Author Interview & Book Giveaway: Betty Bolte on EMILY'S VOW

This week, we're pleased to again welcome author BETTY BOLTE with her latest release,  EMILY'S VOW. One lucky visitor will get a free, signed paperback copy of Emily's Vow - offer available only to US residents. Be sure to leave your email address in the comments of today's author interview for a chance to win. Winner(s) are contacted privately by email. Here's the blurb.

In 1782, the fight for independence becomes personal...

Emily Sullivan’s greatest fear is dying in childbirth, as did her twin sister and their mother. Then she’s thrown in a loyalist prison for her privateering father’s raids on the British, and her accuser--a former beau--promises to recant if she will marry him.

Frank Thomson always loved Emily despite her refusal to return his affections. A patriot spy posing as a loyalist officer, when Frank learns of Emily’s plight, he challenges her accuser to a duel.

Freed from prison, Emily ponders returning the affections of her rescuer--the only man she's ever loved and who married her twin to save the Sullivan family's reputation. But Frank cannot afford to be discovered. For the sake of young America, he must deliver his secrets.

**Q&A with Betty Bolte**

 

 

Where and when does Emily’s Vow take place?

Emily’s Vow is set in Charleston, South Carolina, at the end of the British occupation of that port city. It’s October 1782, the American Revolution is winding down, and the town is anxiously awaiting the departure of the enemy troops from their harbor. Tension is rife as the Britons strip whatever they can from the town before they leave. As a result, it’s dangerous for young ladies to venture from home unescorted, a restriction Emily refuses to adhere to, which lands her in trouble.

Some romances are more about story than historical accuracy. Is it a simple romance or can we believe the historical facts?

It’s very important to me to make sure my history is correct to the best of my ability. To that end, I’ve visited Charleston twice to dig into details not readily available online or in books. Walking the cobblestone streets and knowing the distances between the American Revolution-era houses helps me put myself into the characters’ shoes, so to speak. I also visited Brattonsville, South Carolina, which is a plantation originating from the 1700s. Of course, I’ve also been researching this time period since 2008, and have read dozens of historical works related to the times. I’ve also scoured the Internet for details to specific questions and contacted historians related to other specific questions.

What inspired you to write this story?

While working on my Master’s in English I came across an essay written by Judith Sargent Murray in the late 1700s. The topic was a call for equal education for boys and girls, which started me thinking the genesis for what would eventually become women’s lib and equal rights actually kicked off with the start of America as an independent country. In fact, the ideal of independence became more about individual liberty for everyone (male, female, black, white, etc.) rather than for only the white wealthy landowners. I don’t think most people today realize or remember how deeply profound the impact would be of an independent America.

Is this a standalone story or part of a series or trilogy?

Emily’s Vow is the first of three closely linked stories about three women that kicks off the A More Perfect Union series. These three stories span three months, October through December 1782. Emily is a secret essayist who only wants to avoid death in childbirth by remaining unwed, despite her father’s urging of her to marry Frank. Her cousin Amy is a renowned storyteller who finds herself in deep trouble she can’t talk her way out of while Benjamin tries to rescue her. Their friend Samantha is a healer whose practice is threatened by young doctor Frank’s intention to open a new hospital. Emily’s Vow and Amy’s Choice are available now, while Samantha’s Secret won’t release until early 2015.

What makes this series unusual or unique?

Most informational and fictional publications related to the American Revolution focus on the northern colonies and states, though they often include Virginia too. It’s an interesting fact that the first and last shots fired during the tensions that would become a war were in South Carolina.

Do you only write romances? What’s your next project?

This year I’ve released four novels in two series, but I have been published in nonfiction as well as fiction, and a combination thereof that is an award winning book. Hometown Heroines: True Tales of Bravery, Daring, and Courage won the gold medal from the Children’s Literary Classics organization for gender specific young adult book. It is a collection of 18 short historical fiction stories based on 19 real American girls from the 1800s. Each girl has a landmark in recognition of the event I shared as fiction (to make it more interesting for a younger audience) and includes the biographical details the fiction is based upon as well as the location of the landmarks. I’ve also written books on horse sports and school clubs, as well as using computer software programs. Next I’m working on a series of historical women’s fiction stories. Of course, there will be other stories in the A More Perfect Union series, as well as in my Ghosts of Roseville series, Traces and Remnants.

Learn more about author Betty Bolté

Betty Bolté writes both historical and contemporary stories that feature strong, loving women and brave, compassionate men. No matter whether the stories are set in the past or the present, she loves to include a touch of the paranormal. Get to know her at www.bettybolte.com.

Social Media Links

Website: www.bettybolte.com

Blog: www.bettybolte.com/blog.htm

Newsletter: www.bettybolte.com/newsletter.htm

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorBettyBolte

Twitter: @BettyBolte

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/bettybolte

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/bettybolte9

Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/bettybolte

Buy Links

Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1wZML3a

iBooks: http://bit.ly/1DUsvAc

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1t75sMh

Google: http://bit.ly/13Bll94

Excerpt Thursday: EMILY'S VOW by Betty Bolte

This week, we're pleased to again welcome author BETTY BOLTE with her latest release,  EMILY'S VOW. Join us again on Sunday for an author interview, with more details about the story behind the story. One lucky visitor will get a free, signed paperback copy of Emily's Vow - offer available only to US residents. Be sure to leave your email address in the comments of today's post or Sunday's author interview for a chance to win. Winner(s) are contacted privately by email. Here's the blurb.

In 1782, the fight for independence becomes personal...

Emily Sullivan’s greatest fear is dying in childbirth, as did her twin sister and their mother. Then she’s thrown in a loyalist prison for her privateering father’s raids on the British, and her accuser--a former beau--promises to recant if she will marry him.

Frank Thomson always loved Emily despite her refusal to return his affections. A patriot spy posing as a loyalist officer, when Frank learns of Emily’s plight, he challenges her accuser to a duel.

Freed from prison, Emily ponders returning the affections of her rescuer--the only man she's ever loved and who married her twin to save the Sullivan family's reputation. But Frank cannot afford to be discovered. For the sake of young America, he must deliver his secrets.

**An Excerpt from Emily's Vow**

Chapter 1

 "Frank is due to return any day." Emily Sullivan suppressed a shiver and quickened her pace. If asked, she would blame the early evening breeze blowing inland across the Charles Town harbor for her reaction. Frank had once claimed to be a patriot but now had switched his loyalties to serve as a loyalist broadside printer in the occupied town. How dare he even show his face? Did he truly believe in the British cause or did he have such loose morals as to pretend for his own profit? Either way, she'd have naught to do with the man. Her long skirts swirled about her hurried steps. "I'm glad you wanted to walk with me, Samantha. Your company calms me. And of course it's nicer than traversing the distance home from Aunt Lucille's house with my servants."

"Together we'll be safe enough for such a short walk," Samantha McAlester replied, "though I doubt your father will agree given his insistence that you remain at home."

"It is my fault we left the sewing circle later than I intended, but I miss St. Michael's bells chiming the hour. What shall we do without them? The British should pay dearly for stripping our treasured bells from the steeple."

"Come, let's get you home and off the streets." Samantha quickened her pace.

Emily hurried down the sandy road beside her friend, noting the waning sunshine draping shadows across the street. The slap of the waves at the distant convergence of the Cooper and Ashley Rivers beat a syncopated rhythm against the array of ship hulls, large and small, in the protected harbor. Many of the masts bobbing against the darkening sky sported the hated British flag. The losing army had resorted to sanctioned looting of the beautiful homes—those still standing after two years of British occupation as well as fires and bombardments—as booty for the officers and soldiers before they withdrew. She hoped they would leave soon, but nobody knew exactly when the British ships planned to depart. They'd already sent the bells to London along with other pilfered items. In fact, the British officers sought retaliation for the threat posed by the patriots, who had hidden their true allegiance, against the loyalists living in the city. The officers encouraged harassment of the American citizens, which translated into her father, a leading merchant in town, fearing for her safety more than ever. Until the British actually evacuated, uncertainty and fear blanketed the town.

Dragging in a deep breath, unease settled over Emily's frayed nerves at the thought of Frank's return. "I cannot believe Father insists I marry him after all that man has done. Surely Americans have matured enough they wouldn't force a woman to marry. It's 1782, after all. I'm not a child. Why doesn't he understand?"

A seagull glided past, its laughing call bringing a smile to her face. Her enjoyment didn't last long, though. The occupation of the town created fear and disquiet throughout the citizenry. Add in the horror of her sister Elizabeth's fiancé Jedediah dying, leaving her pregnant and in need of a husband. Then Jedediah's brother Frank, the man Emily had secretly cared for, married her sister to keep the child from being a bastard. Emily survived the misery of watching Frank marry Elizabeth only to suffer much more when Elizabeth died in childbirth with Frank away at war. Emily had come to terms with the prospect of raising her nephew, but being forced into marriage with Frank, too? How could life turn and twist with such disregard for her future goals and plans?

Learn more about author Betty Bolté

Betty Bolté writes both historical and contemporary stories that feature strong, loving women and brave, compassionate men. No matter whether the stories are set in the past or the present, she loves to include a touch of the paranormal. Get to know her at www.bettybolte.com.

Social Media Links

Website: www.bettybolte.com

Blog: www.bettybolte.com/blog.htm

Newsletter: www.bettybolte.com/newsletter.htm

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorBettyBolte

Twitter: @BettyBolte

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/bettybolte

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/bettybolte9

Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/bettybolte

Buy Links

Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1wZML3a

iBooks: http://bit.ly/1DUsvAc

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1t75sMh

Google: http://bit.ly/13Bll94

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1obL3tT  

Author Interview: Betty Bolte

This week, we're pleased to welcome author Betty Bolte, whose latest novel, HOMETOWN HEROINES is set during the 19th century. The author will offer a free copy of Hometown Heroines to a lucky blog visitor. Leave your email to be considered in the drawing. Here's the blurb.

During the 1800s, daring and courageous girls across America left their unique mark on history. This book provides both historical fact and historical fiction about each of 19 girls and young women whose actions are remembered with an historical landmark in the United States. These are inspiring true stories of real American girls, our Hometown Heroines, who faced danger and adversity and made a difference in their world.

** Author Interview with Betty Bolte**

 

How long have you been writing?

As long ago as I can remember! Since I was a little girl, 5 or 6 years old, I started inventing stories in my head. As I advanced through school, I started writing short stories and poems. Once I reached adulthood, I started trying my hand at book length nonfiction and fiction.

What other authors have influenced your writing?

This may seem an easy question to answer, but for me it really isn’t. For one thing, I’ve read so many different kinds of literature that my own writing has emerged as a blend of a lot of it. That said, I’d have to say authors such as Anna Sewell (Black Beauty), Barbara Taylor Bradford, Hemingway, LaVyrle Spencer, Linda Howard, and Charles Dickens have all had a hand in flavoring my writing voice.

Why did you write this book? Where did you get the idea?

The girls I feature in this book inspired me by their selfless acts and perseverance in the face of often daunting hurdles to their success. I first learned of these girls by reading another great book, Susan B. Anthony Slept Here: A Guide to American Women’s Landmarks, by Lynn Sherr and Jurate Kazickas (NY: Random House, 1994). I noticed a number of the paragraphs were about young girls and started compiling a list and doing my own research in order to share their accomplishments.

Why did you choose to write their story as fiction rather than biography/nonfiction?

I wanted to make the individual stories of these girls realistic but also entertaining, so that younger readers as well as adult readers would enjoy them. Fictionalizing their accomplishments allowed me to bring their story to life more so than writing them based only on facts. That’s why I included the real biographical details I uncovered after the short story so that the readers can tell where fact leaves off to fiction.

Who is your favorite girl of these stories?

That’s a hard question! I think about Vinnie Ream a lot because of the diversity of her artistic accomplishments, including the life-size marble statue of Lincoln still standing in the National Capitol’s Rotunda. But Lucille Mulhall’s trick riding abilities were so impressive it’s hard to believe that she could actually use her mouth to pick up a handkerchief from the ground while riding a galloping horse. Such strength and courage is astounding. Each of the girls made an impression on me, which is why I chose to share their stories with others.



Excerpt Thursday - Hometown Heroines: True Stories of Bravery, Daring, and Adventure by Betty Bolte

This week, we're pleased to welcome author Betty Bolte, whose latest novel, HOMETOWN HEROINES, is set during the 19th century. Join us on Sunday, when the author will offer a free copy of Hometown Heroines to a lucky blog visitor. Here's the blurb.

During the 1800s, daring and courageous girls across America left their unique mark on history. This book provides both historical fact and historical fiction about each of 19 girls and young women whose actions are remembered with an historical landmark in the United States. These are inspiring true stories of real American girls, our Hometown Heroines, who faced danger and adversity and made a difference in their world.

** An Excerpt from “In the Face of Danger”

the story of Nancy Crouse (1862 Maryland)**

Nancy cleared the breakfast dishes and washed them up quickly, while Martha straightened away the mess from preparing the meal. Rebecca picked up the braided rugs from the hallway and parlor and took them out behind the house so Nancy could beat them. With each swing dust billowed into the air. Nancy pictured the Rebels with their gray uniforms, and swung harder, taking out her anger over slavery on the defenseless rugs. Once cleaned thoroughly, she carried them back inside and laid them out.

Suddenly she thought of the United States flag waiting to be hung outside. She raced up the stairs, gathered it into her arms, and carried it to the front bedroom, where she hung it on the pole out the window. Thirty-four stars on the blue background danced with the thirteen red and white stripes in the slight breeze. Nancy sighed. The flag symbolized freedom for everyone who lived in the country, not just those of a particular skin color. On July 22, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln had declared that the slaves must be set free and that had fueled the war even more. She hoped that it would end quickly and Papa and George would come home safe.

She turned and went back downstairs. Taking up the broom she headed for the front porch. Charles thundered down the hall towards her, a frantic Frances chasing him, a headless cornhusk doll in her hand. Nancy chuckled and moved aside to let them pass. As she stepped onto the porch, her friend Effie Titlow walked up the few steps from the street to the wooden planks.

“Morning, Nancy,” Effie said.

“Morning, Effie. What brings you out so early?” Nancy set the broom aside as she talked with her friend. She recalled her mother telling her that a lady didn’t do household chores when entertaining company.

“I thought you’d like to know – an advance detachment from the Confederate cavalry are heading this way. They’re close by!”

“Are those rascals coming into town?” Nancy asked, her eyes darting up the street.

Effie nodded. “They aren’t far away at all. You should take that flag down before it gets you in trouble.”

Nancy looked up at the flag, stirring peacefully in the crisp fall breeze. A deep blue sky provided a perfect background for the stars and stripes. She thought about what the flag stood for, what her family believed, what the men were fighting for. She turned back to Effie with a determined smile. “No. It stays right there.”

Effie shrugged. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

A clatter and rumble from down the hill to the west caught the young ladies’ attention. In the distance they could see a cloud rising along the street as a detachment of Confederate cavalry rode into town.

“There they are!” cried Nancy. “I hope our troops come soon and catch them.”

The riders approached purposefully, heading for the next town of Frederick to meet up with the rest of the Confederate soldiers. As Nancy and Effie watched them from the narrow porch, the cavalrymen suddenly saw the United States flag hanging from above the ladies heads. The detachment stopped and several men dismounted.

Nancy watched with defiant horror as they ran onto the porch. They were dirty, smelly, and had holes and tears throughout their uniforms. The set of their jaw and the glint in their eyes sent a shiver through Nancy. She could see Effie shaking with fear as she backed against the house. Nancy raised her chin. This was her house and they had no right to be on her porch without an invitation.

“Give me that damn Yankee rag!” one officer demanded.

“No.” Nancy said it as calmly as she could, but she thought she heard her voice waver.

“While this town is occupied by Confederate forces, the town will fly the Stars and Bars!” the officer snapped. He made for the door, but Nancy was quicker.

“You’ll never take my flag from me!”

She dashed inside and scrambled up the steps to the front bedroom window. Snatching the flag from its post, she held it around herself and walked back downstairs. Her mother stopped her for a moment, about to say something, then released her arm. Nancy saw her brother and sisters, Malinda and her children, gathered behind her mother, eyes wide and glistening.

“They won’t hurt me,” Nancy said. “They wouldn’t dare.”

“I hope you’re right,” her mother said.

Nancy stepped onto the front porch, sure that wearing the flag would end the matter. No gentleman would harm her in her own home.

The officer grew even angrier at her display of Union pride. “Girl, give me that damned Yankee rag, right now.”

“Not as long as I live.” Nancy tucked the flag closer around her body.

She heard Effie inhale sharply and then noticed the revolver in the officer’s hand. He placed the muzzle of the gun against her head and growled, “Divest yourself of those colors.”

“You may shoot me, but never will I willingly give up my country’s flag into the hands of traitors,” Nancy declared.

“You’ll give me that flag, or I’ll take it,” The officer pushed the muzzle into her skin, hurting her. “Off your dead body if necessary.”

Nancy realized she couldn’t win. Too many cavalrymen surrounded her, all looking like they would follow this officer’s orders without hesitation. She released her grip on the flag and the officer grabbed it from her. A whoop from the troops was raised at their minor victory. Within moments the men had remounted, the officer had tied the flag around his horse’s head, and the detachment galloped up the hill, bound for Frederick.

“Oh, Nancy, I don’t know whether that was the bravest or stupidest thing I’ve ever seen,” Effie exclaimed, sinking to the floor.

Nancy put her hand to her heart. “They stole my flag.” Tears rolled down her cheeks. “Those traitors put their grubby hands all over my beautiful flag – they had no right, Effie.”

Learn more about author Betty Bolte:

Website: www.bettybolte.com
Blog: www.bettybolte.com/blog.htm
Newsletter: www.bettybolte.com/newsletter.htm
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorBettyBolte