Welcome to Author Linda Weaver Clarke and Her Historical Romance Series: "Bear Lake Family Saga"

                               It is a joy and an honor to welcome the fantastic author
                              Linda Weaver Clarke to 'Gina's World of Good'. Let's hear 
                                     from this inspiring, prolific writer all about her 
                               Historical Romance Series: Bear Lake Family Saga. 
                                                            Welcome, Linda!

"Hi Regina! I would love to have an ebook giveaway and an Audible audiobook giveaway. Those wanting to enter the giveaway can tell us why they like to read historical romance by the 23rd of July."

Who is Author Linda Weaver Clarke?

I was raised among the Rocky Mountains of southern Idaho and live in Color Country in southern Utah. I am the author of 23 books. I have several genres that I write in—a Historical Romance series: Bear Lake Family Saga, a Mystery Suspense series: The Adventures of John and Julia Evans, a Cozy Mystery series: Amelia Moore Detective Series, and a Period/Adventure Romance: The Rebel Series. I am also a missionary at the Family Search Center. I help people find their ancestors and learn about their heritage.

What draws readers to this historical romance series: Bear Lake Family Saga?

This series has strong female characters who have a destiny to fulfill. Each woman wants to make a difference in someone’s life. No matter the trial that comes her way, she is ready to fight for what she believes. I love the male characters. Even though they are strong and masculine, they have their tender moments that can melt your heart. Bear Lake Family Saga has plenty of adventure along with a tender love story.

What was the inspiration for this series?

My ancestors were my inspiration. I was writing their histories so my children would learn to appreciate their heritage. Their stories were intriguing and full of adventure. When I was done, I decided to write a historical romance series and give these true experiences to my fictional characters.

Give us a brief description of each story in this series?

Melinda and the Wild West (Book 1): Melinda is a schoolteacher. She has many challenges but it’s a rugged rancher who challenges Melinda with the one thing for which she was least prepared—love.

Edith and the Mysterious Stranger (Book 2): Edith is a nurse. When a mysterious stranger starts writing to Edith, she gets to know a man's inner soul before making any harsh judgments. Whoever he is, this man is a mystery but is he as wonderful in person as he is in his letters?

Jenny’s Dream (Book 3): Jenny is an aspiring author. She has a dream to fulfill, but the only thing standing in her way is an unpleasant memory, which has haunted her since childhood. She must learn to forgive before she can follow her dream.

Sarah’s Special Gift (Book 4): Sarah is a beautiful and successful dance teacher but she is not an average young woman. Sarah is deaf, but this does not stop her from living life to its  fullest. And it does not stop her from falling in love with a man who needs her help.

Elena, Woman of Courage (Book 5): The Roaring Twenties was a time of great change, when women raised their hemlines and bobbed their hair. As Elena fights to prove herself as the town’s first female doctor, the town’s most eligible bachelor finds it a challenge to see if he can win her heart.

Are your books in audiobook form?

Yes. I have a narrator who is narrating them for Audible. I have one narrator for Melinda and the Wild West, and then changed to a different narrator for the next four. Carolyn Kashner actually sings in Edith and the Mysterious Stranger, and she has such a lovely voice.

Who is the most intriguing character in this series?

I love all my female characters, but I feel that Elena from Elena Woman of Courage is the most interesting. She has to endure a lot of prejudice from the town bully who feels that women doctors have no right to practice medicine. But that isn’t all. This story takes place during the roaring twenties, and Elena has decided to be a part of this new generation by bobbing her hair and raising her hemlines. That takes a lot of courage. Of course, the town’s most eligible bachelor finds her most intriguing. He actually admires her tenacity. I admire Elena, as well.

(For history buffs: Bobbed hair caused a lot of commotion. A teacher in Jersey City was ordered to grow her hair back by the school board or she would be fired. Women with bobbed hair were fired from prestigious department stores without any warning. A preacher pounded the pulpit, saying that a “bobbed woman was a disgraced woman.” The raising of hemlines had its problems, as well.)

They developed a new vocabulary during the roaring twenties. What were some of the words you discovered while writing this story?

This was the fun part of writing Elena Woman of Courage. During this time period, they spoke a language foreign to their parents. Here are some examples.

If you were excited about something, you say: Cat’s pajamas!

If you didn’t agree with someone, you say: Ah, horsefeathers!

If you were a feisty woman, you were referred to as: a bearcat.

If you were an attractive woman, you were referred to as: a doll.

Women were also referred to as: a tomato.

When John wanted to “spoon” with Elena, she said: The bank’s closed.

A woman’s body was referred to as a chassis and her legs were gams.

Where can readers find you?

My website has sample chapters to read: www.lindaweaverclarke.com

My Audible Page: https://www.audible.com/author/Linda-Weaver-Clarke/B004P47EWO
My Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/ZA-z2ckme8w

Remember to leave a comment by July 23rd about why you like to read historical romance to be eligible for Linda's generous ebook and audio book giveaways! And author Larry Hammersley joins us next on the blog, discussing his new release, a novella titled "Motorcycle Woman".

Welcome, Author Danielle Thorne! Introducing Her New Novel: "A Pirate at Pembroke"

This week I am so happy to welcome author Danielle Thorne to "Gina's World of Good". She grew up in Nashville, Tennessee, and currently lives south of Atlanta. She is the author of a dozen books in a variety of genres. She is a great friend and a fantastic writer who always delivers a super read!

Welcome to my blog, Danielle.  What is your newest book about?

My new release, A Pirate at Pembroke, is a historical romance with a Jane Austen-inspired pirate
theme which covers some of my favorite interests and hobbies. It’s about a young woman who’s
embraced the expectations of her age, but with a few misgivings.

Sophie Crestwood is never going to catch a husband, and she isn’t even sure she wants one. Her father is
a gossip, her mother always has her nose in a book, and little Jack has shamefully been dismissed from
boarding school. Worst of all, a pirate moves next door into Pembroke Hall! 

When Sophie's sent to a matchmaking party at a neighboring estate, the pirate from Pembroke arrives a
nd distracts everyone from the summer festivities. Unguarded, her feelings about the mysterious
Captain Murdock bloom into a trusted friendship that Sophie fears may come to mean more than
anyone would ever suspect. 

Keeping company with a reputed pirate is one thing but falling in love with him could ruin the eccentric
Crestwood family for good.

Where did you get your inspiration for this novel?

I started thinking about this storyline after watching the BBC’s latest version of Jane Eyre some years ago. I never grew particularly fond of Mr. Rochester, and I wondered if a mysterious, dark stranger living in a dilapidated old manor couldn’t be a little more charming and selfless.

What kind of research did you do for this book?

I am constantly researching the Regency era to make my stories as realistic as possible. While I was writing this story, I had the opportunity to travel to St. Kitts to get a feel for that side of the West Indies, as well as work on a non-fiction project set forward in the Victoria era. Just soaking myself in British history helps keep my mind focused on where we are and how the world turns in that period.

Did you put real experiences from your research in this story?

My father is an amputee, and without giving too much away, I did find that I was able to incorporate some of the emotions and challenges one goes through when faced with losing a limb, and the frustrations of pain and limited mobility.

What intrigues you most about writing these stories?

While most of us with British ancestry probably come from farmers and coal miners in the Old World, there is something innocent and beautiful in the lives of the more well-to-do young women in England’s Regency period. It’s such a contrast to the gaudy, indulgent age itself. I’m fascinated by nature, society, and self-discovery in any era.

Tell us a bit about your other books.

I write clean and inspiring romances in the historical and contemporary genres. You will find a little pirating in almost all of them, as I’m a major fan of the Golden Age. I also have a series of young adult paranormals set in the American South that feature inspirational messages within coming-of-age stories.

Which of all your characters is your favorite?

I’m often asked that, and it never gets any easier, but from the heart, my favorite character is my first hero, Julius Bertrand, who fights to hide his pirating past to become respectable in The Privateer.

How did you get started in this genre?

Although I read and toyed with writing novellas for years, it was after I saw the movie and read the books of Master and Commander, that I realized I could incorporate romance, the sea, and even pirates into all my stories, so I set out to publish my first novel, The Privateer, in 2007.

When you have time to read, who are some of your favorite authors?

I tend to be an eclectic reader, reading classics and picking up mid-list indie authors who often provide opportunities for great discoveries. Right now, I am reading the Poldark series by Winston Graham, and thunderstruck by the beauty of his prose.

Let’s get personal for a moment: Please share with us the most daring thing you’ve ever done.

I was scared out of mind, but 15 years ago I took classes and became a certified scuba diver. I’ve dived all over the Caribbean and around Florida. I did master my fear of the sea, and I’m proud of that.

Favorite meal? City you would love to visit and why?

Food is my obsession. I struggle with health issues, including gastritis, which left me on a pretty restricted diet this past year, so if I can have some Chik-fil-A chicken and waffle fries every now and then, I’m ecstatic.

To learn more about this Danielle Thorne, visit her website at:

https://www.daniellethorne.com/

You’ll find all her books at this site:

https://www.amazon.com/Danielle-Thorne/e/B004E5V0LA/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

At this time, A Pirate at Pembroke, is premiering at Kindle Scout. Read Chapter One free and nominate it for release!
Link:https://kindlescout.amazon.com/p/1ODBJ2EM9DF8J?tag=7654-20

See all my books at my Amazon page!

https://www.amazon.com/Danielle-Thorne/e/B004E5V0LA/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1520529192&sr=1-1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danielle.thorne.184

Twitter: https://twitter.com/

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

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

Thank you so much for visiting “Gina’s World of Good", Danielle!

Please come back and visit again soon.

Welcome, Author Jillian Chantal and New Release "Captain Vane's Daughter"!

What a joy to wlcome the delightful Jillian Chantal to 'Gina's World of Good' this week! Ms. Chantal grew up in various places with the most time in Stafford, Virginia and Pensacola, Florida. A wonderful author and friend, and she joins us here to discuss her newest release, "Captain Vane's Daughter". This sweeping Regency novel captures the essence of pirate lore and carries the reader on an adventurous journey filled with the timeless treasures of family, history and love. Welcome, Jillian Chantal!!

Welcome to my blog, Jillian. What is your newest book about?

It’s called Captain Vane’s Daughter and it’s about a girl’s quest to find out the truth about her birth and heritage. Her mother died in childbirth after falling in love with the pirate, Captain Charles Vane. Her grandmother raised her without love and treated her worse than a servant. The old woman could never forgive her daughter for falling in love with a pirate and having his child.

Where did you get your inspiration for this novel?

I was inspired first of all by pirate lore. I’ve long been a reader of the history of the Golden Age of Piracy (Not that I would ever want to run into a real pirate, mind you).

When the show Black Sails was on Starz, I watched it because even though it was fiction, it drew on real pirates of the era to help tell the story- like Anne Bonny, Jack Rackham, Charles Vane, and Blackbeard (a/k/a Edward Teach).

In the final season of the show, one of the female characters who had a relationship with Charles Vane married the British governor (Woodes Rogers- also a real person). She found out she was pregnant and my first thought was, “Wouldn’t it be cool if the baby was Vane’s and not her husband’s?” I didn’t like this female character as she betrayed everyone who ever cared for her so I thought that would be poetic justice. LOL - I was wrong but it planted a seed in my mind. What if one of these pirates did have a child who wanted to learn the truth about them and then I was off and writing.

What kind of research did you do for this book?

I had to make sure where Charles Vane was at various times in the real world so I could make the story as realistic as I could; such as when he was in South Carolina where the heroine was conceived and when he was executed. I wanted her to be under age twenty so I had to use these dates in order to set the time frame of my story.

I also made sure the words I used were time period appropriate. The etymology dictionary is my friend for sure. - I also researched the Jolly Roger and when it was created and flown. Sailing times between ports was also something I looked into as well as rum and sugar plantations in Jamaica.

Did you put real experiences from your research in this story?

Yes. The details about Charles Vane, the fight for Nassau and when Vane went to South Carolina to see if he could get Blackbeard to help the cause in saving Nassau from the British as well as the plantation and terrain information about Jamaica. As to the Nassau part of the story, I’ve been there a few times and have been lucky enough to see some of the colonial areas so I did draw upon that as well.

What intrigues you most about writing these stories?

I am such a history nerd. It’s hard to narrow down the things I love as I so love it all. The manners, the clothes, the adventure. Now, what I don’t like is the no indoor plumbing, no contact lenses and no air conditioners ( )

Tell us a bit about your other books.

I have a number of books so that’s hard to narrow down. It seems I’ve begun to focus more on Regencies lately but I have stories from the modern era as well as the 1920s, 30s, 40s and up.

Which of all your characters is your favorite?

Usually the one I’m working on now. I seem to have this need to fall a bit in love with the hero myself so I don’t ever want to “cheat” on him and always have to get him out of my system before moving to the next one. At the moment, Leo in this story still holds my heart.

How did you get started in this genre?

Interestingly, when I was writing for a publisher that has now gone out of business, they had a call for Regency Christmas stories and I thought, “Why not give it a whirl? I know the history of the era. How hard could it be?” It was actually a bit harder than I thought as I had to learn about the Christmas traditions that were very different in that era than now. I also had a friend who said I couldn’t write a fox hunt at Christmas so I had to prove her wrong. Never tell a lawyer she needs to do some research, because she will. Anyway, I’d read of these hunts at Christmas and when I did look deeper, I was right so that story has a fox hunt.

When you have time to read, who are some of your favorite authors?

Martha Grimes, Sharon Penman, Christopher Fowler, Suzanne Johnson

Let’s get personal for a moment: Please share with us the most daring thing you’ve ever done.

Favorite meal? City you would love to visit and why?

Most daring: Sky diving

Fav meal: A champagne chicken with mushrooms dinner I had in Verona, Italy many years ago. It was that memorable and good. Divine, even. My dad and I still talk about it.

City love to visit: I’m a big traveler so I’ll choose one I haven’t been to: Reykjavik, Iceland

To learn more about Jillian Chantal, visit her website at www.jillianchantal.com. You’ll find all her books at this site or her Amazon page. https://tinyurl.com/ybuz2z7y

And here are all her additional links! Check them out:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JillianChantal

Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/ybuz2z7y

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jillianchantalauthor/

Jillian, thank you so much for visiting “Gina’s World of Good”! I wish you many sales!!