WHEN VALLEYS BLOOM AGAIN - Pat Jeanne Davis - One Free Book

Welcome back, Pat. Why do you write the kind of books you do?

The study of history fascinates me, especially that of the early to mid-20^th Century. I write historical inspirational stories that reveal God’s sovereignty in times of global upheaval and during worldwide social change. I attempt to write stories about events in our past in an informative and entertaining manner while staying true to the facts of history. I strive to give my reader a story that reveals God’s overruling providence through all of life’s experiences and that with our confidence in God and submission to His will, we can be hopeful and steadfast in purpose, trusting in the promise from Him that all things work together for good. If my story does not always have a happy ending, it will have a satisfactory one that provides hope for those who commit all to Him.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

This is a tie. The day I married my husband and the day my first child was born when I was 46 years old.

How has being published changed your life?

The work doesn’t stop with finally seeing your book published. In order to promote and market my debut novel, I needed to learn how to be a businesswoman. Also, it has been necessary to become more outgoing and to step up and engage with readers after speaking at historical societies, book signing events at churches, fairs, and at bookstores, sometimes traveling miles from my home to the area in which my novel takes place. To my surprise, I’ve enjoyed being at these events and answering question on the research for my WWII novel and about family members who served in the military during the war.

What are you reading right now?

Non-fiction writings on the history and activities of the women’s suffrage movement at the turn of the 20^th Century.

What is your current work in progress?

I’m writing a novel set in London and Philadelphia, the city in which I live, during the Progressive Era. 2020 will mark the 100^th year since women were granted the right to vote in all states throughout America. The protagonist in my work in progress is active in the suffrage movement.

Brief Synopsis of To Pursue A Passion:

Until that unforgettable day when Marcella Whitney stumbled into the slums of Philadelphia and witnessed the conditions of newly arrived immigrants, her pursuits and outlook on life resembled those of her mother and sister, both society matrons. After that experience, her priorities changed forever. But would her domineering father give his approval to her entering settlement house work and to her taking up the cause of the women’s right to vote movement? She depends on his financial support and would need his consent. Her intended in a prearranged marriage issues an ultimatum if she pursue this course. Will Cella’s commitment to improving the lives of others forever separate her from her parents and ruin any chance of marriage?

What would be your dream vacation?

To stay for 3 weeks in the south of England in a self-catering cottage and travel around.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

I select a setting that I’m either familiar with or a place I’ll be able to travel to and get a feel for the location and history behind my story.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?

Dame Vera Lynn. Whether through singing on stage for the troops or through her recordings and radio broadcasts, Vera boosts the morale of many with her uplifting songs, helping to sustain the people of Britain during those dark days of WWII. The protagonist, Abby, in my WWII novel also has a lovely voice.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

Flower gardening

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

I enjoy most the editing part of writing. The temptation to fix my story as I’m writing is always there. Resisting the urge to do this is a challenge that I’m still working on.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

As a new writer, you may cringe when told by a more advanced writer to rework a paragraph or get rid of a sentence or scene. Carefully consider their suggestions and follow them wherever you feel you can. They only want your story to shine and you to become a better writer. I’m thankful for the numerous critiques from editors and other writers who have helped me to improve my work.

Tell us about the featured book.

When Valleys Bloom Again is an historical inspirational romance set in WWII. As war approaches in 1939 Abby Stapleton’s safety is under threat. Her father, a British diplomat, insists she go back to America until the danger passes. Abby vows to return to her home in London—but where is home? With her family facing mortal danger so far away and feeling herself isolated, she finds it hard to pray or read the Bible. Did she leave God behind in war-torn London too? Abby becomes friendly with Jim, a gardener on her uncle’s estate.

Jim can’t get Abby out of his mind. Did she have a sweetheart in England? Was it foolish to think she’d consider him? He curses his poverty and the disgrace of his father’s desertion and drunkenness haunts him. Can he learn to believe in love for a lifetime and to hope for a happy marriage?

Abby couldn’t know the war would last a long time, nor that she would fall in love with Jim—soon to be drafted by the U.S. Army—or that she’d have to confront Henri, a rejected suitor, determined by his lies to ruin her reputation and destroy her faith in God’s providence. Will she discover the true meaning of home and find happiness with Jim?

Please give us the first page of the book.

London, August 1939

Abby Stapleton slumped back in her seat, any glimmer of hope she’d harbored would soon be extinguished. A crystal chandelier jingled in the draft of an open window. She loved this room with its embossed wallpaper and rich tapestries, vibrant with memories of family. How could she leave all this?

Her father folded the newspaper with its glaring headlines, plopped it on the table and parted his lips to speak. Abby forestalled him. “I’m nineteen,” she said, her nerves rubbed raw by the endless squabbles with her parents. Speak low and slow, Abby. “I don’t w-w-want to go.” Her voice, thin and strained, echoed back from the high frescoed ceiling.

“A father can’t ignore his responsibilities,” he said, clasping her hand. “You know Hitler’s taken Austria and Czechoslovakia. Probably he’ll take Poland next.” He furrowed his brow. “And when that happens, war with Germany will be unavoidable.” His hand shook, and he sounded as though he’d aged ten years in the space of a few minutes.

Sunlight dispersed through a bay window, washing the brocaded settee on which she and her mother sat with patches of red and gold. Her mother sidled closer and stroked Abby’s arm, her face taut and pale. “Do as your father says, dear. There are sandbags and barrage balloons everywhere, and gas masks are being handed out.”

Still determined to speak her mind before it was too late, Abby shut her eyes in a silent prayer. Lord, help me to keep my temper. She released her hand from her father’s. “I sh-sh-should be able to decide for myself w-w-whether I want to leave.” Now of all times when she needed eloquence, this accursed stammer bound her up tight.

Her father leaned forward and ran his fingers through his hair as though engaged in a last-minute tussle with this dilemma. As a senior diplomat in the British Foreign Office, he was privy to the realities behind the rumors of war. If anyone foresaw the hazards facing England, he did. With a pang of regret, Abby noted how weary he looked.

Then with a quick nod of finality—“Right, it’s settled,” he said, tapping his finger on the side table. “It will be safer for you in the States.”

When Valleys Bloom Again can be purchased here:

https://www.amazon.com/Valleys-Bloom-Again-Jeanne-Davis/dp/1948888920/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=154

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/when-valleys-bloom-again-pat-jeanne-davis/1130351044?ean=9781948888929  

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Social Media:

Website:  https://www.patjeannedavis.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pat.j.davis.7

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/patjeannedavis/

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43600391-when-valleys-bloom-again?from_search=true   

Amazon Author Page:  https://amazon.com/author/patjeannedavis 

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/pat-jeanne-davis-34290422/                   

Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/patjeannedavis/   

BookBub:  https://www.bookbub.com/books/when-valleys-bloom-again-by-pat-jeanne-davis

Lena, I appreciate this opportunity to once again be a guest on your blog.

And I’m happy to feature you today.

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