Setting the BackgroundIn April of 2024, my husband and I...

 

Setting the Background

In April of 2024, my husband and I packed up and headed to St. Augustine, Florida. I had an idea for a book I wanted to write set in the historic city, and I needed to do some research. I had been there once before, but it had been years ago, and I didn't remember enough. Besides, I needed details for this book about a wedding mix-up. As it turned out, St. Augustine had me switching my writing plans, and I would end up with two books, but I'll explain all that in a later blog.

St. Augustine is a fascinating city. It was founded by Admiral Pedro Menendez de Aviles of Spain in 1565 and holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the continental United States. Its strategic location made it a key military Spanish outpost, fending off the French and British. History of the city includes pirates, raids, battles, escaping slaves, and complicated politics.

There is much to see in St. Augustine, and I'll be sharing some of it with you, leading up to my book set there, which releases on August 1. It will take you back to the city in 1739 and tell a little-known part of history I'm eager to share. This book came about because of a discovery I made on this trip. Watch for my upcoming Monday blogs for the continuing story._____________________