Mid-Month Madness!

 

We really appreciate you coming by!

We will be giving away books so be sure to pay attention about how to enter. To enter for a chance to win, you MUST leave a comment WITH your EMAIL and you MUST ask one or more of the authors a question you’d like to know about them, their writing, or their books.

We are looking forward to getting to know you better and hope you’ll get to know us better, too!

Be sure to drop by the Facebook Party for a chance to mingle with the authors and nab even more great giveaways!

The party is today from 5:00 to 6:30 PM Eastern Time.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1770933813056488

Two-time winner of the Christian Indie Award, Amber Lemus inspires hearts through enthralling tales She has a passion for family, faith, facts and fiction. This combination results in what her readers call "historical fiction at its finest." She lives at the foot of the Rocky Mountains with her prince charming and two boys. Between enjoying life as a boy mom, and spinning stories out of soap bubbles, Amber loves to connect with readers. Amber is a proud member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Association.

Linda Shenton Matchett writes happily-ever-after historical Christian fiction about second chances and women who overcome life’s challenges to be better versions of themselves. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry (of Star-Spangled Banner fame) and has lived in historical places all her life. She now lives in central New Hampshire where she is a volunteer docent and archivist at the Wright Museum of WWII.

Denise M. Colby writes historical romance sweetened with faith, hope, and love. She loves history and finds herself contemplating how it was to live in the 1800’s. Only sitting still when reading a book, watching movies with her family, or taking in the latest musical theater show, Denise resides in Southern California where she enjoys date nights with her husband at their happy place. Every year Denise chooses a word to focus on. She loves to share her learnings about that word throughout the year on her blog and social media.

Camy Tang writes Christian Regency romantic suspense as USA Today bestselling author Camille Elliot and Christian contemporary romantic suspense as USA Today bestselling author Camy Tang. She grew up in Hawaii, where she started reading Regency romances when she was thirteen years old. Now she lives in northern California with her engineer husband. She was a staff worker for her church youth group for over 20 years and used to lead one of the Sunday worship teams. She loves to knit antique knitting patterns and is learning Japanese.

The Healer’s Touch

Aaliyah's last chance at winning her husband's love is destroyed when she is banished from her home as an 'unclean' sinner. Her husband has branded her as an adulteress and threatens to kill her if she comes near the town. Struggling to survive in a leper colony, she would give anything just to see her son again. When rumors of a Healer from Nazareth reach the colony, Aaliyah wonders if this man could really heal her. It is now that Aaliyah must make the most difficult decision of her life: risk her life to appear in public, or die a leper. 

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Shetland Sunset

Bonded by a cause but an ocean apart, will their love survive a world war?

After months in Norway helping his cousins with their fishing business, American Askel Westgard seems trapped when the Germans invade until he has a chance to get back at the Occupiers as part of the Shetlandsgjengen, or Shetland gang, a group of fishermen who transport weapons and equipment from Shetland to Norway under cover of darkness. Unfortunately, the beautiful Norwegian woman he’s just met refuses to join him in safety. Will he ever see her again?

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When Plans Go Awry:

She planned on independence. He vowed never to love. God had other ideas.

Olivia Carmichael flees her past to become the schoolmarm in the small ranching town of Washton, determined to live quietly and never depend on anyone again. Luke Taylor chose a mail-order bride to help care for his sisters. He didn’t plan to have to guard his heart—or the beautiful new teacher who unsettles his carefully laid plans. As Olivia’s resolve is tested and Luke’s expectations unravel, the meddling town—and its infamous rooster—may help them discover that God’s plans are far better than their own.

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Lady Wynwood's Spies, Volume 1: Archer

A year ago, Michael Coulton-Jones retired as a spy for the Foreign Office in order to track down his brother’s killer. But when spinster Phoebe Sauber, distraught over her selfish father’s plans to throw her out of her home, nearly shoots Michael with her arrow in an accident, it sets in motion a chain of events—the murderer Michael is tracking down has secret ties to Phoebe’s family. To protect their loved ones, they must race to find the madman, who has a dark secret of his own that could turn the tides in the war against Napoleon.

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Mid-Month Madness!

 

We really appreciate you coming by!

We will be giving away books so be sure to pay attention about how to enter. To enter for a chance to win, you MUST leave a comment WITH your EMAIL and you MUST ask one or more of the authors a question you’d like to know about them, their writing, or their books.

We are looking forward to getting to know you better and hope you’ll get to know us better, too!

Be sure to drop by the Facebook Party for a chance to mingle with the authors 

and nab even more great giveaways!

The party is today from 5:00 to 6:30 PM Eastern Time.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1770933813056488

A hybrid author, Donna Schlachter writes squeaky clean historical and contemporary suspense. She has been published more than 60 times in books; is a member of several writers' groups; facilitates a critique group; teaches writing classes; and judges in writing contests. She loves history and research, traveling extensively for both, and is an avid oil painter. She is taking all the information she’s learned along the way about the writing and publishing process, and is coaching committed writers eager to tell their story.

Denise M. Colby writes historical romance sweetened with faith, hope, and love. She loves history and finds herself contemplating how it was to live in the 1800’s. Only sitting still when reading a book, watching movies with her family, or taking in the latest musical theater show, Denise resides in Southern California where she enjoys date nights with her husband at their happy place. Every year Denise chooses a word to focus on. She loves to share her learnings about that word throughout the year on her blog and social media.

 

Linda Shenton Matchett writes happily-ever-after historical Christian fiction about second chances and women who overcome life’s challenges to be better versions of themselves. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry (of Star-Spangled Banner fame) and has lived in historical places all her life. She now lives in central New Hampshire where she is a volunteer docent and archivist at the Wright Museum of WWII.

 

Matthew James Elliott (M.J. Elliott) is a passionate writer who seeks to encourage and inspire through story. With over 15 years in ministry, he brings a unique perspective on people and Biblical history. He holds a degree in Biblical Studies from Oklahoma Wesleyan University, focusing on Pastoral Care, Christian Education, and Worship. Married with three children who bring him joy and inspiration, Matthew treasures sharing stories they can learn from. In his writing, he aspires to minister with love, equip with encouragement, and use his God-given gift to help readers encounter HIM in real and meaningful ways.

Cactus Lil and the City Slicker: 

A rough-and-tumble cowgirl, “Cactus” Lil Duncan longs for true love, but is afraid to let down her prickly exterior when a city slicker from New York City, with less-than-honorable intentions, tries to win her trust and her hand.

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When Plans Go Awry: 

She planned on independence. He vowed never to love. God had other ideas.

 

Olivia Carmichael flees her past to become the schoolmarm in the small ranching town of Washton, determined to live quietly and never depend on anyone again. Luke Taylor chose a mail-order bride to help care for his sisters. He didn’t plan to have to guard his heart—or the beautiful new teacher who unsettles his carefully laid plans. As Olivia’s resolve is tested and Luke’s expectations unravel, the meddling town—and its infamous rooster—may help them discover that God’s plans are far better than their own.

BUY NOW!

Love’s Rescue

Sold by her parents to settle a debt, Rolande Bisset is forced into prostitution. Years later, shunned by her family and most of society, it’s the only way she knows how to subsist. When the Germans overrun Paris, she decides she’s had enough of evil men controlling her life and uses her wiles to obtain information for the Allied forces. Branded a collaborator, her life hangs in the balance. Then an American spy stumbles onto her doorstep. Is redemption within her grasp? Inspired by the biblical story of Rahab, Love’s Rescue is a tale of faith and hope during one of history’s darkest periods.

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The Cyprus Journal

One Young Man. His Significant Story. A Witness of the Early Church.

Many knew him as the young cousin to Barnabas the Encourager, the son of Mary who offered her home to honor the Savior and those who followed Him, or even the man who abandoned Paul on his First Missionary Journey, but there is more to his story. His story is one of new beginnings, a promise fulfilled, and a man who overcame fear of the unknown.

BUY NOW!

Mid-Month Madness!

We really appreciate you coming by!

We will be giving away books so be sure to pay attention about how to enter. To enter for a chance to win, you MUST leave a comment WITH your EMAIL and you MUST ask one or more of the authors a question you’d like to know about them, their writing, or their books.

We are looking forward to getting to know you better and hope you’ll get to know us better, too!

Be sure to drop by the Facebook Party for a chance to mingle with the authors and nab even more great giveaways!

The party is today from 5:00 to 6:30 PM Eastern Time.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1770933813056488

Kimberly Keagan discovered her love for romance novels at thirteen, often choosing a book over chores. She believes there's nothing like being transported to another time and place to find a happily ever after. Kimberly is blessed to have her own handsome hero husband and two wonderful children. After earning a degree in accounting, she enjoyed a career in investor relations, writing financial reports and press releases—terrific jobs, though not very romantic. Now, she's pursuing her dream of writing historical romance. When not reading or writing, Kimberly enjoys baking, gardening, watching sports, and researching her family tree.

Two-time winner of the Christian Indie Award for historical fiction, Amber (Schamel) Lemus inspires hearts through enthralling tales She has a passion for travel, history, books and her Savior. This combination results in what her readers call "historical fiction at its finest." She lives near the Ozarks in her "casita" with her prince charming. Between enjoying life as a boy mom, and spinning stories out of soap bubbles, Amber loves to connect with readers and hang out on Goodreads with other bookish peoples.

Cindy Ervin Huff is an Award-winning author of Historical and Contemporary Romance. She loves infusing hope into her stories of broken people. She addicted to reading and chocolate. Her idea of a vacation is visiting historical sites and an ideal date with her hubby of almost fifty years would be the theater.

Linda Shenton Matchett writes happily-ever-after historical Christian fiction about second chances and women who overcome life’s challenges to be better versions of themselves. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry (of Star-Spangled Banner fame) and has lived in historical places all her life. She now lives in central New Hampshire where she is a volunteer docent and archivist at the Wright Museum of WWII.

Matthew James Elliott (M.J. Elliott) is a passionate writer who loves to encourage and inspire others. He has served in various ministry roles for over 15 years, giving him a unique perspective on people and Biblical History. Matthew holds a degree in Biblical Studies from OkWU, focusing on Pastoral Care, Christian Education, and Worship. Matthew is happily married to Traci. Their three joyfully inspired children are Leyla, Caleb, and Hannah. His goal as a writer is to share love, equip others, and edify them for the greater good. Connecting scripture to his stories is one of his biggest passions.

Perfect

When the perfect life unravels, can love turn the page to a new beginning?

In 1895 New York, department store heir William Walraven must prove himself by opening Denwall’s newest store before Christmas—until a chance encounter with a lovely bookseller throws him off course. Ivy King is barely keeping her family’s shop afloat and has no time for distractions, especially not a charming man whose emporium threatens her livelihood. But when an attack on Will’s brother draws them together, Will and Ivy must decide what matters most—expectations, ambition…or an unexpected love that just might be perfect.

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Dawn of Liberty

Liberty comes with a price. Can a fledgling nation bear the cost?

British forces advance upon a struggling colonial army. The time of decision has come. Declare independence or give up the fight. The weight of a nation rests on Samuel Adams' shoulders as he joins the delegates of the Second Continental Congress. Can he raise the cause of Liberty above the fear of the King's wrath in the hearts of his countrymen? Three riveting short stories follow Samuel Adams as he struggles through the events surrounding the Declaration of Independence and evokes the Dawn of Liberty.

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Cherishing her Heart

After being falsely imprisoned in an asylum, Susan escapes and assumes the identity to a simple valet’s daughter. Once she starts a new life in Kansas she vows to never be under a man’s thumb again. But Monty’s presence makes her heart race and his care and kindness under different circumstances might win her heart. When her ex-husband puts a bounty on her head for her return, Monty steps up to help. Can she trust this handsome rancher to protect her and not control her?

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Ivy’s Inheritance

Ivy Cregg’s father is a gambler, but this time he’s gone too far. He loses his mining fortune and her along with it in a high-stakes poker game. Unwilling to go along with the deal, she hides out with a friend who tells her about Ms. Crenshaw, owner of the Westward Home & Hearts Mail-Order Bride Agency who is in town. The prospective groom is a wealthy man which seems like an answer to prayer until Ivy discovers he made his fortune in mining. Is he as untrustworthy as her father?

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The Cyprus Journal

One Young Man. His Significant Story. A Witness of the Early Church.

Many knew him as the young cousin to Barnabas the Encourager, the son of Mary who offered her home to honor the Savior and those who followed Him, or even the man who abandoned Paul on his First Missionary Journey, but there is more to his story. His story is one of new beginnings, a promise fulfilled, and a man who overcame fear of the unknown.

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How Tourism Contributed to Colorado's Western Expansion

By Donna Wichelman

The rise of the mining industry in the Colorado Rockies during the 1860s made way for western expansion and ushered in the Gilded Age for the Territory of Colorado. Georgetown’s unique and colorful setting enticed entrepreneurial enterprise and lured people from every walk of life. Many stayed to make their fortunes in the gold or silver industry. Others came to experience the spectacular beauty and fresh mountain air and then went home to tell about it.

The New York Public Library. "Georgetown, Colorado." The New York Public Library Digital Collections 1850 - 1930.

According to historian Christine Bradley in The Rise of the Silver Queen, “The town’s early rustic appearance gave way to fine homes, level sidewalks, a few trees, and elegant fences … The streets of Georgetown were packed with new arrivals from every point of the globe …” including Cornish, Welsh, and German miners, Italian retailers, Irish workmen, and the Frenchman Louis DePuy, who turned a small bakery into the elegant and now historic Hotel de Paris. It was also a town where formerly enslaved people could earn a living and invest in mines. 

All these elements coincided to create an international flair and intrigue as people descended upon Georgetown to make their mark in the mining community. It also brought people from near and far and across the world to marvel over the place where creativity and optimism had sprung to life in a setting of natural beauty. Thus, the tourist industry took off, bringing overwhelming numbers of people with their tourist dollars as early as 1872.

The famous Englishwoman Isabella Bird, whose travels took her across America, visited the region and described Georgetown as "the only town I have seen in America to which the epithet picturesque could be applied."

"The life of Isabella Bird (Mrs. Bishop) : snapshot taken of Mrs. Bishop at Swatow by Mr. Mackenzie." The New York Public Library Digital Collections.

 "Isabella Bird Bishop [three portraits]." The New York Public Library Digital Collections.

An article in The Colorado Miner on January 14, 1873 titled At Least One Million Dollars From Tourists in 1872 had this to say: "Visitors to Colorado last summer paid hotels bills to the amount of $200,000 in Denver alone. Add to these figures the amounts expended at the Hotels in the mountain and southern towns ... [it]will represent not far from one million dollars cash. And so it will be seen that the beautiful scenery and health-inspiring atmosphere of Colorado is the source ... all because the press of the Territory and ... the entire press of the U.S., have advertised our beauties and wonders ...." See the Colorado Miner, January 14, 1873

A second article in The Colorado Miner on January 9, 1873, spoke to the many visitors to the mountain towns in Clear Creek County. "There were 14,000 arrivals recorded in the register books of the six principal Hotels in Clear Creek County in the year 1872. These figures, which are decidedly respectable for a remote mining county ... do not include the regular guests of the hotels. The Hotels to which we refer, are the Barton, Girard, and Ennis Houses in Georgetown ... and it is appropriate to remark ... that these Hotels are kept in superior style and are pleasant and comfortable ... for tourists ...." See the Colorado Miner, January 9, 1873.

The Barton House, to which the last article refers, gained widespread notoriety. According to the History of Clear Creek and Boulder Valleys in Colorado, published in 1880, the Barton House was known for being one of the most well-known, beloved, and lavish hotels for its comfort, elegance, and modern accommodations. Its owner, Mr. William E. Barton, enjoyed a reputation for exceptional hospitality, and an ad in the July 29, 1873 Colorado Miner boasted its "elevation overlooking the entire town." From there, tourists could enjoy the romantic scenery in the mountains ... See The Colorado Miner June 27, 1873.

Barton House: As Seen in an Ad in the Colorado Miner in June 1873

Green Lake became one of the most visited tourist destinations in the mountains above Georgetown. It was an easy day's carriage drive up a narrow canyon and provided recreational opportunities, such as boating, fishing, and picnicking on the shores of a crystal clear mountain lake. 

"Green Lake, looking south. "The New York Public Library Digital Collections 1850 - 1930.

 

       

"Green Lake, 3 miles above Georgetown." New York Public Library Digital Collections 1850 -1930

Green Lake Georgetown, Colorado 2015 ID 57686598 Dreamstime 

In August 1877, the Colorado Central Railroad completed its track to Georgetown, and by the end of May 1878, Georgetown gained the title of the "handsomest city in the Rockies," as people flocked to the region by train and made their way up the canyon and over the Guanella Pass to Green Lake. A new luxury hotel under the ownership of French-born Louis Dupuy had opened, the Hotel de Paris, which replaced the Barton in first-class luxury. Today, the Hotel De Paris Musuem is considered one of the best preserved Gilded Age luxury hotels in the United States.

Hotel De Paris, Georgetown Colorado: Donna's Gallery, December 2019

Today, Georgetown thrives on tourism and still welcomes visitors from across the world. Recognizing Georgetown as a uniquely preserved nineteenth-century Victorian silver mining boom town in 1966, the National Park Service designated Georgetown, Silver Plume, the intervening Loop Valley, and the surrounding mountainsides the Georgetown Silver Plume National Historic Landmark District. Four years later, on May 7, 1970, members of the community formed the Georgetown Society, which eventually became Historic Georgetown, Inc., to begin a historic preservation effort that continues until now.

In addition to an ordinance specifying building design reviews, there are numerous museums and properties that have been under renovation. These include the Hamill House Museum 1867/79, the Kneisel House 1870, the Bowman-White House 1892, the Tucker-Rutherford Cottage 1870s, 1880s, 1890s (used as my cottage for Anna Sullivan in A Song of Deliverance), the Hotel De Paris, the Georgetown Firefighting Museum, Alpine Hose No. 2, and others.

The Tucker Rutherford Housem, aka known as Anna Sullivan's House in A Song of Deliverance

Donna's Gallery, August 2024

 

Hamill House Museum: Donna's Gallery, August 2024

Weaving history and faith into stories of intrigue and redemption grew out of Donna's love of travel, history, and literature as a young adult while attending the United World College of the Atlantic--an international college in Wales, U.K. She enjoys developing plots that show how God's love abounds even in the profoundly difficult circumstances of our lives. Her stories reflect the hunger in all of us for love, belonging, and forgiveness.

Donna was a communications professional before writing full-time. Her short stories and articles have appeared in inspirational publications. She has two indie-published romantic suspense novels, Light Out of Darkness and Undaunted Valor, in her Waldensian Series. Her Gilded Age historical romance, A Song of Deliverance, released on December 3, 2024.

Donna and her husband of forty years participate in ministry at their local church in Colorado. They love spending time with their grandchildren and bike, kayak, and travel whenever possible.

How A Bygone Era Came to Life in a Colorado Mountain Town

By Donna Wichelman

Have you ever visited a place where you experienced that sense of having stepped into a picture postcard of a bygone era? Did you sigh, your body relaxing, as if you’d been transported into a time long ago when life seemed much simpler and the stresses and strains of daily routine melted away? Christmas in Georgetown, Colorado in December 2019 was that encounter for me.

If you’ve read my most recent blogs about Georgetown, Colorado, you know my historical romance, A Song of Deliverance just released yesterday, December 3, 2024. But in 2019, I wanted to become acquainted with what it might have felt like to experience Christmas in Georgetown in the 1870s during its silver mining heyday.

When weather forecasters predicted record snowfall totals for the Colorado mountains over that weekend, I couldn’t have ordered up a better weather outlook if I’d tried. So when my husband and I stepped onto Sixth Street, formerly known as Alpine Street in the 1870s, we thought we’d entered into a Thomas Kincaid painting.

Sixth Street Georgetown, Colorado Christmas Market--December 2019: Donna's Gallery

Madrigal Singers, Georgetown, Christmas Market--December 2019: Donna's Gallery

Georgetown has worked hard to keep its Victorian era character, passing ordinances maintaining the gingerbread architecture in the original part of town and buying up open space land to ensure the community isn’t overdeveloped. A 1986 John Denver film, The Christmas Gift, depicts a New York developer trying to purchase land and build condominiums and a golf course in Georgetown. The film was loosely based on a true story and reflects the generosity and neighborly spirit that continues to thrive in Georgetown. It has just that kind of “hometown” atmosphere, which is why generations of families have remained in the same houses over the last century and a half.

Each year, Historic Georgetown, Inc. holds its annual Christmas Market on the first two weekends of December. Similar to European Christmas markets, with the sights, sounds, and smells of handcrafted gifts and specialty food vendors, Georgetown's quaint atmosphere overflows with ambiance. This year will be its 64th annual year. The organization also welcomes guests to Christmas at the Hamill House for a traditional Christmas celebration as William A. Hamill and his wife Pricilla would have celebrated in the 1870s. Both events offer that magical spirit of joy in a timeless place.

Horse-drawn Wagon, Georgetown Christmas Market--December 2019: Donna's Gallery

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Children's Santa Lucia Parade, Georgetown Christmas Market--December 2019: Donna's Gallery

A Reading of the Night Before Christmas, Christmas at the Hamill House--December 2019: Donna's Gallery

Christmas at the Hamill House with St. Nicholas--December 2019: Donna's Gallery

During the Christmas Market, Historic Georgetown also opens its museums to the public. Hotel De Paris is one of Georgetown's premier landmarks. Louis Dupuy first opened the hotel in 1875 as a tiny "hole in the wall." But by the 1880s, he had transformed it into one of the most elegant Victorian hotels in the region, welcoming guests from all over the world--businessmen in the silver ore trade as well as tourists visiting the Rocky Mountains. Today, the hotel appears much as it did in the 1890s and is one of the best-preserved hotels in the nation.

Hotel De Paris, Georgetown, Colorado--December 2019: Donna's Gallery

 

Hotel Room, Hotel De Paris, Georgetown, Colorado: Donna's Gallery

Other museums include Alpine Hose #2, the Energy Museum, and the Old School House, built in 1874. The Old School House figures prominently in Rhythms of the Heart, Book Two of the Silver Singing Mine series that releases December 2, 2025. 

The Old School House, Georgetown, Colorado--October 2018: Donna's Gallery

Georgetown doesn’t promise nightclubs and the city high life, but it does provide a peek into a time when life was a little more relaxed, and the people knew their neighbor’s names. Historic Georgetown, Inc. invites you to step back in time for just a little while and enjoy what the town has to offer. For more information about the Georgetown Christmas Market and Christmas at the Hamill House, click here.

Weaving history and faith into stories of intrigue and redemption grew out of Donna's love of travel, history, and literature as a young adult while attending the United World College of the Atlantic--an international college in Wales, U.K. She enjoys developing plots that show how God's love abounds even in the profoundly difficult circumstances of our lives. Her stories reflect the hunger in all of us for love, belonging, and forgiveness.

Donna was a communications professional before writing full-time. Her short stories and articles have appeared in inspirational publications. She has two indie-published romantic suspense novels, Light Out of Darkness and Undaunted Valor, in her Waldensian Series. Her Gilded Age historical romance, A Song of Deliverance, released on December 3, 2024.

Donna and her husband of forty years participate in ministry at their local church in Colorado. They love spending time with their grandchildren and bike, kayak, and travel whenever possible.