| In times of war, is anything as it seems? Her aunt’s invitation to Richmond is just the change Beatrice Swanson needs after her brother’s release from a Union prison. Bea’s father agrees to the trip with a condition—one that tosses her emotions into swirling confusion. Though Jay Nickson wants to serve his country as a Confederate soldier, his work is too important to the government. Bea’s interest in his job, which includes secrets that would benefit the Union, arouses his suspicions. Is she spying for the North? His growing feelings for her are hard to squelch. Though she participates in activities to benefit Confederate soldiers, Bea struggles with her own loyalties and her father’s demands. Where does her cousin, Meg, go on her solitary errands? Bea’s own growing love for Jay, a Southerner, only adds to her confusion. Tensions escalate in Richmond as the Union army approaches, drawing her into more secrecy. Where does her allegiance lie? And how will she be forced to prove it? Nothing in war is simple…especially when the heart becomes entangled. |  |
Genre: Christian historical romance
Release date: May 10, 2022
Release date: May 10, 2022
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Interview with Sandra
#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
The series was inspired by a series of articles I researched and wrote for my blog called “Civil War Women.” Much is known about generals, soldiers, and leaders and I wanted to highlight the contributions of women. I was surprised to learn of a significant number of spies during the war. Though spying happened throughout the country, it was substantial in the capital cities of Washington DC and Richmond.
This story is set in Richmond, Virginia. Our heroine travels from Washington City (as Washington DC was then commonly called) for an extended stay at her aunt’s Richmond home. While there, she meets a southern bachelor who supports the Confederacy. He fights his feelings for the Northerner, thinking their differing loyalties are too great a hurdle.
As I visited The American Civil War Museum in Richmond to research this story, I ran across a photo of Southerner Julia Ann Mitchell. She fell in love with Fred Coggill, who lived in New York City. Julia’s support for the Confederacy never wavered but her loyalties were divided because her fiancé supported the Union. They worked out their differences and were married in 1863.
The series was inspired by a series of articles I researched and wrote for my blog called “Civil War Women.” Much is known about generals, soldiers, and leaders and I wanted to highlight the contributions of women. I was surprised to learn of a significant number of spies during the war. Though spying happened throughout the country, it was substantial in the capital cities of Washington DC and Richmond.
This story is set in Richmond, Virginia. Our heroine travels from Washington City (as Washington DC was then commonly called) for an extended stay at her aunt’s Richmond home. While there, she meets a southern bachelor who supports the Confederacy. He fights his feelings for the Northerner, thinking their differing loyalties are too great a hurdle.
As I visited The American Civil War Museum in Richmond to research this story, I ran across a photo of Southerner Julia Ann Mitchell. She fell in love with Fred Coggill, who lived in New York City. Julia’s support for the Confederacy never wavered but her loyalties were divided because her fiancé supported the Union. They worked out their differences and were married in 1863.
#2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
I had started Book 2 of the series when I signed the contract with Wild Heart Books, but I was only about thirty pages into the story. I had to stop writing the book several times to do edits on Book 1 for the publisher and other tasks. It was due to the publisher on August 31st, so the actual writing time was about two months. That doesn’t include about four months of research.
I had started Book 2 of the series when I signed the contract with Wild Heart Books, but I was only about thirty pages into the story. I had to stop writing the book several times to do edits on Book 1 for the publisher and other tasks. It was due to the publisher on August 31st, so the actual writing time was about two months. That doesn’t include about four months of research.
#3. What drew you to write in this particular genre?
My favorite genre to read is historical. I love American history. Discovering little-known yet fascinating historical facts to include in my novels makes writing a lot more fun. I never know what will spark my imagination for a story. Research is vital to add authenticity. It also helps the story take shape in my mind.
The Civil War has fascinated me since childhood. It’s an adventure to write novels set during this turbulent period in our country’s history.
My favorite genre to read is historical. I love American history. Discovering little-known yet fascinating historical facts to include in my novels makes writing a lot more fun. I never know what will spark my imagination for a story. Research is vital to add authenticity. It also helps the story take shape in my mind.
The Civil War has fascinated me since childhood. It’s an adventure to write novels set during this turbulent period in our country’s history.
#4. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
I think there are many takeaways from this story. One thing I hope they will takeaway is respecting another person’s differing opinions. You don’t have to agree on everything.
Also, I hope they will understand that Civil War days were difficult. People were sometimes tested to their limits. Some rose above it while others could not manage. Acting with compassion for one another goes a long way to pave the path to reconciliation.
I think there are many takeaways from this story. One thing I hope they will takeaway is respecting another person’s differing opinions. You don’t have to agree on everything.
Also, I hope they will understand that Civil War days were difficult. People were sometimes tested to their limits. Some rose above it while others could not manage. Acting with compassion for one another goes a long way to pave the path to reconciliation.
#5. How did you name your characters?
Naming characters has often been a chore for me. It can stall the writing a couple of hours when the telling of the story demands a new character join the cast.
That’s not been the case in this series. I’ve chosen to honor family and friends by using their names for a few minor characters in these books. It’s my hope that they’ll discover their name as they read the story and be blessed.
Naming characters has often been a chore for me. It can stall the writing a couple of hours when the telling of the story demands a new character join the cast.
That’s not been the case in this series. I’ve chosen to honor family and friends by using their names for a few minor characters in these books. It’s my hope that they’ll discover their name as they read the story and be blessed.
Thanks for interviewing me today, Jasmine. This has been a fun interview.
More from Sandra
In Boulevard of Confusion, Book 2 of my “Spies of the Civil War” series, two people in love—one supporting the North, one supporting the South—struggle to rise above their differing loyalties.
In my book, the hero is a Virginian who supports the South. Though Jay hates slavery, he cannot turn against his state. His job at Tredegar Ironworks supplies the Confederate army with artillery. They develop new weapons and technology, such as submarines, that must be kept secret even from Richmond residents.
Our heroine is from the North. Bea has Southern ties and her brother, a Confederate officer, was recently released from a prison camp. Bea’s understanding of both sides of the conflict tosses her into confusion, especially in light of her growing feelings for Jay.
Part of my research for this novel involved a trip to Richmond museums. One display in particular at the American Civil War Museum at Historic Tredegar made me want to do a little dance. (If you followed me around on my museum visits, you’d witness my enthusiasm for historical people and events and how they impact my stories. Perhaps you share my love of history. )
Anyway, this particular display was a painting of Julia Ann Mitchell, who lived in Richmond at the start of the Civil War. She was from a well-to-do family that traveled often. On one of these trips, she met and fell in love with Frederick Coggill, a New York City resident. Though they loved one another, the couple was divided in their loyalties.
Sadly, Julia’s brother, who fought for the Confederacy, was killed in battle. This probably added to the conflict between Julia and Frederick.
I’m happy to say that the couple seemed to enjoy a happy ending, for they were married in 1863.
I didn’t yet know my characters when I read this display, for the stories ferment in my imagination as research reveals the history. I tucked it away in my mind and it later inspired me.
Boulevard of Confusion isn’t Julia’s and Frederick’s love story. Not at all. It’s simply that history’s record of them overcoming their differing loyalties to marry proves that it happened. That’s all I needed to know.
Avenue of Betrayal, Book 1, is set in the Union capital of Washington City (Washington DC) in 1861, where a surprising number of Confederate sympathizers and spies lived. Boulevard of Confusion is set in Richmond, the Confederate capital in 1862. Actual historical spies touch the lives of our fictional family.
Through both real and fictional characters, this series highlights activities spies were involved in and some of the motives behind their decisions.
I invite you to read both Avenue of Betrayal and Boulevard of Confusion. And please watch for Book 3, Byway to Danger, which will soon follow!
In my book, the hero is a Virginian who supports the South. Though Jay hates slavery, he cannot turn against his state. His job at Tredegar Ironworks supplies the Confederate army with artillery. They develop new weapons and technology, such as submarines, that must be kept secret even from Richmond residents.
Our heroine is from the North. Bea has Southern ties and her brother, a Confederate officer, was recently released from a prison camp. Bea’s understanding of both sides of the conflict tosses her into confusion, especially in light of her growing feelings for Jay.
Part of my research for this novel involved a trip to Richmond museums. One display in particular at the American Civil War Museum at Historic Tredegar made me want to do a little dance. (If you followed me around on my museum visits, you’d witness my enthusiasm for historical people and events and how they impact my stories. Perhaps you share my love of history. )
Anyway, this particular display was a painting of Julia Ann Mitchell, who lived in Richmond at the start of the Civil War. She was from a well-to-do family that traveled often. On one of these trips, she met and fell in love with Frederick Coggill, a New York City resident. Though they loved one another, the couple was divided in their loyalties.
Sadly, Julia’s brother, who fought for the Confederacy, was killed in battle. This probably added to the conflict between Julia and Frederick.
I’m happy to say that the couple seemed to enjoy a happy ending, for they were married in 1863.
I didn’t yet know my characters when I read this display, for the stories ferment in my imagination as research reveals the history. I tucked it away in my mind and it later inspired me.
Boulevard of Confusion isn’t Julia’s and Frederick’s love story. Not at all. It’s simply that history’s record of them overcoming their differing loyalties to marry proves that it happened. That’s all I needed to know.
Avenue of Betrayal, Book 1, is set in the Union capital of Washington City (Washington DC) in 1861, where a surprising number of Confederate sympathizers and spies lived. Boulevard of Confusion is set in Richmond, the Confederate capital in 1862. Actual historical spies touch the lives of our fictional family.
Through both real and fictional characters, this series highlights activities spies were involved in and some of the motives behind their decisions.
I invite you to read both Avenue of Betrayal and Boulevard of Confusion. And please watch for Book 3, Byway to Danger, which will soon follow!
 Sandra Merville Hart | Sandra Merville Hart, award-winning and Amazon bestselling author of inspirational historical romances, loves to discover little-known yet fascinating facts from American history to include in her stories. Her desire is to transport her readers back in time. She is also a blogger, speaker, and conference teacher. Connect with Sandra on her blog, https://sandramervillehart.wordpress.com/. |
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Blog Stops
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 10
Texas Book-aholic, May 11
Inklings and notions, May 12
Betti Mace, May 13
Books, Books, and More Books, May 13
For Him and My Family, May 14
deb’s Book Review, May 15
Locks, Hooks and Books, May 16
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 17
Connie’s History Classroom, May 18
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 19
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 20
Blossoms and Blessings, May 21
Pause for Tales, May 22
Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 23 (Author Interview)
Of Blades and Thorns, May 23
Texas Book-aholic, May 11
Inklings and notions, May 12
Betti Mace, May 13
Books, Books, and More Books, May 13
For Him and My Family, May 14
deb’s Book Review, May 15
Locks, Hooks and Books, May 16
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 17
Connie’s History Classroom, May 18
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 19
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 20
Blossoms and Blessings, May 21
Pause for Tales, May 22
Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 23 (Author Interview)
Of Blades and Thorns, May 23