The Awakening of Miss Adelaide: Part Two
Welcome, everyone!
My soon-to-be-released novel, The Awakening of Miss Adelaide, required a great deal of research. It reached from the Tuscan hills of Italy, to a 1919 transatlantic passenger ship, to Washington, D.C., and back to Oklahoma.
Digging up Bones
Sometimes research for a novel can feel like digging up bones. In a way, it is.
One such “bone” I clamped my teeth around and refused to let go was an article in a 1913 edition of Fort Worth Star-Telegram. It described a murder committed in the lobby of the Metropolitan Hotel. This violent act occurred in connection with an adulterous affair.
Consequently, heightened emotion, lowered common sense, and the control males exerted over females resulted in one man’s murder and the murderer’s acquittal. In addition, the “offending” woman’s husband dragged her home kicking and screaming and committed her to a mental asylum for “emotional insanity.”
I wondered if the “offending” man had been treated in like manner. Hardly.
How could I NOT include this morass in a novel?
The Awakening of Miss Adelaide
Orphaned as an infant, Oklahoma heiress Miss Adelaide Fitzgerald has enjoyed every advantage. She possesses a unique gift for music and excels on the opera stage in Italy. As a philanthropist, she’s adored from America to Europe.
But Miss Adelaide is about to awaken in a 1918 nightmare.
When the Great War–and the Great Influenza–knock in Italy, Adelaide discovers uninvited, unwelcome guests. They threaten her life and alter her identity and purpose.
Snatched from her quiet life in an Italian villa, Miss Adelaide is thrust into conflicts others created. What battle scars will she sustain? And where will love lead her?
In The Awakening of Miss Adelaide, war and peace, laughter and heartache, love and loss unite. This union ignites a fresh fire that reveals one woman’s hidden needs and potentials.
What will a fresh understanding of herself require of the Angel of the Opera?
I offer The Awakening of Miss Adelaide to the Lord to do with it as He sees fitting. May this story based on the agony other women experienced serve to lighten someone else’s load by highlighting the hope and healing found in Jesus Christ.
I’ll be giving away a print or digital copy (winner’s choice) on each of 4 remaining dates: July 3, 17, & 31; August 14.
How to Reach Me and My Books
The Women of Rock Creek series
Book 1: The Calling of Ella McFarland
Book 2: The Mending of Lillian Cathleen
Book 3; The Awakening of Miss Adelaide
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Lord, I pray You will bless the words I’ve written on the pages of this novel in ways I can’t imagine. ~ For Jesus’ sake
Another great book! Can’t wait to read it. Wishing Hallmark would turn the previous ones into a movie series. Keep on writing and we will keep on reading,friend.
You encourage me, Jane. Thank you!
I can not express how much I am looking forward for this book! The way you have written this series my be from another era but some things are happening now. I will sit down with a coke and a bag of popcorn and read the book in one day.
Oh my, how you encourage me, Judi. Thank you! The print version is available for preorder now. Otherwise, available July 9.
What a beautiful cover, Linda. The storyline sounds gripping as well. I’m going to have to get your latest book!
Hi, Stacy. You encourage me so much. Thank you. Preorder available now. Otherwise, the release is July 9.
Oh, my! The story you found during your research about the murder committed in the lobby of the Metropolitan Hotel was gripping, Linda! What a vivid picture of the consequences one can incur as a result of your sin(s)! The Awakening of Miss Adelaide sounds very suspenseful! I look forward to reading it! Thank you for the chance to win a copy of this book!!!
Hi, Allison. I love seeing you in the chat circle. Your comments have encouraged me. Thank you. Your name is in the hat 🙂
Wow!! Your book sounds intriguing and like a really , really good book! I Love the cover, it is Beautiful, and her face looks mysterious. I would love to read this book, It will just have to be a must read! Thank you.
Hi, Alicia. Your comments encourage me. Thank you!
She LOOKS like Adelaide! I love the strong square jaw! Awesome find and but of course, it must be included! Did I miss its launch date? Can’t wait to read the third book!
Hi, Caryl! Great to see you in the chat circle. Yes, I loved Adelaide when I first saw her–especially that strong jaw 🙂 Evelyne is amazing, isn’t she? Release date: July 9.