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5 Things You Might Not Know about the Great Chicago Fire of 1871

Today in 1871, the Great Chicago Fire began. It would continue to burn into October 9 and 10 before rain fell and helped douse the flames. I spent months studying this historic event for my novel Veiled in Smoke, and learned plenty along the way. Did you know: 1) The fire wasn't Catherine O'Leary's fault. While it is a matter of historical record that the first sparks began in her barn on DeKoven Street, Catherine was first blamed for starting the fire by reporter Michael Ahern of the Chicago Republican, an accusation that was repeated all over the city. In 1893, Ahern finally admitted he made up the story. In December 1871, the Board of Police and Fire Commissioners held an inquiry into the cause of the fire, which was a nine-day ordeal of questioning more than fifty witnesses. The official report reads: "“Whether it originated from a spark blown from a chimney on that windy night, or was set on fire by human agency, we are unable to determine.” Public opinion had already found the Irish Here I am standing in the shadow of the monument to the Great Fire, right at the site of the first sparks. Fittingly, this is right outside the Fire Academy. immigrant woman guilty, however. More than a century later, in 1997, the Chicago City Council passed a resolution exonerating Catherine. For more about the O'Leary Legend, see this Smithsonian article. 2) The firemen were already exhausted from putting out a fire the night before. Half of the 185-man firefighting force had fought the previous night's seventeen-hour fire in the West Division well into October 8. Then, as was their custom, they unwound by drinking. After only a few hours of sleep, they were called up again for a conflagration that would be worse than they could ever have imagined. And they had to fight it using equipment that had been damaged the night before. There had been no time to repair it. 3) Donations made in sympathy began the Chicago Public Library. Before the fire, Chicago did not have a free public library. But in sympathy for all that the city had lost (including a draft of Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation and the rest of the Chicago Historical Society documents), the people of England made a donation of 8,000 volumes for the purpose. The donation prompted Chicago to begin plans for the first Chicago Public Library, which opened on Jan. 1, 1873. The books were housed in a circular water tank that had survived the fire. For more information on the formation of the library, visit this site. A bookplate in the book "The Early Years of His Royal Highness the Prince Consort, 1819-1841." 4) Not a single photograph of the actual fire survives. If anyone took a photograph during the fire, we haven't seen it. Either photographers were running for their lives along with everyone else, or the heat was too much for the equipment, making capturing an image through photography impossible. There are, however, gobs of photographs of the ruins after the fire, and plenty of drawings, lithographs, and paintings offering artists' renditions of the Great Chicago Fire. Below is an 1871 lithograph by Currier & Ives. For photographs of the ruins, and of relics found among them, visit my Pinterest board here. 5) The Great Chicago Fire was not the only fire taking place at that time. The Peshtigo Fire swept through northeast Wisconsin on the same date (October 8, 1871), destroying 1.2 million acres and taking at least 1200 lives. The Chicago fire, by way of comparison, destroyed 2124 acres and claimed roughly 300 lives. On the same day, other fires burned in Michigan at Holland, Manistee, and Port Huron. For a much more personal look into how one family survived both the fire and the rebuilding, I hope you'll check out my novel, Veiled in Smoke! "The characters have captivating personalities that drive the plot forward and enrich relationship dynamics. The chaos and fear at that time in Chicago’s history are deftly penned. This is a story of resilience, faith, and the human spirit. An extremely enjoyable, well-researched, and emotionally compelling tale. Recommended!" ~Historical Novel Society

3 Civil War Audiobooks Available from 40 New Channels

My Civil War audiobooks Wedded to War, Widow of Gettysburg, and Yankee in Atlanta, which have been available exclusively on Audible up until now, remain on Audible but are now ALSO available through Kobo, Google Play, Scribd, Chirp, Audiobooks.com, and through your public library via Hoopla and Overdrive! Actually, they are available through about 40 new distribution channels which I won't take the time to list here, so feel free to look them up at the retailer of your choice! (The fourth book in the series, Spy of Richmond, will be produced next.) Note: At all of these places, you should also be able to find audiobooks for my other titles: The Mark of the King, A Refuge Assured, and Veiled in Smoke. I would LOVE your help making sure your library carries them in this new format! Would you go to your library's Web site and see if the audiobooks are listed via Hoopla, Overdrive, or whatever provider your library uses? If they haven't added them yet, would you request that they do? This will be so helpful to me, to libraries, and to readers. And, you can be entered to win a prize for your help! Read on for details. Give-away! After you check your library's digital catalog for my books, let me know through this form, and you'll be entered in this month's give-aways! Up for grabs this month is a paperback copy of any novel I've written (winner's choice) and a set of CDs for A Mosaic of Wings audiobook by Kimberly Duffy. I'll select a winner on September 25.

Now in Audio: Yankee in Atlanta

Yankee in Atlanta is now available as an audiobook through Audible and iTunes! This is book 3 in my Heroines Behind the Lines Civil War series. Here's what it's about: She hid from her past to find a future—and landed on enemy soil. When soldier Caitlin McKae wakes up in Atlanta, the Georgian doctor who treats her believes Caitlin’s only secret is that she had been fighting for the South disguised as a man. In order to avoid arrest or worse, Caitlin hides her true identity and makes a new life for herself in Atlanta as a governess for the daughter of Noah Becker—on the brink of his enlistment with the Rebel army. Though starvation rules, and Sherman rages, she will not run again. In a land shattered by strife and suffering, a Union veteran and a Rebel soldier test the limits of loyalty and discover the courage to survive. This novel has been endorsed by award-winning authors Laura Frantz and Sarah Sundin, as well as by historians and staff from the Atlanta History Center and the Marietta Museum of History. For more information about the book, and links to all retailers, visit the book page on my Web site here. Fans of the first two audiobooks in this series will be happy to hear that the same narrator, Laura E. Richcreek, has brought Yankee in Atlanta to life for us with her voice. (For a behind the scenes look at what goes into making an audiobook, check out this blog post.) If you haven't yet read or listened to the first two books in this series, I recommend you do that before Yankee in Atlanta, or at least start with book 1, Wedded to War, which was a Christy Award finalist. A few characters from Wedded to War carry over to Yankee in Atlanta, where their stories will continue. Click the book covers below for more information and retailer links. The next project, of course, is to produce Spy of Richmond as an audiobook so the series will be complete!

Cabin Fever? Travel the World with these Books

So much has changed since my last blog post. But for many of us, even though businesses are beginning to re-open in certain areas of the country, we're still not going very far. If you're itching to travel, check out the books below. Some are old enough that libraries may already have them, and some are new releases. Because I am on a rewriting deadline (Monday!), I'm just going to let you click the links to the books' Goodreads pages to read more about the ones that interest you, OK? I hope you find some great ideas in the list below! Australia. Carry Me Home by Dorothy Adamek. Historical,1875. Belgium. High as the Heavens by Kate Breslin. Historical, World War 2. Canada. Between Two Shores by Jocelyn Green. (Yes, me. Sneaky, right?) Historical, Seven Years War (1759). Jody Hedlund also has a new series called The Bride Ships, set in 1860s Canada. China. All the Tea in China by Jane Orcutt. Historical, 1814. Egypt. Kings Falling by Ronie Kendig. (Read Storm Rising, first.) Speculative. England. Lady of Milkweed Manor by Julie Klassen. Historical, Regency era. Or any other book by Julie Klassen. I already talked about Roseanna M. White's Shadows Over England and The Codebreakers series set in England during World War 1 in my last blog post, but they're worth mentioning again, too! There are so many books set in England to choose from. Check out authors Carolyn Miller, Kristi Ann Hunter, Sandra Byrd, Carrie Turansky, Tamara Leigh (medieval!), to name a few. France. The Seamstress by Allison Pittman. Historical, French Revolution. Germany. My Dearest Dietrich by Amanda Barratt. Historical, World War 2. India. A Mosaic of Wings by Kimberly Duffy. Historical, 1885. Iraq. Lion of Babylon by Davis Bunn. Contemporary, thriller. Ireland. Only the River Runs Free by Brock and Bodie Thoene. Historical, 1830s. Israel. A Light on the Hill by Connilyn Cossette. Biblical fiction. Italy. The Girl in the Glass by Susan Meissner. Split time, Renaissance/contemporary. Scotland. Thorn in My Heart by Liz Curtis Higgs. Historical, 1788. A Bound Heart by Laura Frantz is lovely, too (1752), and set in Scotland for the first part of the book before the story moves to America. West Indies. Keturah by Lisa Tawn Bergren, and the rest of The Sugar Baron's Daughters series. Historical, 1772. What are your favorite novels set outside the U.S.?

25+ Ideas for Stay-at-Home Reading

I hope and pray you are safe and learning how to cope and take care of yourself and your family during this global pandemic. Just as you are creating space around you socially, I hope you're also carving out mental space that can be filled with good things completely unrelated to COVID-19, the news, empty grocery shelves, etc. To that end, I'm recommending books that will whisk you away and inspire you. You'll find 5 nonfiction titles, 10 novels, and 10 series to choose from. Did you know that reading just six minutes a day can lower stress by 68%? (But really, who can stop after just six minutes?) Reading gets one's mind off one's own worries and circumstances, brings fresh insights, and has been proven to build our empathy and compassion muscles. Ready? Here we go. Nonfiction *Note: The Bible is not specified in this list because it should go without saying that God's Word is our most important reading of every day. Keys to Bonhoeffer's Haus: Exploring the World and Wisdom of Dietrich Bonhoeffer by Laura M. Fabrycky. An American guide of the Bonhoeffer-Haus in Berlin, the author takes readers on a tour of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's home, city, and world. She shares the keys she has discovered there that unlock what made Bonhoeffer who he was. Adorning the Dark: Thoughts on Community, Calling, and the Mystery of Making by Andrew Peterson. This is written for writers and songwriters, but may have a broader audience. Gems of wisdom tucked into a conversational style. Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh. This very short book is a classic, full of meditations on youth and age, love and marriage, and basically what it means to be a woman. I quote from this book in Free to Lean: Making Peace with Your Lopsided Life. Surprised by Oxford by Carolyn Weber. One of my favorite memoirs. An academic agnostic finds God during graduate study at Oxford University. Once We Were Strangers: What Friendship with a Syrian Refugee Taught Me about Loving My Neighbor by Shawn Smucker. We may need to keep our social distance right now, but this lovely book keeps us thinking about what it means to be a neighbor. Novels *Note: I'm not listing my own titles in these numbered spots, but I sure wouldn't mind if you checked out my new release, Veiled in Smoke, set during and after the Great Chicago Fire. ALSO for you Kindle readers: The Mark of the King is included in the Kindle Unlimited program, and you can read A Refuge Assured and Between Two Shores for free if you are an Amazon prime member. The House at the End of the Moor by Michelle Griep. This Regency England tale just released, and I had the pleasure of endorsing it! Against the Tide by Elizabeth Camden. I just listened to this story about the opium trade in 1800s America, and it might be my favorite by Camden that I've read. The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery. If you enjoyed the Anne books, don't miss this one! It's a lighthearted classic and made me laugh out loud. The Tea Chest by Heidi Chiavaroli. This could be my favorite split-time story from Heidi. I love how she captures the Revolutionary era. A Note Yet Unsung by Tamera Alexander. This is part of a series, but works as a stand-alone just fine. If you love music, you'll adore this one, set in late 19th-century Nashville. The Printed Letter Bookshop by Katherine Reay. One of my favorite contemporary novels. It revolves around a bookstore, so you can't go wrong there! The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Yes, the children's book. But isn't there something comforting about returning to a beloved story? The Frontiersman’s Daughter by Laura Frantz. This was the first book I read by Laura and it remains one of my favorites. If you like frontier fiction, try this. Burning Sky by Lori Benton. Another must-read in the canon of Christian frontier fiction. The main character is a returned captive of Mohawk Indians. Christy by Catherine Marshall. This timeless classic is long enough to keep you busy for a while. I'm going to start reading this out loud with my family tonight. Ask me next month how it went. haha Bonus: Those of you who actually want to read novels with epidemics in them, try I’ll Watch the Moon by Ann Tatlock (polio, 1950s); As Bright as Heaven by Susan Meissner (general market, Spanish flu, 1918); and if you’re extremely brave, Outbreak by Davis Bunn (virus, contemporary). Binge-worthy Series Shadows Over England by Roseanna M. White. Start with A Name Unknown, which I recently read and ADORE. Sunrise at Normandy series by Sarah Sundin. Start with The Sea Before Us. (I also LOVE her very first series, Wings of Glory!) Exotic Pet-Sitter Mysteries by Heather Day Gilbert. Begin with Belinda Blake and the Snake in the Grass. These clean (general market) contemporary cozy mysteries work as stand-alones, too. Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers. Start with A Voice in the Wind. A bit heavier than others on this list, but a gold standard in biblical-era fiction. Totally absorbing and inspiring. The Pearl Spence books by Susie Finkbeiner. Start with A Cup of Dust: A Novel of the Dust Bowl. You'll love the child protagonist, Pearl. Vintage National Parks series by Karen Barnett. Begin with The Road to Paradise. These might scratch your itch to travel! Price of Privilege trilogy by Jessica Dotta. Start with Born of Persuasion. The protagonist, Julia, is basically sheltering in place for a big chunk of time in this Gothic England story, so, you know. We can relate. Parish Orphans of Devon series by Mimi Matthews. Start with The Matrimonial Advertisement. Another series set in England in the 1800s, although the second book takes you on a journey to India. These are clean (general market) Victorian regency romances. Under Northern Skies series by Lauraine Snelling. Start with The Promise of Dawn. Norweigian immigrants make a life for themselves in Minnesota. Sweet and hearty stories. Orphan Train series by Jody Hedlund. Start with With You Always. America's orphan trains have always fascinated me.

Meg and Sylvie's Book Club

In my novel Veiled in Smoke, Meg and Sylvie Townsend manage the family bookshop and care for their father, Stephen, a veteran still suffering in mind and spirit from his time as a POW during the Civil War. But when the Great Fire sweeps through Chicago's business district, they lose much more than just their store. Stephen is accused of a murder that takes place the night of the fire, and committed to the Cook County Insane Asylum. Though homeless and suddenly unemployed, Meg must not only gather the pieces of her shattered life, but prove her father's innocence before the asylum truly drives him mad. As you might imagine for a novel based on a bookshop-owning family, literary references and themes are sprinkled throughout Veiled in Smoke. Meg and Sylvie's Book Club: Heroines Recommend their Favorite Classics As I was researching and writing this novel about book-loving characters, I enjoyed re-reading classics they might have read prior to the novel’s setting in the year 1871. If Veiled in Smoke sisters Meg and Sylvie Townsend could bend your ear with their favorite titles, here is what they’d suggest. Meg recommends: Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe. Meg says, “This little book had such a powerful impact on the country, including our father, Stephen, who fought in the war and struggled to come all the way home.” North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell. Meg says, “Mrs. Gaskell writes a strong heroine with plenty of moral resolve. The love story is sweet without being saccharine.” Sense & Sensibility by Jane Austen. Meg says, “By far my favorite story by Jane Austen. I see myself and my own sister sometimes in the Dashwood sisters!” Sylvie recommends: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. Sylvie says, “This book was one of my mother’s favorites before she died, which makes it all the more precious to me. But it stands on its own as my favorite novel written by an American woman.” Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. Sylvie says, “Jane Eyre is full of spiritual insights and is totally inspiring on a personal level, regardless of the romance with Rochester.” Villette by Charlotte Bronte. Sylvie says, “Villette is the novel that shows me how to find happiness and fulfillment as an individual, and in my own work.” Classic books like these shape my characters in Veiled in Smoke and add layers of depth to their fictional lives. Which classic book has stuck with you?

Veiled in Smoke Travel Guide: Visit the Chicago of 1871’s Great Fire

After the Great Fire of 1871 destroyed Chicago’s business district and rendered 100,000 people homeless, the city lost no time in rebuilding. Within two years, the downtown area was completely reconstructed, and better than ever. But if you visit Chicago today, you’ll still be able to find glimpses of the Chicago my characters in Veiled in Smoke knew well. 1. The Chicago Fire Academy We know for sure the site where the Great Fire began: Catherine O’Leary’s barn. But there was never any proof that she or her cow was to blame for kicking over a lantern. According to the official report of an investigation conducted in 1871: “There is no proof that any person had been in the barn after nightfall that evening. Whether it originated from a spark blown from a chimney on that windy night, or was set on fire by human agency, we are unable to determine. Mr. O'Leary and all his family prove to have been in bed and asleep at the time.” In any case, the site of the blaze’s first sparks is now at the Chicago Fire Academy, at the corner of DeKoven and Jefferson. Visitors are allowed inside to see the spot, and to see antique fire engines as well. 2. Courthouse finial, Lincoln Park My characters, the Townsend family, lived across from Courthouse Square. The night of the fire, the bell in the Courthouse Cupola rang for five hours before it collapsed. Today, an urn-shaped finial from the courthouse’s roof can be seen in front of Lincoln Park Zoo. Thousands of Chicagoans fled north from the flames in October 8-9, 1871, many of them finally finding refuge in Lincoln Park. 3. St. James Cathedral The Great Fire gutted St. James Cathedral at the corner of Wabash and Huron. All that was left were the stone walls, the bell tower, and a Civil War memorial in the narthex. The top of bell tower remains charred from those flames of 1871 as a reminder of what the church survived. 4. Fire relics at the Chicago History Museum In Veiled in Smoke, two Italian boys sell fire relics such as marbles molded together, pieces of charred statues or sculptures, and a mound of washers fused into one form. These relics, and others like them, can be seen today at the Chicago History Museum. 5. Water tower The water tower survived the Great Fire and is open to the public to look around inside. You won’t find any water there—the tower actually holds a huge pump that brings water in from Lake Michigan. After the Great Fire, the water tower was one of the few remaining landmarks in the area which helped orient people to where they were. 6. Prairie Avenue Historic District Historic Prairie Avenue was far south enough that it was not in danger of being burned. One of my characters in Veiled in Smoke lived here, and opened his home as a refuge for those displaced by the fire. See the historic district in the 1800 and 1900 blocks of South Prairie Ave to see the kinds of homes that would have been there at the time. 7. Driehaus Museum The Driehaus Museum at 40 East Erie Street inspired the interior details of the fictional home I placed on Prairie Avenue in the novel. If you visit the museum today, you’ll see that the library, dining room, and reception rooms look familiar. I sincerely hope that Veiled in Smoke brings 1871 Chicago alive for you. But I also hope you can get to Chicago and see some of these sites yourself. If you’d like a personal tour guide for your family or group, I will recommend mine! Kevin Doerksen owns Wild Onion Walks, and guided me through Chicago as part of my two separate research trips I took. He’s a walking encyclopedia of Chicago history! Not only did he prove an excellent resource, he also read my book to make sure I got the history right—and then he even endorsed it. Whether through my book or in person or both, I hope you experience Chicago soon! About Veiled in Smoke Meg and Sylvie Townsend manage the family bookshop and care for their father, Stephen, a veteran still suffering in mind and spirit from his time as a POW during the Civil War. But when the Great Fire sweeps through Chicago's business district, they lose much more than just their store. The sisters become separated from their father, and after Meg burns her hands in an attempt to save a family heirloom, they make a harrowing escape from the flames with the help of Chicago Tribune reporter Nate Pierce. Once the smoke clears away, they reunite with Stephen, only to learn soon after that their family friend not only died during the fire--he was murdered. Even more shocking, Stephen is charged with the crime and committed to the Cook County Insane Asylum. Though homeless, injured, and suddenly unemployed, Meg must not only gather the pieces of her shattered life, but prove her father's innocence before the asylum truly drives him mad. For more information and for purchase links, click here.

Happy Release Day! 5 New Must-Read Books

It's a big day for new releases! I'm delighted to share Veiled in Smoke's launch day with several others! There are several releasing today, but I'm limiting this post to just five. Take a look at this variety. I think you'll find there is something for every reader! Veiled in Smoke (The Windy City Saga #1) by Jocelyn Green Historical Fiction (Great Chicago Fire of 1871) Meg and Sylvie Townsend manage the family bookshop and care for their father, Stephen, a veteran still suffering in mind and spirit from his time as a POW during the Civil War. But when the Great Fire sweeps through Chicago's business district, they lose much more than just their store. The sisters become separated from their father, and after Meg burns her hands in an attempt to save a family heirloom, they make a harrowing escape from the flames with the help of Chicago Tribune reporter Nate Pierce. Once the smoke clears away, they reunite with Stephen, only to learn soon after that their family friend not only died during the fire--he was murdered. Even more shocking, Stephen is charged with the crime and committed to the Cook County Insane Asylum. Though homeless, injured, and suddenly unemployed, Meg must not only gather the pieces of her shattered life, but prove her father's innocence before the asylum truly drives him mad. What readers are saying: "If you love classic literature, you will feel connected to these characters. If you have a friend or family member serving in the military, this story will stir your heart. If you enjoy historical fiction that begs you to keep digging and discovering, Jocelyn Green is the author for you. Finally, if you enjoy a good mystery, Veiled in Smoke should not only be on your nightstand, it should move directly to the top of the stack!" ~Amanda Geaney, Goodreads Review Find Veiled in Smoke on Goodreads. The Tea Chest by Heidi Chiavaroli Time Slip Fiction (Dual timeline, Revolutionary War era and contemporary) Boston, 1773 Emma Malcolm's father is staunchly loyal to the crown, but Emma's heart belongs to Noah Winslow, a lowly printer's assistant and Patriot. But her father has promised her hand to Samuel Clarke, a rapacious and sadistic man. As his fiance, she would have to give up Noah and the friends who have become like family to her--as well as the beliefs she has come to embrace. After Emma is drawn into the treasonous Boston Tea Party, Samuel blackmails her with evidence that condemns each participant, including Noah. Emma realizes she must do whatever it takes to protect those she loves, even if it means giving up the life she desires and becoming Samuel's wife. Present Day Lieutenant Hayley Ashworth is determined to be the first woman inducted into the elite Navy SEALs. But before her dream can be realized, she must return to Boston in order to put the abuse and neglect of her childhood behind her. When an unexpected encounter with the man she once loved leads to the discovery of a tea chest and the document hidden within, she wonders if perhaps true strength and freedom are buried deeper than she first realized. Two women, separated by centuries, must find the strength to fight for love and freedom. . . and discover a heritage of courage and faith. What readers are saying: "Passion for American history shines through as this author gives readers a front row seat to events leading up to and those after the Boston Tea party, through the eyes of tender-hearted Emma Malcom and her family...This was a nail-biting story I couldn’t put down. It’s rich in character, history and story. It would work well for your next book club pick." ~Nora St. Laurent, Goodreads Review Find The Tea Chest on Goodreads. Daughter of Rome by Tessa Afshar Biblical Fiction A woman with a devastating secret. A man bent on proving his worth. A chance encounter that catapults them into the heart of history. When the daughter of a prominent Roman general meets a disinherited Jewish immigrant, neither one can dream of God's plan to transform them into the most influential couple of the early church. Nor can they anticipate the mountains that will threaten to bury them. Their courtship unwittingly shadowed by murder and betrayal, Priscilla and Aquila slowly work to build a community of believers, while their lives grow increasingly complicated thanks to a shaggy dog, a mysterious runaway, and a ruthless foe desperate for love. But when they're banished from their home by a capricious emperor, they must join forces with an unusual rabbi named Paul and fight to turn treachery into redemption. With impeccable research and vivid detail, Daughter of Rome is both an emotive love story and an immersive journey through first-century Rome and Corinth. What readers are saying: "If it's possible to start the year out by finding your favorite read for the whole year, that might have just happened. At the least I can guarantee that it will make my favorites list. I don't even think I have the words to do this story justice. Incredible!" ~Becca-Rae Weidel, Goodreads Review Find Daughter of Rome on Goodreads. Belinda Blake and the Birds of a Feather (Exotic Pet-sitter #3) by Heather Day Gilbert Contemporary, Cozy Mystery When exotic pet–sitter Belinda Blake starts pecking at the details of a suspicious accident in her sleepy hometown, she inadvertently digs up a murder case that won’t be solved without ruffling a few feathers . . . The moment Belinda arrives in Larches Corner, her Upstate New York hometown, she’s immediately recruited to care for a deceased friend’s flock of homing pigeons. But Belinda’s plans for a swift visit scatter after a local college student is mowed down in a malicious hit-and-run that has the whole town reeling. At first, the gruesome demise of Jackson Hait appears to be a random tragedy. But Belinda quickly uncovers connections to a tight-knit group of friends and a similar death three years earlier . . . one that wasn't as accidental as it seemed. Now, Belinda must pluck the truth from a tangled nest of lies before a cruel killer takes wing. What readers are saying: "Belinda Blake and the Birds of a Feather is the third and most multilayered book in the Exotic Pet-Sitter Mystery series. The countless readers who fell in love with Belinda’s quirky charm in earlier books will be cooing over this story, as it develops and expands her personality even more, giving her journey a coming of age feel against the backdrop of her colorful family, friends, and love interests." ~Chloe Flanagan, Goodreads Review Find Belinda Blake and the Birds of a Feather on Goodreads. The Land Beneath Us (Sunrise at Normandy #3) by Sarah Sundin Historical Romance (World War 2) In 1943, Private Clay Paxton trains hard with the U.S. Army Rangers at Camp Forrest, Tennessee, determined to do his best in the upcoming Allied invasion of France. With his future stolen by his brothers' betrayal, Clay has only one thing to live for—fulfilling the recurring dream of his death. Leah Jones works as a librarian at Camp Forrest, longing to rise above her orphanage upbringing and belong to the community, even as she uses her spare time to search for her real family—the baby sisters she was separated from so long ago. After Clay saves Leah's life from a brutal attack, he saves her virtue with a marriage of convenience. When he ships out to train in England for D-Day, their letters bind them together over the distance. But can a love strong enough to overcome death grow between them before Clay's recurring dream comes true? What readers are saying: "Ms. Sundin has a firm grasp on how to convey faith and human nature and pours this knowledge into her characters, making them come alive. Her extensive research shines in the scenes about training and the invasion of Normandy, as well as the everyday hardships of the folks left behind at home. Faith in God is portrayed as the backbone of the Paxton family and forgiveness is seen as a struggle but so worth the outcome." ~Paula Shreckhise, Goodreads Review Find The Land Beneath Us on Goodreads. Which books are you adding to your TBR list?

Pre-order Veiled in Smoke, get a free book and more!

Get ready for The Windy City Saga to kick off with a novel of the Great Chicago Fire! Pre-order Veiled in Smoke from any retailer and get a free ebook of A Refuge Assured, plus free downloadable graphics and exclusive access to a deleted prologue! After you pre-order, fill out the form here to claim your prizes. So far, Veiled in Smoke has been endorsed by Publishers Weekly; Rachel McMillan, author of Murder in the City of Liberty; Elizabeth Camden, author of The Spice King; and Kevin Doerksen, president of Chicago Tour Guide Professionals Association. I can't wait for you to read it, too!

Searching for Novel History in Chicago

Well, it’s starting to feel like fall around here. I’ve packed away our summer clothes, brought out the sweaters and scarves, and my kids are asking for flannel sheets. October also marks the beginning of my intense writing season for the book that’s due to my publisher in February. That’s right—eleven days after Veiled in Smoke releases, the second book in the same series (The Windy City Saga) is due. Book #2 in this series doesn’t have a title yet, but it picks up with the same family introduced in Veiled in Smoke, and is set in 1893, during the World’s Fair. So I don’t have any big book announcements to make right now, but a lot is going on behind the scenes. My family and I just returned from a research trip to Chicago for the book I should start writing this week. Just to be clear, I have been researching with books and online resources for months, but there is really nothing like going to the setting for my novel. Mixed in with family visits to various museums and the Shedd Aquarium, I was able to: spend two hours with my private tour guide, Kevin Doerksen of Wild Onion Walks. He showed me where my characters would have lived and gone to church, along with some of the buildings that would have been part of their lives in 1893. This is the same tour guide who helped me out last summer as I was researching for Veiled in Smoke! tour the historic Auditorium Theatre (pictured below), which is where one of my characters plays the violin in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. take a tour of the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum, which is where one of my characters serves as a volunteer. spend a few hours in the Research Center of the Chicago Historical Society, looking at guidebooks for the World’s Fair and microfilm of the daily newspaper the Fair produced. (The Chicago Historical Society is housed in the same building as the Chicago History Museum.) spend more hours in the Newberry Library, researching Chicago in the early 1890s visit the Museum of Science & Industry (pictured below), the only building constructed as part of the Fair that still exists today. Of course the inside is completely transformed from its original form, but the size of the building alone was important for me to experience. purchase a few more research books I wouldn’t have known existed if I hadn’t taken the trip. My family and I also managed to enjoy some deep-dish pizza from Giordano’s and gelato from Eataly while we were there. Yum! Now that I’m home, I need to finish reading the books I brought home from Chicago and then begin to write. So if I seem quiet on social media over the next few months, just know it’s because I’m busy working on another Chicago story which I hope will fascinate you as much as the history fascinates me.

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