| Tegan Llewellyn has always been different than her adopted family, except Grandmother Hannah, a prospector during the 1829 Georgia gold rush. Now, seventy years later there are reports of gold in Nome, and the opportunity is too good to pass up. But Tegan doesn’t count on the dangers that strike from the moment she steps off the steamer, including the threat of losing her heart. Elijah Hunter has prospected for gold all over the US and Canada and likes being on the move. The last thing he expects to find on his latest search is a lady miner who proves to be nothing but trouble. Can he convince her that leaving is for her own good before it’s too late…for both of them? Genre: Christian Historical Romance Release date: February 25, 2022 Click here to get your copy! |  |
Interview with Linda
#1. What drew you to write in this particular genre?
I primarily write historical romance, and my two favorite time periods are WWII, and the 1800s, mostly post-Civil War. As a human resources professional, I am fascinated by the history of women in the workforce, especially about women who step outside the “normal” boundaries of society. I’m drawn to strong, confident women who prove themselves against all odds, and history is littered with examples. Gold Rush Bride Tegan is part of a multi-author series that I started because I stumbled on the fact that there were female prospectors who participated in the various American gold rushes. (There may be those who were involved in rushes that occurred in other countries, but I didn’t research that.) I wanted to tell their story.
I primarily write historical romance, and my two favorite time periods are WWII, and the 1800s, mostly post-Civil War. As a human resources professional, I am fascinated by the history of women in the workforce, especially about women who step outside the “normal” boundaries of society. I’m drawn to strong, confident women who prove themselves against all odds, and history is littered with examples. Gold Rush Bride Tegan is part of a multi-author series that I started because I stumbled on the fact that there were female prospectors who participated in the various American gold rushes. (There may be those who were involved in rushes that occurred in other countries, but I didn’t research that.) I wanted to tell their story.
#2. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
The theme in Tegan (and most of my books) is that God is all about second chances. We human beings are sure we’re in control and can handle everything on our own. Sometimes by the time we realize we need God we’ve messed up pretty badly. As a result, some of us don’t think we “deserve” God’s mercy, but the great thing is that He accepts us just as we are (warts and all!). We’re all sinners saved by grace, and He continues to give us “second chances” through our entire lives.
The theme in Tegan (and most of my books) is that God is all about second chances. We human beings are sure we’re in control and can handle everything on our own. Sometimes by the time we realize we need God we’ve messed up pretty badly. As a result, some of us don’t think we “deserve” God’s mercy, but the great thing is that He accepts us just as we are (warts and all!). We’re all sinners saved by grace, and He continues to give us “second chances” through our entire lives.
#3. How did you name your characters?
I use a variety of techniques to name my characters. For my WWII books, I have a handful of high school and college yearbooks. I’ll take the first name of one person and the surname of another. I’ve also used names from cemetery headstones, and the characters in Dinah’s Dilemma are all named for my ancestors. For books where I have characters with a particular cultural background (Norwegian, Irish, etc.), I use country-specific websites that list names and their meanings. Tegan’s family heritage is Welsh through her grandfather. Her name means fair, darling, loved one or favorite. She’s the youngest of four daughters, and is treated a bit like the favorite, but rather than being spoiled, she wants to break out and prove she can make it on her own.
I use a variety of techniques to name my characters. For my WWII books, I have a handful of high school and college yearbooks. I’ll take the first name of one person and the surname of another. I’ve also used names from cemetery headstones, and the characters in Dinah’s Dilemma are all named for my ancestors. For books where I have characters with a particular cultural background (Norwegian, Irish, etc.), I use country-specific websites that list names and their meanings. Tegan’s family heritage is Welsh through her grandfather. Her name means fair, darling, loved one or favorite. She’s the youngest of four daughters, and is treated a bit like the favorite, but rather than being spoiled, she wants to break out and prove she can make it on her own.
#4. If you could change one thing in your life, past or present, what would it be?
I would have gotten back into writing sooner than I did. I wrote stories through junior high, then it fell by the wayside during high school, college, and my career. It was not until the early 2000’s when I had a chance to do some magazine freelance work that I realized how much I missed writing. It would be another handful of years before I left non-fiction to write fiction.
I would have gotten back into writing sooner than I did. I wrote stories through junior high, then it fell by the wayside during high school, college, and my career. It was not until the early 2000’s when I had a chance to do some magazine freelance work that I realized how much I missed writing. It would be another handful of years before I left non-fiction to write fiction.
#5. What one piece of advice would you like to give readers?
Read outside your comfort zone, and by that I mean try different authors and genres. If you always read books set in one particular era, try another time period. If you’ve only read books written by women, try some written by men. If you only read traditionally published books, try indie books. My mom introduced me to a book called “Honey for a Woman’s Heart” written in 2002 that recommends over 500 books, from classic to contemporary) for various reasons. There are other books, websites, and blogs that offer lists of their own. You may find books you abhor, but hopefully you’ll discover authors you adore, and learn a lot along the journey.
Read outside your comfort zone, and by that I mean try different authors and genres. If you always read books set in one particular era, try another time period. If you’ve only read books written by women, try some written by men. If you only read traditionally published books, try indie books. My mom introduced me to a book called “Honey for a Woman’s Heart” written in 2002 that recommends over 500 books, from classic to contemporary) for various reasons. There are other books, websites, and blogs that offer lists of their own. You may find books you abhor, but hopefully you’ll discover authors you adore, and learn a lot along the journey.
More from Linda
Dear Reader,
I am constantly amazed at the extraordinary things women did over the course of history (mostly done in dresses and skirts until about eighty years ago!). When I stumbled on the fact that women were involved during the gold and silver rushes that occurred in the US and its territories, I knew I had to tell their story.
A significant number of women followed husbands, brothers, or fathers, but an intrepid few set out on their own to find their fortune for as many reasons as there were women. Some went to escape difficult (or abusive) situations at home and others because they felt they had no choice. But there was a small percentage who made their way across thousands of miles for the sheer adventure.
The Nome Gold Rush started 175 years ago in 1898, and was different than previous rushes in that much of the gold was on the beach and could be plucked from the sand without any need for a claim. Later, claims were required to mine gold from the Snake River, and this is when things got dirty.
Initially, the courts upheld original claims, but after some of the “claim jumpers” offered to share proceeds from their invalid claims, a few crooked judges and politicians decided this was a great opportunity to line their pockets. Already guilty of stealing votes and voter intimidation, Alexander McKenzie, National Committeeman for North Dakota headed the pack and created an elaborate scheme with the help of Judge Arthur Noyes. It would take nearly two years for the men to be arrested and brought to trial. I included a fictionalized version of this situation in Gold Rush Bride Tegan.
I visited Alaska before writing Tegan and was overwhelmed by its majestic beauty. The photos I’d seen before the trip didn’t do justice to the reality of the state’s glaciers, mountains, rivers, and forests. Wildlife is so abundant that it literally walked or flew through town giving us “up close and personal” experiences with moose, wild sheep, eagles, and more.
Because of the inaccessibility of much of the state, one in fifty Alaskans hold a pilot’s license as compared to the national average which is one in seven hundred. However, in 1898, prospectors didn’t have that luxury, instead making their way to San Francisco by rail and then either going overland with wagons and mules or up the coast on schooners, either choice a difficult and arduous journey.
It is my hope that Gold Rush Bride Tegan honors the stalwart women who left all they knew for the chance of a lifetime.
Blessings,
Linda Shenton Matchett
I am constantly amazed at the extraordinary things women did over the course of history (mostly done in dresses and skirts until about eighty years ago!). When I stumbled on the fact that women were involved during the gold and silver rushes that occurred in the US and its territories, I knew I had to tell their story.
A significant number of women followed husbands, brothers, or fathers, but an intrepid few set out on their own to find their fortune for as many reasons as there were women. Some went to escape difficult (or abusive) situations at home and others because they felt they had no choice. But there was a small percentage who made their way across thousands of miles for the sheer adventure.
The Nome Gold Rush started 175 years ago in 1898, and was different than previous rushes in that much of the gold was on the beach and could be plucked from the sand without any need for a claim. Later, claims were required to mine gold from the Snake River, and this is when things got dirty.
Initially, the courts upheld original claims, but after some of the “claim jumpers” offered to share proceeds from their invalid claims, a few crooked judges and politicians decided this was a great opportunity to line their pockets. Already guilty of stealing votes and voter intimidation, Alexander McKenzie, National Committeeman for North Dakota headed the pack and created an elaborate scheme with the help of Judge Arthur Noyes. It would take nearly two years for the men to be arrested and brought to trial. I included a fictionalized version of this situation in Gold Rush Bride Tegan.
I visited Alaska before writing Tegan and was overwhelmed by its majestic beauty. The photos I’d seen before the trip didn’t do justice to the reality of the state’s glaciers, mountains, rivers, and forests. Wildlife is so abundant that it literally walked or flew through town giving us “up close and personal” experiences with moose, wild sheep, eagles, and more.
Because of the inaccessibility of much of the state, one in fifty Alaskans hold a pilot’s license as compared to the national average which is one in seven hundred. However, in 1898, prospectors didn’t have that luxury, instead making their way to San Francisco by rail and then either going overland with wagons and mules or up the coast on schooners, either choice a difficult and arduous journey.
It is my hope that Gold Rush Bride Tegan honors the stalwart women who left all they knew for the chance of a lifetime.
Blessings,
Linda Shenton Matchett
 Linda Shenton Matchett | Linda Shenton Matchett writes about ordinary people who did extraordinary things in days gone by. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry (of Star-Spangled Banner fame) and has lived in historic places all her life. Linda is a volunteer docent and archivist for the Wright Museum of World War II and a former trustee for her local public library. She now resides in central New Hampshire where her favorite activities are exploring the state’s historical sites and immersing herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors. |
It's Time For A Giveaway!
To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize package of
a $25 Visa Gift Card and signed copy of the book!!
a $25 Visa Gift Card and signed copy of the book!!
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Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 23
Lily’s Book Reviews, May 11
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 12
Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 13 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, May 14
Locks, Hooks and Books, May 15
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, May 16 (Author Interview)
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 16
Connie’s History Classroom, May 17
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 18
By The Book, May 19 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, May 19
Books Less Travelled, May 20
For Him and My Family, May 21
For the Love of Literature, May 22 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 23