Jeanne Gehret's Blog: http://SusanBAnthonyFamily.com/, page 2

Annie Osborn Anthony and the Rebel Women

The moment I stepped into the Kansas State Capitol and saw the “Rebel Women” mural, I stopped in my tracks. Towering eight feet high and stretching nineteen feet wide, the oil painting honors thirteen women who advanced the cause of women’s rights in that state.

And there, in the upper left corner, was Annie Osborn Anthony. She’s shown hosting a suffrage reception for 2,000 women at her home, a gracious leader in the fight for equality.

Above the Anthony residence hangs an image that stirs me deeply. Flames rise from homes while a lone rider gallops away. It holds meaning for two reasons: first, for its striking beauty. And second, for its tragic link to a town burned by Annie’s husband, Daniel, during his abolitionist raids in Missouri. That moment stands at the heart of Book Two in my trilogy.

Seeing the mural was a powerful moment for me. I’ve spent years researching and portraying Annie’s life, but seeing her commemorated this way—among fellow trailblazers, in a mural painted by a woman and installed in a space long dominated by male history—was nothing short of thrilling.

The creative process

Artist Phyllis Garibay-Coon didn’t just paint the “Rebel Women” mural—she lived it. Chosen from a competitive pool of applicants, she created the entire 8-by-19-foot masterpiece right in her own dining room, building a scaffold to reach the center. She was the first female oil painter to create a permanent installation in that building.

I had the joy of co-keynoting with her at last month’s “Celebrating Women” Gala in Leavenworth, where she gave us a behind-the-scenes look at her process. Her passion and storytelling were contagious. But what I loved most was hearing how she translated two subjects I’ve written about—Annie Osborn Anthony and Clarina Nichols—into another medium. It’s one thing to see a mural on a wall; it’s another to witness how an artist captures a life, a moment, and a movement in color and composition.

A capitol full of surprises

Ornate dome that crowns the Kansas Statehouse. Photo by Jeanne Gehret

“Rebel Women” alone was worth the trip. However, the rest of the excursion to Topeka didn’t disappoint. The Kansas State Capitol, beautifully restored in 2013, is a marvel. I took in beautiful marble embellishments, the breathtaking dome, the striking John Brown mural, and even rode the old-fashioned hand-operated elevator (yes, still working—and delightful).

John Brown mural at the Kansas State Capitol. Photo by Jeanne Gehret

This vintage elevator at the State Capitol is hand operated. Photo by Jeanne Gehret

 

Naturally, I made a beeline to the gift shop and left with a new favorite mug.

I just couldn’t get enough of the gorgeous colors of marble that graced the walls.

Springtime in Kansas

The drive from Leavenworth to Topeka was its own kind of reward. Spring arrives in Kansas two or three weeks before it reaches my home in upstate New York. Throughout this trip, I soaked in the sight of redbud trees in bloom and hills rolling under a gentle sun. It was a beautiful backdrop to a journey filled with history, friendship, inspiration—and one very proud moment for Annie.

Book Lists Just For You

Searching for your next favorite American story?

Look no further! These authors have teamed up to offer you a delightful selection.

And… my most recent short story, Urgent Plea from Susan B. is included. It takes place between Secrets to the Wind and Born of This Fire. This collection also includes the prequel to Secrets, which is entitled Songbird in the Marsh.

View the Books Here

The post Annie Osborn Anthony and the Rebel Women appeared first on Jeanne Gehret Author.

I took stories to Leavenworth – and brought back memories for you.

Author Jeanne Gehret giving historical presentation in Leavenworth, KS

Just back from my Leavenworth talk—and I’ve got some fun photos to share!

This history-rich Kansas town has a special place in my heart—and in the life of Annie Anthony as told in my Dauntless Series. (Here’s Book One, in case you’re looking for it.) All three books are rooted here, so every visit feels a bit like stepping into my own story world. I always come away with fresh inspiration and love connecting with residents who are just as passionate about their history as I am.

“Celebrating Women” gala in Leavenworth, Kansas

This time, the occasion was the joyful “Celebrating Women” Gala hosted by the Leavenworth County Historical Society last Friday (April 11, 2025). Around 150 guests gathered in the beautifully restored Riverfront Community Center—which once served as the women’s waiting room at the train depot. With its rich woodwork and elegant windows, it wasn’t hard to imagine my heroine, Annie Anthony, stepping off a train right into that space.

Refurbished ticket booth at Riverfront Community Center, Leavenworth, Kansas

From Vineyard heiress to Kansas grit: bringing Annie to life

This trilogy I’m writing—now two-thirds complete—grew out of years of digging into not just the Anthony family, but the world they lived in: the people, events, and culture that shaped their choices. It all started back in 2012, after my first trip to Leavenworth lit a creative spark I couldn’t ignore.

Fast forward to today, and that spark has become a one-woman show where I put on the shoes (and hat!) of Annie Osborn Anthony. It’s the living, breathing result of that research—blending historical detail, emotion, and period costume to connect with audiences on both the head and the heart level. For example, here’s a post I wrote several years ago about the daughters that the Anthonys lost.

Jeanne Gehret in Edwardian costume

To set the stage, I open with a slide that reads, “I was born in 1844 on Martha’s Vineyard.” That simple line helps the audience enter into Annie Anthony’s timeframe, but that night it more than did its job. A ten-year-old boy who’d listened intently the whole time said to his mom: “She looked pretty good for a woman her age.” Apparently, he was convinced that I was the real Annie!

B&W image of 19th century depot, now the Riverfront Community Center in Leavenworth, Kansas

More to come

Another couple of gems from my trip? A visit to the Kansas state capitol to see the brand-new “Radical Women” mural—and the pleasure of meeting the artist herself, who took the stage before me that evening. I’ll share more about her beautiful painting in an upcoming post.

For now, enjoy these scenes from a memorable evening by the river!

P.S. If you missed my free new story featuring Susan B., Daniel, and Annie Anthony, you can get it here in this free historical collection.

 

The post I took stories to Leavenworth – and brought back memories for you. appeared first on Jeanne Gehret Author.

I took stories to Leavenworth—and brought back memories for you.

Author Jeanne Gehret giving historical presentation in Leavenworth, KS

Just back from my Leavenworth talk—and I’ve got some fun photos to share!

This history-rich Kansas town has a special place in my heart—and in the life of Annie Anthony as told in my Dauntless Series. (Here’s Book One, in case you’re looking for it.) All three books are rooted here, so every visit feels a bit like stepping into my own story world. I always come away with fresh inspiration and love connecting with residents who are just as passionate about their history as I am.

“Celebrating Women” gala in Leavenworth, Kansas

This time, the occasion was the joyful “Celebrating Women” Gala hosted by the Leavenworth County Historical Society last Friday (April 11, 2025). Around 150 guests gathered in the beautifully restored Riverfront Community Center—which once served as the women’s waiting room at the train depot. With its rich woodwork and elegant windows, it wasn’t hard to imagine my heroine, Annie Anthony, stepping off a train right into that space.

Refurbished ticket booth at Riverfront Community Center, Leavenworth, Kansas

From Vineyard heiress to Kansas grit: bringing Annie to life

This trilogy I’m writing—now two-thirds complete—grew out of years of digging into not just the Anthony family, but the world they lived in: the people, events, and culture that shaped their choices. It all started back in 2012, after my first trip to Leavenworth lit a creative spark I couldn’t ignore.

Fast forward to today, and that spark has become a one-woman show where I put on the shoes (and hat!) of Annie Osborn Anthony. It’s the living, breathing result of that research—blending historical detail, emotion, and period costume to connect with audiences on both the head and the heart level. For example, here’s a post I wrote several years ago about the daughters that the Anthonys lost.

Jeanne Gehret in Edwardian costume

To set the stage, I open with a slide that reads, “I was born in 1844 on Martha’s Vineyard.” That simple line helps the audience enter into Annie Anthony’s timeframe, but that night it more than did its job. A ten-year-old boy who’d listened intently the whole time said to his mom: “She looked pretty good for a woman her age.” Apparently, he was convinced that I was the real Annie!

B&W image of 19th century depot, now the Riverfront Community Center in Leavenworth, Kansas

More to come

Another couple of gems from my trip? A visit to the Kansas state capitol to see the brand-new “Radical Women” mural—and the pleasure of meeting the artist herself, who took the stage before me that evening. I’ll share more about her beautiful painting in an upcoming post.

For now, enjoy these scenes from a memorable evening by the river!

P.S. If you missed my free new story featuring Susan B., Daniel, and Annie Anthony, you can get it here in this free historical collection.

 

The post I took stories to Leavenworth—and brought back memories for you. appeared first on Jeanne Gehret Author.

Name my book!

I can’t wait to share my upcoming historical novel with you! It’s Book Two of the Dauntless Series, but don’t worry—it stands on its own. If all goes well, it will go to press this October.

Before that can happen, I need your help choosing the perfect title.

About the novel:

Daniel and Annie thought love would be enough. They were wrong.

Newly married and settling into life in Leavenworth, Kansas, Annie Anthony quickly realizes that her husband, Daniel, is both more and less of a hero than she once believed. As Daniel fights to keep his post as mayor, they navigate the growing tensions of a changing nation, working together to aid formerly enslaved refugees while struggling to uphold their family’s reputation.

But when Susan B. Anthony arrives for an extended visit, Annie is introduced to bold ideas about women’s voices, power, and partnership—ideas that may be the key to surviving marriage to a man as ambitious as Daniel.

Through political battles, personal betrayals, and the shifting expectations of marriage, Annie must decide: will she stand beside her husband—or forge her own path?

How you can help:

Vote on one of my top title choices. OR suggest your own, based on the description above. (If I choose your title, you’ll get a special shoutout + a surprise gift!)

Vote by: April 7 (short deadline because we need the title to start the cover)

Your input means the world to me.

>>Vote Here

Thanks for being part of this journey—I can’t wait for you to meet the newlyweds!

New video

March was full of exciting moments, as I mentioned in my mid-month update. Here’s a new video that reveals the overarching theme of my Dauntless Series. Catch a glimpse of what Annie’s getting into.

I can see clearly now

When I made the video above, I was missing one last piece of my costume. But not anymore! Just in time for my April 11 appearance as Annie in Leavenworth, Kansas, I’ve got the perfect finishing touch.

Say hello to these beauties—authentic 1850s spectacles that actually belonged to someone in my husband’s family. Believe it or not, he and his brothers used to play with them.  When they surfaced 25 years ago, I claimed them on the spot and had the lenses swapped out for my nearsighted eyes.

They were ideal when I dressed as Susan B. Anthony years ago—just look at this photo of her in her own spectacles.

Courtesy of the Library of Congress

But eyes change, and I needed a new prescription. Like last time, the optician was intrigued and asked, “Where did you get these?” The truth is, my beloved geek found them stuffed under our bed. (Sometimes cleaning there is like an archaeological dig.)

A couple Victorian details:

One earpiece longer than the other. Photo by Jeanne Gehret

The earpieces expand and retract—a clever feature when I want to tuck them in a pocket.No nose cushions! Which means not so comfy for long stretches, but I guess they hadn’t been invented yet.

These quirky old glasses, along with the rest of my costume, help me truly step into character when I perform. It’s just one of the many ways I bring the Anthonys’ world to life. If you missed my post about approximating period hairstyles, look here.

By the way…if you’re not subscribed to my monthly newsletter, you’re missing out! (See the box to the left.)This month is the perfect time to sign up because, in addition to the prequel mentioned,  once you open the newsletter you’ll get the special short story available only to subscribers. It’s a fun, somewhat snarky story that happens between Books One and Two. Subscribe now!

Watch this space for the results of the “Name my book” poll. Don’t forget to vote!

The post appeared first on Jeanne Gehret Author.

Women’s History Month: How I’m Celebrating

March—Women’s History Month—has been quite the adventure for me. It’s been a fulfilling whirlwind, and I’ve managed to bring a ton of ideas to life. Here are a few highlights:

First off, I tailored my Annie Anthony performance for a group of seniors. If you’ve read this previous post, you can see that I finished my costume and conquered the pompadour hairstyle (well, sort of. Good days and bad days). Now I know why the Edwardian woman loved her wide hats — they made up for bad hair days when the updo simply wouldn’t go up. The audience and I had such a blast laughing at how things change over time, yet somehow stay the same. Talk about a great time traveling through memories!And lest I forget my roots in Susan B. Anthony, Women’s History Month prompted an invitation to present my favorite reformer for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade classes at St. Joseph’s School, Penfield.  For me, the back-and-forth with these enthusiastic, smart kids was the most fun.

I needed a fancy hat for my Annie Osborn character to make a costumed video. So in a true “fly by the seat of my pants” moment, I fudged the Edwardian look with binder clips and glue guns. Those crafty little tools saved the day.

Next up was making the costumed video itself to promote my April 11 performance in Kansas for the “Celebrating Women Gala” of the Leavenworth County Historical Society. If you’re in the area, I’d love to see you there!

And let’s not forget—I’m knee-deep in revisions for Book Two. It feels like it’s taking forever, but I’m picking up some fantastic writing techniques along the way that make the story even more compelling. God willing, it will go off to the proofreader by the end of Women’s History Month!On a more serious note, Book Two has a secondary story of resettling refugees who are fleeing war-torn Missouri during the Civil War. Here in Rochester, my dear geek and I are helping to resettle refugees from other parts of the world. My work on the book informs our work with refugees, and vice versa. Some things never change.Finally, I’m making plans for my April newsletter when you, dear reader, will get an exclusive sneak peek at the official description of Book Two, plus the opportunity to help name it! Don’t miss out on the fun!

 

The post Women’s History Month: How I’m Celebrating appeared first on Jeanne Gehret Author.

Trailblazing Women: The Grimké Sisters and Their Impact on Reform

For women’s history month, I want to spotlight Sarah and Angelina Grimké, trailblazing sisters who defied the status quo and inspired Susan B. Anthony. Sarah Moore Grimké (1792-1873) and Angelina Emily Grimké Weld (1805-1879) were the first well-known white women to advocate for both abolition and women’s rights.

The Grimké sisters: rising against injustice

The Grimké sisters grew up in Charleston, South Carolina, as privileged daughters of a judge and plantation owner. Moral contradictions shaped by wealth and slavery marked their childhood. Sue Monk Kidd’s historical novel, The Invention of Wings, vividly portrays their struggles against racial injustices.

Charleston, in the early 19th century, was a bustling, wealthy metropolis with a complex social structure largely built on enslaved Black residents. Sarah and Angelina witnessed their mother’s cruel punishments of slaves in the “sugar house,” where soundproofed walls concealed the screams of the tortured.

A legacy of advocacy

The sisters could not ignore these harsh realities. Troubled by the cruelty, Sarah (pictured above) taught an enslaved girl to read, showcasing her commitment to education and emancipation. Angelina took her activism further with her pamphlet “Appeal to the Christian Women of the South,” prompting haunting questions about slavery’s morality.

In her pamphlet, Angelina posed the provocative question: “Are you willing to enslave your children? You start back with horror, but why, if slavery is no wrong to those upon whom it is imposed?” This bold confrontation prompted Charlestonians to burn her pamphlet. Despite this, the Grimké sisters persisted and undertook a 67-city speaking tour in the Northeast, including New York.

Breaking barriers in advocacy

Throughout their tour, the Grimké sisters shocked audiences by addressing mixed-gender gatherings—a scandalous act in a society where respectable women did not speak in public. Their courage paved the way for reformers like Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Lucy Stone to advocate for both abolition and women’s rights.

Conclusion: a lasting influence

The Grimké sisters’ legacy of courage is a powerful reminder of the impact individuals can have against injustice. Their willingness to confront societal norms and advocate for the voiceless gives us examples valuable for our troubled times.

This post is a rewrite of an earlier one in 2017

Personal note: This month I will again be portraying Susan B. in a classroom. I just can’t resist telling brave people’s stories to kids in need of heroes.

 

Shameless self-promotion:

For those interested learning more about Susan B. herself, here’s my easy-reading biography Susan B. Anthony and Justice for All. Although I wrote it for students, it’s great for adults who want a quick but thorough telling of Susan’s life story. I’m really proud of the included images because I personally selected them from the Library of Congress archives or commissioned them to be drawn by Jeff Lennox. The book proceeds in chronological order, making it easy to track with other historical events. Moreover, it will be on sale for the month of March. Happy women’s history month!

 

Book Lists Just for You

Love the Victorian period? View bestselling authors with a delightful selection of new books. Available through March 18, 2025.
View the books

 

 

The post Trailblazing Women: The Grimké Sisters and Their Impact on Reform appeared first on Jeanne Gehret Author.

Susan B. Anthony’s birthday: special celebrations

This is a special edition of Roots & Branches to celebrate Susan B. Anthony’s birthday with some special events. You’ll receive your regular monthly newsletter on the first Friday in March, as well. Be sure to click on the links to see the pictures and the article.

This past week marked a significant moment in my author journey as I gave my debut performance in character as Annie Osborn Anthony in Adams, MA. Titled “Keynote & Kin,” my presentation offered a fresh perspective on Susan B. Anthony by exploring her family ties and placing her in the context of her parents, siblings, and the entire Anthony clan. By showcasing family trees, I highlighted the remarkable influences and contributions of the famous Anthony reformers.

Read about the sisters who voted with Susan here.

Here are some pictures of the event, including my beloved tech guy in the red shirt.

A memorable evening with Anthony descendants

The experience was made even more special with a delightful dinner prior to the presentation, attended by Anthony descendants. The whole event concluded on a sweet note with a celebratory birthday cake.

Media coverage and new performance in Pittsford, NY

As if that exciting debut wasn’t enough, this week I was also quoted in an article for New England Public Media, which added to the thrill of the moment.

To top it all off, I launched another performance titled “The Resilience of Annie Osborn Anthony” in Pittsford, NY. This presentation focused on Annie’s marriage to Susan’s brother, D.R. Anthony. Given the close relationships among Annie, D.R., and Susan, I wove in numerous references to Susan, providing some intriguing teasers for the rest of my trilogy.

An exhilarating creative journey ahead

This whirlwind of activities has been an exhilarating blend of creativity and enjoyment. As I eagerly await feedback from my editor on Book Two of the trilogy, I’m enjoying memories of this week’s many joyful moments.

P.S. Yes, I did get my hair up into a Gibson girl pompadour!

The post Susan B. Anthony’s birthday: special celebrations appeared first on Jeanne Gehret Author.

Victorian courtship: an intricate dance of love and etiquette

As we approach Valentine’s Day, I realize what an intricate dance Victorian courtship was for Daniel Anthony and Annie Osborn. Among the upper classes that Annie frequented, it took considerable skill to navigate these social rituals–especially when chaperones kept an eye on courting couples as they chatted. This three-way chair at St. Augustine’s Lightner Museum reflects the customs of the day.

 

Daniel Anthony, in Secrets to the Wind, makes no secret of how much he dislikes this custom. He laments to his sister Susan B. Anthony:

“I forgot how stuffy this town is,” he said. “Chaperones everywhere. Did you see that courting chair in the lobby? How can you ever get to know a woman with a chaperone listening to every word?”

Susan nodded. “I’m surprised that you, the perennial bachelor, would seek a wife. Do you think she’ll have you”– she looked at him archly– “even with the Anthony nose?”

He laughed, as she had intended. “Maybe I better look for a nearsighted woman,” he said.

Insights on Victorian courtship from Professor Hill’s Guide to Love and Marriage

During my museum visit, I found a captivating book that just had to come home with me.  One passage cautioned about either party leading the other on:

Any gentleman who may continuously give special, undivided attention to a certain lady is presumed to do so because he prefers her to others. It is reasonable to suppose that others will observe his action. It is also reasonable to be expected that the lady will herself appreciate the fact, and her feelings are likely to become engaged.

Should she allow an intimacy thus to ripen upon the part of the gentleman, and to continue, it is to be expected that he will be encouraged to hope for her hand; and hence it is the duty of both lady and gentleman, if neither intends marriage, to discourage an undue intimacy which may ripen into love, as it is in the highest degree dishonorable to trifle with the affections of another.”

p. 109, The Essential Handbook of Victorian Etiquette, by Professor Thomas E. Hill.

Long-distance relationships and bitter realities

Knowing this custom, one can easily imagine how secure Daniel Anthony must have felt after exchanging romantic letters with Annie. And after traveling 1,500 miles to ask for her hand, how troubled to find Annie’s parents cautious and her own heart uncertain. Only a heartfelt demonstration of his love and the most cunning response to barriers could win her heart.

If you want to enjoy a few moments of beautiful romance, have a look at my book trailer for Secrets. I don’t know which I love more–the image of his face or the waltz.

Have no fear, dear reader, love triumphs in the end and they live happily ever after… at least until the honeymoon is over!

And that brings me to my big news! Watch upcoming issues of this newsletter because…

Announcements

I’m so excited to say that Book Two is at the editor! We’ll discuss the title next time.

If you live near Rochester, NY or Adams, MA or Leavenworth, KS, be sure to check this link to very special performances in February and March. I’ve finally finished my costume and mastered the Gibson Girl hairstyle, so I’m ready!

Oh, and recently I earned a semifinalist ribbon from the Chanticleer International Book Awards for Secrets to the Wind. I’m all smiles! You can still get it on Amazon, but now it’s also available to libraries and bookstores through Ingram.

Book lists just for you:

Christian Historical Romance Sweet and Spicy Historical Romance

My amaryllis grew all the way from a bulb to this beautiful flower in only one month! Maybe it won’t need the support.

The post Victorian courtship: an intricate dance of love and etiquette appeared first on Jeanne Gehret Author.

Mirrors of the Past: The Art of Victorian Hairstyles

Lots of pretty pictures today! Be sure to read all the way to the end!

Creating Victorian hairstyles

This beautiful art demanded a significant amount of time spent in front of the mirror. Although some 19th century women wore their hair very simply, the iconic hairstyles of that era featured elaborate updos. In some ways, they remind me of the 1980s, which some remember as the Era of Big Hair. (Don’t you love our aviator glasses?)

Jon and me during a getaway in the 80s

Defying Victorian custom, Susan B. Anthony and her reformer friends cut their hair short to wear with bloomers in the early 1850s. They adopted these changes, which they called “rational dress,” in reaction to the restrictive corsets and some twenty pounds of skirts and petticoats that dragged in mud and had to be laundered. Short hair also made their lives simpler because it was easy to wash and did not have to be carefully arranged every day.

Unfortunately, society was not ready for such a big change. Here’s what Susan said:

The outcry against [the costume] extended from one end of the country to the other; the press howled in derision, the pulpit hurled its anathemas and the rabble took up the refrain. On the streets of the larger cities the women were followed by mobs of men and boys, who jeered and yelled and did not hesitate to express their disapproval by throwing sticks and stones . . . .     113 Harper.

After that brief period, Susan’s hairstyle hardly changed throughout the rest of her life.

Susan B. Anthony at age 48

 

This lovely full-color image above shows a more glamorous (and time-consuming!) Victorian hairdo.  As the century passed, styles became fuller and more elaborate, ending with the voluminous Gibson Girl style, my favorote. Here’s how it’s done, although there were many variations. I’m working on it because when I portray Annie in costume, I will do it at the end of her life (and of the Victorian era). My first event is next month!

Seeking a more romantic look

Aside from spending a lot of time dressing and fixing their hair, those 19th century women also did a lot of things that we practical 21st century women have forgotten. (For example, they often dosed their families with herbal medicine and made their own bread, soap, etc.) Most of us today enjoy the simpler hairstyles and comfort of unrestricted clothing that Susan promoted. But now and then I get the hankering for a more romantic look. With this in mind, I started growing my hair several years ago in order to put it up the way Annie would have.

Here you see one of my first attempts, which looked okay from the front, but I couldn’t get the fullness on the sides despite following the directions. Clearly, I need another tutorial on big hair. And I’m quite sure that I could more easily achieve the look if I had a lady’s maid to do it for me!

 

Letting your hair down

Today I’d like to share a vignette about letting your hair down that didn’t make it into Secrets to the Wind.  Annie and Daniel are walking on a Martha’s Vineyard beach on a gusty day when her hair comes down. Lucky for them, their chaperones don’t want to get sand on their shoes, or they would have prevented this moment from happening:

When the chaperones’ carriage could no longer be seen behind the dunes, Daniel turned Annie toward him and gazed deeply into her eyes. He smoothed her hair, held it back at both temples, and brought her face slowly forward to meet his kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck, savoring the moment. Being this near to Daniel was like nothing she had ever dreamed of. Behind her the tide rushed in, heightening her sense that something new was entering her life.

Nothing like romance!

Although Secrets to the Wind is part of a historical trilogy about the Anthonys, it’s also their romantic courtship story. If you love hearts-and-flowers, happily-ever-after books set in the past (when women had big hair!), be sure to get a copy. And here is a collection of romances for you to explore:      Sweet January Romance Reads

Sending pre-Valentine’s Day love

As we kick off the new year, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all the “early adopters” of Secrets to the Wind. Your kind words and enthusiastic feedback mean the world to me and inspire me to keep pushing forward with Book Two. (Next week I’m sending my new baby off  for its second edit!)

I have two humble requests:

1. If you’ve added the book to your e-reader’s “to be read” list, I encourage you to dive in and start reading it! This helps Amazon track how many pages are being read, which is vital for visibility.

2. If you’ve already finished reading Secrets to the Wind, please leave a review on Amazon. Even a few words can guide potential readers and signal to Amazon that this novel deserves more attention.

Bonus pictures!

Wanting to cheer those inundated with snow this week, I took a picture of sun streaming through my red vases. And then I noticed, to the left of center, the first sign of growth on my amaryllis bulb. I love to grow this amazing flower in the dead of winter as a reminder of hope for spring. Stay warm!

 

 

The post Mirrors of the Past: The Art of Victorian Hairstyles appeared first on Jeanne Gehret Author.

Free Holiday Exclusive: “The Heart of Christmas”

Looking for the perfect holiday read? Journey to 1864 Kansas in “The Heart of Christmas,” where identical red dresses spark an unforgettable winter tale.

When Annie Anthony, a Massachusetts transplant, faces her first holiday with her reserved Quaker husband, homesickness and misunderstandings lead to an unexpected adventure. After numerous disappointments, an unexpected  Christmas night encounter changes everything Annie thought she knew about family, tradition, and courage.

This heartwarming tale captures the essence of Christmas giving through the lens of Anthony family grit. When two women in matching red dresses meet on a snowy night, they set in motion a story of holiday kindness that will touch your heart. Complementing my Dauntless Series, this holiday gift to my readers shows how small acts of bravery can transform the season.

As promised in earlier posts, this story fulfills my promise to weave my Secrets to the Wind characters with those of Vanessa Lind’s heroine in A Fond Hope. I love the intrigue that Vanessa contributed.

Download your gift copy today and experience the magic of a Dauntless Christmas!

The computer gremlins won’t let me give you a direct download, sorry!  My “Heart of Christmas” story is here, among free Christian romances, both historical & contemporary.

 

Thank you for welcoming me to your inbox each and every month to share articles and tidbits about the Anthonys, their fellow visionaries, and the Victorian era. I hope these articles make you think and sometimes prompt a smile.

I will be taking a break to savor the holidays and will be in touch again the first week in January. In the meantime, here are some other free stories to give you a break from holiday hustle-bustle. Enjoy!

For those who enjoy the themes of abolition, suffrage, and the rights of women in my writing, Dreams in Conflict is a great story by a different author with those same themes! Just click on it to enjoy.

Stocking up on Historical Fiction: A catalog of complete books from many different eras and locales–After enjoying  some of these wonderful titles myself, I encourage you to take a look.

 

 

 

 

The post Free Holiday Exclusive: “The Heart of Christmas” appeared first on Jeanne Gehret Author.