Bonnie Leon – Real Life Romance – Part 1 of 3

Shannon here: Historical romance author, Bonnie Leon shares her grandparents’ real life love story. Comment on any post dated August 1 – 5 for a chance to win a copy of her book, Wings of Promise. Deadline: August 6, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Bonnie:

My Grandparents Legacy.

My mother, an Aleut Indian, was born in Alaska long before it was a state. She’s always been proud of her native heritage and, just as her ancestors were, she is a story teller. Through the years she shared many native tales.  One tale about my grandparents is a story of true love.
My grandfather, Thomas Francis Roberts, and my grandmother, Vera Nadezda Anderson’s story inspired me to write the book, A Sacred Place. They left a heritage their children and grandchildren cherish.  I’ve always been a romantic, perhaps it originates with them.
Just as Mary did in the book my grandmother loved a native man, but a Welshman named Thomas Roberts wanted to marry her. He went to her parents seeking their permission and in spite of the fact that my grandmother loved another man they gave him their blessing. Marrying a white man was considered a way of providing her with a secure future. I can only guess at my grandmother’s reaction but I know she did as she was asked and in 1920 she married my grandfather.
My grandfather was a rare man. He understood that my grandmother didn’t love him and had married him only out of obedience to her parents.  In light of this, he did not demand a place in her bed. They did not consummate their marriage until my grandmother returned his affections.
In 1921 Thomas accepted a job caretaking a fox island for the winter on an island called Unalga. He and my grandmother were left there with the promise of supplies. The supplies never arrived and they were challenged to survive a winter on the desolate island on the Aleutian Chain of Alaska. Together, using all the skills they possessed my grandparents endured and lived. The experience established a bond that was never broken.
In the spring rescuers arrived and were astonished to find that Thomas and Vera were still alive. My grandparents’ marriage lasted until my grandfather’s death in 1947. They had eight children and passed down the richness of their heritage to each of them. I am one of the grandchildren who gladly inherited this legacy of love and endurance.
About Bonnie: Bonnie Leon is the author of eighteen novels, including the popular Touching the Clouds, Wings of Promise, the Sydney Cove series and the bestselling Journey of Eleven Moons.  She also stays busy speaking for women’s groups and teaching at writing seminars and conventions. Bonnie and her husband, Greg, live in Southern Oregon.  They have three grown children and five grandchildren.
About the book: Her spunk has always gotten her through tough times. But does she have what it takes to go the distance?Kate Evans may be a woman in a man’s profession, but as Alaskan bush pilots go she’s one of the best. If only her personal life wasn’t so complicated. Torn between her affection for fellow pilot Mike Conlin and doctor Paul Anderson, Kate longs for clarity in her heart. But when a terrible tragedy occurs, her mind may be made up for her.
Full of high-flying adventure and tender personal moments, Wings of Promise will sweep you away to the Alaskan skies.
Come back August 3 when Bonnie shares how God saved her marriage.