Turner Daughters Book 3 Preview!

Turner Daughters Book 3 Preview!

Only a couple of months until the release of "Plans for a Future of Hope".  Here is a scene to get you excited!

Wednesday, January 9, 1861

Vicksburg, Mississippi

That evening, Victoria sat in the parlor and looked at the mail she had picked up during her earlier errands.

“Anything good in the post today?”

Victoria looked up and smiled at her younger brother, Gregory.  “Nothing for you.  Uncle Matthew wrote to Father and there were some other missives for him, but not much else.”

“Not much else,” he said.  “Which means there was something else.”

“Perhaps.  But for me, not you.”  She fingered the letter in question.

He smiled and sat down.  “So, I heard you had an interesting conversation with Mr. Thompson atop Sky Parlor Hill.”

“Indeed,” She replied.  “Did Father tell you?  Jeremy was going to speak with Father as soon as possible.”

“No, I heard from Jason.”  Gregory replied.  Jason was Gregory and Victoria’s older brother.  “He said you two were seen together at the Hill, quite close, and so he went and spoke with Mr. Thompson.”

Victoria’s head shot up.  “He didn’t!”  She loved her oldest brother dearly, but he could be ridiculously overprotective at times.  

“Of course he did.  You do realize that Jason doesn’t really care for Mr. Thompson, correct?”

“He never mentioned that to me,” Victoria said, then bit her lip.  She usually appreciated Jason’s opinion on many matters, and he was an excellent judge of character.

“I have never had an issue with the man, personally.  Jason just wants to make sure that the man you are courting is the right one for you.”

“Well, thank you both for that.  I just hope my dear brother didn’t scare him away.”

“If my conversation with Jeremy Thompson scared him away, then good riddance.”  Jason Turner strode into the parlor.  “If he wants to be a member of this family, he should be able to take my jesting.”

“Your intimidation, you mean.”  Victoria gave her brother a hard look.  “So help me, Jason Turner, if you have ruined this for me…”

Jason sat on a settee and kicked his feet up, lounging comfortably.  “I haven’t.  Worry not.  He said he’ll do right by you.  I’m not sure I like the idea of you living in the Confederate capital.”

“What’s that, now?”  Gregory sat up, a lock of brown hair falling in his face.  “Why would you move?  Where does Thompson plan on taking you?”

“He’s going to be in our new Southern government.  Moving to Alabama, most likely with the rest of the politicians.”  Jason replied.

“Government?  The yellow dog won’t even fight?”  Gregory shook his head.  Victoria bristled at the insinuation of the Jeremy being a coward.

“Gregory Turner, how dare you say that?”  Her stomach dropped.  “Wait.  Does that mean you…?”

“Plan on enlisting?”  Gregory smiled.  “Absolutely.”

“What about school?”  She asked.  Gregory was getting his education, training to be a lawyer alongside their father.

“I’ll simply take a leave of absence from school.  People are saying that the war, once it starts, won’t last long.”

“Yes, but…” Victoria was at a loss for words.  She couldn’t believe her baby brother, just nineteen years old, was going to enlist.  She turned to Jason.  “And what about you?  Are you going to leave us as well?”

“Not exactly.”  Jason put his hands behind his head.  “I’ll stay in Warren County.  The militia will be quite busy with keeping the Yankees away from Vicksburg.  It will be a fairly high priority, what our position on the Mississippi.  I plan on staying right here.”

Victoria was quiet for a moment contemplating.  “Has anyone heard what Father plans on doing?”  She couldn’t imagine her father donning a uniform and fighting, although it was hard to imagine Gregory in that role as well.  “What about Abraham?  Will he leave Mary Grace, do you think?”  Mary Grace was their sister, born in between Victoria and Gregory.  She and her husband, Abraham ran the local haberdashery, selling men’s hats and other accessories.  They had three children already, two-year-old twins named Gabriel and Adam, and three-month-old Hope.

“I’m not sure about Father, but I imagine Abraham will enlist with us,” Gregory said.  “He’s not one that will want to stay behind when most of the other men have signed up.”

“I believe you’re right, unfortunately for Mary Grace,” Jason replied.  “I haven’t asked Father what his plans are.  He likely wants to confer with Mother first, as he does with all major decisions.”

“They do at that,” Victoria murmured.

Finally, deciding that his sister was distracted enough, Gregory made his move and lunged at Victoria, quickly plucking the letter from her hand.

“Ha!”  He called out victoriously.  “Now we’ll see who you have been corresponding with.”  He looked at the postmark.  “Fredericksburg.”  He looked puzzled.  “Why would you be so secretive about a letter from one of our cousins?”

“Unless it’s not…”   Jason took the letter from Gregory.

“You oafs!  Give me that back!”  Victoria didn’t care that she was acting juvenile, as her brothers were acting the same way.

“Not quite yet, this is masculine handwriting, if I am not mistaken.”  Jason opened the envelope.  “Aha!”

“Jason!”  Victoria stood and tried to take the letter back.  Jason swung his legs off the settee and stood, holding the letter away from Victoria and reading it.

“Mr. Nathaniel Prentiss.  Of course, I recall him.  Good man, he seemed.”  He read the letter further.  “And a brave one, it appears.  He says he plans on enlisting once Virginia leaves the Union.  Wants you to know he thinks of you often and that he wishes he could see you again.  He loves receiving letters from you and hopes that can continue even when the war that is coming actually begins.”  Jason finally relented and handed her the letter.  “I always liked that man.  Better than Jeremy Thompson, that’s for sure.  Why did you never court him?”

“Because he never asked.”  She said quickly.  “Besides, it has long been my belief that he has feelings for our perfect cousin, Belle.”  She smiled brightly, trying to hide the fact that she would have said yes to a courtship from Nathaniel right away.  “Besides, I have Mr. Thompson now.  Nathaniel and I can remain the best of friends.”

Be Strong and Steadfast Sneak Peak...

A sneak peak to tide you over...won't be long until you can read the entire novel!

    

Friday, December 21, 1860

Bennett Blacksmith and Farrier: Fredericksburg, Virginia

James McCann Turner ran a hand through his neatly trimmed black hair as he knocked on the door of the small home connected to one of Fredericksburg’s blacksmith and farrier shops.

“I’m sure they already know what’s happened, James.”  James looked at his sister, who patted her perfectly coiffed, midnight hair.

“I know they do, Belle.  But I would still like to see Joshua.”

The door opened, and James and Belle were greeted by the smiling face of their sister.

“James!  Belle!  What brings you to town?”  Elizabeth Turner-Bennett’s blue eyes sparkled. 

“We missed you for dinner on Sunday.”  James said as Elizabeth opened the door wide to let them in.

“Uncle James!”  Benjamin’s excited voice rang through the small, three bedroom house, followed by the pattering of feet.  The four year old threw himself at James, who bent to catch the boy in his arms.

“Benjamin!”  James gave his nephew a big hug.  Dark-haired and blue-eyed Benjamin was the spitting image of his father.  He looked over at Belle and reached for her.

“Aunt Belle!”  Belle stepped closer to her brother and took Benjamin in her arms, squeezing him tightly.

“Benjamin Matthew, you need to keep quiet.  Your sister just fell asleep, and we don’t want to wake her up.” Elizabeth wiped her hands on her white apron.

“Sorry, Mama.  Does that mean it’s my quiet rest time?”

“Yes, sir, you know it is.” His mother smiled at him, then addressed her siblings.  “Joshua should be in shortly for a late lunch.  He got caught up with a project.  I assume you two have eaten?”  Benjamin slid out of Belle’s arms.

“Yes.”  James nodded.

“Alright.  I will be right back.”  She nudged Benjamin toward the back of the house where the bedrooms were.

“But Mama, I didn’t get a chance to see Papa yet.”  He protested.

“You’ll see him when you get up.”  She told him, and the boy headed toward his room with no further argument, Elizabeth following behind him.

Just as Elizabeth closed the bedroom door, the side door that led to the blacksmith’s shop opened and Joshua Bennett entered.  Joshua was not only Elizabeth’s husband, he was also James’s best friend.

“James, Belle, it’s good to see you.”  Joshua stopped at the indoor pump to clean himself up.  “I hope you’ll excuse me if I eat while we visit.”  He wiped his hands and face, then opened the oven to take out the plate that Elizabeth had saved for him.

“Not at all.”  James said.  The difference in social status between him and Joshua was constantly in James’s mind.  It had never affected their friendship, but James had no job and very few responsibilities, living off of his family, while Joshua had to work almost every day since his father passed away five years ago.

Elizabeth came back into the room that served as both a kitchen and dining room.  “James, Belle, can I get either of you something to drink?”

“No thank you.”  James said and Belle waved her hand in agreement.  Elizabeth joined them at the table.

“So, I suppose you two have heard the big news.”  Joshua said after a bite of his fried chicken.

“We have.  It’s hard to not have heard about it.”  James replied.

“South Carolina has seceded.”  Elizabeth wrapped her hands around her cup of coffee and hung her head.

“That’s about all we’ve heard.  What is the word around town?  What are the details?”  James asked.

“It happened yesterday and was expected, after the election of Lincoln.”  Joshua frowned.  “What I didn’t expect was the fact that it was unanimous”

“Agreed.”  James said.  “What have your customers been saying about the possibilities of war?”

“It seems as though other states will follow South Carolina.  I’m not sure about Virginia, though.  From what people are saying, the southern states don’t really want war but if the North wants to try and stop the South from being its own country, the South will defend itself.  It sounds as though South Carolina will demand the Federal army vacate all the forts in the state.”

“And if they don’t?”  Belle asked.  This was not the kind of conversation she usually participated in, and the topic of current events and politics bored her, but she felt that she needed to know some of the information.  Her future depended on it.

“If they don’t, I’m sure that South Carolina will force them as best as they can.”  James said.

“And those would be the first shots of a war, I imagine.”  Elizabeth glanced somberly at her husband.

“Most likely.”  Joshua nodded, pulling Elizabeth’s hand into his.

“If Virginia does secede and go to war, James, what do you plan on doing?”  Elizabeth asked.

“Do you mean will I go and fight?”  He glanced out the window.  “It depends on certain issues, I suppose.”

“He means it depends on Nicole Austin.”  Belle interjected.  “His going off to war might help him grow up and become a more suitable match for Nicole.  You know how his lawyership, Mr. Theodosius Austin is.”

“Belle…”  James looked at his sister, slightly annoyed.

“Well, it’s true, James.  That's exactly what is going on.  Nicole loves you and you love her and you are both in the upper crust of Fredericksburg society.  It’s not like the daughter of a planter marrying a common laborer.  I mean no offense, Elizabeth, Joshua.”

Elizabeth glanced at Joshua, who squeezed her hand and gave her a brief smile over the glass of water he drank from.  They were both used to Belle’s inability to think before she spoke when in the company of her family and close friends, as well as her tendency to be condescending toward the relationship between Joshua and Elizabeth.

Belle continued.  “But for some reason, even though you are the heir to the Turner Plantation, well, James, the problem is you just don’t want to grow up and take on responsibility.  I think you believe that joining the southern army will prove that you are mature and you can be brave, therefore making you good enough to marry Mr. Austin’s precious daughter.”

“Belle, I told you to let that be.  My reasons for joining the army, if I do, are none of your concern.”

“They might be if you’re killed.”  Elizabeth spoke softly.  Joshua entwined his fingers with hers.

“You don’t know that I would be killed, and even if there is a war, most believe it won’t last long.” 

“And we can still hold on to the hope that Virginia won’t secede, and shots will ever be fired.”  Joshua added.

“God willing.”  Elizabeth nodded.

“As much as I would like to stay and talk some more, I have a lot of work to finish up.”  Joshua grinned at his friend as he stood.  “James, you are always welcome to join me out there.”

“Not today.”  James stood.  “I’m actually leaving Belle here for a bit while I visit Nicole.”  He looked at Elizabeth.  “I hope that's not an imposition.”

“Not at all, James.  You know that family is always welcome here.”

“Wonderful.”  He grabbed his hat, shook Joshua’s hand, and headed out the door.  Joshua leaned down to give Elizabeth a brief kiss, then smiled at Belle.  “You ladies have a wonderful visit.”  

Free Time

So it has been quite some time since I have written or posted.  It always seems as there is so little time to do the things we need to do, much less do things we want to do.  It has been a busy time for me.  I continue to teach, which always keeps me busy.  This winter, I am coaching 8th grade girls basketball, which I enjoy immensely, but adds to my business.  I am using all of my other spare time to work on the second book of my series, Be Strong and Steadfast.  I have been researching quite a bit about the civilians of Fredericksburg and how they were affected by the war.  It is incredible just how much their lives were altered by the comings and goings of the Union and Confederate armies.  I can't wait to have you all read about these trials and tribulations.

So while thinking about my lack of free time, I began thinking about how individuals during the Civil War spent their free time.  It varied greatly.  Soldiers would spend much time marching and drilling, but they did have some spare time.  They would write home, play cards, visit with one another, and sometimes drink and gamble.  Much of my research, however, has been on how the women spent their free time.

Some of the women rarely had free time.  If they did not have servants or slaves, they were taking care of the household, and in many cases, they were also taking care of their husband's jobs if the husband was fighting.  Women took over farms, businesses and completely took over care of the family.  They also had their own jobs to take care of.  In the days of the Civil War, things like cooking, laundry and mending took up much of a woman's time.  Her spare time may be spent reading or spending time with friends or families.  Many times, women would combine work and play, and have sewing circles and quilting bees, where they could work on their "to do list" and socialize at the same time.

Other women had a lot of spare time.  Women who had servants or slaves would have much more time to stroll through the garden, work on needlepoint projects, and visit with friends and families.  Many women who had servants or slaves did not even have to worry about their children, as they had a nurse to take care of them.

I plan on writing more about women during the Civil War at a later time.  However, I'm glad you were able to spend some spare time of your own to read this.  I appreciate all of the support from those who keep up with me.  I hope to have a full novel for you to read soon!  Enjoy your weekend.

Family

"Chance makes us family, hearts makes us friends"

I have been absolutely and amazingly blessed by the family that I have been given.  I have two loving, supporting parents.  My mother is my manager, editor, agent, planner, sounding board, chauffeur, cheerleader, decorator, just about everything.  I call her my "Momager".  My books, along with a lot of things in my life would not happen without her.  She has also become a great friend as well.  

I also have two sisters and a brother, and I count them among my best friends.  We have always been close, and while we have had our "spats" throughout the years growing up, I cannot remember any specific fights.  We haven't always agreed on things, but we have always been supportive of one another.  We get together has often as possible, and it is a rare week when I don't see my family.  I also have three wonderful nieces and an adorable nephew.  They are a big part of my world, and love my continually-growing family.

My extended family is also quite close.  We gather about three times a year, even though we are spread from the East coast to Denver.  They are also some family that has become friends

My love of family comes out in my writings.  In Though War Shall Rise Against Me, I focus on the friendships that become like family.  Some characters have siblings, but we do not see a lot of interaction between them.  In Book 2 of The Turner Cousins, Be Strong and Steadfast, we will see many more family interactions between the characters.  You will also read more about the relationship between the Turner cousins: Charlotte of Gettysburg, Belle and Elizabeth of Fredericksburg, Victoria and Mary of Vicksburg, and Rebekah of Petersburg.

Now its back to writing Be Strong and Steadfast!  Enjoy ringing in the New Year.  Stay safe and God Bless.

Friendship

A main theme of my novels is relationships.  We see many different relationships: romantic, familial and friendship.  This particular post is going to focus on friendships and their importance.
In Though War Shall Rise Against Me, we see old friendships develop and new friendships grow.  We see that no friendship is perfect and that sometimes, friends have to be willing to be brutally honest.  Many times, Charlotte's friends, especially Alex, tell Charlotte things that she does not want to hear, but needs to.  We all need friends like that.
I have been very blessed in the friend department.  I write this on the eve of a day where I will be able to meet up with some of my very best friends from across the country throughout the course of the day.  Friendships are extremely important in a person's life.  I have friends that I will not talk to for months, but when we get together, it is as if no time has passed.  I have friends that have such a similar mindset to me, that sometimes words are not needed.  I have friends who will be brutally honest with me (usually in the fashion department), and that help me with my own personal growth.  I am especially blessed to have family members (sisters, brother, parents) who have become some of my closest friends.
Do I agree with everything that my friends do?  Absolutely not.  I have a handful of friends that I agree with very little in terms of politics.  They know my stances and I know theirs, but we "agree to disagree" and don't let it ruin our friendships.  No relationship will be perfect and I don't believe you can find anyone who will agree with you 100% of the time.  At least I haven't found someone like that.
One of my favorite author/artists/cartoonists is Charles Schultz, creator of Peanuts.  He once said "A friend is someone who knows all of your faults, but likes you anyways."  I strongly believe in that.  Our dearest friends will know our faults and weaknesses, but still care about us.  Another good trait of a friend is someone who will help you be the best person that you can be.  I tell that to my middle-schoolers all the time.
I believe my novels show those aspects of friendship between the characters.  Friendship is such an important part of my life that it naturally shows in my writings.  Book 2 in "The Turner Daughters" series, Be Strong and Steadfast also follows four friends.  We follow Isabelle and Elizabeth Turner, who are cousins to Charlotte and whom we met in Though War Shall Rise Against Me, and their friends America Joan Prentiss (who we also met in Book 1) and Catherine Corbin.  Their friendship will hit some rocky points throughout the course of the novel.  I hope you enjoy reading their story (it should be available in early 2017, stay posted for more updates).
Family is another theme that plays a major role in my novels.  I will be discussing that in my next post.  Stay tuned!  And enjoy your family and friends over the holiday weekend!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

Welcome!

Good Morning!
I have decided to start a blog, as another avenue that I can connect with my readers or those who are interested in reading, history, or any other variety of topics.  I am a pretty eclectic person and enjoy a variety of things.  My goal is to write 2-3 posts per week.
Today, I decided to introduce the blog with an answer to a commonly asked question I get:  What made you want to be a writer?
The answer:  I never really decided to become a writer.  It was something that I always enjoyed doing.  I remember in Elementary school, we had a "Publishing Center" where students could write stories, turn them in to the Center, where parent volunteers would type them (most of the time on typewriters...yes, I am dating myself), bind them and give them back.  They would spend time in our school library and then we would get to take them home.  My parents still have all of the books that my siblings and I wrote, and it is quite the collection.
I never lost my passion for writing.  I have so many ideas up in my head and can't wait to get them down on paper.  I am really excited that I have so many people that want to read what I have written.  I feel so humbled by that.  I deeply appreciate all of my readers and all of the messages that you send me.  I hope to better connect with all of you through this blog and other forms of social media.  And if you are ever in the area when I am at an event, I would love talking with you again.  An unexpected benefit of writing Though War Shall Rise Against Me and selling it at events is meeting so many awesome and interesting people.
Check back in a couple of days when I talk about some of my specific inspiration for the relationships behind my novels.  Have a wonderful and blessed day!