Tammy Doherty's Blog, page 5

A Visit to Old Sturbridge Village

This weekend, we visited Old  Sturbridge Village, which is about 20 minutes away from our home. The Village is a wonderful place to spend family time together just walking around and glimpsing life in the 1830s. Almost all of the buildings are original from that era but have been moved to this setting in order to portray a slice of early New England life. As you walk from the park entrance into the village, signs tell you how long ago the American Revolution took place and how long before the Civil War. While not exactly half-way between these historic events, OSV is about in the middle socially and economically.


If you write about Colonial America, OSV is one of the best places to visit for research purposes. The parsonage is decorated exactly as it would have been 180 years ago. Costumed interpreters answer questions inside the houses and businesses and there's even a working Tin Smith and Blacksmith. The Sawmill and Grist Mill both operate during the warmer months (they're water powered so ice hampers production). There are a couple of stores. We went into the Knight Store, a mercantile selling all kinds of goods. Look at the shoes! At the rear of the store was a room full of barrels for sale - possibly made at the Cooper shop down the road in the village.

















Anchoring one end of the Village Green is the Towne House. We didn't go inside on this visit. What caught our interest, as it does on each visit, is this fabulous arbor. Can't you just picture a couple strolling through the gardens then sitting on a bench under this trellis?



At the Freeman Farm, visitors to the Village can go sledding, 1830s style (weather permitting). There wasn't enough snow on the ground this weekend - bummer! Though simple in construction, these sleds look like fun. A sign posted nearby subtly notes that this was a recreation enjoyed by boys. This is one of the reasons I'm so glad I was born in the 20th century.

Life in the 1830s wasn't as easy as we have it now. But families stayed together and helped each other out. The OSV website states: "In the early nineteenth century the land on which Old Sturbridge Village now stands was David Wight's prosperous farm, including sawmill, gristmill, and well-situated millpond." The story told is that David Wight borrowed some money from his father to play the Harvard lottery. He won - and paid off the mortgage on his father's farm as well as getting his farm set up to prosper. Family was important.
  

The Grace Filled Christmas Blog Tour Takes A Step Into The Past

Saturday, the first day of December appropriately brought snow here to central Massachusetts. It looked very Christmas-y and got me in the mood to go Christmas Shopping. The snow is gone now but not that Christmas mood!

The Grace Filled Christmas Blog Tour has some wonderful ideas for all the readers on your gift list. Below I'm showcasing my three novels, perfect for anyone who loves a Western Romance. If you haven't already checked out the other blog stops, be sure to visit The Grace Awards Blog for a list of participating authors. While there, also check out the weekly author interviews!

Without further ado, here are my three novels for the showcase:

CELTIC CROSS

Historical Romance/Suspense
Set in 1880's Colorado

Sometimes you have to forget who you are to become who you should be. A stranger arrives on the Donovan ranch one breath away from dead. Matt Donovan doesn't hesitate to help, despite the risk that the man who shot her may come riding down the trail, shattering peaceful Glenpark, Colorado. When Cristeen wakes, one thought haunts her - trust no one.

(click on the picture to pop over to the Amazon page & read a preview)


Shot...Bleeding...Barely conscious...She's dying!
A stranger arrives on the Donovan ranch just one breath away from dead. Matt Donovan does not hesitate to help, despite her unkown past. Will the man who shot her come riding down the trail after her, shattering peaceful Glenpark, Colorado?
When Cristeen wakes, she can remember nothing of her past. Only one thought haunts her day and night: trust no one.
Matt fears Cristeen's fierce independence will lead to tragedy. Can he help Cristeen see the need to trust the Lord before it is too late? Can Cristeen overcome her belief that loving can only bring heartache?
Then a madman bent on revenge tracks her down. Matt cannot rescue Cristeen this time. Only the Lord can save her now--if she has enough faith to trust.
What makes CELTIC CROSS perfect for Christmas reading and gifting?In the words of one 5-star review: "Each main character had to find a way to come to terms with questions caused by major upheavals in their lives. The questions and concerns are ones that many can resonate with, for we all have had challenges from our past that need to be reconciled by God's love and healing. There was an overshadowing suspense that kept me turning pages and questions that kept my interest. If you are looking for a sweet romance, this is the book for you."
Available in print and for Kindle at:  http://amzn.to/OZtMzZ Also available for Nook and other eReaders at: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...

CLADDAUGH
Historical Romance/Suspense
Set in 1880's Colorado

Leigh Latham chose love over money, turning her back on family and friends. When the dream becomes a nightmare, Leigh runs back to the friends she left behind. Can she possibly hope to find forgiveness? Marshal Rory Johnston thought he was over Leigh. Now she's back and he isn't sure they can be just friends. Can he protect her and his heart at the same time?
(click on the picture to pop over to the Amazon page & read a preview)
Leigh Latham dreamed of marrying a man of wealth. When she chooses money over love, she turns her back on family and friends. But life doesn't go quite as Leigh planned.

When the dream becomes a nightmare, Leigh flees Philadelphia. With nowhere else to go, she returns to the friends she left behind. Can she possibly hope to find forgiveness?

Marshal Rory Johnston thought he was over Leigh. Now he isn't so sure they can be just friends. Is Leigh hiding something, running from someone? Can he protect her and his heart at the same time?

Will history repeat itself? Or can loyal friendship grow into a love to last a lifetime?
What makes CLADDAUGH perfect for Christmas reading and gifting?
The legend of the is perhaps one of the most popular Irish traditions. The heart symbolizes love, the crown symbolizes loyalty and the hands symbolize friendship. The story in my novel revolves around these themes and that's ultimately why I chose Claddaugh for the title.
CLADDAUGH is available in print and eBook:Amazon http://amzn.to/OZyMVmfor Nook & other eReaders: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
   CELTIC KNOT
Western Suspense with Romanceset in 1890 Colorado ~ A sweet romance woven through a suspenseful tale of counterfeiting, murder and kidnapping with as many twists and turns as a never ending Celtic knot. 
(soon to be available in eBook!)
"He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love." ~ 1John 4:8"There is no fear in love; but perfectlove casteth out fear." ~ 1 John 4:18

Abby Finnigan is struggling to go on with life after the death of her husband. Her family has never been supportive, more so now than ever. She believes the only safe course is to protect her heart. Besides, people only do nice things today because they want something tomorrow.
Secret Service Operative Kyle Lachapelle is working undercover. From the moment he meets Abby, Kyle finds her intriguing--and attractive. When he learns of Abby's connection to his counterfeiting case, Kyle is unsure if he can trust her.
His guarded attitude confuses Abby. She trusts him with much yet withholds her heart, not wanting to be hurt again. When she finds out Kyle has come to arrest her family, her doubts seem justified.. 
Will love conquer their fears?
Available in print now ~ coming soon for Kindle and Nook!Amazon http://amzn.to/NkHjk2Barnes & Noble http://tinyurl.com/bp8w5dv

CELTIC CROSS and CLADDAUGH now eBooks!

When I was in high school, my parents got a microwave oven. Mom tried cooking all kinds of foods in there. My all time favorite was microwave popcorn, arguably the greatest invention since the wheel. Warming up a cup of coffee is nice, too. I, however, didn't get a microwave until about ten years after getting married.

We got our first DVD player a few years after the microwave. And only because it was difficult to buy movies on VHS.
Nearly all my friends have cell phones. Not me. One day I will come into the 21st century. I mean, even my parents both have cell phones!

The future of publishing is moving more and more toward eBooks. Seems like nearly everyone has an eReader device of one type or another. Those who don't, read books on their computers. I love print books and will never give them up but it would be foolish to ignore the ePublishing market. So I didn't - my three novels are coming to the electronic book world!

If you're looking for a good book for yourself or to give as a gift, check out Celtic Cross  and Claddaugh , both available as eBooks. And Celtic Knot will join them very soon! All three are Christian Historical Romance - Western action and sweet romance. Check them out today!
Purchase links:
Amazon Kindle http://tinyurl.com/bk5jh4yBarnes & Noble Nook http://tinyurl.com/bj76mtfOther Readers http://tinyurl.com/bkdz4ya     

Interview with Kiera Devane of "Perilous Shadows"

This week I'm thrilled to be interviewing Kiera Devane, heroine from Perilous Shadows by Nike Chillemi. Here's a blurb about the book:  Pioneer newspaperwoman Kiera Devane is on a mission to prove a woman can do a man's job, as she hunts a young coed's killer? Ace radio broadcaster Argus Nye lost one love to a murderous fiend and his pulse races as he tries to protect Kiera from herself as much as from this killer.
Kiera was doted upon by loving parent, but they were killed when she was a girl and she was shipped off to live with a socialite aunt who had little time for her. In her aunt's house, she learned life could be cold and cruel. As a result, she grew up to be an independent and demanding professional woman. 
 Argus Nye, still bereft from the loss of his first love, can't understand why this female reporter is mesmerizing him. As she takes chances with her life trying to catch a killer, he's determined to protect her.

And now the interview: Tammy: Your parents died when you were quite young and a wealthy aunt raised you. Do you remember much about your parents? Were your parents wealthy as well, or did you have culture shock as well as grief when moving in with your aunt? 


Kiera: I have a few memories of my parents. I remember my father saying "grace" before meals. He was a successful stockbroker.  We lived in a brownstone in Kips Bay, in the twenties on the east side of Manhattan and had a housekeeper. I never thought of us as well to do, but I suppose we were. My mother did a lot of charity work rather than attend society events. So, all types of people came for dinner: doctors who treated the poor, nuns who worked in settlement houses, and missionaries who taught English to new immigrants. I was encouraged to engage in interesting conversation with guests at the table.
My aunt lived in the same neighborhood but still, moving in with her was culture shock, as you term it. She often derided my mother for having "wasted her time" with charity work. And she believed children should be seen and not heard. I was given my dinner in the kitchen before the adults ate and then hustled off to my room. My closest friend in those difficult days was my aunt's housekeeper. (She removes a pearl clip on earring and replaces it.) Of course, I always had Richard Aberdeen, my father's friend who became my financial advisor. He took me out at least once a month for the afternoon. I so looked forward to that. I eventually convinced him that I should live at boarding school and he saw to it.  Tammy: Many people call you an ice princess. Do you consider yourself cold-hearted? Is your life lonely?
Kiera: (A small smile plays at the corner of her lips) I've been called quite a few things. When my story took the front page away from some of my male counter parts, I assure you, "ice princess" wasn't among the things they called me. I've never thought of myself as cold-hearted or lonely. In fact, I never thought about it at all. I just get on with my life. That's how we live in the 1940s. We make the best of things.  Tammy: Working in a male-dominated career must be difficult. What made you chose such a goal? Were there times you wanted to give up? How did you make yourself continue?
Kiera: As I mentioned, my parents' table was filled with interesting people. We even had an occasional actor or ballet dancer dining with us. My aunt later said that was scandalous. I used to keep a diary. Sometimes I'd read what I wrote to my parents and they thought I captured their friend's personalities perfectly. They encouraged me to pursue writing. I suppose I could have given up and lived off of my inheritance, but a useless life simply wouldn't agree with me.  Tammy: What do you want out of life?
Kiera: What my heart longs for is a happy home like my parents had. And I want a marriage as good and as loving as the one they shared.   Tammy: What scares you most?
Kiera: Losing Argus. That something terrible would happen to him and he'd be taken away from me.  Tammy: You're stranded on a desert island. What 3 things would you want with you and why? Don't chose a person - that's next!
Kiera: Oh, dear. I love to accumulate pretty things that have meaning. I'm the type who brings something useful home when I travel. Not souvenir type things, but useful items I then make part of my life – an afghan, a gravy boat, a salt and pepper shaker. But three indispensible things, let's see...my Bible, my entire collection of Agatha Christie novels. I'm cheating, I know by making all those books one thing, but that's how I am. (She tosses off a wicked grin.) And number three would be, my family photo album.
Tammy: If you could have 2 friends with you on the island, who would you pick?
Kiera: I don't even have to think about it. I’d want to take along Argus, the man who overlooks all the ghosts of my past and loves me for me, just the way I am. That's a man I could warm up to. And Aggie, my boxer, named after Agatha Christie, who is my BFF, as you call it today.

Get Perilous Shadows to and learn all about Kiera Devane And Argus Nye as they work together to figure out who murdered a co-ed intern. You can get all of Nike's books at:
Amazon/Kindle http://amzn.to/SdJ5Fk

Barnes and Noble/Nook. http://is.gd/0ZaXUf  About Nike Chillemi:Like so many other writers, Nike Chillemi started writing at a very young age. She still has the Crayola, fully illustrated book she penned (penciled might be more accurate) as a little girl about her then off-the-chart love of horses. Today, you might call her a crime fictionista. Her passion is crime fiction. She likes her bad guys really bad and her good guys smarter and better.She was an Inspy Awards 2010 judge in the Suspense/Thriller/Mystery category and a judge in the 2011 and 2012 Carol Awards in the suspense, mystery, and romantic suspense categories. She is the founding board member of the Grace Awards and its Chairman, a reader's choice awards for excellence in Christian fiction. She writes book reviews for The Christian Pulse online magazine. BURNING HEARTS is the first book in the crime wave that is sweeping the south shore of Long Island in The Sanctuary Point series, published by Desert Breeze. GOODBYE NOEL, the second book in the series released in December, 2011 won the Grace Award 2011 in the Mystery/Romantic Suspense/Thriller category. PERILOUS SHADOWS, the third in the series released in July, 2012. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the Edgy Christian Fiction Lovers (Ning). http://nikechillemi.wordpress.com/

Naultag Cemeteries

It's October and Halloween approaches. Nothing's spookier than a cemetery at night, preferably a moonless, cloudy, perhaps even foggy, night - - on Halloween! But I'm not writing that kind of post. Around here, we have some beautiful old cemeteries. With the brilliant colors of autumn leaves to decorate both the trees and the ground, it seems like the perfect time to share photos of a few with you.

This is Adams Cemetery in Barre, MA. The two leafless, craggy trees frame the view nicely. Imagine how creepy they must be at night! I wish there was a good ghost story to go along with this photo, but to my knowledge none exists for this cemetery. If you know of one, please share it!

The entrance to Evergreen Cemetery in New Braintree, MA, is stately yet inviting - if it's right to use that word for such a place. I like the stone-pillar gate posts as well as the wrought iron fence. The hedges are always kept trim and neat.
This cemetery does have a ghostly legend. The story goes that a young woman named Elsie died on the eve of her wedding day. People have claimed to see her spirit walking beside the stonewall that runs between the cemetery and Route 67. Likely an urban legend, there is no Elsie buried in this cemetery but there is an Elsie Newton, who died at age 11, buried in a nearby cemetery. For more about the local legend, check out this Worcester Telegram & Gazette article, "Legend Has It."


In the center of North Brookfield is the Maple Street Cemetery, or Old Cemetery. I don't know any legends or ghost stories about this location but it's a great sight for doing gravestone rubbings. The old headstones (and some footstones) are still legible for the most part, though some are heavily encrusted with lichen and moss. Wandering amongst the graves, one easily understands how blessed we are to live in this modern time.  Many families are buried side by side, and the children often died quite young. There is no sign giving the name of this cemetery. The only signs read: This Cemetery is Closed From Dusk to Dawn. Maybe that's why there are no ghost stories here!

We have several cemeteries here in North Brookfield, most no longer in use and containing rich history about the region. This one on Elm Street is called French Cemetery. The stone bears the date 1899. This cemetery served the French parish of St. Ann’s Independent Church, formerly on Grove Street, from 1900 to 1904. Only one marker remains visible. To learn more about other old cemeteries in North Brookfield, check the Driving Tour PDF put together for the 200th Anniversary.
Across from the French Cemetery is Walnut Grove Cemetery, currently the only active public internment facility in use, although the St. Joseph's Cemetery is also in use for St. Joseph Parish members and family. Walnut Grove was established in 1860 and has a Boy Scout monument, placed in 1970 as a memorial to scouting. Though no ghost stories circulate about this cemetery (to the best of my knowledge), there is a story about one "resident." Elizabeth R. Hill. A Worcester Telegram & Gazette article sums up her story: "She was an outspoken property owner, traveler, teacher and newspaper reporter who often rankled those in power in the small community with her opposition to the taking of her land by the railroad. She frequently filed lawsuits against the town and others...""Local officials twice had her committed to the Worcester Lunatic Asylum. She was released once, but at age 78, she was sent there a second time and died there 16 years later..." In 2010, the remains believed to be of Elizabeth Hill were brought home to rest alongside her sons.

I noticed this interesting headstone as I drove out of Walnut Grove Cemetery. Can you tell how I took the photo? Yup, in the side mirror of my car! Look closely at the name - it's backwards!

If you know of a good cemetery ghost story, or historically interesting story about a cemetery, please share with us. Everyone loves a good ghost story for Halloween!

Win a FREE Kindle Fire!

No, I'm not giving one away - I don't even have one of my own! But I'm hoping to win one. You have a chance to win one, too, just by popping over to Christian Fiction Book Reviews and following the instructions. It's real easy - just need to share on Facebook and Twitter and send CFBR an email.

This promotion is being brought to you by CFBR and John Hileman's novel "Unseen" so be sure to check out his Amazon page and maybe you'll discover a new book to add to your TBR pile!

So what're you waiting for! Oh, yeah, the link. Here it is: http://www.christianfictionbookreviews.org/2012/10/win-kindle-fire-hd-seriously.html

2012 Edgy Christian Fiction Summer Blog Tour!

It's my honor to be the first up on the calendar for this year's ECFL Hot Summer Reads Blog Tour. Each week, on Wednesday, one of our authors will be in the spotlight, showcasing on their blog up to 3 of their own novels. We'll let  you know a bit about each book and why it's a "hot summer read." You'll have plenty of great novels for beach reading or taking on vacation - or to read while you're relaxing in your own yard. Without further ado, here are my offerings:
Title: CELTIC CROSS
Genre: Inspirational Historical Romance

Blurb:
Sometimes you have to forget who you to become who you should be.
Shot...bleeding...barely concious...she's dying! A stranger arrives on the Donovan ranch one breath away from dead. Matt Donovan doesn't hesitate to help, despite the risk that the man who shot her may come riding down the trail, shattering peaceful Glenpark, Colorado. When Cristeen wakes, she remembers nothing of her past. One thought haunts her day and night - trust no one. Matt fears Cristeen's independence will lead to tragedy. Can he help Cristeen see the need to trust the Lord before it's too late? Can Cristeen overcome her belief that loving only brings heartache?


What makes this a "Hot" Summer Read?


Fast-paced Western action, well-researched historical setting, and compelling characters - you'll be immersed in the story as if you're right there with Cristeen and Matt.


Purchase at:
Amazon or Barnes and Noble


Title: CLADDAUGH
Genre: Inspirational Historical Romance

Blurb:
Leigh Latham dreamed of marrying a man of wealth. When she chooses money over love, she turns her back on family and friends. But life doesn't go quite as Leigh planned. 
When the dream becomes a nightmare, Leigh flees Philadelphia. With nowhere else to go, she returns to the friends she left behind. Can she possibly hope to find forgiveness? Marshal Rory Johnston thought he was over Leigh. Now he isn't so sure they can be just friends. Leigh is hiding something, running from someone. Somehow he'll have to protect her and his heart at the same time. Will history repeat itself? Or can loyal friendship grow into a love to last a lifetime?

What makes this a "Hot" Summer Read?

This second book in the Latham series continues the mix of fast-paced Western action with inspirational romance.

Purchase at:

Amazon or Barnes and Noble





Title: CELTIC KNOTGenre: Inspirational Historical Romance
Blurb:Abby Finnigan struggles to go on with life after the death of her husband. Her family has never been supportive, more so now than ever. The only safe course is to protect her heart. Besides, people only do nice things today because they want something tomorrow.

Secret Service Operative Kyle Lachapelle is working undercover. From the moment he meets Abby, Kyle finds her intriguing—and attractive. But Abby is connected to his counterfeiting case. Can he can trust her? His guarded attitude confuses Abby. She trusts him with much yet withholds her heart, not wanting to be hurt again. When Kyle begins making arrests, her doubts seem justified. Will love conquer their fears?

What makes this a "Hot" Summer Read?

Last in the Latham series, Celtic Knot combines the expected Western action with mystery and suspense with counterfeiting, jail breaks, murder and kidnapping. This story is has as many twists as its name implies.

Purchase at:

Amazon or  Barnes and Noble
Which one intrigues you the most?

Top 20 on Amazon!

Holy moly, Batman! Two of my historical novels have made the TOP 20 in a Christian Historical/Western Romance list on Amazon. I have goose bumps!


CELTIC CROSS and CLADDAUGH are keeping some good company, too.


 Find out more on Amazon Find out more on Amazon Check out the list on Also in the Top 20 of Christian Historical Romance is BURNING HEARTS by Nike Chillemi, my awesome critique partner! If you like WWII era suspense/romance check out her novels on Amazon. Find out more on Amazon

Winter Storm Alfred

Still two months to go before winter officially arrives and we've already had close to 1 1/2 feet of snow. If you live in the Rockies, you're thinking, "so what?" Well, we live in the Northeast. Halloween weekend is supposed to be about trick or treat and cute kids in semi-scary costumes. Sure, it's snowed on Halloween in the past - a kind of fluffy, wet, and very cold rain that didn't stick to any surface.

In years past, big winter storms were known for when the occurred: Blizzard of '78, Ice Storm of 2009, the April Fool's Day storm, that sort of thing. This one should've been "The Halloween Storm" but instead it got a name, just like a hurricane: Alfred. I just hope Alfred is an only-child-orphan with no family to come following his path!
What late October SHOULD look like in central MA
 
What October 30, 2011 ACTUALLY looked like
Kind of scary - good for Halloween! Pretty, too, in an awe-inspiring way
Next post - what to do when you've had no power for 3 1/2 days and little hope of getting it back for at least 3 more.

Hurricane Irene

So by the time Irene reached central New England, she wasn't a hurricane anymore. Tropical storm force winds are still powerful, especially coupled with the rain attacking already saturated soil. Our town got off pretty easy compared to some areas in Massachusetts. Had Irene still been a category 3 hurricane, things would've been nightmarish. Instead, we were inconvenienced.
This is a shot of the tree that fell down the road from our house. It ripped out of the ground, bending down over the lines, then broke up and took out a couple structures. No one was hurt, which is what really counts.



More property damage






Branch on the wires





More fallen trees



Need truck to get through here!


Choppy lake!















Beach? The waterline is usually about 3 feet to the left of that string!


















This tree crew (below) was from Michigan. They thought we were all very polite - we were just grateful to have the trees cleared off the power lines.Thank you!
National Grid got our electricity back on just before 8 pm Monday. YAY! We could hear everyone cheering from down the road. Glad to have this first big hurricane over - now on to the first day of school!