I’m reading through the pages for Belle as I call this novel set in 1777. Dear to my heart, here’s the gist of it:
A tale of courtship & marriage, duty versus desire, faith & forgiveness.
We’re up to novel 17 now aside from my 2 novellas. It’s truly amazing that each book is a small universe or world of its own. I can’t count all the different worlds I’ve inhabited since childhood as a reader. And then quite a few as an author. So grateful! Reading is the gift that keeps on giving yet in the 18th-century, books were very expensive & literacy uncommon. Most were just trying to survive, our ancestors among them. They wouldn’t believe how much has changed should they be allowed a look at our 21st-century lives!
What do I love best about The Belle of Chatham? My heroine’s name, for one. My hero’s abilities & heritage. The theme of patriotism. A quaint New England village & then endless New York frontier & last but not least Virginia…
One of my editors said it was an impactful read for her, that she was moved when I went a different direction than she expected. Here’s hoping you feel the same. January 2026 is just round the bend!