Michelle L. Hamilton's Blog, page 3
January 23, 2016
The Twisted Tragedy of Miss Natalie Stewart
My re-read of the works of Leanna Renee Hieber continues with The Twisted Tragedy of Miss Natalie Stewart: A Novel of Magic Most Foul. The novel picks up where Darker Still left off. Miss Natalie Stewart is on the run with Jonathan Whitby, Lord Denbury after tangling with a demon in New York City. Afraid of the dark magic that the pair encountered in New York, Natalie and Jonathan flee to St. Paul, Minnesota. They hope that they will find a welcome sanctuary away from the dark forces. Instead, Natalie and Jonathan uncover a nefarious plot hatched by the Society to reanimate the dead. Rushing back to New York, Natalie and Jonathan are forced to wage a war over the soul of all they hold dear. The stakes are high in this novel. Realizing that the Society is unaware of Jonathan's escape from the painting, Jonathan decides to go undercover as his "demon" self to defeat the Society from within.
I loved this novel. Dark and atmospheric, the novel features some of the most terrifying scenes I have ever encountered. The terror is balanced by the love story between Natalie and Jonathan. The pair begin to explore their feelings for each and their romance is deeply satisfying and well developed. Heiber excels in developing well formed secondary characters. Mrs. Northe returns in this novel to guide Natalie and Jonathan on their quest. New characters are also introduced who play a key role in this installment. Rachel Horowitz a deaf medium with links to Natalie's past and Revered Blessing an Episcopalian exorcist join forces with our heroes to defeat the nefarious Society. A satisfying sequel to Darker Still.
Verdict: 5 out of 5 stars.
The Twisted Tragedy of Miss Natalie Stewart is available on Amazon
I loved this novel. Dark and atmospheric, the novel features some of the most terrifying scenes I have ever encountered. The terror is balanced by the love story between Natalie and Jonathan. The pair begin to explore their feelings for each and their romance is deeply satisfying and well developed. Heiber excels in developing well formed secondary characters. Mrs. Northe returns in this novel to guide Natalie and Jonathan on their quest. New characters are also introduced who play a key role in this installment. Rachel Horowitz a deaf medium with links to Natalie's past and Revered Blessing an Episcopalian exorcist join forces with our heroes to defeat the nefarious Society. A satisfying sequel to Darker Still.
Verdict: 5 out of 5 stars.
The Twisted Tragedy of Miss Natalie Stewart is available on Amazon
January 19, 2016
Happy Birthday, Edgar Allan Poe!
Last Saturday, I visited the Edgar Allan Poe Museum in Richmond, Virginia to celebrate the master of macabre 207th birthday. This was my first trip to the Poe Museum and it is a hidden gem in the midst of Richmond's Civil War history.
One of America's finest writers, Poe spent thirteen years in Richmond. Born in Boston, Massachusetts on January 19, 1809 to the English born actress Elizabeth Arnold Hopkins Poe and actor David Poe, Jr, Edgar Poe was his parents second child. Young Edgar spent his early years traveling his parents from one theater to another, even appearing on stage as a toddler playing Cupid in a production of Cinderella. Edgar's early year's where difficult, his father abandoned his family and his mother died destitute in a Richmond boarding house of tuberculosis in 1811 when Edgar was just three year's old. Eliza Poe was a popular actress who enthralled Richmond society with her beauty. When it became apparent that Eliza was dying, society matrons rushed to her bedside to care for her and her young children. After Eliza's death, Frances Allan decided to foster three-year-old Edgar. A day after Eliza's death, Edgar was christened Edgar Allan Poe. Frances Allan and her wealthy merchant husband John Allan became Poe's foster parents. The Allan's gave Edgar the wealth and education that he would never have received as the son of traveling actors. For five years, Edgar lived in England with his foster parents.
While Frances showered Edgar with love and affection, Edgar's relationship with John Allan proved to be difficult and strained. John Allan wanted Edgar to follow in his footsteps as a respectable merchant. When it became clear that Edgar had the spirit of an romantic poet, the division between the two deepened. Their relationship was furthered strained by Edgar's abandonment of his studies at the University of Virginia due to Allan's failure to send the scholar the needed funds. When Edgar Allan Poe returned to Richmond, he discovered that his fiancee Elmira Royster had become engaged to another man. Elmira's father disapproved of the relationship and intercepted Poe's letters. Feeling that he had nothing left for him in Richmond, Poe ran away and joined the Army under a fake name. Dissatisfied with Army life, Poe got an appointment to West Point due to John Allan's political connections. Once again, John Allan refused to pay for Poe's tuition. Unable to pay, Poe misbehaved and was kicked out of West Point. By this time, Frances Allan had died and Poe cut off ties with his foster father.
Away from his foster father, Poe began his literary career moving around to Baltimore and Philadelphia. Poe returned to Richmond in 1835 where he served as editor to the Southern Literary Messenger. While living in Richmond, Poe married his thirteen-year-old cousin Virginia Clem. The couple moved to New York in 1837. Poe would not return to Richmond until 1848 following the death of Virginia from tuberculosis. For the final two years of his life, Poe was a frequent visitor to Richmond reestablishing ties with childhood friends. After years of struggling with alcohol, Poe was determined to turn his life around and even became engaged again to Elmira Royster Shelton. But much like the stories Poe penned, tragedy was lurking behind the corner. Edgar Allan Poe departed from Richmond for the last time on September 27, 1849 for a short business trip to Philadelphia. Five days later, Poe was found incoherent in a Baltimore tavern wearing clothes that did not belong to him. Rushed to Washington College Hospital, Poe lingered for four days, dying on October 7, 1849--ten days before he was to be married.
For decades, Richmond struggled on how to honor Poe's legacy. Finally in the twentieth-century, the Poe Shrine was established in the Ege House in Richmond's Shockoe Bottom. The Ege House was built in the 1750's and is the oldest surviving structure in Richmond. Sadly, the majority of buildings associated with Poe have been demolished. But the Ege House did have a connection to Poe. In 1824, the Marquis de Lafayette visited Richmond during his American tour. While in Richmond, the Marquis visited the Ege House to pay his respect's to the family. In 1781, Mrs. Ege had witnessed the British invasion of Richmond from her house. Edgar Allan Poe was part of the ceremony paying respect to the Marquis and stood outside the Ege House as part of the Junior Morgan Rifles.
The Edgar Allan Poe Museum is worth a visit. In five buildings, including the 1750's Ege House, is a repository of Poe items. Books, manuscripts, paintings, and artifacts are tastefully assembled to tell the story of Poe's life and legacy. One of the museums prized treasures is the Cornwall daguerreotype of Poe--the most iconic image of Edgar Allan Poe ever taken.
Visit The Edgar Allan Poe Museum
Two excellent books about Edgar Allan Poe in Virginia:
Edgar Allan Poe's Richmond: The Raven in the River City by Christopher P. Semtner
Available on Amazon
Verdict: 4 out 5 stars
Edgar Allan Poe's Petersburg: The Untold Story of the Raven in the Cockade City by Jeffery Abugel
Available on Amazon
Verdict: 4 out 5 stars
One of America's finest writers, Poe spent thirteen years in Richmond. Born in Boston, Massachusetts on January 19, 1809 to the English born actress Elizabeth Arnold Hopkins Poe and actor David Poe, Jr, Edgar Poe was his parents second child. Young Edgar spent his early years traveling his parents from one theater to another, even appearing on stage as a toddler playing Cupid in a production of Cinderella. Edgar's early year's where difficult, his father abandoned his family and his mother died destitute in a Richmond boarding house of tuberculosis in 1811 when Edgar was just three year's old. Eliza Poe was a popular actress who enthralled Richmond society with her beauty. When it became apparent that Eliza was dying, society matrons rushed to her bedside to care for her and her young children. After Eliza's death, Frances Allan decided to foster three-year-old Edgar. A day after Eliza's death, Edgar was christened Edgar Allan Poe. Frances Allan and her wealthy merchant husband John Allan became Poe's foster parents. The Allan's gave Edgar the wealth and education that he would never have received as the son of traveling actors. For five years, Edgar lived in England with his foster parents.
While Frances showered Edgar with love and affection, Edgar's relationship with John Allan proved to be difficult and strained. John Allan wanted Edgar to follow in his footsteps as a respectable merchant. When it became clear that Edgar had the spirit of an romantic poet, the division between the two deepened. Their relationship was furthered strained by Edgar's abandonment of his studies at the University of Virginia due to Allan's failure to send the scholar the needed funds. When Edgar Allan Poe returned to Richmond, he discovered that his fiancee Elmira Royster had become engaged to another man. Elmira's father disapproved of the relationship and intercepted Poe's letters. Feeling that he had nothing left for him in Richmond, Poe ran away and joined the Army under a fake name. Dissatisfied with Army life, Poe got an appointment to West Point due to John Allan's political connections. Once again, John Allan refused to pay for Poe's tuition. Unable to pay, Poe misbehaved and was kicked out of West Point. By this time, Frances Allan had died and Poe cut off ties with his foster father.
Away from his foster father, Poe began his literary career moving around to Baltimore and Philadelphia. Poe returned to Richmond in 1835 where he served as editor to the Southern Literary Messenger. While living in Richmond, Poe married his thirteen-year-old cousin Virginia Clem. The couple moved to New York in 1837. Poe would not return to Richmond until 1848 following the death of Virginia from tuberculosis. For the final two years of his life, Poe was a frequent visitor to Richmond reestablishing ties with childhood friends. After years of struggling with alcohol, Poe was determined to turn his life around and even became engaged again to Elmira Royster Shelton. But much like the stories Poe penned, tragedy was lurking behind the corner. Edgar Allan Poe departed from Richmond for the last time on September 27, 1849 for a short business trip to Philadelphia. Five days later, Poe was found incoherent in a Baltimore tavern wearing clothes that did not belong to him. Rushed to Washington College Hospital, Poe lingered for four days, dying on October 7, 1849--ten days before he was to be married.
For decades, Richmond struggled on how to honor Poe's legacy. Finally in the twentieth-century, the Poe Shrine was established in the Ege House in Richmond's Shockoe Bottom. The Ege House was built in the 1750's and is the oldest surviving structure in Richmond. Sadly, the majority of buildings associated with Poe have been demolished. But the Ege House did have a connection to Poe. In 1824, the Marquis de Lafayette visited Richmond during his American tour. While in Richmond, the Marquis visited the Ege House to pay his respect's to the family. In 1781, Mrs. Ege had witnessed the British invasion of Richmond from her house. Edgar Allan Poe was part of the ceremony paying respect to the Marquis and stood outside the Ege House as part of the Junior Morgan Rifles.
The Edgar Allan Poe Museum is worth a visit. In five buildings, including the 1750's Ege House, is a repository of Poe items. Books, manuscripts, paintings, and artifacts are tastefully assembled to tell the story of Poe's life and legacy. One of the museums prized treasures is the Cornwall daguerreotype of Poe--the most iconic image of Edgar Allan Poe ever taken.
Visit The Edgar Allan Poe Museum
Two excellent books about Edgar Allan Poe in Virginia:
Edgar Allan Poe's Richmond: The Raven in the River City by Christopher P. Semtner
Available on AmazonVerdict: 4 out 5 stars
Edgar Allan Poe's Petersburg: The Untold Story of the Raven in the Cockade City by Jeffery Abugel
Available on AmazonVerdict: 4 out 5 stars
January 13, 2016
Darker Still
While waiting for the Leanna Renee Hieber's upcoming releases this year, I decided to have a re-read of her earlier work. I decided to start with Darker Still: A Novel of Magic Most Foul. Set in New York City in 1880, the novel follows the paranormal adventures of Natalie Stewart. One of the traits of Leanna's work that I adore is her unconventional heroines, and this novel is no exception. The heroine of Darker Still, Natalie Stewart is a mute. Deprived of the ability to speak while a toddler, Natalie records her adventures in her diary. Sheltered by her father, Natalie is searching for purpose and meaning is her life after leaving boarding school. Natalie discovers her purpose in life unexpectedly with the arrival of a hauntingly beautiful portrait of Jonathan Whitby, Lord Denbury, a British aristocrat who has "died" under mysterious circumstances. Fortunately for Natalie, her father is employed by the Metropolitan Museum of Art and is tasked with helping the museum acquire the piece. It soon becomes apparent that all is not right with the painting, and that Lord Denbury is not dead after all--but trapped within the confines of his painting and Natalie is the only person that can free him.
I simply adore this book. At turns romantic and terrifying, Leanna is gifted in her prose. What I love about Leanna's books is that the reader feels that they have been transported back in time. You feel as if you are walking the gas-lit cobblestone streets with the characters. The characters are smart, Natalie, despite her "disability" is a genuinely smart and feisty young woman--a trait that is sadly lacking in Young Adult novels. This book is also genuinely smart, the characters discuss and reflect on Spiritualism and morality on a level that is rarely seen. Having spent years studying 19th-century Spiritualism, I have never seen a better depiction of the beliefs of Spiritualist presented in a novel. When Spiritualism is used in modern historical novels, it is presented negatively as the belief of the easily duped or as the mode of the villain for some nefarious purpose. In reality, Spiritualism was more complex. Yes, the religion was used by charlatans to separate the gullible from their money. But, for countless grieving Americans, Spiritualism offered spiritual comfort on a level that was lacking for most traditional Protestant denominations. In Darker Still, Mrs. Northe, the guiding light for Natalie, is a Spiritualist and it is this character who champions Natalie in her quest to save Lord Denbury.
Verdict: Darker Still is one of the best offerings in the Victorian Gothic genre.
Available from Amazon.
I simply adore this book. At turns romantic and terrifying, Leanna is gifted in her prose. What I love about Leanna's books is that the reader feels that they have been transported back in time. You feel as if you are walking the gas-lit cobblestone streets with the characters. The characters are smart, Natalie, despite her "disability" is a genuinely smart and feisty young woman--a trait that is sadly lacking in Young Adult novels. This book is also genuinely smart, the characters discuss and reflect on Spiritualism and morality on a level that is rarely seen. Having spent years studying 19th-century Spiritualism, I have never seen a better depiction of the beliefs of Spiritualist presented in a novel. When Spiritualism is used in modern historical novels, it is presented negatively as the belief of the easily duped or as the mode of the villain for some nefarious purpose. In reality, Spiritualism was more complex. Yes, the religion was used by charlatans to separate the gullible from their money. But, for countless grieving Americans, Spiritualism offered spiritual comfort on a level that was lacking for most traditional Protestant denominations. In Darker Still, Mrs. Northe, the guiding light for Natalie, is a Spiritualist and it is this character who champions Natalie in her quest to save Lord Denbury.
Verdict: Darker Still is one of the best offerings in the Victorian Gothic genre.
Available from Amazon.
January 11, 2016
A Conversation with Clara Templeton (and Leanna Renee Hieber)
Long time readers of this blog know that I love the work of my friend Leanna Renee Hieber. In celebration of the release of her novel THE ETERNA FILES in mass market paperback from Tor Books on February 2, 2016, Leanna is answering some of my most pressing questions that I had for my favorite character Clara Templeton. And best of all, below is a link to enter a drawing for a signed copy of THE ETERNA FILES.
About Clara Templeton: Clara is a very strong-willed, emotionally complex young woman who is orphaned in her pre-teen years and taken on, per the family’s wishes, by their friend, Congressman Rupert Bishop, who tends Clara dutifully and honorably and helps bring out her Spiritualist and Sensitive talents. The Eterna commission’s mission to search for a “cure for death” for elected officials during their time in office is Clara’s idea, borne of a twelve year old mind and a conversation with the grieving Mrs. Lincoln after the assassination of her husband. At the time of the story, Clara is now twenty-nine years old, just as strong-willed as ever and far more emotionally complex and it is a great worry to her that The Eterna commission has borne no results despite many forays into psychic and paranormal research, though the commission has taken a grave toll on those she loves and cares for. “My dear Miss Hamilton, I thank you for your inquiries about me and my association with Mrs. Lincoln. Let me address them herein: It is one of my greatest regrets that I did not see Mrs. Lincoln again after that fateful night when called to her side after the death of her husband, ostensibly to channel the spirit of the great Mister Lincoln, a demand Rupert and I declined to fulfill. Because I had left her with nothing but the first burgeoning hopes of what the Eterna Commission might reveal, I didn’t feel I could go back to her until I had either answers for her regarding the commission, or a direct message from any of her deceased loved ones that they demand she hear. I confess, Mister Lincoln did murmur to me, as I left the White House that day in my youth in 1865, said softly in that unmistakable reedy voice of his, that he would be there with Mary as best he could be, to soothe her, but that he didn’t know if alerting her to his presence was a help or a hurt, so I’d best continue on but go with his blessings and assurances. I told Rupert of course, asked if we should go back, to say what had been said, he shook his head and to simply do what the president bid; go in his good grace. Rupert told me it was Mary’s lot in this life to be troubled; that there was so much he couldn’t save her from, due to her own mind’s minefields, and considering the presences of Spiritualists often made her extremely excitable, he too regretted that we did not keep up with her as perhaps we should have. It is hard to know, as a Sensitive, where you are best suited, served, wanted, or needed. What Rupert did do, however, was to corroborate with Mrs. --- to get her out of the mental ward her son had confined her to. She was troubled- who wouldn’t be considering all that had befallen her, the sheer trauma of it all- and she deserved freedom, in this, I am proud Rupert helped intervene. If there is something further Mary wishes to say to us, I hope she will come forward and do so in any séance held or at any time, bidden or uninvited. Until that time, it is my profound and sincere hope that she is resting in much deserved peace.” (End of Clara’s narrative) My dear Michelle and esteemed readers, thanks so much for this chance to connect with you and to discuss my beloved heroine Clara and her world! Please take a moment to enter this giveaway, raffling off 3 signed mass market copies of THE ETERNA FILES and all including a signed book plate for the sequel, ETERNA & OMEGA, releasing this August from Tor Books! Cheers, thanks again and happy haunting! a Rafflecopter giveawayLeanna Renee Hieber http://leannareneehieber.com http://twitter.com/leannarenee http://facebook.com/lrhieber
About Clara Templeton: Clara is a very strong-willed, emotionally complex young woman who is orphaned in her pre-teen years and taken on, per the family’s wishes, by their friend, Congressman Rupert Bishop, who tends Clara dutifully and honorably and helps bring out her Spiritualist and Sensitive talents. The Eterna commission’s mission to search for a “cure for death” for elected officials during their time in office is Clara’s idea, borne of a twelve year old mind and a conversation with the grieving Mrs. Lincoln after the assassination of her husband. At the time of the story, Clara is now twenty-nine years old, just as strong-willed as ever and far more emotionally complex and it is a great worry to her that The Eterna commission has borne no results despite many forays into psychic and paranormal research, though the commission has taken a grave toll on those she loves and cares for. “My dear Miss Hamilton, I thank you for your inquiries about me and my association with Mrs. Lincoln. Let me address them herein: It is one of my greatest regrets that I did not see Mrs. Lincoln again after that fateful night when called to her side after the death of her husband, ostensibly to channel the spirit of the great Mister Lincoln, a demand Rupert and I declined to fulfill. Because I had left her with nothing but the first burgeoning hopes of what the Eterna Commission might reveal, I didn’t feel I could go back to her until I had either answers for her regarding the commission, or a direct message from any of her deceased loved ones that they demand she hear. I confess, Mister Lincoln did murmur to me, as I left the White House that day in my youth in 1865, said softly in that unmistakable reedy voice of his, that he would be there with Mary as best he could be, to soothe her, but that he didn’t know if alerting her to his presence was a help or a hurt, so I’d best continue on but go with his blessings and assurances. I told Rupert of course, asked if we should go back, to say what had been said, he shook his head and to simply do what the president bid; go in his good grace. Rupert told me it was Mary’s lot in this life to be troubled; that there was so much he couldn’t save her from, due to her own mind’s minefields, and considering the presences of Spiritualists often made her extremely excitable, he too regretted that we did not keep up with her as perhaps we should have. It is hard to know, as a Sensitive, where you are best suited, served, wanted, or needed. What Rupert did do, however, was to corroborate with Mrs. --- to get her out of the mental ward her son had confined her to. She was troubled- who wouldn’t be considering all that had befallen her, the sheer trauma of it all- and she deserved freedom, in this, I am proud Rupert helped intervene. If there is something further Mary wishes to say to us, I hope she will come forward and do so in any séance held or at any time, bidden or uninvited. Until that time, it is my profound and sincere hope that she is resting in much deserved peace.” (End of Clara’s narrative) My dear Michelle and esteemed readers, thanks so much for this chance to connect with you and to discuss my beloved heroine Clara and her world! Please take a moment to enter this giveaway, raffling off 3 signed mass market copies of THE ETERNA FILES and all including a signed book plate for the sequel, ETERNA & OMEGA, releasing this August from Tor Books! Cheers, thanks again and happy haunting! a Rafflecopter giveawayLeanna Renee Hieber http://leannareneehieber.com http://twitter.com/leannarenee http://facebook.com/lrhieber
January 10, 2016
James Meyers in Hospital and Camp
The premiere of PBS' new costume drama Mercy Street next Sunday, has created a lot of buzz on social media. The show centers on life in a Union hospital in Alexandria, VA. To whet your appetite on what it was really like for medical personnel in the Union Army during the Civil War, I present a few extracts from the diary of Pvt. James A. Meyers. From 1862-1865, Meyers served as a hospital steward for the 45th Pennsylvania Volunteers.
Friday, January 2, 1863 [In camp in Stafford County, Virginia]
This morning on arising I found that some one had during the past night entered my tent carrying off a demijohn containing some whiskey, which had been placed in my charge, also, had stolen half of our mess of baked beans intended for this mornings breakfast, no clue to the perpetuator. But some of those who last night were drunken are now paying the penalty of their folly. Two Segts have been reversed to the ranks. Our Colonel is very severe on intemperance.
Recd by mail three letters & one paper, also this diary from Bro W-- one letter from SW Knipe, W. tells me of good things from home on the way, how gladly we soldiers look for our mail with news from home & friends.
Wednesday, July 1, 1863 [In hospital outside of Vicksburg, Mississippi]
As usual dry and hot.
The firing on the front is quite brisk this morning.
No surgeon in attendance today for cause or other. So have to shift best way I can. Recd a few supplies from Sanitary Commission. In the evening Dr Youndt brought two more hospl patients. R. Roberts drummer Co 'K.' right fore arm broken, and James Malligan, Co 'A' helpless with Rheumatism. So we are full up, as I had admitted Wm Utter of Co H. earlier in the evening. The mail to-day brought me letters from S.A.M., S.R.G., E.G.T., and M.E.H. the first mail I have received since 6th ult. Wrote to Bro ETM.
Made inventory of med supplies on hand.
Thursday, December 3, 1863 [During the siege of Knoxville, Tennessee]
Opens bright clear and pleasant. Our dead house has eight occupants this morning. One killed on the field, the others died in Hospital. During the night we have had considerable cannonading, sounding more like signaling than anything else.
My line of duty has been changed again today, from the operating room I go into the Dispensary and take charge there. Keeping the register &c promises to be a bust position and I think to my liking. Have a pleasant room for and office, Dr Fox of 8th Michigan is now in charge of Hospital, things are gradually coming in shape.
There has been nothing unusual about the front today, the impression that the enemy is leaving seems to be gaining ground.
To learn more about James A. Meyers experiences as a hospital steward read "My Heart is in the Cause": The Civil War Diary of James Meyers, 45th PA Volunteers available now on Amazon
Friday, January 2, 1863 [In camp in Stafford County, Virginia]
This morning on arising I found that some one had during the past night entered my tent carrying off a demijohn containing some whiskey, which had been placed in my charge, also, had stolen half of our mess of baked beans intended for this mornings breakfast, no clue to the perpetuator. But some of those who last night were drunken are now paying the penalty of their folly. Two Segts have been reversed to the ranks. Our Colonel is very severe on intemperance.
Recd by mail three letters & one paper, also this diary from Bro W-- one letter from SW Knipe, W. tells me of good things from home on the way, how gladly we soldiers look for our mail with news from home & friends.
Wednesday, July 1, 1863 [In hospital outside of Vicksburg, Mississippi]
As usual dry and hot.
The firing on the front is quite brisk this morning.
No surgeon in attendance today for cause or other. So have to shift best way I can. Recd a few supplies from Sanitary Commission. In the evening Dr Youndt brought two more hospl patients. R. Roberts drummer Co 'K.' right fore arm broken, and James Malligan, Co 'A' helpless with Rheumatism. So we are full up, as I had admitted Wm Utter of Co H. earlier in the evening. The mail to-day brought me letters from S.A.M., S.R.G., E.G.T., and M.E.H. the first mail I have received since 6th ult. Wrote to Bro ETM.
Made inventory of med supplies on hand.
Thursday, December 3, 1863 [During the siege of Knoxville, Tennessee]
Opens bright clear and pleasant. Our dead house has eight occupants this morning. One killed on the field, the others died in Hospital. During the night we have had considerable cannonading, sounding more like signaling than anything else.
My line of duty has been changed again today, from the operating room I go into the Dispensary and take charge there. Keeping the register &c promises to be a bust position and I think to my liking. Have a pleasant room for and office, Dr Fox of 8th Michigan is now in charge of Hospital, things are gradually coming in shape.
There has been nothing unusual about the front today, the impression that the enemy is leaving seems to be gaining ground.
To learn more about James A. Meyers experiences as a hospital steward read "My Heart is in the Cause": The Civil War Diary of James Meyers, 45th PA Volunteers available now on Amazon
January 3, 2016
Dressing Downton
Today, I had the pleasure of visiting the Virginia Historical Society in Richmond to view the fantastic "Dressing Downton: Changing Fashions for Changing Times." Featuring costumes from PBS's smash-hit "Downton Abbey" the exhibit chronicles the changing fashions from 1912-1924 and how the effects of the end of the Edwardian era, World War I, and the Jazz Age effected the fictional Crawley family of Downton Abbey. The costumes are simply gorgeous, many of the elements featured on the costumes came from original period garments. Below are some of my favorite costumes displayed.
One of the show's iconic costumes worn by Violet, Dowager Duchess of Grantham (Dame Maggie Smith). The costume helped set the stage for the imperious Dowager and is stunning in person.
The end of the long Edwardian summer as symbolized by the costumes worn by Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) and his wife Cora Crawley, Countess of Grantham (Elizabeth McGovern).
Lady Mary Crawley's (Michelle Dockery) riding outfit.
Lady Mary's evening dress from Season 1 (1913-1914) is absolutely gorgeous and was my personal favorite.
More views of this stunning gown.
One of my favorites, this costume was worn by housekeeper Mrs. Hughes (Phyllis Logan). This gown appears better in person, on camera the black on black brocade flowers is washed out, but in person it is very stunning.
Another stunning costume worn by Lady Mary, this piece reflected the emerging fashion for orientalism around 1913-1914.
More views of this lovely gown.
This lovely coat was worn by Lady Edith (Laura Carmichael) during Season 2 set near the end of World War 1.
Lady Sybil (Jessica Brown Frindlay) was the most fashion forward of the three Crawley sisters.
Another great costume worn by Lady Mary. I would love to have that handbag.
I would love to have that handbag.
Lady Rose MacClare (Lily James) embraced the Flapper ethos of the Jazz Age in her dress and her personality in Season 3.
Violet, Dowager Duchess of Grantham will never give up the Edwardian style of dress that she is comfortable with, she has embraced the new fashions with a softer look.
Martha Levinson (Shirley MacLaine) brought a exotic flair with her when she arrived at Downton Abbey in 1920 during Season 3.
Cora, Countess of Grantham's evening dress features the reemergence of panniers in fashionable dress.
Another one of my favorites, this costume worn by Cora, Countess of Grantham during Season 3. This piece highlighted the skill of the costume designers. The piece was original a tablecloth from the 1920's and was turned into this stunning piece.
Despite a changing era, some traditions remained firm as seen in this court dress worn by Cora, Countess of Grantham.
Maternity dress worn by Lady Sybil worn was Season 3.
The exhibit was simply stunning in its breath and selection of costumes. I was a little disappointed that there were no costumes from seasons 4 and 5. But this is a very small complaint and I enjoyed my time in the world of "Downton Abbey" immensely. The exhibition is in Richmond until January 10, 2016, but is traveling the country and if you are a fan of Downton Abbey I highly recommend a visit.
Virginia Historical Society
Dressing Downton
One of the show's iconic costumes worn by Violet, Dowager Duchess of Grantham (Dame Maggie Smith). The costume helped set the stage for the imperious Dowager and is stunning in person.
The end of the long Edwardian summer as symbolized by the costumes worn by Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) and his wife Cora Crawley, Countess of Grantham (Elizabeth McGovern).
Lady Mary Crawley's (Michelle Dockery) riding outfit.
Lady Mary's evening dress from Season 1 (1913-1914) is absolutely gorgeous and was my personal favorite.
More views of this stunning gown.
One of my favorites, this costume was worn by housekeeper Mrs. Hughes (Phyllis Logan). This gown appears better in person, on camera the black on black brocade flowers is washed out, but in person it is very stunning.
Another stunning costume worn by Lady Mary, this piece reflected the emerging fashion for orientalism around 1913-1914.
More views of this lovely gown.
This lovely coat was worn by Lady Edith (Laura Carmichael) during Season 2 set near the end of World War 1.
Lady Sybil (Jessica Brown Frindlay) was the most fashion forward of the three Crawley sisters.
Another great costume worn by Lady Mary. I would love to have that handbag.
I would love to have that handbag.
Lady Rose MacClare (Lily James) embraced the Flapper ethos of the Jazz Age in her dress and her personality in Season 3.
Violet, Dowager Duchess of Grantham will never give up the Edwardian style of dress that she is comfortable with, she has embraced the new fashions with a softer look.
Martha Levinson (Shirley MacLaine) brought a exotic flair with her when she arrived at Downton Abbey in 1920 during Season 3.
Cora, Countess of Grantham's evening dress features the reemergence of panniers in fashionable dress.
Another one of my favorites, this costume worn by Cora, Countess of Grantham during Season 3. This piece highlighted the skill of the costume designers. The piece was original a tablecloth from the 1920's and was turned into this stunning piece.
Despite a changing era, some traditions remained firm as seen in this court dress worn by Cora, Countess of Grantham.
Maternity dress worn by Lady Sybil worn was Season 3.The exhibit was simply stunning in its breath and selection of costumes. I was a little disappointed that there were no costumes from seasons 4 and 5. But this is a very small complaint and I enjoyed my time in the world of "Downton Abbey" immensely. The exhibition is in Richmond until January 10, 2016, but is traveling the country and if you are a fan of Downton Abbey I highly recommend a visit.
Virginia Historical Society
Dressing Downton
January 2, 2016
Ring in the New Year with a New Book
Happy New Year, I have been a very bad blogger in 2015. Since the summer I have been consumed with my new position at work--more about that in a future post and in the process trying to get my second book published I have sadly neglected this blog. Well, in the spirit of the new year I have resolved to be a more faithful blogger updating this site more frequently.
One way I like to ring in the new year is with a new book and for those who are looking to be transported back in time, may I suggest my new book "My Heart is in the Cause": The Civil War Diaries of James A. Meyers, 45th PA. follow James A. Meyers as he journeyed from Fredericksburg, VA to Vicksburg, MS, then back to Virginia at the end of the Civil War as the Hospital Steward of the 45th PA through the entries in his compelling diary written in the fields. Available now on Amazon.com!
One way I like to ring in the new year is with a new book and for those who are looking to be transported back in time, may I suggest my new book "My Heart is in the Cause": The Civil War Diaries of James A. Meyers, 45th PA. follow James A. Meyers as he journeyed from Fredericksburg, VA to Vicksburg, MS, then back to Virginia at the end of the Civil War as the Hospital Steward of the 45th PA through the entries in his compelling diary written in the fields. Available now on Amazon.com!
September 30, 2015
Why is Petersburg so Paranormal? (Paranormal Petersburg, Virginia, and the Tri-Cities Area online tour stop)
Thank you to Michelle for having me stop on her blog for my new book, Paranormal Petersburg, Virginia, and the Tri-Cities Area’s online book tour. I am going to talk about ghosts and why certain places are more haunted than others.
Good question. Why do some places have paranormal activity and others, nothing, or dead zone. Dead zone is defined as a dead spot, or a period or place with no activity or excitement. That would fit a place with no paranormal activity at all. Some places are not haunted, no matter how historical or old, or even new spots. Like the old house in Petersburg from the 1700s in a chapter in Petersburg, Virginia, and the Tri-Cities Area. A paranormal group was asked by a real estate agent to prove it was. Obviously sales f a haunted house are worth more than people think. The group tried twice, and got nothing. Nada. Zip. Proving if you think you’re going into paranormal investigating for the excitement due to a TV show or whatever, many times there may end up nothing. Not even one little EVP (electronic voice phenomenon).
And yet, Petersburg has many haunted buildings and spots, particularly in the Old Towne Petersburg section. I honestly think it gives Williamsburg a run for its money in the most haunted area of Virginia. Not only there, but in the nearby cities of Colonial Heights and Hopewell, Prince George and Dinwiddie counties, and Chester of Chesterfield County, all interconnected with Petersburg, particularly due to the Civil War.
Going as far back as the 1600s, with the Citie of Henricus, the second English settlement after Jamestown, Peter Jones Trading Post where things could be delivered to the city of Petersburg, and plantations of many well-known families began. There is the 1700s, where Aaron Burr and his daughter Theodosia visited Dodson’s Tavern, following Burr’s infamous duel with Alexander Hamilton and battles by ship of the shores where Henricus is today. On July 16, 1816, fire consumed nearly two-thirds of Petersburg, a collection of wooden warehouses and homes along the Appomattox River. Brick buildings replaces many of these. How many died in that fire that still roam the newer buildings?
Edgar Allan Poe and his bride, Virginia Clemm, had their honeymoon here. They stayed on the second floor of Hiram Haines Coffee and Ale House, because Hiram was a friend of Poe’s and offered it to them. There is a legend connected to the building, that end of January, she can be seen looking from a window from that floor. All I know, neither she nor Poe answered me on my ghost box the day I investigated both the second and third floor. As for the face on the window pane that was not there to my own eyes, but showed up in my photo and you can se in the book, many young men looked like that. The former owner believed it was Poe. I don’t think so. What do you think? Do you think Poe haunts that buildings as others he has done?
Last of all, there is the Siege, where the Northern Army surrounded the city and bombarded it with cannon balls, and many stayed during that time. The Peter Jones Trading Post became a jail, not only for captured Union soldiers, but Confederate soldiers who did something illegal. Many front of buildings did not survived and were replaced. One that possibly may be the only original store front and still stands today. This was the servants’ quarters of the Friend House before it became a poultry market. People died here during this time. There was buildings that were Civil War hospitals (like the third floor of Hiram Haines). An Underground Railroad for runaway slaves. Slave auction at one end of Old Street. Last battlefield battle fought at what is the Petersburg Battlefield Park today, before Lee and his troops went to Sailor’s Creek, followed by Northern troops.
So much reason for the paranormal to exist in this area. The ground is saturated with it. What do you think?
Leave a comment on Michelle Hamilton’s blog, with your name and email, to be entered in the whole blog tour’s giveaway; which would be a signed copy of Pamela K. Kinney’s new release, Paranormal Petersburg, Virginia, and the Tri-Cities Area that will be sent to the winner. The winner will be drawn after the last blog stop on October 5th. The email will enable me to contact the winner, so do leave your name and email.
Pamela K. Kinney
Journey to worlds of fantasy, beyond the stars, and into the vortex of terror with the written word of Pamela K. Kinney.
Pamela K. Kinney Blog Facebook
Excerpt from Paranormal Petersburg, Virginia, and the Tri-Cities Area:Poe’s Honeymoon Suite on the Second FloorI walked into the sitting room of the suite and dropped my bag of paranormal investigating equipment and my purse on the old-fashioned couch. Two matching chairs stood on each side of the couch and an old-fashioned chest of drawers stood between the two windows that looked down onto the street, where you could see the SiegeMuseum. A fireplace loomed behind the couch and, across the room, a table stood against the wall. In the other room I found a bed; however, I doubted it was the original bed Poe and his bride shared. Back in the sitting room, I took note of a female mannequin, wearing skimpy underwear and a wedding veil, perched on the ledge of the window, and she appeared to be staring out. An old-fashioned typewriter with a pair of disembodied hands on the keys nestled against the far wall just behind her dangling feet.The horror writer in me expected them to begin typing at any minute.
I took some pictures with my camera, then employed my pendulum to see if anyone or anything was there and asked if they would swing it back and forth.Not moving my arm or hand—as I told them, they had to do it—the pendulum went immediately into a heavy swing. After I thanked them and asked them to stop, it came to a standstill. Did that mean Poe and Virginia were there? Or could it be the first owner, Richard Rambaut, the man the psychic sensed? Maybe Hiram himself or even someone else?
Next, I took out the recorder, turned it on, and began an EVP session.Nothing was noted from the regular EVP session on the second floor when I listened to it later at home, except when I knocked on the table and asked, “Can you do a knock like that?” I did not hear it live when I was present in the house; but on the recording, I heard two knocks exactly like mine, lighter and from elsewhere in the room.When I used the ghost box for a session, I got interesting results. I’d askedif Edgar Allan Poe or his wife Virginia were in the room with me; I didn’t receive an answer. Maybe they had been so happy honeymooning here, they felt no reason to return to the building to haunt it. And to be honest, I did not sense Poe at all that day.“Is there anyone else with me?” I asked.A man’s voice came across the ghost box. “Yes.”“Richard Rambaut, are you here?”“Yes.”“Can you speak in French to me, Richard, to prove it is you.”“Oui.”“Why are you haunting this building? Can you tell me?”“No.”Either he knew why and did not want to tell me, or he really had no idea why. Maybe, since he’d committed suicide, this caused the doors to the other side to remain closed to him.I asked, “Can you give me the date of your death?”There was an answer, but too low to hear. I asked for the date of the spirit’s death again and I heard a partial, “18—”Then I heard a partial word, sounding like “threat…” The rest cut off or the spirit couldn’t get the balance of it out.Was this still Richard? Perhaps another spirit? Had he been threatened, or was he threatening me?I asked if the spirit that had said the name Derek, down in the Rue Morgue, was on the second floor with me. I got an answer to this question with “Yes.”Who was Derek? I wanted to know, but received no answer.I asked if Haines was there. Again, I received no answer.I asked what the spirits thought of Jeff, who now owned the building, or any of the workers downstairs. Nothing.Then another word popped out. “Fort.” Civil War maybe? I asked, but no one answered me. Maybe this was from a Confederate soldier who had been hospitalized in the building during the Siege.I left the room to snap more pictures and a “Hello” came out from my box that I’d left with the recorder hear it until I listened to the recording at home. When I drew closer to the room a few minutes later, I heard a man’s voice loud and clear, “Hello!”I called out, “Hello?”No one answered me. It was on my recording, but it did not sound as if it came from my ghost box. Had one of the spirits missed me? Richard?The Derek person?I used my EMF meter, hoping the ghosts would register on the dial as well, but nothing happened. Finally, after a few more pictures shot in the sitting room (one of the photos of the fireplace had a shadow in it, and yet no shadows were in the picture before or afterwards), I grabbed my flashlight, EMF meter, recorder, and ghost box, and slung the camera around my neck.
Paranormal Petersburg, Virginia, and the Tri-Cities Area Book Blurb: Travel to Petersburg, and the rest of the Tri-Cities area of Colonial Heights, Hopewell, Prince George, Dinwiddie, and the nearby areas of Ettrick-Matoaca and Chester to discover what spirits, monsters, UFOs, and legends await the unwary. Find out why the War Between the States is still being fought at Petersburg Battlefield. Why the lady in blue might be still haunting the rooms at Westover Plantation. What the phantoms at Peter Jones Trading Post will do to keep from being photographed. Learn about runaway slaves still hiding on the top floor above the Blue Willow Tea Room. Figure out why the ghostly soldiers enter Centre Hill Mansion January 24th, only to leave again. What phantoms share the Hiram Haines Coffee Shop and Ale House with the living? Is the Goatman still stalking young lovers? Meet the ghosts of Violet Bank Museum that are still greeting guests at the house. All this and many more, haunt these cities and counties. The dead refuse to give up their undead residency.
Pamela K. Kinney’s Bio:Author of Haunted Richmond, Haunted Richmond II, Haunted Virginia: Legends, Myths and True Tales, and Haunted Historic Triangle: Williamsburg, Yorktown, Jamestown & Other Haunted Locations, Pamela K. Kinney has written fiction that enables her readers to journey to worlds of fantasy, go beyond the stars, and dive into the vortex of terror. One of her stories proved heart-stopping enough to be runner up for 2013 WSFA Small Press Award. As Sapphire Phelan, she also writes bestselling paranormal romance with dark heroes and heroines with bite!
Where to buy Paranormal Petersburg, Virginia, and the Tri-Cities Area:Schiffer Publishing AmazonBarnes and Noble
Good question. Why do some places have paranormal activity and others, nothing, or dead zone. Dead zone is defined as a dead spot, or a period or place with no activity or excitement. That would fit a place with no paranormal activity at all. Some places are not haunted, no matter how historical or old, or even new spots. Like the old house in Petersburg from the 1700s in a chapter in Petersburg, Virginia, and the Tri-Cities Area. A paranormal group was asked by a real estate agent to prove it was. Obviously sales f a haunted house are worth more than people think. The group tried twice, and got nothing. Nada. Zip. Proving if you think you’re going into paranormal investigating for the excitement due to a TV show or whatever, many times there may end up nothing. Not even one little EVP (electronic voice phenomenon).
And yet, Petersburg has many haunted buildings and spots, particularly in the Old Towne Petersburg section. I honestly think it gives Williamsburg a run for its money in the most haunted area of Virginia. Not only there, but in the nearby cities of Colonial Heights and Hopewell, Prince George and Dinwiddie counties, and Chester of Chesterfield County, all interconnected with Petersburg, particularly due to the Civil War.
Going as far back as the 1600s, with the Citie of Henricus, the second English settlement after Jamestown, Peter Jones Trading Post where things could be delivered to the city of Petersburg, and plantations of many well-known families began. There is the 1700s, where Aaron Burr and his daughter Theodosia visited Dodson’s Tavern, following Burr’s infamous duel with Alexander Hamilton and battles by ship of the shores where Henricus is today. On July 16, 1816, fire consumed nearly two-thirds of Petersburg, a collection of wooden warehouses and homes along the Appomattox River. Brick buildings replaces many of these. How many died in that fire that still roam the newer buildings?
Edgar Allan Poe and his bride, Virginia Clemm, had their honeymoon here. They stayed on the second floor of Hiram Haines Coffee and Ale House, because Hiram was a friend of Poe’s and offered it to them. There is a legend connected to the building, that end of January, she can be seen looking from a window from that floor. All I know, neither she nor Poe answered me on my ghost box the day I investigated both the second and third floor. As for the face on the window pane that was not there to my own eyes, but showed up in my photo and you can se in the book, many young men looked like that. The former owner believed it was Poe. I don’t think so. What do you think? Do you think Poe haunts that buildings as others he has done?
Last of all, there is the Siege, where the Northern Army surrounded the city and bombarded it with cannon balls, and many stayed during that time. The Peter Jones Trading Post became a jail, not only for captured Union soldiers, but Confederate soldiers who did something illegal. Many front of buildings did not survived and were replaced. One that possibly may be the only original store front and still stands today. This was the servants’ quarters of the Friend House before it became a poultry market. People died here during this time. There was buildings that were Civil War hospitals (like the third floor of Hiram Haines). An Underground Railroad for runaway slaves. Slave auction at one end of Old Street. Last battlefield battle fought at what is the Petersburg Battlefield Park today, before Lee and his troops went to Sailor’s Creek, followed by Northern troops.
So much reason for the paranormal to exist in this area. The ground is saturated with it. What do you think?
Leave a comment on Michelle Hamilton’s blog, with your name and email, to be entered in the whole blog tour’s giveaway; which would be a signed copy of Pamela K. Kinney’s new release, Paranormal Petersburg, Virginia, and the Tri-Cities Area that will be sent to the winner. The winner will be drawn after the last blog stop on October 5th. The email will enable me to contact the winner, so do leave your name and email.
Pamela K. Kinney
Journey to worlds of fantasy, beyond the stars, and into the vortex of terror with the written word of Pamela K. Kinney.
Pamela K. Kinney Blog Facebook
Excerpt from Paranormal Petersburg, Virginia, and the Tri-Cities Area:Poe’s Honeymoon Suite on the Second FloorI walked into the sitting room of the suite and dropped my bag of paranormal investigating equipment and my purse on the old-fashioned couch. Two matching chairs stood on each side of the couch and an old-fashioned chest of drawers stood between the two windows that looked down onto the street, where you could see the SiegeMuseum. A fireplace loomed behind the couch and, across the room, a table stood against the wall. In the other room I found a bed; however, I doubted it was the original bed Poe and his bride shared. Back in the sitting room, I took note of a female mannequin, wearing skimpy underwear and a wedding veil, perched on the ledge of the window, and she appeared to be staring out. An old-fashioned typewriter with a pair of disembodied hands on the keys nestled against the far wall just behind her dangling feet.The horror writer in me expected them to begin typing at any minute.
I took some pictures with my camera, then employed my pendulum to see if anyone or anything was there and asked if they would swing it back and forth.Not moving my arm or hand—as I told them, they had to do it—the pendulum went immediately into a heavy swing. After I thanked them and asked them to stop, it came to a standstill. Did that mean Poe and Virginia were there? Or could it be the first owner, Richard Rambaut, the man the psychic sensed? Maybe Hiram himself or even someone else?
Next, I took out the recorder, turned it on, and began an EVP session.Nothing was noted from the regular EVP session on the second floor when I listened to it later at home, except when I knocked on the table and asked, “Can you do a knock like that?” I did not hear it live when I was present in the house; but on the recording, I heard two knocks exactly like mine, lighter and from elsewhere in the room.When I used the ghost box for a session, I got interesting results. I’d askedif Edgar Allan Poe or his wife Virginia were in the room with me; I didn’t receive an answer. Maybe they had been so happy honeymooning here, they felt no reason to return to the building to haunt it. And to be honest, I did not sense Poe at all that day.“Is there anyone else with me?” I asked.A man’s voice came across the ghost box. “Yes.”“Richard Rambaut, are you here?”“Yes.”“Can you speak in French to me, Richard, to prove it is you.”“Oui.”“Why are you haunting this building? Can you tell me?”“No.”Either he knew why and did not want to tell me, or he really had no idea why. Maybe, since he’d committed suicide, this caused the doors to the other side to remain closed to him.I asked, “Can you give me the date of your death?”There was an answer, but too low to hear. I asked for the date of the spirit’s death again and I heard a partial, “18—”Then I heard a partial word, sounding like “threat…” The rest cut off or the spirit couldn’t get the balance of it out.Was this still Richard? Perhaps another spirit? Had he been threatened, or was he threatening me?I asked if the spirit that had said the name Derek, down in the Rue Morgue, was on the second floor with me. I got an answer to this question with “Yes.”Who was Derek? I wanted to know, but received no answer.I asked if Haines was there. Again, I received no answer.I asked what the spirits thought of Jeff, who now owned the building, or any of the workers downstairs. Nothing.Then another word popped out. “Fort.” Civil War maybe? I asked, but no one answered me. Maybe this was from a Confederate soldier who had been hospitalized in the building during the Siege.I left the room to snap more pictures and a “Hello” came out from my box that I’d left with the recorder hear it until I listened to the recording at home. When I drew closer to the room a few minutes later, I heard a man’s voice loud and clear, “Hello!”I called out, “Hello?”No one answered me. It was on my recording, but it did not sound as if it came from my ghost box. Had one of the spirits missed me? Richard?The Derek person?I used my EMF meter, hoping the ghosts would register on the dial as well, but nothing happened. Finally, after a few more pictures shot in the sitting room (one of the photos of the fireplace had a shadow in it, and yet no shadows were in the picture before or afterwards), I grabbed my flashlight, EMF meter, recorder, and ghost box, and slung the camera around my neck.
Paranormal Petersburg, Virginia, and the Tri-Cities Area Book Blurb: Travel to Petersburg, and the rest of the Tri-Cities area of Colonial Heights, Hopewell, Prince George, Dinwiddie, and the nearby areas of Ettrick-Matoaca and Chester to discover what spirits, monsters, UFOs, and legends await the unwary. Find out why the War Between the States is still being fought at Petersburg Battlefield. Why the lady in blue might be still haunting the rooms at Westover Plantation. What the phantoms at Peter Jones Trading Post will do to keep from being photographed. Learn about runaway slaves still hiding on the top floor above the Blue Willow Tea Room. Figure out why the ghostly soldiers enter Centre Hill Mansion January 24th, only to leave again. What phantoms share the Hiram Haines Coffee Shop and Ale House with the living? Is the Goatman still stalking young lovers? Meet the ghosts of Violet Bank Museum that are still greeting guests at the house. All this and many more, haunt these cities and counties. The dead refuse to give up their undead residency.
Pamela K. Kinney’s Bio:Author of Haunted Richmond, Haunted Richmond II, Haunted Virginia: Legends, Myths and True Tales, and Haunted Historic Triangle: Williamsburg, Yorktown, Jamestown & Other Haunted Locations, Pamela K. Kinney has written fiction that enables her readers to journey to worlds of fantasy, go beyond the stars, and dive into the vortex of terror. One of her stories proved heart-stopping enough to be runner up for 2013 WSFA Small Press Award. As Sapphire Phelan, she also writes bestselling paranormal romance with dark heroes and heroines with bite!
Where to buy Paranormal Petersburg, Virginia, and the Tri-Cities Area:Schiffer Publishing AmazonBarnes and Noble
September 24, 2015
New Release
I am proud to announce the release of my second book "My Heart is in the Cause": The Civil Diaries of Private James A. Meyers, 45th PA Volunteers. Follow James A. Meyers from Fredericksburg, VA in the winter of 1862 to the final days of the Civil War. From Fredericksburg, VA to Vicksburg, MS, to Washington, DC., the diaries of James A. Meyers gives readers a personal view of the Civil War.
Available now on Amazon
Available now on Amazon
August 11, 2015
Haunted Plantations of the South
A heartbroken young woman waits for her lover to return from the Civil War...150 years after the guns fell silent. Laughter and music is heard emanating from the ballroom...of a ruined mansion. Whispers are heard coming long deserted slave cabins. These are the type of ghostly activity that are reported on plantations throughout the American South and form the basis of Richard Southall's book
Haunted Plantations of the South
. Southall takes the reader through a tour of the haunted south focusing on the plantations that formed the backbone of the antebellum South. Naturally the majority of the stories focused on the damage wrought by the Civil War and the horrors of slavery. Southall divided the book by state and each plantation is given a few pages summarizing the history and ghostly activity to be found. I particularly liked the focus on the history of the site, because without knowing the history of the site the paranormal activity is not going to make much sense. Southall admits that he can not guarantee the veracity of all the stories and that's fine because this book highlights the rich folk tradition of the South. From well known sites such as Myrtles Plantation and Oak Alley to relatively unknown sites,
Haunted Plantations of the South
is an excellent introduction the spooky South.4 out 5 stars
Haunted Plantation of the South by Richard Southall (Llewellyn Publications, 2015)
Available now on Amazon
