Happy Tuesday everyone! Today I am sitting dow with Inspiration Historical Romance author Elaine Cooper. Stick around to get to know her and find out about her awesome books.
The Interview
Tell us about yourself?
I’m a history geek who loves the simple life. I do not dream of cruises or visits to the Bahamas, but if you offer me a trip to a historical locale, I’m already packing!! I love both dogs and cats and would have a houseful if that were possible. Instead, my husband and I have one very spoiled chihuahua/terrier mix named Mocha. I live in the city but I prefer the country life. I prefer hot tea to coffee (Twinings English Breakfast!) but also drink coffee for the added caffeine.
What genre do you write? Why?
I write inspirational historical romance because I’m a romantic at heart and I love the history of the American Revolution. I grew up in Massachusetts and was immersed in Colonial American history from childhood.
What is your favorite type of fantasy creature? Why?
I think I find the Elves in The Lord of the Rings trilogy to be the most fascinating, perhaps because of their serenity.
What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever done?
Hmmm. I’m not generally weird but, when my sister and brother-in-law got married, the Best Man and I (Maid of Honor) put a live mouse in the glove compartment of their Honeymoon car. THAT caused a stir!!
How does your normal day look like?
Nothing at the moment seems normal because we just relocated from the Midwest to Southern California and my entire schedule has been upended! I’ve re-learned how to drive on insane freeways—still dislike that intensely—and manage to fit in a few work hours on my laptop each day. I’ve found all the low-cost stores nearby and enjoy shopping for bargains. Mostly, I’ve enjoyed babysitting my almost 2-year-old granddaughter and waiting for “the call” that my daughter-in-law is in labor with my grandson!
Tell us an interesting fact about the world your books revolve around.
My books are set in the era of the American Revolution. I think the most surprising discovery from my research for “Scarred Vessels” (to be released in 2020) was the slave trade in the northern colonies, in particular, Rhode Island. I grew up in a neighboring state, yet I’d never heard about that history. I suppose no one wanted to talk about the stories of our ugly past.
Tell us about your latest released book.
“Love’s Kindling” is set in Connecticut in the year 1779. Once again, little-known facts were discovered in my research that surprised me. I’d never heard before that the British attacked three towns along the coastline. New Haven, Fairfield, and Norwalk were either destroyed or damaged. Here is the back-cover copy:
During the American Revolution, Aurinda Whitney lives with her cold and calloused father, an embittered veteran of the previous war. Aurinda’s life changed forever when her father returned for her after that war, taking her away from the only place she’d ever experienced affection. Since her father blamed his daughter for the death of his wife in childbirth, Aurinda is convinced she is unworthy of love.
Zadok Wooding believes he is a failure as he tends the smithy at home while others go to battle against the British. Just when he has an opportunity to become a hero, he is blinded in an accident. Now he fears he will never live up to the Biblical “mighty man of valor” for whom he was named.
When the couple meet, they are both challenged to overcome adversity as well as their inadequacies. Unexpected secrets of their past emerge that can change their lives forever. But can they look past their present circumstances to heal—and find love?
Who is the main character in your book?
Tell us a bit about them. Aurinda Whitney is a young woman convinced that, not only is she unattractive, but no one would ever wish to marry her. Her life has been a lonely saga of separation and suffering. She tolerates living with her emotionally abusive father. Rather than desert him, she feels it her Christian duty to care for him and be a faithful daughter. But in the process, her heart has grown cold. She throws her energies into her weaving business and caring for the farm that she hopes to one day live in. All by herself.
What should we expect from you in the coming months?
Since “Love’s Kindling” is Book 2 in the Dawn of America series, I am currently working on Book 3, “Winter’s Ravage.” I also have “Scarred Vessels” releasing in October of 2020. It’s a novel about the first black regiment of soldiers in the American Continental Army.
What would you like to say to your fans?
I write to please you, but also to please my Lord and Savior, Jesus. While I love to write heady romance, if you’re looking for erotica, you’ve come to the wrong author. I work very hard to assure as much accurate, historical details in my books as I can. And I LOVE to hear from my readers! You can visit my FaceBook author page at https://www.facebook.com/ElaineMarieCooperAuthor
Elaine Cooper
Elaine Marie Cooper has two historical fiction books that recently released: War’s Respite (Prequel novella) and Love’s Kindling. Love’s Kindling is available in both e-book and paperback. They are the first two books in the Dawn of America Series set in Revolutionary War Connecticut. Cooper is the award-winning author of Fields of the Fatherless and Bethany’s Calendar. Her 2016 release (Saratoga Letters) was finalist in Historical Romance in both the Selah Awards and Next Generation Indie Book Awards. She penned the three-book Deer Run Saga and has been published in numerous magazines and anthologies. Scarred Vessels, a novel about black soldiers in the American Revolution, will release in 2020. You can visit her website/ blog at www.elainemariecooper.com.
Connect with Elaine!
Website | FB | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon
Love’s Kindling
During the American Revolution, Aurinda Whitney lives with her cold and calloused father, an embittered veteran of the previous war. Aurinda’s life changed forever when her father returned for her after that war, taking her away from the only place she’d ever experienced affection. Since her father blamed Aurinda for the death of his wife in childbirth, Aurinda is convinced she is unworthy of love.
Zadok Wooding believes he is a failure as he tends the smithy at home while others go to battle against the British. Just when he has an opportunity to become a hero, he is blinded in an accident. Now he fears he will never live up to the Biblical “mighty man of valor” for whom he was named.
When the couple meet, they are both challenged to overcome adversity as well as their inadequacies. Unexpected secrets of their past emerge that can change their lives forever. But can they look past their present circumstances to heal—and find love?
Allison D. Reid 