THE ABOLITIONIST'S DAUGHTER by Kathleen Mahar INTERVIEW AND GIVEAWAY!

 

Deb here, with a special guest! I've long admired Kathy's writing since I first enjoyed Bachelor Buttons and I expected great things from her first full length novel. She delivered!

The Abolitionist's Daughter reads like top-notch historical fiction but carries both a gentle romance thread and a touching inspirational message. The story is told in third person with three point-of-view characters. It's hard to say what shines most here, because Kathy's impeccable touch with details should impress any historical fan, particularly those who favor Civil War fiction. There's no rushing here, but not once did the story falter on the way to the touches of romance. This is the kind of book that comes from an author who truly loves their setting, and touched me with its reminder of just how young our soldiers are and have been throughout the ages. How on earth do they and their families recover? 

I strongly recommend this award-winning book!

 

Deb:  Kathy, at what age or incident in your life did you think you'd like to be an author?

Kathy: I was the youngest of five children, and always waiting for my turn to talk at the dinner table. It never came. Hahaha So I figured out at some point that if I was going to communicate, that I should try writing. I found it validating to be heard, even if I was the only one listening at first. I met friends in grade school who loved to create stories and we banded together into a sort of writing group. I loved their creative energy and we encouraged one another to finish stories. We never worried about grammar or spelling, but just focused on plot twists and strong ideas. I’m still great friends with one of those girls, forty years later. 

 

Deb: It's been awhile since your debut (Bachelor Buttons!), and now you have two new releases! What are you working on now?

Kathy: Yes, life can demand your full attention in some seasons, and I had to leave some projects on hold while my incredibly strong mother’s health declined, and she faded from this life. Two years after her passing I am still processing the impact of her presence and her absence. I think one of these days I will tell her story, but until I am ready for that, I have a powerful sequel to The Abolitionist’s Daughter to edit, and some proposals out that would be lovely to contract. I also have a new idea that needs more brainstorming, but it’s got me excited about writing again. It feels really good to be back.

Deb: What surprised you in your research or writing journey as you were working on The Abolitionist's Daughter?

Kathy: I am always surprised and delighted when the characters start telling me about themselves, like who they are and what they want. And then, when the story starts speaking to me and forming out of the dry text of history like Adam from the dust as God breathed His breath of life into him, then I know it is inspired and meant for a purpose. That spark of life, of divine message, is what I write for. We all know that quote in Chariots of Fire that Eric Liddel, The Scottish Olympic gold medalist, says? “When I run, I feel God’s pleasure.” Yeah, it’s like that. Only with a laptop. 😉

The Abolitionist’s Daughter
1860-1864 Shenandoah Valley, and Elmira, NY
When a fiery social crusader interrupts a slave auction, a horse trader and his twin brother are set on a collision course with war—brother against brother. Can the passion that severed ties inspire a love strong enough to overcome hate?

Amazon Purchase link (I suggest you visit and read the great reviews and then ... purchase!)

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The Abolitionist’s Daughter book trailer

BIO:

Kathleen L. Maher has had an infatuation with books and fictional heroes ever since her preschool crush, Peter Rabbit. She has a novella releasing with BARBOUR in the 2018 Victorian Christmas Brides collection, featuring her hometown of Elmira, New York. Her debut historical, Bachelor Buttons, blends her Irish heritage and love of the American Civil War. She won the 2012 ACFW Genesis contest for her Civil War story, releasing this summer under a new title The Abolitionist’s Daughter. Kathleen shares an old farmhouse in upstate New York with her husband, children, and a small zoo of rescued animals.

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Kathy: Thanks so much for having me today, Deb.  I look forward to interacting with your readers, and today I am giving away a copy of The Abolitionist’s Daughter to one lucky commenter. Winner’s choice of format, (ebook or print--US residents only.)  To enter, please share this post on social media and let us know where you shared. The more shares, the more entries! Please be sure to leave your email in your entry so you can be notified if random.org selects your entry.

In addition, I am hosting a rafflecopter to be drawn at the conclusion of my blog tour just before Thanksgiving, with several prizes, including a $50 Amazon gift card, a print copy of each of my books, and a Christmas goodie basket. Be sure to follow each stop on the tour to increase your chances of winning! (US residents only.)

Link to rafflecopter: http://gvwy.io/48sxkxc

Good luck!

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