Meet author Catherine Brakefield
Catherine is an ardent lover of Christ as well as a hopeless romantic and patriot. She is the award-winning author of Wilted Dandelions, Swept into Destiny, Destiny’s Whirlwind, Destiny of Heart, Waltz with Destiny, and Love’s Final Sunrise. Catherine and her husband of fifty years have two adult children, four grandchildren, four Arabian horses, two dogs, five cats, seven chickens, and five bunnies (that number keeps climbing).
Tell us about your newest book.
Love’s Final Sunrise is an Amish futuristic novel. Ruth Jessup is editor-in-chief for the CassellHerald in Michigan. She is spending the weekend in Owenson, MI, deep in Amish country, her foxhunting club. Her grandmother died a week earlier, and Ruth is trying to cope with the loss. Since her grandmother’s death, she’s had a recurring nightmare that wakes her up from a deep slumber in a cold sweat.
What inspired you to write Love’s Final Sunrise?
I felt it imperative to tell people that though we are facing often catastrophic problems in our lives, God’s got this—we must remember that and not forget to call on Him in these worrisome days and not panic.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
Ruth loves the sport of foxhunting. Suddenly, her world is turned upside down and she finds herself literally running for her life—with nowhere to go and no knowledge of who she is. If not for the Amish man, Joshua, she would have died. Then the United States electrical grid is compromised by EMP attack. A New World Order emerges with a debonair leader who promises utopia to the world—but only when everyone accepts his deity.
What genre do you focus on?
I have always loved history, in fact, history was my favorite subject in school. So, it was an easy fit for me to want to do historical romance. Though my newest book is set in a contemporary-futuristic backdrop, because it is an Amish book, I feel right at home writing Love’s Final Sunrise.
Why do you write?
On my business cards I have written, “Writing America’s Story One Truth at a Time.” That is what motivates me to write. I don’t like seeing our history books changing because of this new WOKE culture emerging. In fact, I have to use old history books to really capture the moment and feel close to the historical personages that I include in my novels. I enjoy spicing up my historical novels with real facts about historical figures. I want my readers to see the real people who helped forge the United States. Though American’s track record is not perfect, we know through experience that history often repeats itself. I think it is important to get all the facts before my readers so they can determine the truth for themselves.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
Ruth kind of named herself. Like the Ruth in the Bible who needed a strong spiritual leader, Ruth had her grandmother as the Ruth in the Bible had Naomi. When hardships arise, Joshua shows up, just as Boaz did.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
The hardest part for me is to show and not tell. Also, I love Scripture and want to quote it continuously. Love’s Final Sunrise has more scripture than my other books because I felt it important to show the scriptural message of what Christ expects His elect should be in the latter days. The years I have lived has taught me much. After all, I watched television on a very small black and white set. Learned to type on a manual typewriter, and my parents wouldn’t allow me to date until my sixteenth birthday.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
The absolute best part of being an author is when the book is complete! And then I hear from my readers, through their reviews, how they liked the book. Writers live very solitary lives. We write, write, write, making up imaginary people we hope to bring to life through the written word. Only when we hear from our readers, do we know if we have succeeded in making our characters and story real enough for our readers to immerse themselves in every page and feel the “magic” of believing these characters are real!
What’s one thing your readers should know about you?
I never planned to be a writer. I loved to read. But I disliked sitting at a desk when the outside was a Kodak moment. I loved to horseback ride, swim, and played just about every sport. I never enjoyed sitting around or playing board games when the bright outside, or even a foggy day, beckoned me outdoors.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
I have five other books:
Wilted Dandelions
Swept into Destiny
Destiny’s Whirlwind
Destiny of Heart
Waltz with Destiny
What are you working on now?
I am excited to have finished Love’s Final Sunrise! I can’t wait to see how my readers like it. My next project, after I’ve gotten Love’s Final Sunrise off and running, is to write the sequel to Wilted Dandelions.
Website: https://www.CatherineUlrichBrakefield.com
Link to book:
https://www.crossrivermedia.com/product/loves-final-sunrise/
Social media links:
Visit my website at: https://www.catherineulrichbrakefield.com/
Amazon Author Page and learn about my newest books: https://www.amazon.com/Catherine-Ulrich-Brakefield/e/B001H6UI8U/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatherineUlrichBrakefield/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/search?q=Catherine+Ulrich+Brakefield&qid=aqKTjRCaFn
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/catherine-ulrich-brakefield?list=about
Touring the Thousand Islands
In most of my novels, I take the readers on a boat tour of the Thousand Islands, and in Rachel’s Reunion, it’s no exception. This time, though, you get to travel with William Howard Taft, who would one day become our President:
Mitch steered the vessel into the main channel. “At this point, we’re heading northeast toward the American Narrows. It’s a deep but narrow channel of the mighty St. Lawrence between Wellesley and the mainland, both of which are in New York State. With the jagged rocks and strong currents, this part of the river can be quite dangerous.” He leaned closer. “In fact, these waters have sunk many vessels.”
Mrs. Abbott threw a hand up to her ample chest. “I cannot swim. Are we in danger?”
Mitch’s assistant, Steve, addressed her concern. “No ma’am. Captain Mitch is a fine navigator. He’s been sailing these waters for years on large freighters—like the one we’re now passing.”
He pointed to a huge laker that dwarfed the Island Swan. All six of the passengers oohed and aahed.
So did Rachel, whose pretty mouth dropped open. She snapped a glance at Mitch and then back at the freighter.
What was she thinking?
Mr. Sherman walked over to the port side, held on with one hand, and waved with the other.
Mr. Abbott joined him. “I’ve seen many a ship from a distance, but none from this perspective. Makes you feel rather small, doesn’t it?”
Mr. Sherman nodded as they returned to their seats.
Mitch continued the tour. “Salties and lakers travel from the Great Lakes eastward through the St. Lawrence and then all around the world. Pleasure boats of all sizes, too. At the moment, a series of troublesome canals link the system together, and some canals are too shallow and narrow to support the largest ships. Maybe one day the U.S. and Canada will work together to become a binational comprehensive waterway, and I’m all for that. Aye, I’ve spent five years navigating these waters, and I’ll tell you, it’s no simple task.”
Mr. Taft set down his glass. “Bravo, lad. I agree. This mighty St. Lawrence River is of strategic importance to our national interests. They fought the War of 1812 here as well, correct?”
Mitch nodded as he eased into the narrowest part of the channel. He cleared his throat. “Now we’re traveling through what some have called Millionaire’s Row. Many wealthy industrialists built their magnificent summer homes here.”
Sam pointed as they passed a small island. “This is Comfort Island with its western summer home, Neh-Mahbin, and its eastern cottage, Comfort, owned by the Chicago Clark family. I hear there are magnificent murals painted on the walls by the famous impressionist, Alson Skinner Clark, and a hand-dug canal separates the two properties. Aren’t they beauties?”
Mrs. Sherman nodded. “Yes, but it must be a bother to live on an island.”
About Rachel’s Reunion
Summer 1904
Rachel Kelly serves the most elite patrons at the famed New Frontenac Hotel on Round Island. She has wondered about her old beau, Mitch, for nearly two years, ever since he toyed with her affections while on Calumet Island, then left for the high seas and taken her heart with him. Now he’s back, opening the wound she thought was healed.
Mitch O’Keefe returns to claim his bride but finds it more difficult than he thought. Returning to work at the very place he hated, he becomes captain of a New Frontenac Hotel touring yacht, just to be near Rachel. But his attempts to win her back are thwarted, especially when a wealthy patron seeks her attention. Who will Rachel choose?
Meet author Alyssa Schwarz
Contemporary romance author Alyssa Schwarz is a graduate of the Colorado School of Mines with a Master’s in Geology & Geological Engineering. She also works as a professional watercolor artist along the Colorado Front Range and is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). Alyssa’s second full-length novel, The Glass Road, is set in the Colorado mountains, and is the third installment in her new series, A Prescott Family Romance. You can find her online at www.alyssaschwarzauthor.com.
Tell us about your newest book.
The Glass Road is book #2 in the Prescott Family Romance series. It picks up with Tess and her story (briefly hinted at in book #1). Training for the Olympics, an early season injury puts her on the sidelines. When all she’s ever worked for hangs in the balance, she is more than surprised to find God’s plan for her recovery involves a summer camp in the Rocky Mountains and an unexpected new friendship that quickly blossoms into something more.
What inspired you to write The Glass Road?
After writing The Glass Cottage, I wanted to give Abigail’s cousin, Tess, a chance to share her story. Each book in the Prescott Family Romance series centers around a different Prescott cousin: Tye in Dear Beth, Abigail in The Glass Cottage, and now Tess.
Growing up in Colorado, I’ve always held a deep love and appreciation for the mountains and all their quaint small towns. This book takes place just outside Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, a place I’ve gone back to countless times over the years. I remember school and church trips to the YMCA of the Rockies, hiking through the forest, drawing closer to friends and to God. I wanted to capture that sense of finding peace in nature, and I hope this book does just that.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
At a summer camp set in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, two people must learn to work together—even if it means sacrificing the dreams they once strove so hard to protect.
At a glance, you can expect:
- A funny meet-cute (that may include someone almost running the other one over!)
- Sweet, slow-burn romance
- A charming summer camp set in a small Colorado mountain town (anybody ever been to Rocky Mountain National Park?)
- A wedding and some cute family time with the other Prescott cousins (if you’ve read either The Glass Cottage or Dear Beth, you’ll recognize a few)
What genre do you focus on and why?
So far, I’ve focused on writing contemporary Christian fiction romance. Although, as a reader, I love both contemporary and historical Christian fiction. They’re both so different from one another, but they both have the power to speak life and truth into our lives. I’d love to venture more into historical fiction, and I have a few ideas in the works, but I plan to finish this current series first and see how it all goes!
Why do you write?
God has opened so many doors for me to pursue this dream, and every day is a step in faith.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
The main character of this book is Tess Prescott, a driven, head-strong, self-sufficient athlete who has built her life around trying to be the best in her chosen career. She has placed her identity in the fact that she is a professional triathlete, so when she gets injured and has to sit out for a season, she has to learn to see herself and her self-worth as God does.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I have another part-time job, so I mainly write Wednesdays through Fridays. Every day is a little bit of writing, editing, coming up with creative ideas for Instagram posts or marketing plans…
I probably should create more of a firm schedule to stick to, but the helter-skelter method has worked so far!
What is the hardest part of being an author? Why?
Everything that comes after the initial idea for a story! That and time management. And marketing…
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
I love that I get to do something creative. My background is in geological engineering, which oddly enough involves a fair bit of storytelling in itself, but it’s so much more fun getting to dream up stories all day.
What’s one unusual fact about you?
I am also a watercolor artist. About a year ago, my mom and I created our own art company, Sundog Studios Co, and we have been blessed to be able to showcase some of our artwork in a few galleries in the Denver Metro area.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
This past year has brought with it a lot of challenges, and I feel (hope) I’ve grown from them all in some way. I’m still learning a TON from other amazing writers, and I look forward continuing to grow my craft in the future.
What is your favorite pastime?
I love to read, bake, paint, explore, and hike. I’d be happy spending an entire day doing either or all of those activities!
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
Yes! I have two other books out in the same series: Dear Beth (a novella prequel) and The Glass Cottage. I’ve also written a handful of flash fiction stories for Spark Flash Fiction online magazine.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on the final book in the series, Fields of Glass. So far, I’m really enjoying this next story as it delves into the lives of not one but two Prescott cousins, Micah and Caden. They each make a minor appearance in The Glass Road, but there is so much more to their stories. Stay tuned for more!
Website:
Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BHFH5147
Social media links:
- Facebook: https: facebook.com/authoralyssaschwarz
- Instagram: https: instagram.com/alyssaschwarzauthor/
- Pinterest: https: pinterest.com/alyssaschwarzauthor/
- Goodreads: https: goodreads.com/author/show/21846420.Alyssa_Schwarz
Meet author Tabitha Bouldin
Tabitha Bouldin has a bachelor’s degree in creative writing/English from Southern New Hampshire University. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and has been writing since 2015. When she’s not homeschooling her kids, you’ll find her curled up with a book.
Tell us about your newest book.
Waiting on the Tides is a contemporary Christian romance set at the beach. It brings Abby and Christian together, two characters that readers will recognize from throughout the series. Christian is a single father who will do anything to make certain that is daughter never feels abandoned after his wife left them. Abby wants nothing more than to prove that she’s more than the naïve college kid everyone assumes when they first meet her. When she takes a job at the school where Christian’s daughter attends, sparks fly between this pair of opposites.
What genre do you focus on?
I go back and forth between contemporary Christian romance and Christian fantasy. I love the styles that each genre provides and the stories that I’m able to tell. Underneath any type of genre I write, you’ll find romance at the core. I love reading and writing a novel that puts characters together in situations where they learn to push past what they think they know and want and see the plan that God has in store for them.
Why do you write?
I write because I can’t stop. Even if I wanted to, the words keep coming. If I don’t write them down in some form, either in a notebook or by typing on the computer, then I’ll stay awake all hours of the night imagining the story in my head. Characters refuse to be quiet until they get their moment in the spotlight. I was not the person who always knew they wanted to write. It came to me about six years ago and I’ve been chasing down stories ever since.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I’m almost always writing a book. That means I sit down every morning around 8 am and work until noon. Most days, I’m still at the keyboard, typing away, until 3 pm. I’m easily distracted and will procrastinate at a moment’s notice, so those extra hours can be necessary to ensure I get the work done on time. After I finish my word count for the day, it’s time to check on the kids schooling and then family time.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
The hardest part for me is letting a story go. There are times when the story isn’t ready, or it’s not the right time to tell that story. I want to push through and force the words to come to me. But I’ve learned that it’s always better to wait. The story stays in my head but not focusing on it allows thoughts and ideas to percolate until I reach the point that I know what needs to happen.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
The best part is seeing the story come alive. And holding the paperback in my hands. There’s nothing better than flipping through the pages and having that sense of peace that is God telling me I’ve done my part. I followed His calling and put pen to paper and now it’s time to start all over again. I love the thrill of discovery that comes from each story, and I get to experience that again and again.
What’s one unusual fact about you?
I’ve been a farmgirl all my life. I’ve owned horses, cows, pigs, cats, dogs, and chickens. Often all at the same time. You’ll see that come out in my stories from time to time. In fact, I recently adopted a blind quarter horse who was used as a therapy horse for autistic children. He’s now living the high life in the pasture, occasionally being ridden by me or one of my kids or a niece or nephew. I’ve never been able to look at an animal and think they have nothing left, that I shouldn’t do my absolute best to make what remains of their life peaceful as a thank you for all the love they have given.
What is your favorite pastime?
Reading. Hands down. I would read all the time if I could. I love words. All the words. I’m a voracious reader who believes there’s no such thing as too many books…just ask my bookshelves after I tried to find a place to put my latest book order.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
I have several books out now. My very first series is a Christian speculative fiction based on a woman who can see the future and tries to change it to save a man’s life. Then there’s the Independence Island series which is wrapping up soon with this last book, Waiting on the Tides. I also have a steampunk Alice in Wonderland retelling titled Madness in Wonderland.
What are you working on now?
Right this moment, I’m working on another Christian fairy tale retelling that is outside my Madness in Wonderland series while also plotting another contemporary Christian romance for the Suamalie Island series. There are so many words out there ready to be explored!
Website: https://tabithabouldin.com
Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09R3LGZGG
Social media links:
https://www.facebook.com/tabithabouldinauthor
https://www.instagram.com/tabithabouldin
https://www.twitter.com/tabithabouldin
https://www.tiktok.com/@steampunk_tales_tabitha
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/tabitha-bouldin
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17732105.Tabitha_Bouldin
https://www.amazon.com/author/tabithabouldin
https://mailchi.mp/336c3621e5e7/tabithabouldinauthor
Photography in 1904
It’s always fun to research new things, and I had fun learning about cameras and photography in 1904. The Century Camera was a favorite of professionals, and the Brownie was an all-around every man’s camera that was sold well into the 1960s. I actually played with one that I found in my attic growing up. Here’s an excerpt from Rachel’s Reunion about photography during this time:
He took her hand and led her to his camera. “And now, I’d like to introduce you to my most prized possession. The Century Camera.” The unmistakable pride in his voice as he placed a hand on the wooden tripod that held the contraption aloft caught her attention. “It’s a high caliber camera. Used by only the best photographers.”
Rachel inspected the polished mahogany box covered in black leather. She ran a fingertip across the warm brass hardware that sparkled in the sunshine. “It’s beautiful.”
“I have a Brownie and a folding pocket Kodak for everyday pictures, but for portraits and masterpieces such as I’m taking today, she’s the key. Just months ago, this new camera led the technology breakthroughs introduced at the St. Louis World’s Fair. I’m thrilled to have it.”
Rachel shivered. “Not to impute your skill, sir, but I doubt you’ll create a masterpiece by taking a picture of me.”
Chester gazed at her with such admiration she went weak at the knees. “Oh, but my dear Rachel, in all my travels, I’ve never seen a face like this.” He cupped her chin tenderly, scanning her face. “Not in the gilded halls of New York, nor the finest hotels of Chicago. Not even at the World’s Fair, which I attended. Your face exceeds them all.”
Rachel’s breath caught in her throat under his flattery. “You mock me, sir.”
He threw his hands up in surrender. “On my mother’s grave, I do not.” He withdrew his hand and slapped his thigh. “But let’s end this banter and get to work. Martha will attend to your ministrations while I finish here.” He waved his hand toward the maid and turned his back to her, thus ending their conversation. “Martha. Chop chop.”
The buxom, middle-aged woman patted the chair. “Come, let’s prepare you for the camera. You have such lovely hair, miss.”
Rachel halted. “Prepare me?”
The matronly woman held out her arms as if to embrace a child. “Just a tad. To enhance you. Not make you a courtesan. Fear not, my dear.”
Reluctantly, Rachel sat and let the woman work on her hair. “You did a fine job on your Gibson. A few adjustments, and it will be perfect. Then we’ll do your makeup.”
Rachel’s hands flew up to her warming cheeks. “No makeup. It would be too… embarrassing.”
Martha put her hands on Rachel’s shoulders and patted them. “The camera needs a little shading else you’ll look like a corpse. Don’t worry. We’ll wipe it all off before anyone sees.”
Rachel swallowed her angst and allowed Martha to add a few dabs of rouge to her cheeks and lips before handing her the mirror.
The woman’s dark eyes twinkled. “There now. You’re simply stunning.”
About Rachel’s Reunion
Summer 1904
Rachel Kelly serves the most elite patrons at the famed New Frontenac Hotel on Round Island. She has wondered about her old beau, Mitch, for nearly two years, ever since he toyed with her affections while on Calumet Island, then left for the high seas and taken her heart with him. Now he’s back, opening the wound she thought was healed.
Mitch O’Keefe returns to claim his bride but finds it more difficult than he thought. Returning to work at the very place he hated, he becomes captain of a New Frontenac Hotel touring yacht, just to be near Rachel. But his attempts to win her back are thwarted, especially when a wealthy patron seeks her attention. Who will Rachel choose?
Meet author Alicia Whittle
The West has always been a fascinating subject for Alicia Whittle’s writing, especially romance. Later in life, she was able to settle in Colorado, which helped inspire her. Cowboys have influenced her since childhood when the TV was full of stories about them. She has enjoyed reading romance since a very young age. Travels with her Air Force husband and later with RVing have also inspired her stories.
Tell us about your newest book.
Madeline Westwood has been widowed for three years. While vacationing in Colorado with her twenty-six-year-old daughter, she literally stumbles into a handsome rancher whose uncanny resemblance to her deceased husband causes her to question her attraction to him. Are her new feelings actually for Clint or echoes of her lost love, and how will she resolve them?
Horseman Clint Remington is intrigued by the woman staying at the ranch where he is stabling his horses. He’s sworn off relationships, but Madeline and the secret she may be harboring prove irresistible. Is two weeks enough time to heal past wounds and find new love in the face of unrelenting truth?
What inspired you to write Dead Ringer Cowboy?
I was watching my husband and wondered if I passed away (sorry if that sounds maudlin) would another woman be attracted to him because he looks like her deceased husband?
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
A vacationing widow finds her world turned upside down when she encounters her late husband’s double.
What genre do you focus on?
I enjoy romantic westerns stories about cowboys and independent women. I grew up watching TV shows on Saturday mornings with cowboys like Sky King, Cisco Kid, Roy Rogers, and the Lone Ranger. I’ve always been a romantic. I think it’s just in my nature.
Why do you write?
I never thought much about writing although I used it in a different form most of my life in letters to family and friends and spent many years as an administrative assistant (business writing). Not until I took some classes in college later in life did I realize there might be potential to write books when I retired. After praying about it, the Holy Spirit’s nudge kept telling me to write. I want to share encouraging hope mostly to women that there are good men out there.
Who is your main character and how did you choose the name?
The main character for my book was Madeline Westwood. I’m not sure how I stumbled on the name, but it seemed like a woman of that age would be named Madeline. Westwood was a switch of Eastwood, since my stories are out west.
What is your work schedule like when you are writing a book?
I’m not as disciplined as I would like to be, but it seems that my window to write is in the afternoon. I can write for two or more hours straight, with occasional breaks.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
Marketing. When you self-publish a book, you become not only an author, but a publisher and have to know the ins and outs of marketing if you want your book out there for others to read. It takes a chunk of time away from your writing schedule.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
For me, it’s a form of escaping from stress. I love to get into the characters, setting, and the story line itself. This world has so many negatives going on, that it’s nice to take your mind to a place of hope and happiness.
What’s one unusual fact about you?
I have owned dachshunds most of my life.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
After about eight years, I think I’ve learned that writing a book is not what I learned in high school English or college courses. It’s a journey of growth. It takes time and support from other authors to write a good book. I believe I’ve come a long way in understanding what makes up a decent manuscript.
What is your favorite pastime?
Two actually: spending time with family whenever possible and reading a good clean western romance.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
At this point, I don’t have other books published, however, Dead Ringer Cowboy is the beginning of a series.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on Natalie’s Cowboy.
Website: https://aliciawhittle.com
Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Dead+Ringer+Cowboy&crid=6NW5RK28BNU1
Social media links: Instagram: alicia.r.whittle.author, FB: Alicia Whittle, author