Today I’d like to welcome Linda Shenton Matchett. Do you have a favorite scene in your newest release? The opening scene in Gold Rush Bride Hannah is my favorite scene. Normally, my favorite scene of a new release is deeper into the book, but this scene came to me almost as soon as I created the “what if” scenario for the story. The scene shows the heroine’s pluck and courage, and I’m not sure I could ever be as brave.

Chuckle. I can relate. My characters are often quite brave compared to me. 🙂 What is one thing you hope readers will take away from your story? I became a Christian at a very young age, but as a young adult made some poor choices and turned my back on God. Fortunately, through a series of events and good people in my life I was able to renew my faith. Therefore, themes of second chances and forgiveness are generally woven into my stories. I want readers to know that our God is a God of second chances…or third…or as many as we need.

I like that. What qualities do you look for in a hero and heroine? I like a hero and heroine who are flawed, yet not so unlikeable that I can’t relate. I want them to have strong personalities, because that makes their journey more challenging. I enjoy watching characters grow and develop as they deal with their issues; a character with the ability to self-reflect rather than one who needs other characters to tell them how to change.

So true. What do you plan to work on next? I’m currently working on the next Gold Rush Bride book. This one takes place during the 1859 Pike’s Peak rush while that area was still part of the Kansas territory. The heroine is Hannah’s daughter.

I’ll have to watch for that one. If you could vacation anywhere, where would you go? My goal is to visit the entire United States, and I’m about halfway there. I haven’t had a chance to visit many of the western states, and I’ve been eyeing a train trip through Colorado.

I’ve always wanted to do a train trip. That sounds exciting. Thank you for stopping by today. Be sure to check out Linda’s blog tour.

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, June 22 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 22

deb’s Book Review, June 23

For Him and My Family, June 24

Texas Book-aholic, June 25

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, June 26 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 27

Connie’s History Classroom, June 28

Inklings and notions, June 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 30

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, July 1

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, July 2

Artistic Nobody, July 3 (Author Interview)

Reviewingbooksplusmore, July 3

Splashes of Joy, July 4 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, July 5

About the Book

Book:  Gold Rush Bride, Hannah

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: May 18, 2021

Recently widowed, she’s doesn’t need another man in her life. He’s not looking for a wife. But when danger thrusts them together, will they change their minds…and hearts?

Hannah Lauman’s husband has been murdered, but rather than grief, she feels…relief. She decides to remain in Georgia to work their gold claim, but a series of incidents make it clear someone wants her gone…dead or alive. Is a chance at being a woman of means and independence worth risking her life?

Jess Vogel never breaks a promise, so when he receives a letter from a former platoon mate about being in danger, he drops everything to help his old friend. Unfortunately, he arrives just in time for the funeral. Can he convince the man’s widow he’s there for her protection not for her money?

Gold Rush Bride: Hannah is the first book in the exciting new series Gold Rush Brides. Steeped in romance, intrigue, and history, the story will keep you turning pages long into the night.

About the Author

Linda Shenton Matchett writes about ordinary people who did extraordinary things in days gone by. A volunteer docent and archivist for the Wright Museum of WWII, Linda is a former trustee for her local public library. She is a native of Baltimore, Maryland and was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry. Linda has lived in historic places all her life, and is now located in central New Hampshire where her favorite activities include exploring historic sites and immersing herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.

More from Linda

Dear Readers,

Have you ever heard the quote about Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers that says, “Sure he was great, but don’t forget that Ginger Rogers did everything he did, backwards…and in high heels?” Originally seen in a 1982 Frank and Ernest comic strip, the line has been used by many people from comedians to politicians.

A slight twist on the statement can be made about women in the centuries before modern attire allowed them to wear slacks…they did everything men did, but in floor-length skirts (to say nothing of when they had to wear corsets!). A few examples include cooking over an open hearth, hauling water before the invention of pumps and indoor plumbing, farm work such as milking cows or gardening, and riding a horse.

One of my favorite aspects about writing is developing the characters, especially the female protagonists. Mine are typically…well, untypical. The gals in my books are war correspondents, mechanics, spies, doctors, pilots, and midwives, just to name a few. While thinking about what to write next, I stumbled on an article about female prospectors, and I knew I had my story.

I continued to dig and was delighted to find journals and diaries of these stalwart women who either followed their husbands, brothers, or fathers to the gold field or actually set out on their own. Instead of setting my novel during the well-known California gold rush of 1849, Gold Rush Bride Hannah takes place two decades earlier in northern Georgia where more than one million dollars of gold was unearthed.

The few images I found confirmed my suspicion. These women prospected alongside the men, swirling their pans of silt hour after hour…all while wearing a dress.

I hope you enjoy Hannah’s story.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Visa Gift Card and signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/10e00/gold-rush-bride-hannah-celebration-tour-giveaway