Pat Jeanne Davis: Let’s Chat!
Welcome, everyone!
PAT JEANNE DAVIS lives in Philadelphia, PA with her British-born husband, John. They have two grown sons.
Pat Jeanne enjoys flower gardening, genealogy research and traveling with her husband. In addition, Pat has published essays, short stories and articles online and in print. Also, she has a keen interest in twentieth-century American and British history, particularly the period of World War II. Pat Jeanne’s father-in-law served in the British Eighth Army during the war.
When Valleys Bloom Again is her debut historical inspirational romance set in the WWII era. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and loves to hear from her readers. Subscribe to her newsletter at www.patjeannedavis.com
Pat is giving away a signed copy of When Valleys Bloom Again to someone who joins our chat below. Don’t miss out on this opportunity.
Now, here’s Pat Jeanne!
Writing an historical novel requires extensive research. At times, I went to distant and unfamiliar places to immerse myself in the era and the setting of my story’s world. When I made repeated trips to England with my British born husband, I combined visiting family with research for my novel in progress.
In living museums throughout England, people went about their tasks in clothing that would’ve been worn during the 1940’s. Helpful and eager, the guides shared what they’d learned. I also entered an actual air raid shelter and spent hours in a war museum. Similarly, I toured an aerodrome and the Churchill War Rooms in London. And I interviewed veterans of WWII in both the UK and US.
When Valleys Bloom Again
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?
The opening for my WWII inspirational romance, When Valleys Bloom Again, was conceived after reading a biography on the life of Kathleen Kennedy. She was the daughter of Joseph P. Kennedy, the United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom. He and his family were living in London when Britain declared war.
Kathleen Kennedy’s story intrigued me. Due to impending war, her father forced her to return to the US for her safety. But Kathleen had made many friends while living in London and was determined to return some day. Subsequently, she returned and served in the British Red Cross. She married William Cavendish who was next in line for Duke of Devonshire. Sadly, he died in battle a few months after their marriage.
I based my protagonist, Abby Stapleton, loosely on Kathleen Kennedy’s situation at the outbreak of war in 1939. However in my story, Abby is the American-born daughter of a British diplomat. Her father also sends her back to the US to escape impending war. She too vows to return to London.
Research
Fortunately, I enjoyed doing the research for When Valleys Bloom Again and became especially excited whenever I uncovered an extra special tidbit of information.
Chatsworth House
One of my return trips included Chatsworth House, the home of the present Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. I learned from a tour guide that in 1963, while on his way home from Ireland, President John Kennedy had visited Kathleen’s grave only six months before his assassination. He and his sister had been very close throughout her life.
Subsequently, I found the grave of Kathleen Kennedy in St. Peter’s Churchyard, not far from Chatsworth House. She too had died tragically shortly after peace was declared. I could only imagine the sorrow President Kennedy felt.
Northern England
On another research trip in the north of England, I visited the largest purpose-built civilian air raid shelter in the country. During the Second World War, it had been extended to accommodate 6,500 people.
For instance, the Stockport Air Raid Shelter is a network of underground tunnels. A mile long, it is carved out of the sandstone hills on which the city stands and that provided not only protection but a way of life for families. Fortunately, this underground world is still intact today as during the war years. It gave me an opportunity to learn about the raw realities of life during the Blitz.
I came away with a deep appreciation for those who struggled to survive with only the basic amenities in depressing and stressful surroundings. I admire my husband’s family, who lived through those long years of war.
Inspiration
Romans 8:28 is a favorite of mine: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose . . . .”
Similarly, Abby, the heroine in my novel, frequently reminds herself of this promise in God’s Word. She was uprooted from London and forced to return to a country far from her family and familiar life. Meanwhile, back in England her parents are under continuous aerial attack from the enemy. And on the battlefields of Europe, her brother and fiancé face death daily.
Excerpt from When Valleys Bloom Again
New York Harbor, Sept. 4, 1939
Finally, after sailing in a zigzag course to evade further U-boats, the Queen Mary slipped into the harbor. Abby emerged into the hubbub on deck as they glided under tow into the shadows of the Manhattan skyscrapers. She caught her breath as sirens blared from boats that accompanied them and water cannon spouted a raucous salute. Abby covered her ears as three thunderous blasts from their liner returned the greeting. Streamers of red and white and blue criss-crossed warehouses and the tall masts of ships moored nearby. American and British flags flapped an exuberant “Welcome” in the salty breeze as music from a brass band floated up from below.
Abby leaned against the ship’s railing, letting out a deep breath. She tried to see herself as a brand-new arrival, taking it all in for the first time. An undercurrent of sadness swept over her, diluting her gratitude and relief at a safe arrival. Reality hit hard. No chance of returning now. Still, it wouldn’t be enough merely to tolerate her stay here. She must take charge of her own affairs, and not simply react to circumstances forced on her. And she must put on a brave face for the sake of her family. Lord, I need your help.
The swirling mass on the dock below resolved into distinct faces, each searching for an answering look of recognition. Somewhere down there her uncle and aunt waited. Memories came flooding in of visits with her parents to Uncle Will’s vast country estate. She hadn’t seen Aunt Val in—Abby tallied them on her fingers—four whole years. She had always thought her stand-offish and hoped sheʼd improved in the meantime.
How to Reach Pat Jeanne and Her Novel
When Valleys Bloom Again:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Valleys-Bloom-Again-Jeanne-Davis/dp/1948888920/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=154
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/when-valleys-bloom-again-pat-jeanne-davis/1130351044?ean=9781948888929
Social Media:
Pat Jeanne’s Website: https://www.patjeannedavis.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pat.j.davis.7
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patjeannedavis/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43600391-when-valleys-bloom-again?from_search=true
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, please bless each word Pat Jeanne writes for You.
~ For Jesus’ sake
I am very interested in your book and drawing.
Thanks for stopping by, Debbie. You’re name is in the hat. 🙂
How fortunate you were to travel to Northern England to visit an air raid shelter for your research. My medieval books are set in Scotland and England. A trip there for research would be fabulous!
Thank you, Teresa, for leaving your comment. I’m fortunate to be married to a man from Manchester and able to go back to England with him. Yes, I agree a visit to where your story is set is so valuable when writing a novel. You’re in the drawing for a copy of When Valleys Bloom Again.
Thanks for visiting with us, Teresa. Please come back.
I’m a huge fan of historical fiction and would love to win a copy of your book. And by the way, NICE cover! Please enter me in the drawing for a copy of When Valleys Bloom Again. Thanks!
I appreciate your stopping by Let’s Chat and leaving your kind words on my cover. Your name’s in the drawing, Margaret.
Thanks for joining our chat circle, Margaret. You’ve encouraged us. I hope you’ll return to Let’s Chat!
Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres but learning your inspiration makes me read it even more. John F. Kennedy and his family have always intrigued me! Thanks for your giveaway.
Blessings!
Connie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you, Connie, for stopping by Linda’s blog and your comment for me. Your name has been placed in the drawing for a copy of When Valleys Bloom Again.
Thanks for joining us on Let’s Chat, Connie. You’ve encouraged us … AND you’re the winner of the drawing! Congratulations!
I loved this book! I’m a WWII buff as well and 90% of my reading is about WWII. I’m fascinated by the amount of research that goes into historical books. I know that without it, the storyline might not be what it should be. Thank you for taking the time to research as much as you did. It showed and I appreciate the fact that you cared enough about the historical value it added.
A signed copy would be such an honor to have. Good luck to all who are wanting a copy!
Happy writing Linda, I hope to read more books you write. I loved your style!
It’s wonderful to see you here, Marlene. I very much appreciate your praise for my debut novel and your thoughtful words on the research for the story. And also for your kind words for Linda as well. All the best in the drawing for a print copy.
Thanks for your very encouraging comments, Marlene. Please come back.
WWII novels are my favorite era of historical fiction, so I would LOVE to read your book. I, too, have a British connection since my niece married an Englishman and lives in Amersham.
Hi Suzanne. Many thanks for your comment for me. In addition to my hubby being English, my grandfather came to America from Birmingham when a child. Your name’s in the drawing for a print copy.
Welcome, Suzanne. Thanks ever so much for dropping by. And please come back.
Pat, your premise and setting look intriguing. I love books about WWII. Congratulations on publishing a book!
Ruth
Thank you, Ruth, for leaving your comment. I feel blessed that my publisher wanted to pick up my novel. God is good. I continue to be amazed by the number of readers who especially enjoy stories set in this era. You’re in the drawing for a copy.
Welcome to our circle, Ruth. I hope you’ll return sometime.
How blessed you were to travel outside of Google to do your research! I’m sure it influenced your story for the better.
Hi Clarice, good to see you here. Doing the research for Valleys was rewarding in so many ways. I met and talked with many who were so generous in sharing their time with me. You’ve been placed in the drawing for a print copy. Thank you for stopping by Linda’s blog.
Hi, friend! It’s always so good to see you pop up in Comments.
This sounds like a book I would love to read. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy.
I appreciate your comment, Carolyn. Your name’s been placed in the contest for a print copy of When Valleys Bloom Again.
Hi, Carolyn. Thanks for joining us. I hope you’ll return.
I am happy to learn more about this book. Thanks for the brief peak at the opening paragraphs. I read lots of Historical fiction, it is my favorite genre. It would be so great to win a copy of When Valleys Bloom Again.
Thank you, Sharon, the visiting here and leaving your comment. We can learn so much about past events and people through historical fiction. You’re in the drawing for a copy of my novel.
How fascinating to be able to see Churchhills war room. Just to walk down the streets that at one time had been bomb. Visiting Kathleen Kennedy’s grave. How poignant. My husband live in KS, we take road trips and we stop to visit churches and cemeteries. We try to figure out the yr a person left what was happening in the world.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Sharon. I write historical fiction, too, so I share your and Pat’s hearts for the genre. I hope you’ll return. God bless.
Welcome, Sharon. You’re an honored member of the chat circle from now on!
Would LOVE to read your books. I’m really into any novel about the World Wars, the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, the Spanish war. In other words, I like reading historical books written about the early wars of our country.
Hi Marlene, so happy to hear of your love for historical books. An historical novel provides the reader with an opportunity to discover an historical period in an enlightening and entertaining way. Thank you for commenting. You’ve been placed in the drawing for a copy of When Valleys Bloom Again.
Hi, Marlene. I share your interest in stories about our early wars. My historical novel, The Mending of Lillian Cathleen, happens during WWI (1914). And The Awakening of Miss Adelaide happens during WWI (1918). I know your comments have buoyed Pat. Please come back.
I have followed Pat on her social media and signed up for her newsletter. This book sounds very interesting and would love to read it.
Hi Kathy, thank you for commenting and signing up for my newsletter. You’re entered in the drawing for a copy. God bless you.
Welcome to our circle, Kathy. I know Pat appreciates your following her on social media and signing up for her newsletter. You’ve encouraged her, I’m sure. I hope you’ll continue to join the chat.
This sounds like such an intriguing novel ! I would love to read it !
Great to have you in our circle, Rebekah. I only have time to read at bedtime. This book is my current bedtime reading and I’m enjoying it so much that I keep inching my bedtime earlier and earlier. 🙂
Thank you, Rebekah, for stopping by and leaving your comment about my novel. You’ve been entered in the drawing for a copy. God bless you.
Lovely title. And isn’t historical research fun!?
Hello, Julia. Especially if you are able to travel from home and immerse yourself in the history. Thank you for the compliment on my novel. The title was taken from the beloved wartime song, “There’ll be Blue Birds Over The White Cliffs of Dover” sung by Britain’s wartime darling of song, Vera Lynn. Words and lyrics written by 2 Americans.Your name’s in the drawing for a copy.
Yes, the research is fun. I’ve enjoyed and learned so much. I’m sure Pat would say the same.
Thank you, Linda, for having me as your guest. I love the way you so artistically laid out my blog and the photos, making my piece more interesting to read.
I appreciate your comments, Lourdes and Alicia, on the book cover. My publisher has a talented cover designer. You’re both in the drawing for a copy of When Valleys Bloom Again.
Honored to have you. I hope this blesses you and readers both.
Linda, appreciate your kind words on the story too.
Love the cover, also loved reading about the In Living Museums. Thank you for sharing.
And thank you for visiting. Please come back.
I appreciate your stopping by Linda’s blog and leaving your comment, Lourdes. Visiting a living museum is one of the most impactfull means of getting into the historical period. You’re in the drawing for a copy of When Valleys Bloom Again.
This book sounds very intriguing and like a very good page turner!! Thank you so very much for sharing about it, I enjoyed reading what it is about and also learning more about the author! I love the cover, it is Gorgeous ! Have a Great rest of the week. God Bless you.
Thanks for visiting with us, Alicia. I love Pat’s novel. Please visit us again.
Thank you, Alicia, for dropping in to Let’s Chat and leaving a comment for me. I appreciate your kind words on the cover too. Your name’s been placed in the drawing for a copy. Have a lovely weekend. God bless you.