Meet author Cynthia Simmons

Cynthia L. Simmons is the mother of five grown children, former homeschool mom, a Bible teacher, past president of Christian Authors Guild, radio host, media coach, and columnist for Leading Hearts magazine. She writes both fiction and non-fiction. Since she loves history, she fills her presentations with lively stories from the past. While she speaks to women of all ages, she has a special place in her heart for young mothers and homeschool mothers.

Tell us about your newest book.

My new book, Valuing Gold, is the first in a series of three mysteries about a Civil War Bank. Money and banking were different during that era, and my mysteries give me a chance to share my research while sharing the joys of walking by faith.

What inspired you to write Valuing Gold?

I grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee where an important Civil War battle took place. The city has several historic sites we often visited when I grew up. I assumed everyone climbed on cannons and rode bikes on battlefields. My father researched so much on the guns that he could have led a tour of any of the museums. Naturally I love the era and I used my studies to write a historical fiction mystery.

How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?

Uneasiness permeated Chattanooga where Mary Beth Roper grew up. Every conversation she overheard was heated, yet her banker-father was hesitant to reveal the facts. Will Tennessee secede and force them into a war? She was an adult and demanded he tell her the truth, yet she feared the fierce politics she’d seen. Then she learned a rogue customer threatened their bank. Somehow, she must find a way to work with Peter Chandler, her father’s partner, even though she can’t bear to be near him. As she unraveled an impossible puzzle, she learned to value her faith.

What genre do you focus on and why?

I love writing mysteries because I love reading them and sticking in mystery elements comes naturally. However, I also write devotionals and articles on history.

Why do you write?

The Lord blessed me, and I want to give that away. 2 Corinthians 1:4

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

Mary Beth Roper is my main character. I chose a double name since that is common in the South.

What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?

I outline the book with plot points and write from one point to the next. However, the story changes as I go. Sometimes my characters end up doing something I didn’t expect.

What is your favorite pastime?

I have several. My husband and I like ballroom dancing. I also enjoy growing orchids, resesarching, and reading.

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

Women Who Overcame, Pursuing Gold, Pursuing Gold: A History and Critical Thinking Curriculum, The Lincoln Family Curriculum – available through Old School House Magazine

What are you working on now?

I’m working on a children’s book about coins and a book about Susannah Spurgeon.

Website: https://clsimmons.com

Link to book:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1649490801/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Social media links: instagram.com/Cynthialsimmons twitter.com/CynthiaLSimmons, facebook.com/HrtMt, pinterest.com/cltsimmons, heartofthematterradio.libsyn.com, linkedin.com/cynthialsimmons