Cynthia Roemer’s newest book in her Wounded Hearts series, Beyond Wounded Hearts, released this week!
HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY!!
I asked her to share something about herself and her writing to feature here on the blog, and feature in my newsletter, Inklings from my Pen. Cynthia is a special lady and her books are special, too. You will enjoy getting to know her better. Cynthia would be honored for you to check out her links and follow her on social media — AND, of course, purchase a copy of her book. 😃
When I decided to write novels set during the Civil War era, I’m not sure I knew what I was getting into. LOL! My three previous novels were set, for the most part, on the Illinois prairie in the mid to late 1850’s with much of the storylines stemming from my imagination. I researched the time period, but had little actual historical content to incorporate.
Book Three in the series, set in 1859, touched on pre-Civil War tensions, so the natural progression, led me right into the Civil War years. I thought, why not? I enjoy learning about history.
But oh, was I in for a shock. There was sooo much detailed research involved in integrating actual people and events into a story. The more historical backdrop gave my fourth novel, Beyond These War-Torn Lands such a different flavor and feel that it called for a new series altogether. Thus, my Wounded Heart Series was born.
I soon learned to enjoy weaving together fact and fiction.
One aspect I find most gratifying about writing historical novels based on actual events and people is the opportunity to insert my characters into real historical situations. There is something invigorating about bringing historical figures to life and having my characters interact with them. Granted, it takes loads of research to incorporate accurate details and descriptions of real people and events.
In Beyond These War-Torn Lands, Book One in the series, my hero and heroine are both steeped in historical details. We see Drew and Caroline interacting with such figures as General Grant, as well as other known historical figures I can’t share. (to name names would produce spoilers, which I don’t wish to do.)
The novel puts Drew in the thick of some of the lesser-known Civil War battles such as the Battle of Monocacy, the Battle of the Crater, and the Siege of Petersburg. While Caroline has her own surprises to unearth as the war ends and new challenges begins.
My recent release, Beyond Wounded Hearts (Wounded Heart Series ~ Book Two) rewinds a bit, beginning with the Union takeover of Richmond. This story features Drew’s younger brother, Luke, and a beautiful but bitter young southerner named Adelaide who, after suffering a great deal of loss, has a long journey ahead toward both physical and spiritual healing.
In the throes of the fiery fallout at Richmond, Luke and Adelaide encounter various historical figures such as General and Mrs. Lee, and the renowned Union spy, Miss Elizabeth Van Lew. But as much fun as I have merging fact and fiction, the most important aspect of my writing lies in the desire to weave spiritual truths into the storylines.
My characters each have an area of their lives that is challenged in some way, a flaw, weakness, or problem they must face. In Beyond Wounded Hearts, Luke deals with guilt from his past in relation to a lost friend. This guilt plays out in an attempt to earn his way back into God’s good graces. Adelaide’s heart, on the other hand, has become so wounded by loss that she has given up on God altogether. An intriguing tale ensues as their two opposing viewpoints and worlds collide.
Beyond Wounded Hearts Blurb:
They were North and South ~ Faithful and Faithless
After suffering disabling burns during the fall of Richmond, Adelaide Hanover awakens in a hospital alone and destitute, escalating her already stanch hatred for Yankees. When the Union soldier who freed her from the rubble begins paying her visits, she wants nothing to do with him … or his faith. Yet, his persistent kindness penetrates her resolve and forges a much-needed friendship. But after a dangerous man threatens Addie, she flees Richmond, intent on solving the mystery to her aunt’s dying wish before he does.
Haunted by a tragic failure in his past, Corporal Luke Gallagher takes Adelaide’s plight on as his own. Though his strong beliefs collide with his growing feelings for her, he offers his family’s home as a place to convalesce. Adelaide’s initial rejection, followed by her sudden willingness to accept his benevolence, hints there’s more to the decision than a mere change of heart. When trouble follows her, endangering her safety, as well as his family’s, Luke must lay his life and his convictions on the line to save them.
Author bio:
Cynthia Roemer is an inspirational, award-winning author with a heart for scattering seeds of hope into the hearts of readers. Cynthia enjoys spinning tales set in the backdrop of the mid-1800’s prairie and Civil War era. She resides with her husband on their family farm in central Illinois. Visit Cynthia online at: www.cynthiaroemer.com
Connect:
Website: https://cynthiaroemer.com/
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BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/cynthia-roemer
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Copyright 2023, Lynn U. Watson and Cynthia Roemer