Lynne Tagawa and Free Books!

In the Shenandoah Valley, the world of Susanna Russell and James Paxton is rocked by the French and Indian War and Indian raids, while Red Hawk, a Shawnee warrior, has a strange dream involving a book.

Before we talk with today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the free copy of Mark Medley's contemporary romantic action novel, The Same River Twice, is:

nj.bossman@...

Congratulations! We'll get your book right out to you. I encourage readers to keep commenting and/or subscribe at right (above my list of books) in order to learn about new releases! U.S. subscribers are entered in the drawings a second time when they comment.

And now let's revisit with Lynne Tagawa, author of the historical novel, The Heart of Courage: A Novel of the French and Indian War (Blue Rock Press, August 2020).

Lynne Tagawa is a former science teacher who discovered history as she homeschooled her own children. She’s written a Texas history curriculum in narrative form as well as several novels. The Heart of Courage is second in an 18th century colonial American series. 

Currently, she lives with her husband in south Texas and enjoys her four grandchildren.

Please tell us one random thing we might not know about you.

One of my sons introduced me to fair trade chocolate. Of course I loved chocolate before, but this is like chocolate on steroids!

Oh, yes. Chocolate. The magic food. I've become addicted to See's since moving out to California and having access to the full array of the many choices in See's shops!

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of The Heart of Courage.

The Heart of Courage follows three young people who are all struggling to find their way during a terrible time. Susanna goes to Williamsburg—her dream—but the dream palls, because she realizes that her heart is not right with God. 

James Paxton is studying for the ministry when he ends up going with Washington to take Fort Duquesne from the French (Braddock’s Defeat). He’s injured, and while recuperating, makes a decision that turns the course of his life. 

Red Hawk’s world is shattered when his grandfather is killed while on a peace mission, and he goes on the warpath. 

No spoilers as to how these three end up together!

Right, no spoilers, please!

What is it about Paxton that will make your readers care about him?

James Paxton is heroic in an understated way. He’s honest, earnest, sometimes doubts himself, and struggles when he discovers (finally) what the Lord intends for him to do.

Consider the characters you’ve created. You know how characters can evolve as we write their stories? What was one way a character changed from how you initially imagined him or her, either in this book or some other story you’ve written?

In the first installment (The Shenandoah Road), I had a villain who I purposed (from the beginning) to kill off. But I decided that was too simple, especially as the story is set during the time of the Great Awakening. I won’t say more!!! Also, his story is connected with a character in Courage, but I’m afraid I can’t explain that either! So my cardboard villain became a real character.

Your hints are intriguing. That's a good thing!

What is the last novel you read that you would recommend?

A Cord of Three Strands by Christy Distler is a well-written gem of a story. It’s historical fiction in which the characters live out their (imperfect) Christianity. I love it when I can find a story that’s Christian in a natural way.

Yes. Imperfect Christians--people with whom we can all relate.

What are you working on now?

Right now I’m doing research for the third installment in the Russells series, set during the Revolution. This is fun!

Where else can readers find you online?

www.lynnetagawa.com

The book can be purchased online via the following button:



Readers, you can read a sample of the books HERE by clicking on Look Inside.

Finally, what question would you like to ask my readers?

When you pick up historical fiction, what do you most hope to find?

Thanks, Lynne, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Lynne has offered to give away a free copy of her book. To enter, click on the word "comments" below to reach the comments page, and leave your answer and your email in answer to Lynne's above question. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. Remember that U.S. subscribers are entered an additional time in each drawing. The drawing is done by email, so leave your email address, like so: trish[at]trishperry[dot]com. 

Only United States residents are eligible for the drawing, but anyone can subscribe to the blog posts via the GDPA-compliant Feedblitz box above my list of books, at right.

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Annoying legal disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases; drawings void where prohibited; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. See full disclaimer, GDPA notice, and my Disclosure of Material Connection HERE