RED SKY OVER AMERICA - Tamera Lynn Kraft - One Free Book

Bio: Tamera Lynn Kraft has always loved adventures. She loves to write historical fiction set in the United States because there are so many stories in American history. There are strong elements of faith, romance, suspense, and adventure in her stories. She has received 2nd place in the NOCW contest, 3rd place TARA writer’s contest, and is a finalist in the Frasier Writing Contest and has other novels and novellas in print. She’s been married for 39 years to the love of her life, Rick, and has two married adult children and three grandchildren. 

Tamera has been a children’s pastor for over 20 years. She is the leader of a ministry called Revival Fire for Kids where she mentors other children’s leaders, teaches workshops, and is a children’s ministry consultant and children’s evangelist and has written children’s church curriculum. She is a recipient of the 2007 National Children’s Leaders Association Shepherd’s Cup for lifetime achievement in children’s ministry.

Welcome back, Tamera. What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about?

The themes that normally come out in my novels are redemption, courage in the face of adversity, and trusting God in any circumstance. Red Sky Over America is a great example of that. All three themes are in the book. America has to have courage to face her father when she challenges his views of slavery. When he doesn't react well, she has to trust God with the consequences even though she was doing what He called her to do. As far as the redemption theme, you'll have to read it to find out. If I told you about it, it would be a spoiler.

What other books of yours are coming out soon?

Lost in the Storm, Book 2 in the Ladies of Oberlin Series, is coming out in November. I'll also have a related novella coming out at the same time. Book 3 of the series, The Aftermath, will be released in August, 2019. Here's a blurb about the series.

Ladies of Oberlin

It's the middle of the 18th century, a troubled time in American history, when strong women find it difficult to find their place in society. Three women dare to fight against social injustices, but when they fall in love, things get complicated.

Three women roommates, graduates of Oberlin College, challenge society norms to do what is right even though it may cost them everything, including love. Oberlin College, considered radical at the time, was the only co-education, multi-racial college before the Civil War, and its graduates were involved in many progressive era issues including abolition, women’s suffrage, prohibition, and the missionary movement.

In Red Sky over America, in a nation on the brink of war, America confronts slavery and risks being alienated from her slave owning father. In Lost in the Storm, during the Civil War, Lavena challenges a profession ruled by men to become a war correspondent, but will she keep her job by destroying the man she loves? In The Aftermath, when Betsy's husband comes home from the war as an alcoholic, she uses unladylike tactics to fight against the evils of drink to save her marriage.

Meet the Ladies of Oberlin, the causes they're willing to fight for, and the men who capture their hearts. 

If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why?

My answer will controversial, but I would choose President Donald Trump. No matter what the politics involved are, he would be a fascinating person to talk with.

What historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why?

I would love to meet Abraham Lincoln. He seemed like such an unassuming man, yet there were so many facets to him. The only success he had in life was being one of our greatest presidents. He hated slavery, yet he fought the Civil War to keep the Union together, not to end slavery. Then near the end of the war, he drew out the war to make sure amendments ending slavery and getting the right to vote for blacks were in place. He would have been such an interesting man to talk with.

How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers?

It's all part of the process. Almost every successful author has faced a lot of rejection. I have. While waiting for your big break, keep writing and keep learning your craft. The authors who succeed are usually the ones who persevere, not necessarily the most talented. As Winston Churchill would say, "Never give up, Never."

Tell us about the featured book.

Red Sky Over America

Ladies of Oberlin book 1

Here's the blurb about it.

William and America confront evil, but will it costs them everything?

In 1857, America, the daughter of a slave owner, is an abolitionist and a student at Oberlin College, a school known for its radical ideas. America goes home to Kentucky during school break to confront her father about freeing his slaves.

America's classmate, William, goes to Kentucky to preach abolition to churches that condone slavery. America and William find themselves in the center of the approaching storm sweeping the nation and may not make it home to Ohio or live through the struggle.

Please give us the first page of the book.

October, 1857, Oberlin, Ohio

America Leighton's hands trembled as she read the letter. It was worse than she thought. She stood frozen in place, staring at the words. hoping somehow they would change.

They didn't.

The grandfather clock chimed, and she glanced up. Five o'clock. She didn't want to be late. Placing the envelope in her book, she tucked it in the pocket of her hooded cloak, pushed open the post office door, and rushed outside. As she passed the historic elm on the edge of College Park, the wind burned her cheeks, just what she needed to get her thoughts off the mail she'd received.

Two riders on horseback galloped toward her, rustling the yellow autumn leaves and stirring up a cloud of dust and brown grass. Dirt clung to their long wool coats buttoned tight against their chins. They wore their wide brim planter’s hats low on their brows. If their attire wasn't enough, the revolvers holstered around their waists and the shotguns perched in their gear showed what they were.

Slave catchers.

America drew in a short breath. She diverted her attention and walked on to Ladies Hall a bit faster than usual, but the hope they would leave her alone trampled under horses' hooves as the men rode across the grassy lawn and stopped in front of her.

The older man tipped his hat. "Ma'am, we're deputies from Maysville."

Cold air turned her breath to steam. Remember to act natural. She forced her voice to keep an even tone. "You're a long way from home."

The younger man wrinkled his forehead. "Aren't you Miss Leighton?"

America pressed her tongue across the back of her teeth and nodded. She didn't recognize any of them.

He turned to the other man. "George, this is Colonel Leighton's daughter."

The older man smiled, and his front gold tooth glimmered. "Ma'am, the name's George Mills. This is my partner, Pete Fowler. Pleased to make your acquaintance. I've had the occasion to buy horses from the colonel in the past. He has a good eye for horse flesh."

"So why are you gentlemen clear up here in Northern Ohio?" She didn't need to ask.

"We've been hired to retrieve some property." Mr. Mills adjusted in his saddle. "What about you? You're a long way from Kentucky."

"I attend Oberlin College."

Mr. Mills raised his eyebrow. "I didn't know Oberlin was a ladies' school."

"It's not. I attend classes with men."

He leaned back in his saddle. "Didn't think the colonel would allow his girl to attend one of those schools."

Mr. Fowler cleared his throat. "Maybe you could help us, Miss Leighton, you being a Kentuckian and all. Have you seen any fugitive slaves around these parts? We're looking for an ebony skinned girl about sixteen with a scar across her right cheek, and a copper colored young buck, tall and thin."

Taking a couple of steady breaths to keep her tone even, she gazed straight at them without flinching. "No, can't say as I have." They couldn't have given a better description of Chance and Milly. If only they would ride off.

"Don't fret about it," Mr. Mills said. "We'll find them. Ma'am, if you do see any Negro runaways, you'll let us know? We're staying at the hotel."

Her heart skipped a beat. "I'll do that."

Mr. Fowler tipped his hat, and they rode off.

America leaned against the elm and watched them. Everything inside urged her to dash off to the boarding house where Milly and Chance stayed, but she waited until the men were out of sight. As soon as they disappeared from view, she hoisted her skirts up and ran to warn the couple to hide.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Website: http://tameralynnkraft.net

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cdybpb

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7334438.Tamera_Lynn_Kraft

Word Sharpeners Blog: http://tameralynnkraft.com

Facebook: http://facebook.com/tameralynnkraft

Twitter: http://twitter.com/tamerakraft

Thank you, Tamera, for sharing this book with us.

Readers, here are links to the book.
Red Sky Over America (Ladies of Oberlin) (Volume 1) - Paperback
Red Sky Over America (Ladies of Oberlin Book 1) - Kindle

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