LOVING LYDIA - Susan Pope Sloan - One Free Book

Welcome back to my blog, Susan. Why do you write the kind of books you do? I’m fascinated by real-life stories that aren’t well known or something that makes me wonder, “What brought this person to that place?” Most of those come from historical events, and being of a romantic nature, I have to put a “happy” spin on it.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life? What can compare with finding your mate and giving birth to your children? Those events live forever in our memories.

How has being published changed your life? I’m busier than ever, even though I’m retired. The need for research and marketing has me continually learning new things and sharing with others.

What are you reading right now? A collection of over-40 romances by Liwen Y. Ho—because a good portion of my newsletter subscribers are mature women, I try to balance out my book reviews with what might appeal to them.

What is your current work in progress? I have two: a freebie I plan to offer on my website and another sequel to my series. Both involve characters introduced in the series.

What would be your dream vacation? I’m about to take it—yay! We’re spending a few days in each of four locations—Ireland, Scotland, London, and Paris.

Wow! That sounds like fun. How do you choose your settings for each book? The general setting was part of the true story, so I didn’t have much choice in that.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why? I’d probably choose an expert in some historical period—someone who could share valuable insights into the culture and everyday life in those times.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading? I was raised in a singing family, so music will always be part of my life. I also enjoy crocheting, riding my bicycle on our local bike trails, and walking in the park.

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it? Learning to navigate all the new technologies. I usually try to learn on my own first, with the help of instructional videos, then call for help when it’s too much.

What advice would you give to a beginning author? Don’t give up. Join critique groups, go to conferences, learn the craft and the industry as soon as you can. I wish I hadn’t stopped pursuing publication thirty years ago.

Tell us about the featured book. Loving Lydia runs concurrently with Rescuing Rose but focuses on the widow from the Sweetwater Mill and the Confederate soldier—Sergeant Seth Morgan—the women found hiding in the cellar in Marietta. Though attraction sparked between them then, circumstances forced them apart. Months later, they have an encounter in Louisville, Kentucky, and promise to keep in touch as each searches for a family member. Interesting twists bring them together again, but there are still barriers to their relationship.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Friday afternoon, July 8, 1864

New Manchester, Georgia

Hundreds of Union soldiers camped outside the village, their mere presence enough to set the locals on edge. The anxiety increased when small groups of them ventured into the outlying homes to seize food or whatever appealed to them.

            Fear pushed Lydia Gibson to the hilltop, where she could see the farm below. Rumors at the mill had whirred as noisily as the wooden shuttles clacking back and forth in the weaving room. Stories were spreading of Union soldiers preying on helpless women.

            I should’ve stayed home with Millie instead of going to work this morning. Their lack of funds had seemed the more immediate need. Lydia’s job was their only source of income, and she needed to keep it, but not at the cost of Millie’s safety. With all the family members she’d lost over the years, Lydia couldn’t face losing another.

How can readers find you on the Internet? My website is https://susanpsloan.com. I’m on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. On Amazon, look for me as Susan Pope Sloan because there are other authors with similar names.

Thank you, Susan, for sharing this new book with my blog readers and me.

Readers, here’s a link to the book.

https://www.amazon.com/Loving-Lydia-Rescued-Hearts-Civil/dp/B0BLJ65VJB/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1686863072&sr=8-1 

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