Colonial Quills Nine Year Anniversary! And Celebration of New Releases!

Welcome to our 9 Year Anniversary Party! We're celebrating at Jamestown, Virginia. Come on in and have some tea and treats!

Gabrielle Meyer:

I am honored to be here today celebrating the ninth anniversary of the Colonial Quills Blog! Congrats to all the wonderful contributors and readers. This is such a fun place to gather and share in all sorts of book love.

Today, I'm sharing my newest release Virginia Company Bride in The Heart's Stronghold Collection. This beautiful book released this month with Barbour Publishers (aren't the new covers amazing?!). My story is joined by phenomenal stories from Amanda Barratt, Angie Dicken, and Kimberley Woodhouse.

Here's a little about Virginia Company Bride: In September 1608, Anne Burras is the only woman in Jamestown when her mistress dies upon arrival. Laborer John Layton is one of only thirty-eight colonists who survived the first year in the colony. Both want Anne on the supply ship returning to England in three months, but neither foresee the difficulties they will face just to stay alive—or the painful sacrifices they will make to stay together.

I had the privileged of visiting Jamestown last year to do research for this story. What a treat to see the oldest English settlement in America! This story is especially dear to me because I have several ancestors who were a part of the early colonization of Jamestown. My earliest ancestor, William Powell, arrived in 1609 and was instrumental in removing an Indian chief who had tried to kill John Smith the year before. William was put in charge of the Jamestown defenses for his services and became the lieutenant governor in 1617.

Jamestown is a unique place to visit, because they have a reconstructed fort, as well as the original site where they are currently doing archaeological research. The first picture at the top of this post is taken at the reconstructed fort and the one above is of me at the original site. I'm standing where the chapel stood. This was important to me because John Layton, the hero of my story, was a carpenter in Jamestown and he's credited with building the second chapel for the fort.

In honor of the blog anniversary and the release of The Heart's Stronghold, I will be offering two copies, one here and one on the Facebook party. The winners will have the choice between a signed copy or an ebook.

Gabrielle Meyer lives in central Minnesota on the banks of the upper Mississippi River with her husband and four children. As an employee of the Minnesota Historical Society, she fell in love with the rich history of her state and enjoys writing fictional stories inspired by real people, places, and events. You can learn more about Gabrielle and her books at www.gabriellemeyer.com.

Shannon McNear:

Greetings and salutations! I hope all is well with our gentle readers in these uncertain times.

NINE YEARS! I can hardly believe it! I'm blessed and honored to have been a part of this wonderful blog for six of those nine years. But with no further ado, it's with joy (and given the subject matter, not a little trepidation!) that I present The Blue Cloak, #5 of Barbour's ambitious True Colors historical suspense series. It's set in the fledgling states of Tennessee and Kentucky, 1797-99, and centers around the account of the terrible Harpes, considered our country's first recorded serial killers.

The story: Daughter and sister of trading post owners, Rachel Taylor watches her best friend Sally's marriage turn to horror before the entire family disappears. Virginia native Benjamin Langford seeks the whereabouts of his missing cousin and uncovers a reign of terror all up and down the Wilderness Road. In their shared grief, the pair join the effort to bring the Harpes' murder spree to an end and rescue Sally from a criminal's life.

To celebrate the March 1 release of The Blue Cloak, I'm offering two signed copies of the book, one here on the blog and one at the Facebook party! If you'd like to be entered, please mention BLUE CLOAK in your comment below. Thank you so much!

Transplanted to North Dakota after more than two decades in the Deep South, Shannon McNear loves losing herself in local history. As the author of four novellas and three full-length novels, with her first novella, Defending Truth in A Pioneer Christmas Collection, a 2014 RITA® finalist, her greatest joy is in being a military wife, mom of eight, mother-in-law of three, and grammie of three. When not cooking, researching, or leaking story from her fingertips, she enjoys being outdoors, basking in the beauty of the northern prairies.

Connect with her at shannonmcnear.com and on various social media.

Naomi Musch:

Hello, Colonial Quills friends! There couldn't be a better time for an online party, could there? Thanks for celebrating with us. 

I'm thrilled to reintroduce THE GREEN VEIL, a book that's been out of print for some time and has just been newly re-released. It's the first in a three-book saga that spans the lives of three generations of women, their hopes, loves, and adventures in the new rough-and-rugged state of Wisconsin.

Here’s The Green Veil:

1841 ~ Lumberman's daughter, Colette Palmer has always loved timber cruiser Manason Kade, though she's too young for him to consider seriously. Leaving Michigan with her family to settle in the Wisconsin wilderness, and separated from him by miles and years, she grows into a woman. When her heart is broken, she makes her vow to another.

Manason longs to plant roots of his own in Wisconsin Territory, although an alluring female tempts him to do otherwise. Given the opportunity, he strikes out and forms the new Kade Forest Works. When his fresh crew challenges the illegal log harvesting of a rival company, however, it is Colette's husband who will stop at nothing to ruin him.

Logging enterprises collide as the territory nears statehood, and dangerous schemes threaten those Colette holds dear. Then Manason and Colette finally meet again, and when they do, the battle between lumber kings reaches new heights. Now she will have to choose between her first love and her commitment to her marriage vows, while her dreams, her faith, and an empire in pine hang in the balance.

To celebrate the Colonial Quill 9-year blog anniversary, I have something for everyone. For two days--the day of the party and the day following (March 30-31)--you'll be able to download a Kindle copy of The Green Veil FREE!  I hope you'll take advantage of the opportunity and ENJOY!

~Please feel free to spread the word about the free book, too.~

If you’d like updates about the release of Books Two and Three in the series, coming soon, sign up for my newsletter here.

Naomi is an award-winning author who believes a perfect day is spent writing, reading, roaming about the farm, snacking out of the garden, relaxing in her vintage camper, and loving on her passel of grandchildren. Connect with her via her website www.naomimusch.com and on social media around the web.

Pegg Thomas

Greetings History Friends!

'Tis a fine day to gather for a celebration. 'Twas but a short few years past that I was allowed to join these illustrious authors on the blog. It has been an honor and a privilege to write alongside them. To celebrate, I'm giving away one signed paperback copy of my May 1st release The Blacksmith Brides. (to a U.S. address only) My story in the collection is set in Philadelphia at the start of the Revolutionary War. Loyalties were questioned and families were torn apart as our country embarked on its quest for independence, even as it continued to grow into its western frontier. Comment using the word IRON here on the blog to be entered for that drawing.

As always, there will be a shawl giveaway with this release! One subscriber to my newsletter will win Forged Embers, one of my signature wool shawls made from my own flock of sheep. I shear the sheep, wash and dye the wool, card it (prepare for spinning), spin it, wash it again, knit the shawl, and then give it a final wash and blocking. In the entire process, the only power tool used is my sheep shears. My poor old hands can't take using the hand shears anymore. The drawing for Forged Embers will be on May 31st. To be entered, simply subscribe to my newsletter. Subscribe early and find out how to earn extra chances to win!





Pegg lives in Northern Michigan - which is south of Upper Michigan - on a hobby farm with her husband of *mumble* years, a flock of sheep, a flock of chickens, and Murphy the spoiled rotten dog. PeggThomas.com - Writing History with a Touch of Humor




Carrie Fancett Pagels

In the nine years since we launched the Colonial Quills blog, I've had twenty publications (click here to see my website Books Page.) Above is the cover of my most recent publication, a novella in a lovely collection from Barbour. I've been so blessed by this blog and the many bloggers who have helped keep this effort going! I'm giving away one of my in-print books to one of our commenters.

Also, I have MORE codes for FREE audiobooks of Mercy in a Red Cloak! So if you would like a code to listen to my novella set on colonial Mackinac Island, put "Mercy Audio" in your comment and leave me your email address! Thank you for being a Colonial Quills follower and attending our blog party!

Janet Grunst

What a pleasure to celebrate Colonial Quill's 9th Anniversary with you.

I’m excited to share about the October release of the third story in my Revolutionary War series, Setting Two Hearts Free. It takes place towards the end of the war and is about the younger generation.

Donald Duncan joined the Patriot cause for noble reasons, battling the British while enduring deprivation and hardship on every side. The war has changed him, and now the battle is internal. Returning home to Virginia is in sight where a new life and his Mary wait for him.

Mary Stewart spends the war years with her family at Stewarts’ Green, helping them operate their ordinary. Daily, she prays for Donald’s safe return, eagerly waiting for him … until that day the evil side of war touches her.

Two hearts changed by a war that dragged on for six years. Two hearts left hurting and struggling to find the love and trust they once knew. Is there a path for them to rekindle what was lost, Setting Two Hearts Free?

In celebration of Colonial Quill's 9-year anniversary, I will be giving away a Kindle version of whichever of the first two stories A Heart Set Free or A Heart For Freedom (winner's choice) to one commenter on the blog.

Janet is a wife, mother of two sons, and grandmother of eight. She

lives in the historic triangle of Virginia (Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown) with her husband. A lifelong student of history, her love of writing fiction grew out of a desire to share stories that communicate the truths of the Christian faith, as well as entertain, inspire, and encourage readers. You can follow her at  https://JanetGrunst.com

Denise Weimer

Since joining Colonial Quills blog, I've published a number of novels, both historical and contemporary, and become a managing editor for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas' historical imprints. Today on the blog, I'm giving away an e-book copy of my most recent historical romance, The Witness Tree, which starts in 1805 with a Moravian marriage of convenience in Old Salem, North Carolina, and leads to a dangerous assignment in Cherokee Territory. Would you like to be entered for the drawing? Leave a comment about the Moravians in the comments below.

During the Facebook party, I'll be giving away the winner's choice of an e-book of my two March contemporary releases, Spring Splash and Traces. See you at 8:15 p.m. EST! https://deniseweimerbooks.webs.com

FACEBOOK PARTY

Please join us on Facebook from 7-9:15 PM Eastern Time on Monday March 30 as we celebrate with a number of our current CQ bloggers! (Click here to join)

Giveaway & Review - Victorian Christmas Brides Collection

The Victorian Christmas Brides Collection: 9 Women Dream of Perfect Christmases during the Victorian Era

Barbour Publishing, 2018

(Note: Three members of Colonial American Christian Writers contributed to this collection: Carrie Fancett Pagels, Rita Gerlach, and Gabrielle Meyer.)

Reviewed by Tina St. Clair Rice, CQ Reviewer

I love reading Christmas stories, especially those set in 1800’s Victorian era as this one is.  Written by 9 well-known gifted authors, giving the reader a variety of not only enjoyable stories but their own unique writing styles. Each story takes us on a journey through various locations in England, Canada and America. On our “travels” we see how each characters’ desire is to have the perfect Christmas despite the circumstances they find themselves in. They may face turmoils, love letters from the past that seems to be surrounded by mystery and surprising clues to follow, missing jewels, an unexpected pre-arranged marriage, second chances at love, water-cure for patients, faith and so much more. I so enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the countrysides, clothing, and customs of the era depicted in each story and the inspirational elements. I especially enjoy reading the author’s historical note at the end of her story. A delightful collection to read anytime of the year.

1. One Golden Ring by C.J. Chase

1855 Devonshire, England. Tristram Nowell and Marianna Granville must forgive past grievances if they are to move forward to at least a friendship. But will their new stations in life be an obstacle and prevent even that?  A cute, fun story.

2. Star of Wonder by Susanne Dietze

1875 County Durham, England. Celeste Sidwell and Bennet Hett have plans to undo what their fathers have planned for them, however, things didn’t turn out as they had hoped. This novella has a lot of interesting and mysterious elements to it as well as a surprise or two, making it a fun story to read. 

3. The Holly and the Ivy by Rita Gerlach

1900 near Washington DC. I enjoyed reading Lily Morningstar and Andrew Stapleton’s story. It was fun watching as they tried to read between the lines of the love letters Lily discovered and ultimately discover who the mysterious writer is and to whom he is corresponding with. Will they learn who the letters are from or will it forever remain a mystery?  I still have, and cherish, the love letters my own husband wrote to me while he was serving in the Navy, which made this story even more interesting.

4. Love Brick by Brick by Kathleen L. Maher

1857 Elmira, New York. SarahAnn Winnifred and Rufus Sedgwick are from different social classes, however, their hearts are drawn to each other.  Can this unlikely couple build something lasting together or will their differences put a wall between their hearts?  As a retired RN, I especially enjoyed reading about the medicinal water-cure of the time in this novella.

5. A Christmas Promise by Gabrielle Meyer

1899 Cambridgeshire, England.  Ashleigh Pendleton and Christopher Campbell are in shock once they learn of the long ago promise their own mothers, now deceased, planned for them. Can they somehow undo that promise or will they even want to after getting reacquainted?  I enjoyed this fun novella which had me chuckling at times.

6. The Sugarplum Ladies by Carrie Fancett Pagels

1867 Windsor, Ontario, Canada and Detroit, Michigan.  Eugenie Mott and Percy Gladstone unexpectedly meet and end up helping each other in ways neither had anticipated.  I love the way Eugenie is helping the war widows. . .Kathleen, Nancy, Anne, Melissa, Tina, Deborah and Lucy. . .to be functional in areas they had not been prior to her help.  The name she calls the ladies, The Sugarplum Ladies, fits perfectly. These ladies soon find themselves helping Percy in the midst of his staffing crisis. I especially enjoyed the historical notes at the end of the story.  A cute, fun and delightful story.

7. Paper Snowflake Christmas by Vanessa Riley

1837 Framlingham, England. Ophelia Hanover and Geoffrey Landson have a challenge before them when he comes to take guardianship of Ophelia’s young son. It’s Christmas!  Will he listen to reason or will the snow storm keep him snowbound for Christmas?  I enjoyed the backstory, which gives an added element to the story?

8. Father Christmas by Lorna Seilstad

1880 Blackpool, England.  Beatrix Kent and Hugo Sherman are of different social classes and have suffered in their past.  Can love find a way to bring joy and music to these two at Christmas?  A cute, fun story.  

9. A Perfect Christmas by Erica Vetsch

1880 London, England. Melisande Verity and Gray Garamond may work in the same store but they are from different social classes and he’s her boss.  I found the window display and the outcome of the contest interesting.  Gray’s grandfather is one of my favorite characters. Gray could learn a lot from him in regards to the store and the true meaning of Christmas.  Will Gray open his heart or will he follow his own plans? A cute and fun story.

Links:

Victorian Christmas Brides Goodreads

Purchase:

Christian Book Distributors  

Barnes & Noble  

Book Depository 

Amazon 

Barbour Books 

NOTE: Carrie Fancett Pagels will be signing books with fellow author C.J. Chase in Williamsburg, Virginia, at the College of William and Mary Barnes & Noble Bookstore on the Duke of Gloucester Street (near Colonial Williamsburg) on Sunday afternoon, November 18th, from 2-6 pm. If you're in the area, come on by! 

Giveaway: A copy of The Victorian Christmas Brides Collection. Leave a comment to enter. Extra points if you have added this book to Goodreads (put GR at the end of your comment.)

The Backcountry Brides Collection -- Review by Tina Rice & Giveaway!

The Backcountry Brides Collection (Barbour Books, May 2018)

The Backcountry Brides Collection: 8 Eighteenth-Century Women Seek Love on Colonial America’s Frontier

Review by Tina Rice
This is an amazing collection of novellas by eight gifted writers taking the reader “on the trail” traveling into Colonial America spanning the years of 1754-1792. We meet strong women of the backcountry who are looking for love...and hopefully husbands...strong, rugged men, with the skills and abilities to survive living in this rustic frontier land. Men who are prepared to face attacks by Indians, the fierceness and harshness of nature, unforeseen dangers and challenges or even the possibility of depleted supplies to protect their families. Can these rugged men and woman overcome the elements thrown at them and find love in the midst of it all?

The detailed descriptions of the diversity of the characters’ cultural differences and backgrounds bring to life the hardships and struggles they face. They overcome challenges and hardships, tense situations, sorrows, grief and pain and share joys and humorous moments...which had me smiling, family, hope, integrity, love and faith. I love the historical aspects of each novella and the way the authors incorporates those details within the fictional story-lines. I enjoy reading the author’s notes regarding the historical aspects of her story. This is one of the reasons I love reading Christian historical fiction, I always learn something of our history, so they are, in effect, an enjoyable “history lesson”.

1. Shenandoah Hearts by Carrie Fancett Pagels
1754..Great Wagon Road, into the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia.
With a saddened heart Magda Sehler moves with her family to the Shenandoah Valley. The man she loves has not declared his feelings for her. What does the future hold for her without the man who holds her heart? Jacob Owens surprises them all when he leaves his prosperous business behind and moves to the Valley with them. What is the real reason for his sudden move? Is there a chance for love after all? There are some surprises, danger, joys and sorrows, decisions to be made, family strength, first love and God’s faithfulness along with historical facts woven within this heartwarming story. I was happy to see the mention of one of the Christy boys from another story.

2. Heart of Nantahala by Jennifer Hudson Taylor
1757..North Carolina Colony.
Joseph Gregory is out to buy a lumber mill, but the owner will not sell. Can he convince the owner to sell to him or will he lose his heart in the bargain? Mabel Walker owns a prosperous lumber mill, which many feel is not very “womanly” even though she is capable. Will she be forced to comply with what society dictates and sell? And what of love? There are challenges and opposition Mabel faces, hard decisions to make, hope, joys and love of family at the heart and faith in this heartwarming story.

3. Her Redcoat by Pegg Thomas
1763..Fort Michilimackinac of Michigan during Pontiac’s Rebellion.
Laurette Pettigrew grew up in the northern frontier but trouble may be brewing and she is tucked away in her father’s cabin some distance from the fort. Henry Bedlow, an English soldier. . .hence the redcoat, is at the fort against his will. Ah, but if he had not been at the fort he would not have met the woman who captures his heart. I enjoyed the way Laurette and Henry met and how their love grew. But they come from diffident cultural backgrounds, will that difference keep them apart? Or will God answer their prayers and make a way for them when there seems to be no way? A story filled with historical facts, hope, love and faith. A heartwarming story.

4. A Heart So Tender by Debra E. Marvin
1764..Fort Niagara of New York.
Susannah Kimball and British Lieutenant Archibald “Arch” Walsh meet during a difficult time surrounding the fort. Susannah’s faith, attitude and caring heart soon captures Arch’s heart. With danger lurking at their door, they need to be prepared. Will their love have a chance? Historical facts bring this story to life as Susannah and Arch find themselves in the midst of an impending convergence of thousands of Native warriors. Before reading this novella, I had not heard about Sir William Johnson's Great Gathering and appreciate the historical details. Overcoming fears, prejudices and challenges, family, hope, love and faith make this a heartwarming story.

5. A Worthy Groom by Angela K. Couch
1771..Sapling Grove settlement on the Holston River of Tennessee.
Marcus Cowden has lived his whole life “taming” the Cowden temper simmering inside, vowing to never let it control him as it has others in his family. Can he earn his new wife’s trust, proving that he will never hurt her and thereby winning her heart? Lorinda Cowden knows all too well what can happen when tempers flare, the results inflicted upon her. But can she learn to trust Marcus, he is a Cowden after all. Will they allow God to mend their hearts? A heart-felt story about trust...learning to trust others and God’s leading, learning to control anger with God’s help, second chances, hope, family, love and faith.

6. Across Three Autumns by Denise Weimer
1778-1780..Wilkes County, Georgia.
Jenny White is a strong, backcountry woman in every way. The local Indians call her “War Woman” and I think even admire her. She doesn’t feel pretty compared to her young sister. And she doesn’t see her worth as God sees her and a certain Scottish scout, Caylan McIntosh. Their love was slow in coming and at times seemed to stall. Tragedy, illness and death bring them closer, as it often can. I was glad to see the surprising ending.

7. The Counterfeit Tory by Shannon McNear
1780..Charlotte Town, South Carolina.
This story based on historical facts bring Lizzy Cunningham and Jed Wheeler together. Jed has a job to do and as he stays at the tavern he witnesses the treatment Lizzy receives at the hands of her family. In the process he loses his heart and will protect her from those who would mistreat her. Can he do that and complete the dangerous task set before him? Encouragement, hope, new beginnings, heartbreak and joys, good verses evil, love, faith and trust in God weave a heartwarming story. I like that this story is a continuation of a previous novella, The Highwayman, though it stands alone.

8. Love’s Undoing by Gabrielle Meyer
1792..Fur Post at Fort McCrea, on the Upper Mississippi River along Minnesota.
Abi McCrea longs to see the world outside the fort walls where she grew up. When she does, it is not what she had envisioned. However, one good thing came out of her travels. . .not saying. Englishman Henry Kingsley came to the fort on an errand and meets Abi and has to decide if the future he had planned out is really what he wants. Abi is a special, talented young woman and Henry can learn much from her. . .about life along the river certainly but of the heart as well. Everything is not smooth for them, they run into prejudices and challenges, joys, hope, love..true love, family and faith. I enjoyed this sweet, heartwarming story.

Readers, you can purchase a copy of Backcountry Brides at:

Christian Book Distributors  

Walmart 

Barnes & Noble  

Amazon 

Check at your local Christian bookstores, e.g., Lifeway, to see if they have copies, too! 

GIVEAWAY: We're giving away a copy of the paperback to one blessed commenter on this post!

ALSO-- Don't forget to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway going on for this collection! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Backcountry Brides Collection Tea Party!!! A Dream Come True!

Carrie Fancett Pagels here. We're SO excited to have you join us in celebrating the release of our Colonial American frontier collection! This is a dream come true for me -- a collection almost a decade in the planning on my part! And now we have all these wonderful authors who are part of making that dream come true! The Colonial Quills authors who are part of this collection WELCOME you!!! We're in a virtual setting in the backcountry across our country today as we enjoy our tea in the Shenandoah Valley to New York and to parts farther west. 

Won't you come in and join us?

Authors

Shannon McNear

I'm so blessed to be part of this collection--and this blog! Who knew way back that we'd wind up having our own volume of all-colonial stories? And how amazing is God for making the way for it to happen?

Not only is this time period my favorite to write in, but I got to set this story in one of my favorite places--South Carolina, my home state for almost 23 years. The history of the upstate, known as the backcountry during this era, is a rich one, and there were almost too many events and settings to draw from. I loved the idea of merging a light spy thriller concept with colonial romance, though ... since I can't seem to write without that element of adventure!

My story, The Counterfeit Tory, set late in 1781, is actually a sequel to my previous novella The Highwayman. While tasked with infiltrating a notorious Tory gang, Jed Wheeler has no wish to endanger the leader's cousin, Lizzy Cunningham. He finds himself risking not only his life ... but his heart.

I'm giving away one copy of Backcountry Brides among those who comment today!

~*~*~*~*~

Pegg Thomas

Pegg is giving away THREE sets of note cards. The blank cards showcase Michigan's Mackinac Bridge. 

Pegg's story in the collection, Her Redcoat, takes place at Fort Michilimackinac, which stands at the foot of the Mackinac Bridge today. Watch the Facebook Page for two sets to be given away and the third set will be given to a commenter here on the blog.

Gabrielle Meyer

What an amazing group of authors to partner with in this collection! This is my first foray into Colonial America, and I can honestly say it was my favorite novella to write, so far. The Backcountry Brides Collection is my tenth published story and my first set in the fur trade era. My story, Love's Undoing, begins in 1792 in what would someday become central Minnesota in a Scottish fur post on the banks of the Mississippi River.

My heroine, Abi, is the daughter of a Scottish fur trader and a Chippewa mother. My hero, Henry Kingsley, is an Englishman who is the second-born son of a nobleman, looking to make his mark in the world. When their worlds collide, they struggle to know where they fit together--or if they fit, at all.

The Northwest Company Fur Post
in Pine City, MN

I loved researching this time period and setting characters there. Many people are surprised to learn that Europeans were in Minnesota as early as the mid-1600's. Fur traders, missionaries, and explorers were drawn to the banks of the Mississippi River, as well as Lake Superior and the thousands of other waterways in the region. When Carrie asked me to be part of this collection, I immediately knew I wanted to set my story in Minnesota. Part of my research was visiting the Northwest Company Fur Post in Pine City, Minnesota, which is just a couple hours away from my home. The fur post in my story is inspired by the one I visited.

There are lots of ways to connect with me, but my two favorites are my newsletter, which you can find here, or my author page on Facebook, which you can find here. Be sure to leave a comment below, because I'm giving away a copy of The Backcountry Brides Collection to one person who comments on this blog today. Thanks for stopping by!

Debra E. Marvin

What a great honor to be part of this collection! I've long enjoyed imagining myself in a colonial setting and having the chance to write A HEART SO TENDER for the Backcountry Brides Collection was a delight. My story takes place in 1764 at Fort Niagara during The Great Gathering, a very interesting and tense time in our history.

As thousands of Native warriors converge on Fort Niagara, jaded British Lieutenant Archibald Walsh and idealistic schoolmistress Susannah Kimball learn the greatest risk lies in guarding their hearts.

I'm giving away a paperback to one commenter on the blog.

For more about my fiction, please visit my facebook page, Debra E. Marvin.. I'm also giving away a $25.00 Amazon Gift Card to a random new subscriber to my newsletter during May, June or July. Sign up here!

Thank you for all your support for colonial fiction!


Jennifer Hudson Taylor

Jennifer is an award winning author of Inspirational fiction set in historic Europe and the Carolinas. She's a speaker on writing, publishing and digital marketing. Her work has been reviewed by USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, and Library Journal. Her works have appeared in national publications, such as Guideposts, Heritage Quest Magazine, RT Book Reviews, and The Military Trader. Jennifer graduated from Elon University with a B.A. in Communications and is currently enrolled in a M.A. program at Queens University with an interactive digital strategy concentration. When she isn't writing, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, visiting historical sites, cycling, horseback riding, genealogy, and reading. You can learn more about her at www.jenniferhudsontaylor.net.

Giveaway: Jennifer is giving away a set of her MacGregor Legacy books, including: Book 1: For Love or Loyalty (1763), Book 2: For Love or Country (1781), Book 3: For Love or Liberty (1813) to one lucky winner. This series follows 3 generations of the MacGregor family as they emigrate from Scotland to the Carolinas through the Revolutionary War and to the War of 1812.

Jennifer will also give away a faith plaque show below. It has a cross and a statement that says, "Don't worry about tomorrow, God is already there." 

For today's Facebook Party, Jennifer will give away a copy of Backcountry Brides, a copy of For Love or Country, and a stationary set. 

Denise Weimer


Denise's novella, Across Three Autumns, takes place in Georgia's Revolutionary War "Hornet's Nest." Jenny White, who falls in love with Scottish militia scout Caylan McIntosh while fending off Loyalists, Indians, and British, is modeled after a real-life Rev War heroine. To a tea party participant who leaves a comment here on the blog, Denise will be gifting a free print copy of Backcountry Brides! She will also be drawing for a winner from the Facebook Page during her 5-5:30 EST slot for a choice of either a Georgia Gold Series or Restoration Trilogy print novel. https://deniseweimerbooks.webs.com

Angela K Couch

To keep from freezing in the Great White North, Angela K Couch cuddles under quilts with her laptop. Winning short story contests, being a semi-finalist in ACFW’s Genesis Contest, and a finalist in the International Digital Awards also helped warm her up. As a passionate believer in Christ, her faith permeates the stories she tells. Her martial arts training, experience with horses, and appreciation for good romance sneak in there, as well. When not writing, she stays fit (and warm) by chasing after three (almost four!) munchkins.

A Worthy Groom: 1771 - Sapling Grove settlement on the Holston River (Tennessee)
The Cowden temper has been Marcus’s lifelong bane. A trait Lorinda Cowden curses. Now, winning the heart of his bride hinges on fighting a war without raising a fist.

Find out about Angela's Revolutionary War series, Hearts at War, on her website: www.angelakcouch.com
or Facebook

Carrie Fancett Pagels

Carrie Fancett Pagels, Ph.D., is the award-winning author of fifteen Christian historical romances, including ECPA bestsellers. Twenty-five years as a psychologist didn't "cure" her overactive imagination! A self-professed “history geek,” she resides with her family in the Historic Triangle of Virginia but grew up as a “Yooper,” in Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula. Carrie loves to read, bake, bead, and travel – but not all at the same time! 

Blurb: Shenandoah Hearts by Carrie Fancett Pagels
1754 - Great Wagon Road, into the Shenandoah Valley (Virginia)
As the French-Indian War commences, Magda Sehler wonders if Jacob Owens lost his mind to have abandoned his Philadelphia business and moved to the Shenandoah Valley. Or has he lost his heart?

This has been a dream come true, since founding the Colonial American Christian Writers group eight years ago and since we founded the Colonial Quills blog. I always imagined a collection set across the FRONTIER of colonial America, and my own story where my real-life ancestors lived, in the Shenandoah Valley. We even did a Christmas Anthology A Forted Frontier Holiday about five years ago set in that location (click here to read.) THANK you for celebrating with us!

Giveaway: Carrie is giving away a copy of The Backcountry Brides collection (or substitute one of her other fifteen books if you win) here on the blog party plus a cool arrowhead (got this up in the Shenandoah area where my story is set!) and a beautiful tricorner hat pin from the American Revolutionary War Museum in Yorktown, Virginia. At the FB party, Carrie is giving way a copy of her Holt Medallion finalist book, The Steeplechase, which is set in Williamsburg and Yorktown areas of Virginia.

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The Backcountry Brides Collection (Barbour, May 2018) can be purchased at:

Christian Book Distributors  

 Walmart 

 Barnes & Noble  

 Amazon 

 Check at your local Christian bookstores, e.g., Lifeway, to see if they have copies, too! 

We have a big Rafflecopter giveaway going, through May 31st, with a Kindle Paperwhite (retail value $119.00), a paperback copy of The Backcountry Brides ($15 value),  a CD of Scottish fiddle music, hand-made notecards, colonial paper dolls, premium chocolate bars, a custom monogram embroidery kit, and more fun goodies for a total value of approximately $200.  (Void where prohibited by law.)

PLEASE stop by our Backcountry Brides Facebook party, too, where authors will be visiting with readers. If you have a favorite author, please be sure to go by and see when they'll be posting during the party. Be sure to leave a comment below, on the blog post, to enter for the prizes posted here on the blog. (Click here to go to the party.)

GIVEAWAYS: Leave your comments below to enter for prizes (void where prohibited by law.) Winners will be announced at the top of the blog on Wednesday, May 2, 2018, by 9 PM Eastern Time.

a Rafflecopter giveaway