:In the dead of night on June 12, 1942, four sailors climb from their German U-boat and make their way toward the coast of Long Island, NY. From there, they board the Long Island Railroad heading into Manhattan. One of the men, Cal Miller, is a US citizen, making him the perfect candidate for a special mission to infiltrate the States and gain access to key economic targets he can destroy.
Three seats ahead, Lexie Smithfield ponders her future as a nurse at Bellevue Hospital and wife to her fiancé Russell Thompson. A brief encounter with Cal Miller on the train leads to an unlikely friendship, and ultimately to the fearsome discovery that this handsome, kindly man is not who he appears to be.
When Russell is given an opportunity to work overseas, Lexie reluctantly encourages him to go. But his absence leaves Lexie alone in a strange city where her path becomes increasingly darkened by her unwitting connection to the German saboteurs. As the spies lay plans to destroy American factories and bridges, it becomes clear that only two people can stop them. One is a catatonic patient at Bellevue who must be strapped to his bed and sedated. The other is Lexie herself, a young woman who longs only for the security of marriage while ministering to the war’s physically and emotionally wounded.
Can Lexie’s unintended friendship with a Nazi spy thwart a terrorist attack? Or will her hopes and dreams—peace on the American homefront—become another casualty of war?

Purchase Link: www.amazon.com/dp/B07DJ8VM7K

Traveling Tuesday: The Great State of Washington During WWII

Traveling Tuesday: The Great State of Washington During WWII

Despite a wartime population of only 1.7 million (which equates to 28 people per square mile), Washington State more than “did its bit” for the WWII war effort. From the manufacturing and production of war materiel to housing POWs and providing food for the armed forces, Washington was a busy place to live!
Manufacturing: Fifteen shipyards peppered the coastline and rivers of Washington, producing thousands Liberty ships, aircraft carriers, LSTs, transport, and cargo ships. The Pacific Car and Foundry manufactured hundreds of Sherman tanks, the mostly widely used medium tank by U.S. and Western Allied troops. Then there was the Boeing Company that made thousands of B-17 and B-29 bombers. According to one report, floor space of Seattle based aircraft companies increased from 800,000 square feet to 4.1 million square feet by the end of the war.
War Materiel: In the eastern part of the state, Hanford designed the plane and refined the plutonium for the bombs that were dropped on Japan in 1945. Additionally, at the beginning of the war the state had no aluminum production, but by war’s end, Washington was the third largest producer of the metal. Lumber was also in huge demand, and the state stepped up. Billions of board-feet were milled to build barracks, minesweepers, barges, training planes, and much more.
Food:The fishing industry had always played a large part in the state’s economy, and continued to do so. In addition to salmon and halibut many other seafood was harvested. The army and navy purchased nearly all the tinned salmon the state could produce. Washington was also a leading agricultural state. Improvements in dehydration processes, allowed the state to ship dried fruit, vegetables, milk, and eggs to troops worldwide. An estimated four hundred million pounds of dried eggs left the state annually!
POWs: Nine POW camps at various locations around the state housed thousands of enemy troops. The state’s remoteness and fair treatment of prisoners resulted in very few escape attempts. One story is told about a prisoner who snuck out by hanging on the underside of a truck as it was leaving camp. The man lived with a woman for two weeks, but after an argument turned himself in. Prisoners performed a variety of jobs and paid eighty cents an hour for their efforts.
Internment Camps: After the implementation of Executive Order 9066, Seattle’s “Japan Town” was emptied and by all reports, never recovered. Many Japanese-Americans operated farms, and the strawberry industry was severely impacted when these families were moved out of Bellevue. Three “enemy alien” internment camps were created. McNeil Island Federal Penitentiary held Japanese individuals, Seattle INS Detention Facility held Italian and Japanese, and Fort Meriwether German, Italian, and Japanese.
Washington State also sent its sons and daughters to serve, and more than 6,200 lost their lives.
Have you ever visited this beautiful state?

Blog Tour: To Claim Her Heart With Jodie Wolfe

Blog Tour: To Claim Her Heart With Jodie Wolfe


About the Book   
Title: To Claim Her Heart  
Author: Jodie Wolfe  
Release Date: May 14, 2018  
Genre: Historical Romance

In 1893, on the eve of the great race for land, Benjamin David prays for God to guide him to his ‘Promised Land’. Finding property and preaching to the lost are his only ways of honoring his deceased fiancee, but he didn’t count on Elmer (Elsie) Smith claiming the same plot and refusing to leave. Not only is she a burr in his side, but she is full of the homesteading know-how he sadly lacks. Obtaining a claim in the Cherokee Strip Land Run is Elsie Smith’s only hope for survival, but not just any plot will do. She has a specific one in mind. The plot’s not only a way to honor her pa and his life, but also to provide a livelihood for herself. Elsie’s willing to do whatever it takes to get that piece of property, and she determined to keep it, but she wasn’t planning on a kind, handsome preacher standing in her way. Her bitterness is what protects her, and she has not intentions of allowing that preacher to lay claim to her land … or her heart.

Click here to purchase your copy!My ThoughtsI finished Jodie Wolfe’s To Claim Her Heart in two sittings and loved every word. The protagonists, Elsie and Benjamin are complex, relatable characters with realistic dreams, issues, and struggles. Elsie was a delightful mixture of rough-n-ready and femininity she didn’t realized she possessed. I fell in love with Benjamin because of his gentle strength, integrity, and faith. Minor characters were well-developed and likable (except those I wasn’t supposed to!). The threat of outlaws added tension and intrigue which I enjoyed. As with all of Ms. Wolfe’s books, I learned information about the life and events in the Old West without being lectured to, creating a desire to know more and do my own further research (which as a history geek, I love). Plot twists and turns added depth and kept the story moving. If I could give this book more than five stars, I would. Highly recommended.
I received this book for free from CelebrateLit Publicity, and a positive review was not required. All opinions expressed are my own.About the Author

Jodie Wolfe got bitten by the writing bug as a young girl after reading and watching Little House on the Prairie. She creates novels where hope and quirky meet. The power of story to influence lives and change hearts is what motivates her to weave tales that tell of the Savior’s faithfulness and forgiveness. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.

Guest Post from Jodie WolfeThe Heart of a Book

I think there’s always a little bit of the author in each book they write, but sometimes something deeper and very close to the author is wrapped up in the pages of a story. That’s the case for To Claim Her Heart. This is the tale that my mother-in-law always wanted me to write. She was so proud of her family heritage and almost twenty years ago, she was anxious to share it with me. We visited Oklahoma where several of her relatives had staked claims in the last great race for land in our country – the Cherokee Strip Land Run of 1893. This September will mark the 125th anniversary of the land race.

While it saddens me that my dear mother-in-law never lived long enough to see this story in print, I’m thankful that she shared her rich heritage with me. In To Claim Her Heart I was able to mention a recipe passed down through her family for prune cake. I also made sure the heroine had a Rose of Sharon quilt that was given to her. My mother-in-law gave me this quilt dating back as early as 1834 when it was stitched by my husband’s great, great, great, great grandmother. It’s been passed down to the oldest daughter for generations. But, I think one of my favorite memories is the one that concerns outlaws and how my husband’s great, great, great grandmother dealt with them. To find out more about this actual encounter, you’ll have to read To Claim Her Heart. I hope your heart will be as touched by these stories as mine was when my mother-in-law shared them. Enjoy!
Blog StopsHere are Jodie's remaining Tour stops:
June 24: Reading is my SuperpowerJune 25: Vicky SluiterJune 26: Two Points of InterestJune 26: Proud to be an Autism MomJune 27: Splashes of JoyJune 27: Bibliophile ReviewsJune 28: A Baker's PerspectiveJune 29: Pause for TalesJune 29: Debbie's Dusty DeliberationsJune 30: Christian Author, J.E. GraceJune 30: Red Headed Book LadyJuly 1: Janice's Book ReviewsJuly 1: Jeanette's ThoughtsJuly 2: Big Reader SiteJuly 2: Godly Book Reviews
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Jodie is giving away a grand prize of a Kindle Fire!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cf88/to-claim-her-heart-celebration-tour

Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Back, June Foster!

Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Back, June Foster!

Linda: Welcome back! It’s a pleasure to be able to visit with you again. You recently turned in your RV life to put down roots in a home? How has that worked out for you?
June: My husband had eye surgery so it became a necessity to settle down. We love our small town of Cullman, Alabama as we have a new home and doctors are nearby. My husband's family lives here as well. But, I'll be honest, I really miss our daughters and grandchildren who live in Seattle and El Paso, Texas. Since my husband's eye problem is resolving, we can travel again. So I'm sure we'll be going to see our kids. Just not in an RV.
Linda: Congratulation on your most recent publication, A Home for Fritz. What was your inspiration for the story?
June: Last summer, when we were still in the RV, we spent the summer in Shell, Wyoming at the base of the Big Horn Mountains. At the RV park where we worked and stayed, the owners had a precious dog named Fritz. A golden doodle, to be exact. About that time, my editor asked for stories in which the couple met because of a dog. So my tail, I mean tale, was born.
LM: Research is a necessary part to writing any book. What sort of “wow” or “aha” moment have you had when researching one of your books?
June: A Home For Fritz takes place at a dude ranch in Wyoming. Near Shell, an exclusive guest ranch, the Hideaway, is the destination for many wealthy visitors. The owner was gracious enough to take me on a tour of the grounds and the facility. I interviewed the wranglers as well as local ranchers. With each new fact I learned, I indeed experienced that "wow" moment.
LM: What writers influence you the most?
June: I love Julie Lessman's books. Her rich dialogue and the manner in which she "gets into the characters' heads" are stellar examples of good fictional writing. Fay Lamb, my freelance editor, influences me to improve my grammar and sentence structure. Joy Massengurge, one of my critique partners, guides my writing to get deeper into a character's head.
LM: Here are some quickies:
Favorite Color: greenFavorite Author: Frank Perretti Favorite Food: Mexican
LM: What advice can you give to not-yet-published writers?
June: Ask: do you feel God called you to write for His glory? If yes, keep doing everything you can to get your stories out there. Improve your craft, go to conferences, get in a good critique group, get tough skin when rejections come, and pray hard. And at times, you may want to consider self-publishing.
LM: Can you tell us what writing projects are on your plate right now?
June: I'm finishing a Thanksgiving story due this fall. Then I've got a contract to write a romance where a crazy adventure takes the couple through the chapters.
Linda: Where can folks connect with you?
June: Check out my website: http://www.junefoster.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjunefosterTwitter: https://twitter.com/vjifosterAmazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/junefoster

Wartime Wednesday: Life in a WWII Kitchen

Wartime Wednesday: Life in a WWII Kitchen
Research turns up the most interesting information, and my favorite tidbits are those that include real-life incidents and insights. Saturday, I volunteered at the Wright Museum of WWII as I usually do, and when I got home my husband Wes was busy preparing treats for church on his six burner Viking gas stove. We upgraded the kitchen when we purchased the Bed and Breakfast we operated for twelve years, so it's not your everyday appliance.

A trained chef, Wes works magic in the kitchen (or on a campfire!). Watching him work got me thinking about what it was like to cook
in a WWII kitchen.

Look closely at the photo of the Wright Museum exhibit. What strikes you most about what's in the picture? For me, it's the size of everything. Granted our stove is larger than a standard household fixture, but even today's family stoves are much larger than the one in the exhibit. Can you imagine trying to bake a turkey or pot roast in that teeny-weeny oven?  Check out the size of the fridge. Again, our refrigerator is a good size because of running the business, but nowadays even apartment fridges would be larger than the one shown here. And with the compressor on top, storage space is lost.

Something else I noticed after studying the exhibit is the amount of metal used. In an "aha" moment (even after all the reading and researching I've done about the era), I realize why it was necessary to perform scrap drives. It seems that what wasn't made of wood was constructed of metal (steel, aluminum, and iron). From the skillet on the wall and pots on the stove to the containers of spices on the shelves and food items such as crackers and tea to the right of the stove, nearly everything was made of metal.

Other items of interest are the lack of a built-in pantry - those are a modern invention taking the place of pie-safes and shelving units such as the one shown on the left. Are you familiar with Fiestaware? I was fortunate to inherit several pieces when my grandfather passed away. Introduced in 1936, with a hiatus from 1973 to 1985, Fiestaware is glazed ceramic dinnerware that featured thirty-seven different pieces, with as many as sixty-seven pieces during its heyday. During WWII, the line was reduced and by the end of the war, with the more unusual serving items being discontinued. Initially produced in five colors: red, blue, green, yellow, and ivory. Turquoise was added in 1938.

What is not included in the photo because the items would have been stored elsewhere, are the jars of canned goods a housewife would have put by from her Victory Garden. Notice something else that's missing? There's no automatic dishwasher. Everything would have been washed by hand.

I imagine that days were long for a 1940s housewife. Most of the chores were done by hand: laundry - that included a wringer washer, hanging clothes to dry, then ironing them (note the ironing board and mangle to the right), dusting, sweeping (not everyone could afford a vacuum cleaner), mopping, and dishes (washing and drying). I'll try to remember that the next time I complain about having to empty my automatic dishwasher! How about you?

Mystery Monday: The Many Names of Dolores Hitchens

Mystery Monday: The Many Names of Dolores Hitchens
I guess it's pride, but as an author, I find it gratifying to see my name on a book cover. It's fascinating to me when writers choose to publish their work under a pseudonym. There are as many reasons as there are nom de plumes, and most readers have no idea why an author makes that choice. Mystery writer Dolores Hitchens wrote under four different names, perhaps more.

Her most successful series featuring spinster Rachel Murdock and her cat Samantha included twelve books released between 1939 and 1956. Considered cozies today, the books are well-written and include lots of twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. Rather than be a cliched little old lady, Rachel is sharp-witted and willing to take risks despite being 70+ years old.

A series she co-authored five "railroad mysteries" with her husband Bert who was a railroad detective, individuals responsible for the protection of railroad property, facilities, and personnel, and sometimes patrolling the public rail transit system.

Most of the more than two dozen other mysteries she penned tend to be traditional detective stories. Sleep with Slander has been called "the best traditional male private eye novel written by a woman." (A bit of a left handed compliment if you ask me!). Fool's Gold was made into a movie called Bande a Part by French director Jean-Luc Godard. It was released in North America as Band of Outsiders and met with good success.

Fourteen are standalone with two series featuring Lt. Stephen Mayhew and Professor Pennyfeather. In her later years, Hitchens wrote two "hard-boiled" detective stories in the flavor of Raymond Chandler that feature Jim Sader.

Born in Texas on Christmas Day in 1907, Dolores worked as a nurse and then a teacher before starting her writing career. An intensely private person, not much is known about her. She passed away in 1973.