Kathleen Maher on the Civil War

Kathleen L. Maher’s first crush was Peter Rabbit, and she’s loved conflicted heroes ever since. She has two novellas in Barbour Book collections: Victorian Christmas Brides and Lessons on Love. Winner ACFW Genesis Award. author of Sons of the Shenandoah Series: The Abolitionist’s Daughter and The Chaplain’s Daughter. Kathleen and her husband live in an old farmhouse in upstate NY with their children and a small zoo.

Tell us about your newest book.

The Chaplain’s Daughter is Book two in Sons of the Shenandoah, a Civil War romance. A feisty army laundress takes up her father’s calling when a proud artillery captain finds his heart and hope shattered. A minister’s daughter abandoned during war relies on faith and grueling labor to survive. A wounded widower feels God has forsaken him. Will her devout care bring medicine to his soul or rub salt in his wounds?

Why do you write? What drives you?

A desire to share the redemptive work of God in lives is a driving force—to share the hope found in a living relationship with Jesus Christ through faith. Even though my stories are fictional, the events are often based on true experiences, whether mine or those in history, or family members. I strive for authenticity in plots and conflicts and in resolutions and happily ever after endings. Sometimes God works through “coincidences.” And often, the worst possible catastrophes lead to those outcomes that scripture describes as “exceedingly abundantly above all we could ask or imagine.”

Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?

The hero’s name is Gideon, because the biblical judge by the same name has a similar growth arc. The Bible hero begins as a broken man, hiding his harvest from the Midianites, entrenched in a generational cycle of defeat. An angel of the Lord appears to Gideon and says, “rise up mighty man of valour.” Gideon is reluctant to assume this identity, but after testing God with fleece, he finally finds the confidence to move forward as the leader he was born to be. The story’s hero Gideon Sharpe has experienced a series of devastating losses, and like his namesake, must rediscover his true identity hidden in Christ.

What is the hardest part of being an author?

Time management and marketing. Marketing consumes time just to learn the latest trends. Knowing what is working versus what is a waste of time and money means the difference between breaking even or possibly even losing money on a book launch. I am a traditionally and indie hybrid author, so some books require the additional expense of book covers, editing, plus marketing materials such as book marks, giveaways/blog prizes, featured deals, Amazon and Facebook ads. Writing can be an expensive and consuming endeavor.

What’s the best part of your author’s life? Why?

The joy of reader feedback, hearing when one’s stories touch hearts, is the best payment a writer could ask for. Interacting with the wonderful people in the writing community, both readers and fellow writers, has been the highlight of this journey.

What is your favorite pastime?

Spending time with my family, my husband/soulmate, my grandkids, and gardening, raising Newfoundland Puppies, painting wildlife and pet portraits, learning our country’s fascinating history, and walking with the Lord.

Do you have other books? We’d love to know.

Yes! Thank you for asking.The Abolitionist’s Daughter is Book 1 in the Sons of the Shenandoah series. This historical romance features twin brothers, Ethan and Devon Sharpe, who fight on opposite sides of the Civil War, after the crusading daughter of a Washington politician drives a spiritual wedge between them.

I also have two novellas in Barbour collections: The Victorian Christmas Brides Collectionwhich came out last Christmas, and Lessons on Lovewhich will launch October 2019. A Civil War romance novella which will re-release as a single title soon as well, titled Bachelor Buttons.

What are you working on now?

Book 3 in the Sons of the Shenandoah Series, No Man’s Daughter.Two years after Lee surrenders, Ben Sharpe, the youngest brother, tries to claim land abandoned by his deceased neighbors. A young lady resides there, and she claims the property belongs to her. Sparks fly in Rockingham County, Virginia, where between two rival interests, the war is still on!

I would love to offer one lucky commenter winner’s choice of one of my ebooks: either The Abolitionist’s Daughter, or The Chaplain’s Daughter. To enter, please share the link to this interview on social media, and leave a comment saying where you shared. (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc) One entry per share. Be creative! ????

Link to book:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PPQ7H22/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i1

Social media links:
Amazon: amazon.com/author/kathleenlmaher

Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/KLMaherAuthor/

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/kathleenlmaher/boards/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2531698-kathleen-l

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kathleen-l-maher