Pat Jeanne Davis: Let’s Chat!

Welcome, everyone!

PAT JEANNE DAVIS is our newest honored guest. She lives in Philadelphia, PA with her British-born husband, John. They have two grown sons. She enjoys flower gardening, genealogy research and traveling with her husband. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and the Historical Novel Society. Pat loves to hear from her readers. Subscribe to her newsletter at www.patjeannedavis.com.

Pat Jeanne Davis has published essays, short stories and articles online and in print. She has a keen interest in twentieth-century American and British history, particularly the period of World War II. Pat Jeanne Davis’s father-in-law served in the British Eighth Army during the war. When Valleys Bloom Again is her debut historical romance set in that era.

Pat is offering a print copy of When Valleys Bloom Again to one U.S. resident who joins the chat below.

When Valleys Bloom Again

A Wartime Romance Set On Two Continents

 After fleeing impending war in England, nineteen-year-old Abby Stapleton works to correct her stammer and to become a teacher in America, only to discover this conflict has no boundaries and that a rejected suitor is intent on destroying her name, fiancé, and fragile faith.

As war approaches in 1939 Abby Stapleton’s safety is under threat. Her father, a British diplomat, insists she go back to America until the danger passes. Abby vows to return to her home in London—but where is home? With her family facing mortal danger so far away and feeling herself isolated, she finds it hard to pray or read the Bible. Did she leave God behind in war-torn London too? Abby becomes friendly with Jim, a gardener on her uncle’s estate.

Jim can’t get Abby out of his mind. Did she have a sweetheart in England? Was it foolish to think she’d consider him? He curses his poverty and the disgrace of his father’s desertion and drunkenness haunts him. Can he learn to believe in love for a lifetime and to hope for a happy marriage?

Abby couldn’t know the war would last a long time, nor that she would fall in love with Jim—soon to be drafted by the U.S. Army—or that she’d have to confront Henri, a rejected suitor, determined by his lies to ruin her reputation and destroy her faith in God’s providence. Will she discover the true meaning of home and find happiness with Jim?

How Writing Began for Pat Jeanne Davis

My desire to write for publication began when I became convinced I had a personal story to share that would encourage other women. This realization motivated me to enroll in a creative writing course. There I was introduced to the basic steps in the writing process. My essay on my experiences while struggling with infertility was critiqued in class.

“Continue to polish your piece and find a publication for it,” my writing instructor advised. So began my journey on the road toward publication.

Many times I reminded myself this writing experience was also part of my walk of faith and that, too, required patience, perseverance and prayer. This passage in God’s Word has been a favorite. “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart…” (Psalm 37:4, NKJV).

My teacher suggested that I apply for a scholarship to the conference where she was on the board of directors. At the same time, I submitted the story I had worked on in her class to a national magazine for their Mother’s Day writing competition. I sent both the application for the scholarship and the story out in December. I didn’t think anymore about them.

A Blessed Surprise for Pat Jeanne

Five months later and just before Mother’s Day, I went for the first time to GRIT Magazine’s website. To my surprise jumping out at me on the front cover was my piece, Mommy to You Both. There was no mention of the contest or any winners. Two weeks later a check and five copies arrived in my mailbox. This success gave me much needed encouragement and a desire to continue submitting more of my work.

At the end of May I received word that I was awarded an all paid scholarship to the writer’s conference in June. So with renewed enthusiasm and much excitement I attended my first conference. I knew my instructor would be there too. As I was browsing through the free literature provided at this event, I saw a stack of GRIT Magazines. There on the table was the issue with my story. It was an exciting moment as I once more realized that I was not wasting my time trying to become a published writer. But more importantly I saw this as an indication that God was pleased with my efforts to encourage others with my words.

Eventually more of my work was accepted elsewhere. I began to use those clips when querying or submitting to other markets. Since then my essays, short stories and articles have been accepted by other publications.

Another Cherished Dream for Pat Jeanne Davis

But I had another cherished dream as yet unrealized. I wanted to write an inspirational historical novel—the story of my heart. This would take much longer and require a different set of skills.

After more than 10 years spent in learning how to write fiction, writing and then rewriting to improve my novel, and then searching for an agent and finally a publisher, eventually my inspirational World War II romance, When Valleys Bloom Again, released earlier this year. The days since then have been exciting, but at the same time overwhelming with promoting and marketing my debut novel.

Today, I’ve come to even more fully realize that I’m in sync with God’s perfect timing when I ask Him to direct my paths. And it’s never too late to realize your heart’s desire if you don’t abandon your dream.

Pat Jean Davis Purchase Links:

When Valleys Bloom Again can be purchased here:

 Amazon: https://amzn.to/2njPfy5

Barnes & Noble:http://bit.ly/2lBAVAu                                     

Social Media Links to Pat Jeanne Davis:  

 Website:https://www.patjeannedavis.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pat.j.davis.7

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/patjeannedavis/

Goodreads:http://bit.ly/2l7rd8w

Amazon Author Page:https://amazon.com/author/patjeannedavis   

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/pat-jeanne-davis-34290422/                   

Pinterest:https://www.pinterest.com/patjeannedavis/   

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Lord, we offer praises to Your name, for You and You alone are good. Remind us of this when we don’t understand Your ways. Please bless each word Pat Jeanne Davis writes for You. ~ For Jesus’ sake