Thursday, September 20, 2018

THE ABOLITIONIST'S DAUGHTER - Kathleen L Maher - One Free Book


Welcome, Kathleen.
Hi, Lena.  I am awestruck to be here on your blog. Thank you for the opportunity to share about my writing!

Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
Only certain characters earn my heart, and I do share secret thoughts and ideas though them. They can be male or female characters, too, which is interesting to me. Most of my characters are based on people I’ve known with speculations of what they must have been thinking to do X, Y, or Z. My faith, and love of animals, gardening, nature, and family pours through my story world inhabitants.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
I once agreed to a blind date. My friend told me about a young man recently back from Bible college. His mutual friend told him about two sisters, one a “pilgrim beauty and the other a China doll.”  I guess I was his choice, because he said he’d like to meet me. I married him a little less than a year later. We just celebrated 20 years together.

My husband and I married three months and three days after meeting on a blind date. That was 54 years ago, and we still love each other completely. When did you first discover that you were a writer?
I always knew I wanted to draw horses and other animals. From the time I could hold a pencil or crayon I was doodling. But the writing came later. I loved books from my preschool years—Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of Peter Rabbit gave me courage as a child whose father was absent. I admired Peter’s bravery to explore a big, scary world without a daddy. I decided like Potter, I wanted to write creative adventures and maybe draw the scenes that popped up in my imagination. I still contemplate writing children’s books, but the stories that have spoken to me so far are historical romances.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I love nonfiction on a wide variety of subjects, some of them already mentioned. Animals, gardening, landscaping, history, art, crafting, writing, marketing…. I also love to read spiritual, inspirational, and Biblical testimony/memoir/autobiography. Corrie ten Boom’s books, for example. In fiction, I love historical fiction and historical romance. I have been known to read outside my genre, but only if the writing is exceptional and the story compelling.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
I am an intercessor. Everything that keeps me awake at night goes before the throne of grace. I try to please my Heavenly Father, my husband, my family, and then my other demands in that order. I give myself a lot of grace, and others as well. Though currently I have a puppy that is trying my last nerve with her Houdini-esque escapades, slipping from our fenced yard. Prayers always appreciated…. LOL

How do you choose your characters’ names?
This is often a struggle for me, and some characters’ names have been changed three or four times before I settle on one that suits him or her. I often use surnames that emphasize a character trait. For example, the twins in The Abolitionist’s Daughter have the last name Sharpe. They are quick-witted, good with a gun, and all of the connotations a name like that suggests.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?
Raising three children who love God, are good to one another and their families, and do their best in life. But I take no credit—all glory is God’s.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?
Animals that are well cared for have great lives, but so many of them go without proper care, or have their habitats encroached upon. I guess if I could be a well-loved cat, that would be a good life. Naps in the sunshine, a pretty, maintenance-free garden to roam, and food at my beckon call…. Yeah, that would be a nice way to live. Plus, they are such amazing athletes! Who wouldn’t want to climb a tree or leap six times their body height?

What is your favorite food?
I’ve always loved Italian. And lo and behold, I married a half-Irish, half-Italian man who makes the best meatballs and red sauce I’ve ever tasted. Even better than my mom’s and that’s saying something! I also love seafood and Chinese. And CHOCOLATE. (Sorry for shouting. I get a little excited)

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
I lacked confidence in my voice. I spent many years seeking what others were doing, and though learning and perfecting is always good and necessary, I believe I suppressed the gifts the Lord had given me for a while until I received affirmation through contest wins and finals, and my first traditional publishing contract. Had I believed in myself, I might have capitalized on opportunities far earlier. But the friends I made along the way kept me moving forward. I’m so grateful for them!

The writing friends we make along the journey are so important to me, too.Tell us about the featured book.
The Abolitionist’s Daughter
was three decades in the making. I started in middle school, imagining a story set on a southern thoroughbred horse farm, and handsome twin brothers who have a real connection with one another—best friends. The Civil War is often called the war between brothers, and I imagined a scenario where their relationship is severed, and they choose opposite sides of the war. Romance and the power of a young lady’s influence takes center stage, the power to both rend and help mend again by faith.

What makes this book so special to me is the local history laced through it. I live in a town with fascinating history in many arenas—the Underground Railroad, a notorious Civil War prison camp and military rendezvous, and a pioneering female college, and this story weaves it all together in what I hope is a compelling and redemptive read.

The Abolitionist’s Daughter by Kathleen L. Maher
1860-1864 Shenandoah Valley, and Elmira, NY
The crusading daughter of a Washington politician comes between twin brothers as the country plunges toward Civil War. Horsemen from Virginia, the twins would defend their livelihood from her meddling kind. When love ignites, friends become enemies. Can the very girl who divided bosom brothers unite them again?
The Abolitionist’s Daughter book trailer link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Brp28ZTOWHo

Please give us the first page of the book.
Charles Town, Virginia
December 2, 1859
The wrong ideas could get a head—and a body—into a heap of trouble.

Ethan Sharpe craned his neck, staring up thirteen plank steps at the gallows. His breath stopped as John Brown’s body plunged, thrashed for a few seconds, and then went limp. A creak of rope marked the radical’s only requiem among the silent attendants from Virginia Military Institute.

Ethan exhaled a dizzying breath and curled his toes in his boots to test the ground’s firmness beneath him. Counting slow and even draws of air, he stole a glance at the cadet next to him—his identical twin. Devon’s stance was straight as an Enfield ramrod.

“Reckon that snapped his neck?”

Devon tucked his chin to his chest. “Shh! Colonel Jackson’ll hear you.”

Ethan swallowed against his constricting collar, wishing he could tug at it without breaking rank. Brown’s noose bore in on him with more than contemplation.

Devon’s cheek muscle twitched. “An eye for an eye.”

Ethan weighed those words. The abolitionist had waged a holy war through Kansas the previous year, murdering slave owners in their beds. Attempts to dole out the federal arsenal to contraband had secured John Brown’s hempen necktie. A chill snaked down Ethan’s spine. If successful, no telling how quickly they’d have stormed the Shenandoah Valley, or overrun the Sharpe family farm.

Gripping. How can readers find you on the Internet?
I have an author page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KLMaherAuthor/
I can also be found on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Mahereenie

Thanks so much once again for having me today, Lena.  I look forward to interacting with your readers.

I am hosting a rafflecopter to be drawn at the conclusion of my blog tour just before Thanksgiving, with several prizes, including a $50 Amazon gift card, a print copy of each of my books, and a Christmas goodie basket. (US residents only.) and I would love to welcome your readers to enter.

Rafflecopter link: http://gvwy.io/48sxkxc

Thank you, Kathleen, for sharing this book and your other giveaway with my blog readers and me. I’m eager to read your book.

Readers, I hope many of you will participate on her rafflecopter giveaway in addition to entering for the book we’re giving away on the blog.

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:

45 comments:

Spyhopper@Curry said...

I loved reading the Abolitionist's Daughter. Having grown up in the Twin Tiers of N.Y. in addition to attending Elmira College, I was especially intrigued by the significance of it's history. Kathleen masterfully created characters that I cared about who were caught up in what could have been the miscarriage of our nation after having been conceived in liberty. But for the sovereignty of God who wrote their lives with the scarlet ink of redemption.

Kathleen L. Maher said...

Beautifully said, MaryAlice. Thank you for your kind comments.

Kathleen L. Maher said...

Lena, thank you so much for having me this week on your blog. I am excited to interact with your readers and maybe bring a few of my own. I loved your interview questions. That’s neat that we both married our blind dates. :-)

Elly said...

I am so EXCITED about this book! I'm DYING to read it! (It looks SO good!!!)
(Don't enter me. I've already got this book coming my way 😉)

Melanie Backus said...

I would love to read this book. Thank you for the opportunity. Melanie Backus, TX

Cynthia Roemer said...

I'm from Illinois and I love reading and writing Historical romance, especially the mid-1800's. I would love a chance to read this novel. Thanks for the giveaway!

SARAH TAYLOR said...

HI this sounds like a great book Thanks for the chance to win! SARAHTAYLOR601973atyahoodotcom.

Winnie said...

This book sounds wonderful! I love historical fiction. Thanks for the chance to win.

MJSH said...

The books sounds great. Thanks for featuring it here.
Mindy from NJ

Kathleen L. Maher said...

Elly you just made my day! Thank you. I hope if you enjoy the book you will consider leaving a review on Amazon. :-)

Kathleen L. Maher said...

Hi Melanie. Thank you for coming by and leaving a comment. Good luck in the contest

Kathleen L. Maher said...

Hi Cynthia. I just love 19th-century historical’s. It’s so fun immersing myself in another place and time. Good luck in the contest

Kathleen L. Maher said...

Hi Sarah! Thank you so much for coming by and leaving a comment. Best of luck in the drawing

Kathleen L. Maher said...

Hi Winnie. It’s so nice of you to stop by and leave a comment today. Thank you for entering. Good luck

Kathleen L. Maher said...

Hi Mindy

I was born in Teaneck New Jersey – – small world :-) thank you for entering. Good luck

Anonymous said...

I love reading historicals and I know I would enjoy reading Kathleen's book. The cover is lovely!
marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
Merry in New York

Paula Shreckhise said...

My favorite books are historical Christian Fiction. Please put me in the drawing. I’m from Missouri. Thanks.

Trixi said...

Kathleen, the more I learn about your book, the more I want to read it for myself! Thanks for the fun author interview & giveaway chance :-)

Trixi in OR

Kathleen L. Maher said...

Hi, Merry! Thank you for coming by! Good luck in the drawing

Kathleen L. Maher said...

Thank you for sharing Paula. I love that you love Christian historicals. 😊

Kathleen L. Maher said...

You’re so sweet Trixi. Thank you! I appreciate you coming over to visit here. Good luck!

Lori Smanski said...

I live in the Chicago suburbs.
This is such a lovely cover.
I have this on my to read list.
I love christian historical books.
I love learning about history.
Thank you

Kathleen L. Maher said...

Hi Lori! Thank you for coming by today! Good luck in the drawing

Connie Porter Saunders said...

Hi Kathleen, I love your blind date story! Looking forward to reading this book.
Blessings!
Connie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com

Faithful Acres Books ~ Linda Marie Finn said...

Word of Truth... Being from here in NY, I love hearing history, it just adds so much relevance to life and knowing the history of our people and our area is a sweet sorrow at times but surely it adds so much to our lives.
Linda Marie Finn
Faithful Acres Books

Kathleen L. Maher said...

Thank you Connie :-) you’re a sweetie.

Sharon Bryant said...

Enter me in your awesome giveaway!!
Conway,SC.

Karen G. said...

Sounds like a very interesting book. Looking forward to reading this one. I will be adding it to my reading wish list! Thank you for the chance to win a copy.
Karen G., Troy, NY

Kathleen L. Maher said...

Hi Sharon. Thank you for entering! I hope your area was spared the hurricane last week.

Kathleen L. Maher said...

Hi Karen! I know where Troy New York is :-) I have family all over the state. Thanks for coming by and entering

Kathy A said...

A strange trivia fact: My father was born on the same day John Brown died.

I loved reading that first page. Now I can't wait to read the rest of the book.

I am intrigued to read a book about abolition and the civil war.

I am from Southwest Missouri. Thank you for a chance to win.

Brenda W said...

I'm in TN. I love reading Christian Historical Fiction. I hope I win this book!

Unknown said...

You're a new author to me. The Abolitionist's Daughter sounds wonderful. I hope I can find it available at the library. Thank you for the opportunity.

KayLee from NY

Unknown said...

This book not only touched my heary, but, my soul as well! There are so many times that I wished that I could jump into the book and help.... To be a part of something so life-changing as The Underground Railroad. Every character will touch your heart and will forever be a part of your life! When I reviewed the wonderful book, I wish I could have given it more than 5 stars! I live in a somewhat little town of Lima, Ohio in the city where my father grew up.

Connie said...

That’s an intriguing opener for your book. You’re a new-to-me author, but I am interested now.
Connie, Virginia ( which is another reason I’m interested in reading the book).

Brenda said...

I’m from MS and this book was interesting right from the start. It being in my favorite era of time was really nice too.

Kathleen L. Maher said...

Hi Kathy. :-) Thank you for that kind compliment. How fascinating that your father was born in 1859? He must’ve had amazing stories to tell.

Good luck in the contest

Kathleen L. Maher said...

Hi Brenda, so nice of you to stop in and leave a comment. Good luck in the drawing

Kathleen L. Maher said...

Hi Kay Lee. Thank you for expressing your enthusiasm. It is through Amazon only, but if you request it at your library they may order it. Good luck in the drawing

Kathleen L. Maher said...

Gracie, you are such a sweetie. Thank you and I am touched that the book blessed you. You have blessed me with your kind words :-) thank you for coming by.

Kathleen L. Maher said...

Hi Connie. I learned so much about Virginia history writing this story that I feel it could be my second home. Thank you for commenting. Good luck in the drawing

Kathleen L. Maher said...

Another Civil War buff. :-) Nice to meet you Brenda. I’ll bet you have a fascinating view of history in Mississippi. Thank you for coming by. Best of luck in the contest

Sonja said...

Love historical books and really anything historical. Sounds like an excellent book and would love it!

Kathleen L. Maher said...

Thank you Sonja! Good luck in the drawing

Cynthia Roemer said...

Thanks, Kathleen!