Meet author Lynne Tagawa
Lynne Tagawa is an educator, author, and editor living in South Texas. Best of all, she’s a mom of four and a grandma to six. She loves writing historical fiction with a theological emphasis. A Fallen Sparrow: A Novel of the American Revolution, is a 2023 Selah Awards finalist. She sometimes falls down rabbit holes in her research, and her husband enables her by ignoring the dust.
What inspired you to write your story?
The Root of the Matter was inspired by John Winthrop, the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. I’d read bits of his journal and was amazed at the depth of his heart. Not a cold man or harsh magistrate. But I didn’t know how to communicate this long-ago era until I had an epiphany: a character who goes back in time.
What genre do you focus on.
I love history and love historical fiction because it brings history to life. My passion is to be accurate but at the same time relatable and entertaining!
Why do you write?
For me, it’s an empty-nester thing. My kids are grown, and I don’t know how to sew. And all my plants die.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
Geneva Fielding is an archivist in the Department of Applied History at Harvard of the (near) future. Geneva is a reference to Geneva, Switzerland, a hub of the Protestant Reformation. It is also the name of the Bible translation the Pilgrims and Puritans read.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I try to write a little every day, but it doesn’t always happen. Sometimes, it just happens in my head. It marinates before I set it down.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
The discipline. To keep writing. I love it, but still.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
Coming to the end of the story—putting the final polish on it—there’s a lot of satisfaction there.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
I’ve learned the craft of writing over time, of course. But I’ve also learned from my research. I’ve had to study the history and the theology woven into my stories. So, when my readers say they learn a lot from my books, well, I have to say, so have I!
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
I’ve written a series set during the 18th century, and it’s NOT time travel. Just straight history—from the Great Awakening to the American Revolution. The first in the series is The Shenandoah Road: A Novel of the Great Awakening.
What are you working on now?
The sequel, of course! Geneva Fielding goes back in time to investigate Anne Hutchinson and the craziness of those couple of years. I plan for the American Puritans series to be a trilogy—at least!
Website: www.lynnetagawa.com
Link to book: https://amzn.to/3KsK6uA
Social media links: X: @LynneTagawa
Facebook: Lynne Basham Tagawa
Meet author Lauralee Bliss
Lauralee Bliss is a published author of over thirty romance novels and novellas in both historical and contemporary. Lauralee enjoys writing books that are reminiscent of a roller-coaster ride for the reader. Her desire is that readers will come away with both an entertaining story and a lesson that speaks to the heart and soul. Besides her love of writing, Lauralee is a passionate long-distance hiker, having completed many trails including the famous Appalachian Trail. Lauralee makes her home in Virginia with her husband and furry pals Skye, Belle, and Beau.
Tell us about your newest book.
When the Avalanche Roared is set in the Cascades of Washington State in 1910 during a traumatic time of relentless snows that buried the rail towns serving the Great Northern Railway. During this time, an unlikely union springs between an assistant postmistress from Everett who has come to care for her pregnant cousin, and a slow railroad laborer facing ridicule among his fellow workers for his inability to read. But all is cast aside when the town of Wellington teams together to rescue passengers and workers buried under snow and steel from an avalanche that pushed trains into a ravine.
What inspired you to write When the Avalanche Roared?
I have always had an interest in the human spirit during the worst of catastrophes. When Barbour Publishing began a search for stories set in the backdrop of disaster, the worst avalanche in U.S. history became an intriguing backdrop to share the story of determination and strength in a race against time.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
Lillian Hartwick is in Wellington, Washington, caring for her expectant cousin and assisting the postmaster when February snows bring all train traffic to a halt. Slow-witted but kind Griffin Jones, who works odd jobs while enduring taunts from rail workers, tries to gain Lillian’s interest, but she is awaiting her fiancé’s arrival from California. Predawn thunderstorms on Tuesday, March 1, 1910, trigger a devastating avalanche, sweeping trains down Stevens Pass. Lillian and Griffin work together to help survivors, including Griffin’s tormentors, and their feelings for each other grow. But is it enough when Lillian’s fiancé finally arrives in the spring, ready to claim her as his own?
What genre do you focus on?
I love historical fiction. I enjoy traveling and history, and so I search out unique aspects of history to set into a novel, anywhere from the tuberculosis hospital housed deep inside Mammoth Cave in Kentucky, to children rescued from Nazi control in war-torn Amsterdam, to trains swept into a ravine by an avalanche.
Why do you write?
I have always liked to tell a tale of adventure, mixed with the goodness of God. If I can impart a spiritual lesson that ministers to the heart and soul while telling a page-turning story, then I am very happy. Never bury your gifts but use them for God’s glory.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
Lillian Hartwick, an assistant postmistress hailing from a wealthy family in Everett, and Griffin Jones, a common railroad laborer, are the main characters in my book. As for their names, they just came to me. I have no set formula, though in the past, I have used the names of family, friends, or acquaintances.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
The times that you let your writing get sidelined when you should be focused. Procrastination can be a tough enemy to beat. Sometimes your thinking gets attacked, wondering if you can tell a story others will enjoy. Or if it will make a difference. It can be a constant battle but one authors must win.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
Seeing readers changed by reading one of my books. Then it truly feels like I am God’s instrument for the written word, using biblical principles woven into the art of storytelling to change lives.
What’s one unusual fact about you?
I am one of only a few women to complete the Appalachian Trail both north and south.
And so with that….
What is your favorite pastime?
Hiking! I’ve traipsed 15,000 miles of trail from the Appalachian Trail to Arizona! I’ve been at 13,000 feet and below sea level. I’ve camped among the palms, the cactus in the desert, and above tree line. And I have been blessed to enjoy the creativity of God in so many ways.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
Yes indeed! Here are a few –
Escape from Amsterdam delves into the rescue of children in the Netherlands from Nazi control
Cavern’s Curse follows intrigue in Mammoth Cave, Kentucky after death haunts a troubled widower and his nephew
My hiking adventure series follows my real Iife backpacking trips in Mountains, Madness, and Miracles – 4000 Miles along the Appalachian Trail and Gators, Guts, and Glory – Adventures along the Florida Trail.
Website: https://lauraleebliss.com/
Link to book: https://lauraleebliss.com/books/when-the-avalanche-roared/
Social media links:
The Joys and Challenges of Writing Julia’s Joy
Writing Julia’s Joy presented several unique challenges, particularly due to my commitment to accuracy and authenticity. My dedication to portraying real places and historical figures demands thorough research and collaboration with experts, making the writing process both rewarding and complex.
One of the primary challenges I faced was ensuring that the historical context of the Thousand Islands, particularly Sister Island and its lighthouse, was accurately represented. Given the region’s rich history during the Gilded Age, I wanted to capture the essence of the time while remaining faithful to the actual events and people associated with the location. This meant delving deeply into historical records, which required meticulous attention to detail.
To achieve this level of accuracy, I engaged a Thousand Islands historian to review my manuscript. Collaborating with an expert added an extra layer of scrutiny to my work and provided invaluable insights into the historical nuances of the era. While this collaboration was beneficial, it also required me to be open to feedback and willing to make adjustments to my narrative based on expert advice. Balancing my creative vision with historical fidelity can be a delicate process.
Sister Island is now privately owned, which posed another research challenge. Access to information about the island’s history and its lighthouse was challenging, making it essential for me to dig deeper to unearth relevant details. I scoured various sources, including historical archives, books, and online databases, to piece together the story of Sister Island and its significance.
Incorporating historical details into the narrative while ensuring the story remains engaging is a balancing act. I aimed to create a vivid backdrop that reflects the era without overwhelming readers with excessive information. Striking this balance required thoughtful integration of facts into the storyline, ensuring that the historical context enhanced the narrative rather than detracting from it.
The extensive research and revisions necessitated by my commitment to accuracy also posed challenges in terms of time management. Balancing the demands of research, writing, and revisions can be daunting, especially when striving for a high level of authenticity. I had to navigate this complex workflow while maintaining my creative momentum and ensuring that the story flowed naturally.
Beyond the logistical challenges, I also faced emotional hurdles. Writing about loss, healing, and the complexities of relationships can be deeply personal and sometimes overwhelming. Julia’s journey, filled with heartache and growth, required me to connect with my character’s emotions authentically. This introspection can lead to moments of vulnerability that, while enriching the writing process, also require resilience.
About Julia’s Joy:
She came to claim her inheritance, but the mysterious scarred lighthouse keeper makes her question all her plans.
When Julia Collins reluctantly sets foot on Sister Island, compelled by her wealthy grandmother’s will, she is intent on claiming her inheritance and moving on. But when she experiences the peaceful, faith-filled island life, and connects with the handsome lightkeeper, William, Julia finds herself confronting her open wounds from her parents’ deaths.
William Dodge, lightkeeper of Sister Island, harbors a heart hardened by a past betrayal. Between that and his chronic pleurisy, he wants nothing to do with love. But when Julia arrives on the island bursting with vitality and unconventional notions, William’s world is turned upside down. As she chips away at the walls William has built for himself, he finds his reluctance waning.
But just as love begins to blossom between them, Julia is faced with a tempting proposal from a prominent Brockville family. Will she succumb to societal expectations or choose the richness of her island life and the love of the steadfast lightkeeper?
Buy links: Amazon | Barnes&Nobles | Wild Heart Books
Lisa Braxton
Lisa Braxton is the author of the novel, The Talking Drum, winner of a 2021 Independent Publisher (IPPY) Book Awards Gold Medal and winner of a 2020 Outstanding Literary Award from the National Association of Black Journalists. She is also the author of the award-winning Dancing Between the Raindrops: A Daughter’s Reflections on Love and Loss.
Tell us about your newest book.
It is 1971. The fictional city of Bellport, Massachusetts, is in decline with an urban redevelopment project on the horizon expected to transform this dying factory town into a thriving economic center. This planned transformation has a profound effect on the residents who live in Bellport as their own personal transformations take place. Sydney Stallworth steps away from her fellowship and law studies at an elite university to support husband Malachi’s dream of opening a business in the heart of the black community of his hometown, Bellport. For Omar Bassari, an immigrant from Senegal, Bellport is where he will establish his drumming career and the launching pad from which he will spread African culture across the world, while trying to hold onto his marriage. Della Tolliver has built a fragile sanctuary in Bellport for herself, boyfriend Kwamé Rodriguez, and daughter Jasmine, a troubled child prone to nightmares and outbursts. Tensions rise as the demolition date moves closer, plans for gentrification are laid out, and the pace of suspicious fires picks up. The residents find themselves at odds with a political system manipulating their lives and question the future of their relationships.
What inspired you to write The Talking Drum?
My parents are the inspiration for The Talking Drum. They opened a high-fashion men’s clothing store in 1969 in an urban area of Bridgeport, Connecticut. The neighborhood, which was thriving when they moved there from the South in the 1950s was on the decline not long after they opened the clothing store. Factories left the city, crime increased. That neighborhood is now undergoing gentrification, much like the neighborhood in The Talking Drum.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
The Talking Drum centers on three young couples in the early 1970s and how their lives are affected when an urban redevelopment project takes over an immigrant neighborhood for gentrification.
What genre do you focus on?
I focus on both fiction and nonfiction. I enjoy expressing myself in both genres and it’s a great mental exercise to be able to switch from one to the other. More specifically I enjoy writing about African Americans and social justice themes. I think there are so many stories yet to be told from the African American perspective. By writing on social justice themes I hope to inspire readers to advocate for a cause that will in some way bring about improvement in society.
Why do you write?
I am a quiet person. I grew up being overlooked often by the other kids or teased. I’m driven to write because if someone picks up an essay, short story or book I’ve written, they can’t overlook me. And I can have an impact. Also, for whatever reason, I constantly have all kinds of story ideas swirling around in my head.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
Sydney Stallworth is my main character. She is a law student who puts her studies on hold to support her husband’s desire to leave academia and open up a bookstore in his hometown. I liked the name because it seemed gender neutral to me.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I have no schedule. I have a full-time career as a communications manager for a nonprofit and am active in my church and charitable causes, so I write when I have snatches of time, when I’m on commuter rail to get into work, on airplanes, at the airport gate. Sometimes I’ll rise an hour early and write. Also, when I’m traveling I like to book the hotel for an extra day so I can spend that time writing.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
The hardest part for me is getting people to notice my book and embrace it. There is so much good literature out there and since I am published by a small press with a small budget, I don’t have the support of a large publishing house marketing department. I am searching for strategic and clever ways to get readers to purchase copies.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
Knowing that my words mean something to people. That people can read my words and be impacted by them, that they can learn something from what I’ve written, that my words can assure them when they’re uncertain, or entertain them and make them laugh out loud.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
My memoir: Dancing Between the Raindrops: A Daughter’s Reflections on Love and Loss. In my memoir, I take the reader to the core of my loss and extend a lifeline of comfort to anyone who needs to be reminded that in their grief they are not alone.
What are you working on now?
Another novel, historical fiction taking place in Boston during the 19th century.
Website: https://lisabraxton.com/
Link to book: https://www.inanna.ca/product/the-talking-drum/
Social media links:
TwitterX: @lisareidbraxton
Twitter/X: @lisaannbraxton
Instagram: lisabraxtonwrites
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisa.a.braxton/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisabraxton/
Meet author Abbey Downey
Abbey Downey started writing inspirational romance stories during naptime when her kids were babies and found she couldn’t stop. A life-long Midwestern girl, Abbey lives in central Indiana with her husband, two kids, and one rather enthusiastic beagle. She loves watching her kids play sports and fixing up a 1900 farmhouse with her husband. Connect with Abbey at abbeydowney.com.
Tell us about your newest book.
An Unexpected Catch is set in 1907 and tells the story of Bea Curran, a female umpire in the semi-professional Chicago City Baseball League, and Emmett Worland, a pitcher who is hiding a potentially career-ending secret. Neither one is looking for love but when they begin working together to help the college women’s baseball team Bea coaches, they unexpectedly fall for each other.
What inspired you to write this book?
The whole Adventurous Hearts series was inspired by real women who were involved in the early days of sports and exploration. In almost every instance, women started joining in right alongside men, but as soon as the governing bodies realized it, females were barred from participating for decades. While I heavily fictionalize the stories for my books, I wanted to shed some light on those pioneering women. An Unexpected Catch is based on Amanda Clement, who is said to be the first female who was paid to umpire in baseball. She was also a widely accomplished athlete and spent a big part of her life training other women to teach physical education, the precursor of our gym teachers.
What genre do you focus on?
My books are historical, while my short stories are mixed between historical and contemporary. But no matter the time period, there’s always romance. I’ve loved love stories since I was very young, and I can’t imagine writing without a romantic element. I usually include overt Christian elements in my books because one of my goals for my writing is that it will encourage fellow Christians in their faith. It’s also very important to me that there are high-quality, interesting books out there for readers who want a love story without the level of explicit content that’s trending right now. For several reasons, I won’t read spicy books, and I want to help provide alternatives for other readers like me.
Why do you write?
I write largely to encourage other believers in their faith through fictional stories. When I was an advanced young reader, Christian fiction as we know it was only beginning to grow as a genre. I could read those early Christian romance novels at that age because they were guaranteed not to have anything inappropriate in them. I loved experiencing new times and places while growing in my understanding of my faith. I hope to provide readers with a similar experience!
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
Bea’s first name is one that I used for a side character in a book I wrote that will probably never be published. But it inspired my Adventurous Hearts series, and I used several characters from it in the series, including Bea. Her last name is special to me because it’s the last name of some extended family from my dad’s side and I have a passion for family history.
What’s one thing your readers should know about you?
Something readers might like to know, if they haven’t already picked up on it, is that I started out writing under a pen name and had two books published with Love Inspired Historical using that name (Mollie Campbell). I HATED doing in-person events and interviews using a name that wasn’t mine, though. I just never knew how to introduce myself without going into the whole story. So when I switched publishers, I also changed to using my real name. Yes, no matter how much it might sound like I jumped on the Downton Abbey train, this is my real married name.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
It’s an ongoing process, but my perspective on writing has changed over time from seeing publication as the goal to seeing each book I get to release as a step in the journey. I’ve experienced a decent amount of two steps forward, one step back in my writing career, even after my first book came out. Writers, being published doesn’t mean you’ve arrived! Keep learning and growing and be willing to adjust your career path expectations (because we all have to at some point).
What is your favorite pastime?
My family moved to three acres in the country a few years ago so we spend a lot of time taking care of our previously neglected property. Working together to improve our home is one of my favorite things. I also love working on embroidery and cross stitch in the evenings. And reading, of course!
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
Be sure to check out the first book in this series, An Uncertain Road. It’s about a female racecar driver and the reluctant, grumpy mechanic who ends up riding along with her on a ten-day endurance race in 1905. The series is only loosely connected by theme so the books can be read in any order.
I also wrote two books for Love Inspired Historical under a pen name several years ago. You can find Taking on Twins and Orphan Train Sweetheart by Mollie Campbell in ebook on Amazon and Harlequin.com.
What are you working on now?
I have just finished book 3 in the Adventurous Hearts series, which will be released in July 2025. It’s set in 1910 and follows a woman who started her own version of the Explorer’s Club and is embarking on her first international expedition—while falling in love with her best friend in the process. I’m still tossing around ideas for what comes after that, but readers can be sure it will include romance, faith, and lots of interesting history!
Website: www.abbeydowney.com
Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1963212096
Social media links:
https://www.facebook.com/AbbeyDowneyAuthor
https://www.instagram.com/abbeydowney/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/45241091.Abbey_Downey
Faith, Hope, and Love in all my stories
As with all of my stories, faith, hope, and love are reoccurring themes. In Julia’s Joy, the overarching message is one of hope—a theme that resonates throughout all thirteen stories in my Thousand Islands stories. This hope is multi-faceted, encompassing aspirations for a better future, the promise of love, and the transformative power of healing.
At its core, Julia’s Joy illustrates that even in the face of profound loss, there is always the possibility of a brighter tomorrow. Julia enters Sister Island burdened by her past, yet as she engages with the community and experiences the island’s beauty, she begins to envision a life filled with potential. This transformation serves as a reminder to readers that the future can be reimagined, regardless of the pain that may anchor us.
The story also explores the theme of love—both romantic and familial. Julia’s journey toward opening her heart to William symbolizes the beauty of new beginnings, even after betrayal and heartache. Their relationship blossoms amidst their individual struggles, showcasing how love can serve as a powerful catalyst for healing. This message encourages readers to believe in the possibility of love, even in the aftermath of loss.
A significant aspect of hope in Julia’s Joy is the emphasis on forgiveness. Julia’s journey includes coming to terms with my family’s betrayals and her own feelings of abandonment. By learning to forgive—not just others but also herself—she embarks on a path of healing. This theme encourages readers to confront their own grievances, suggesting that forgiveness can be a vital step toward emotional freedom and renewal.
Faith plays a pivotal role in Julia’s transformation. Throughout her struggles, she learns to embrace God’s redemption, finding solace and strength in her spiritual beliefs. This aspect of the narrative underscores the idea that, no matter how broken we may feel, there is always a way back to wholeness through faith and community. For readers, this message serves as a gentle reminder that divine love can guide us through our darkest moments.
About Julia’s Joy:
She came to claim her inheritance, but the mysterious scarred lighthouse keeper makes her question all her plans.
When Julia Collins reluctantly sets foot on Sister Island, compelled by her wealthy grandmother’s will, she is intent on claiming her inheritance and moving on. But when she experiences the peaceful, faith-filled island life, and connects with the handsome lightkeeper, William, Julia finds herself confronting her open wounds from her parents’ deaths.
William Dodge, lightkeeper of Sister Island, harbors a heart hardened by a past betrayal. Between that and his chronic pleurisy, he wants nothing to do with love. But when Julia arrives on the island bursting with vitality and unconventional notions, William’s world is turned upside down. As she chips away at the walls William has built for himself, he finds his reluctance waning.
But just as love begins to blossom between them, Julia is faced with a tempting proposal from a prominent Brockville family. Will she succumb to societal expectations or choose the richness of her island life and the love of the steadfast lightkeeper?
Buy links: Amazon | Barnes&Nobles | Wild Heart Books