Shannon here: Historical romance author, Helen Gray shares her inspiration for her latest release, Ozark Reunion, plus a chance to win a copy. Comment on any post dated June 9 – 13 to enter the drawing. Deadline: June 21st, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Helen:
In my early years of scribbling, my mother read all my books. Then, after a time when I had been grilling her about her experiences growing up in the Great Depression, she typed up some notes for me. Back then most historical books were set before the turn of the century, so those notes went in a file. Six years ago I lost my mother. Several months later I pulled out those notes—and decided the time had come to use them.
I wrote a historical set it in the Great Depression, fictionalizing the small town of my girlhood and characterizing a heroine with the help of my mother’s notes. After a long wait, during which I wrote the two books that follow it, the sale of the series seemed almost prophetic in timing. The message saying the series had been given a YES arrived on Hubby’s birthday. The contract arrived on the anniversary of Mom’s death.
Ozark Reunion, my June 1 release, is the second book in the series and features secondary characters, Jolene Delaney and Riley Blake, from Ozark Sweetheart.
About Helen: Helen Gray grew up in a small Missouri town and married her pastor. While working alongside her husband in his ministry, she had three children, taught school, became an amateur ventriloquist and directed/accompanied church music programs. Now that she is retired and the children are grown, she has resumed the writing she began when they were small.
Her stories are meant to honor God and depict Christian lives and problems as she knows and observes them. If her writing in even a small way touches others, she considers it a blessing and thanks God for the opportunity.
Learn more or connect:
http://www.helenbrowngray.com
https://www.facebook.com/helen.gray.9081
About the book – Ozark Reunion: COMING HOME IS BITTERSWEET FOR RILEY BLAKE
In the aftermath of the Great Depression, it’s time for Riley to start over. And the first step is winning the trust of his Missouri hometown. But it isn’t easy for a man with a troubled past. Especially when his first love, Jolene Delaney, seems to believe that the new rumors about him are true.
After Riley broke her heart, Jolene threw herself into teaching school and caring for her father and little sister. But she knows something is missing from her life. Especially when she comes face-to-face with Riley again. Can he convince Jolene that he’s truly a changed man? Or will he succumb to old temptations and destroy her faith in him once again?
Come back June 13th for Helen’s romantic interview!
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I love the connection to your mother’s stories – wonderful that they live on in the details of your book.
Davalynn,
This series is my memorial to my mother. And it’s great that they are the ones that represent my debut as an author!
Helen, what a touching story! How sweet that your mom was so supportive of your writing and read your early stories! Those notes from her are priceless, and it’s wonderful you could use them as the inspiration for your novel! Congratulations!
I’d forgotten you told me before about being an amateur ventriloquist–how fun!!!
sweet memorial to your mom! Love to win it!
Helen it was good that your mom was so supportive of you and your books . The book sounds so good . I would love to win it . Thanks
lizd225(at)gmail(dot)com
Love your post! The relationship a mother and daughter have or has had is priceless!
melback at cebridge dot net
This looks like a good one!
This sounds like a good series, I will have to look for “Ozark Sweetheart” and hopefully win “Ozark Reunion”.
wfnren(at)aol(dot)com
Myra,
I had been writing only contemporary stories until I started this series. Interesting how things turn out, isn’t it???
Sheila,
I’m thankful for the opportunity to memorialize Mom, if only in fiction.
The setting and being fifth of seven children is true, as is the death of Everett in the sawmill accident when he was fifteen. That’s the only actual name that I used, but Callie was my grandmother’s name.
Elizabeth,
Mom was a bookworm. I’m the oldest of her four children and the only one who became a bookworm.
Melanie,
You’re right, that relationship is special. I’m also fortunate to have a close relationship with my daughter, even though she’s not a bookworm. 🙂
Michelle and Wendy,
Hope you acquire the books and enjoy them. You’re both in the drawing.
Hello Shannon. Nice of you to introduce me to a new author for me. Helen I wish I had ask more questions from my mom. She raised 8 children and I was number 7. So much had happened before me that I probably don’t know about. Her mother died when she was 5 tho. Be nice if she could read the book. I would love to win it. Thanks to both of you for this give-away.
Maxie <mac262(at)me(dot)com
I would love to win! Thanks for the giveaway. 🙂
thereadergirl(at)yahoo(dot)com