Shannon here: Linda Shenton Matchett shares her inspiration for her latest Historical Romance, Estelle’s Endeavor. Comment or answer the question in this post to enter the drawing for an e-book copy. Deadline: Oct 29th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Linda:
Being Thankful is a Choice
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Rather than a focus on gifts, the day is all about family. Or at least it is for me. Because of my father’s job, I moved often while I was growing up. Some assignments were shorter than others (I attended three high schools), but no matter where we lived, everyone was loaded in the car and we drove to Maryland to visit my mom’s parents and extended family (dozens of people). Memories of the dining room table, extended with leaves to seat fourteen people and filled with every food imaginable, always make my mouth water. There were also multiple card tables set up in the living room for the kids.
I imagine my grandmother and great-aunt spent days in preparation. There was always roast beef, roasted chicken or turkey, and ham. Diners could choose mashed potatoes (white and sweet), roasted potatoes, potatoes au gratin, and German potato salad. Cabbage, string beans, lima beans, succotash, carrots, and peas represented the vegetable category. Desserts were plentiful and varied with the exception of my great aunt’s coconut cake, that made an appearance every year without fail.
Because of my love of Thanksgiving, I was thrilled and honored to be part of the multi-author Thanksgiving Books and Blessings series. Then I sat down to outline the story and nearly backed out. Why? Because I felt like a fraud. Last year was difficult with severe health problems, job issues, and financial insecurities, and this year wasn’t much better. How could I pen a story about being thankful when I wasn’t?
But I’d made a commitment to the series, so I brainstormed ideas. Or at least tried. The list was fairly sparse. Then I stumbled on I Thessalonians 5:18: “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” Ouch. Like forgiveness, being thankful is a choice, and those fourteen words reminded me that I’m to be thankful in spite of my circumstances, not because of them. I knew I had my theme which wouldn’t be difficult to portray during America in World War II.
In writing the story, God healed my anger and bitterness. Alongside my characters, I learned about being thankful no matter what life throws my way. Thanksgiving will be challenging this year because it’s the first one without my mom, but I will choose to be thankful for the blessings God has bestowed on me and my family, one of which is that Mom is dancing on golden streets with her Savior and family members and friends who have gone before. Well, she might not be dancing, but she’ll probably be playing the piano, her favorite way to praise the Lord.
Question for Readers: What is your favorite Thanksgiving memory?
About Linda: Linda Shenton Matchett writes about ordinary people who did extraordinary things in days gone by. She is a volunteer docent and archivist for the Wright Museum of WWII and a former trustee for her local public library. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Linda 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 makes her home in central New Hampshire where her favorite activities include exploring the outdoors and immersing herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors. Learn more & connect:
Linda’s Website Linda’s Facebook Linda’s Pinterest
Linda’s Youtube Linda’s Bookbub
About the book – Estelle’s Endeavor (Thanksgiving Books & Blessings Collection):
Will a world at war destroy a second chance at love?
Estelle Johnson promised to wait for Aubry DeLuca, but then she receives word of his debilitating injuries. Does she have the strength to stand by him in his hour of need?
Aubry DeLuca storms the beaches at Normandy, then wakes up in the hospital, his eyes bandaged. Will he regain his sight? Will the only woman he’s ever loved welcome him home or is he destined to go through life blind and alone?
Can’t wait for the drawing? Worried you won’t win? Interested in Linda’s other titles? Get your copy/copies now!
Estelle’s Endeavor Linda’s books
Come back Oct 21st for Janalyn Voigt!
Thanks for hosting me, Shannon! I look forward to hearing everyone’s memories.
Thanks for being here Linda. I don’t have a specific favorite memory. But my favorites go back to when my grandparents were alive and we all gathered there. I used to see all of my mom’s family at Thanksgiving or Christmas there. Now we do Thanksgiving with my dad and husband’s families. And Christmas with my mom’s family. Some of her family does Thanksgiving with their other family, so I don’t see them. I miss when we ALL got together.
I hear you! I miss the times of EVERYONE being together.
Ms. Linda I am truly sorry that you will have to go through the holidays without your mom this year. Last year was my first holidays without my daddy. I’m praying for you.
Thanks for your kind words and prayers. I’m sorry to hear about your dad.
I do not have one specific Thanksgiving memory. I love spending Thanksgiving with my family, and have great memories of Thanksgivings with them
Thanks for sharing. I love hearing that others have wonderful Thanksgiving memories too. Such a special time.
I loved this blog! Such happy memories. Most of my Thanksgiving memories revolve around my Mamaw’s house. We would all cram into her tiny kitchen to eat her delicious homemade food. Everyone would talk at one time. Food would be passed, rolls would be thrown. It was perfect chaos! I miss those days so much.
We would toss rolls too! Mom was NOT happy, but knew it was inevitable. 🙂
I don’t have a favorite thanksgiving memory I just love getting together with my family
Gathering at my Grandparents in Humnoke, Arkansas for Thanksgiving and Christmas every year of my life except one. And I am 66 now. Those no nonsense days, simple things of life, homemade clothes , toys, food and memories you can only imagine and a great book can carry you back.