Blog Archives
The Need to Take Risks
In Harm’s Way follows a Colonial sea captain returning home after a year-long voyage only to have his ship confiscated by the British Royal Navy and find more tragedy at home who outfits his own private ship-of-war to seek out enemy merchant ships to oppose their tyranny. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration was the many times I came home myself from six-month deployments aboard Navy ships. I then coupled it with the history of the Norfolk area, where I was at the time stationed. It was always heartwarming to see the new fathers meeting their children for the first time, and heart-wrenching to occasionally see a young sailor coming home after the death of a close relative. I knew I wanted to write a historically accurate novel set during the Revolution, and it was natural to begin it with a homecoming that turned sorrowful. It sets the mood for the story. The Revolution was not clean, it was not easy, nor was it a fight between “good” and “bad” guys.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
The struggle each of us has to rise above the events that shape our current circumstances. We can either sink under the weight of what’s happened or happening, or adapt and change. But we must choose; even deciding to do nothing is a choice. Every day, folks around us choose to rise above. Even if they fail, they try and often try again. We should honor that.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Loss, and dealing with it, and the need to take risks in life. Playing it safe is rarely, if ever, successful. Finally, that in every conflict, a person must choose a side, based on their values and principles. Neutrality only works for Switzerland, and only because they can defend themselves.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
Jonas will return to sea in the next book, this time accompanied by his son, and with vengeance in his heart. But he’ll find that revenge is an insufficient reason to fight, and obtaining it is both unsatisfying and damaging. In the third book, he will again return to the fight, this time with a commission in the Continental Navy.
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Colonial sea captain Jonas Hawke returns home to Norfolk after a year-long voyage only to have his ship and its valuable cargoseized by the British Royal Navy. As the royal governor further tightens the noose on trade, Jonas is thrust into the chaos of a growing rebellion. Desperate to support his family, he sets out to find work. When he is denied a commission with the newly formed Continental Navy, he outfits his own vessel as a private ship-of-war and voyages to the Caribbean in search of enemy merchant ships he can capture and friends he can trust.
But dangers multiply on the unforgiving sea. The Royal Navy reacts mercilessly to the threat posed by privateers like Jonas. How will Jonas fare now that he has boldly defied the king of Britain to preserve his family? And what will happen to his loved ones while he is away, engulfed in a war to oppose tyranny in the name of freedom?
In Harm’s Way
Thomas M. Wing’s In Harm’s Way is a gripping historical novel set during the American Revolution, centering on Captain Jonas Hawke, a privateer navigating the turbulent waters of war and personal loss. When his ship, the Elizabeth, is seized by the British Royal Navy under dubious pretenses, he and his crew are thrust into a battle not just for their freedom but for justice. As Hawke returns home to Norfolk, he finds not only a changed political landscape but also devastating personal tragedy. Wing blends historical accuracy with compelling storytelling, making the reader feel the weight of revolution on ordinary men.
What struck me most was Wing’s ability to bring history to life through vivid and authentic detail. His background as a retired Naval officer shines in the way he captures the rhythm of ship life—sails creaking, the smell of tar and hemp, and the ever-present danger on the high seas. The opening scene, where British forces storm a printing press to suppress rebellious voices, is tense and sets the tone for the book’s theme of resistance against oppression. He delivers a story that feels raw and real, making the reader feel every injustice and triumph.
Jonas Hawke is a protagonist who carries the novel with quiet strength and deep emotion. His return home to find that his infant twins have died is a gut punch that lingers. Wing makes us feel the grief through Mary, Hawke’s wife, whose simmering resentment toward his long absences cuts deep. Their exchange—her quiet fury, his helpless sorrow—was one of the most emotionally impactful moments in the book. The revolution is personal, fracturing families and reshaping lives. Hawke’s struggles reflect the larger battle for independence, making his journey all the more compelling.
The pacing of the novel balances naval battles with quieter moments of introspection. The scenes aboard the Otter, where Hawke and his men are treated as criminals rather than citizens, are particularly enraging. The arrogance of the British officers, especially Captain Squire, is infuriating yet believable, reinforcing the stark divide between colonists and their so-called rulers. The way Wing builds tension, especially during the naval confrontations, had me holding my breath. The book immerses you in history, making the reader experience the frustration, fear, and determination of those who fought against British rule. At times, the historical details, while fascinating, slow the pacing just a bit, especially for readers less familiar with naval terminology or Revolutionary War politics.
In Harm’s Way is an outstanding read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction, particularly those fascinated by naval warfare and the Revolutionary War. Fans of Patrick O’Brian’s Master and Commander series or Bernard Cornwell’s Revolutionary War books will find much to love here. Wing’s storytelling is rich, emotional, and historically grounded, making this book both educational and deeply engaging.
ASIN : B0F1W6GTC4
Consequences of Choice
A Tuft of Thistledown follows a white man and a Cherokee woman in the early 1800s who grew up together as their mothers were like sisters, and now as adults are rivals each fighting for different things. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I dreamt it all many years ago but forgot how it ended. It wasn’t until a few years later that I remembered the ending thanks to a very special horse and a horse whisperer from Scotland, UK.
There was a lot of time spent crafting the character traits in this novel. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?
I wanted to not insult/portray badly/misrepresent the Cherokee and Africans of those times along with everyone else who lived there first.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I guess, thinking about it, there could be a few really; when to trust, the sometimes never-ending consequences of choice, the pain of a love or a life that can’t be had, and what the terrible want of always more can make people do.
Our hard-wired will to survive is also a theme, unless like one of the characters, too much has been seen or happened, then that will can spill away.
But for me, one of the major themes is the absolute need to sometimes go with what all you feel inside, no matter what others say.
What is one thing that people point out after reading your book that surprises you?
I think the one biggest thing that surprises me is when some people say they think about it after they have finished reading it.
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In the early 1800s, a time when people in parts of the world did things that their souls wouldn’t want them to, John Lucas Jnr. and Horse Song, the children of two women raised as sisters in England, find themselves caught up in the brutal western expansion of America; a place where for some to live and survive was all in the undying consequences of choice.
Later, in 1839, after being officially tasked to clear all Cherokee still living in hiding east of the Mississippi, John Lucas Jnr. finds Horse Song, the woman whose hands he once wanted to hold forever. Torn by their shared past and love that couldn’t be had, Horse Song and the Cherokee she is hiding with are forced into deciding that when it comes to duty, land, and the right way to be, can John Lucas Jnr. be trusted or not.
Dread Tribunal of Last Resort
Decker Brown is a man with clear aspirations. Born in Virginia and educated in Boston, he envisions a future rooted in business success, family life, and societal contribution. But history has other plans. As the Civil War looms, the idyllic life he hopes to build with Paula Crane, the woman he loves, comes under threat. While Decker clings to the ideals of the Republic, Paula recoils at the idea of countrymen warring against one another. Together, they must confront a stark question: can their love and shared dreams endure the upheaval of a nation in turmoil?
In Dread Tribunal of Last Resort, Brian Kaufman crafts a sweeping work of historical fiction that captures both the years leading to the Civil War and its turbulent aftermath. Readers familiar with works like Cold Mountain or Gone with the Wind will find echoes of those classics here. The narrative centers on Decker and Paula, two privileged young individuals who find their lives upended as war reshapes everything they once took for granted.
Kaufman’s novel stands out not only for its meticulous attention to historical events but also for the humanity he breathes into his characters. Through their eyes, readers experience pivotal moments like the Richmond Bread Riot and the Battle of Shiloh. Interwoven with these personal struggles are encounters with towering historical figures such as Robert E. Lee and Abraham Lincoln, grounding the narrative firmly in its historical context.
What truly sets this novel apart is its emotional resonance. Kaufman delves deeply into the inner lives of Decker and Paula, portraying their struggles with a poignancy that is both heartrending and authentic. Their longing for a peaceful life is starkly juxtaposed with the relentless challenges of war, making their losses all the more intense. Kaufman’s commitment to historical accuracy amplifies the weight of these moments, while his vivid, unflinching prose captures the grim realities of a conflict that forever altered the fabric of the nation.
Dread Tribunal of Last Resort is more than a historical novel—it’s a story of love, resilience, and the enduring human spirit amidst the chaos of history. Kaufman’s masterful blend of compelling characters and rich historical detail ensures this book will linger in the minds of readers long after they turn the final page.
Pages: 354 | ASIN : B0CXYJ62Y1
A Figurative Shadow
Zephyr Trails follows a young woman living in Southern Missouri in 1866 who finds herself grappling with her own burgeoning interests, a developing epidemic, and rumors that her father, thought to be lost, may still be alive. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
I have always loved Westerns: books, movies, TV shows. I wanted to write a Western with a strong female protagonist who knew her horsemanship. There weren’t a lot of those around. I came to realize most Westerns were based in or around the Civil War. I was not a Civil War buff, but my research uncovered so many interesting and obscure facts about the war: women’s roles during and because of the war, the times leading up to the war, families separated by war, and the reconstruction era. The simple Western I meant to write took on a more literary bent. Though it’s technically Historical Fiction, I like to call it a “Literary Western.” Zephyr Trails is the second book in the Ellis River trilogy. The protagonist, Ellis Cady, started her journey in Tennessee. Life at the time could be very different from one side of the Mississippi River to the other. The more I learned, the more I became involved with my characters and their stories and how war affects people and families. At some point, the characters led the way.
Why choose this place and time for the setting of the story?
A lot was happening historically in this setting. During the Civil War, Missouri was considered a “border state.” It never officially took sides in the war. This statewide internal conflict added to my character’s internal conflict. Ellis was raised in a Quaker community (in Tennessee) that taught patience, peace, and acceptance. I imagined the difficulty of reconciling those beliefs with the reality of slavery and war. The setting of post-Civil War Missouri contributed a figurative shadow over the characters and their attitudes and loyalties. I think it helped provide an interesting tension. Also, I was born in St. Louis, raised across the Mississippi River in Illinois, and stumbled upon so much of that area’s history never taught in school. At least it wasn’t taught while I was listening. St. Louis, Missouri, was the starting point for much of the migration west, so it had to play a major role in this story. There were actually two cholera pandemics that hit the area because of the influx of people and inadequate water and sewage systems. One hit in 1849 and one in 1866 when Zephyr Trails takes place. The Pony Express originated in St. Joseph, Missouri, and though it had been out of service for four years by the end of the war, it made sense that its fictional re- establishment might start there.
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
Picking a favorite character is a bit like picking a favorite child. I enjoy writing them all for different reasons. I’ve always had a love for horses and have been lucky enough to own and work with them through the years. They are characters in my books, and I thoroughly enjoy writing for them. All the horses in Zephyr Trails are based on actual horses I’ve known. I truly believe writing a character-driven novel is a collaboration with the characters, whether horse or human. I birth them, and they take on a life of their own. I try to guide them, but they sometimes come up with their own ideas. The more challenging ones to write for are those who don’t open up to me as much or need more coaxing to do so. Lou and Tory are rather quiet but complex men. They may have been more affected by traumatic life experiences than some, and I wanted to be as respectful as possible to their Indigenous heritage, as well.
I find a problem in well-written stories, in that I always want there to be another book to keep the story going. Is there a second book planned?
I’m delighted that Zephyr Trails can be read and enjoyed as a stand-alone, though it is the second book of the Ellis River trilogy. And, yes, there is a third book in the works. The first book, Ellis River, was meant to be a one-off, but it developed into more. Not until I finished Zephyr Trails did I know it would be a trilogy.
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After waiting out winter at the Cady ranch in southern Missouri, hope blooms in the Spring of 1866. Ellis receives news of a mysterious man arriving in St. Louis. Will she find her father alive and well, or finally put his memory to rest?
Grasping at the illusive promise of her father’s whereabouts, Ellis is distracted by the intrepid trick rider, Jimmie, a woman who rides with Levi Jack’s Wild West Exhibition. Then, talk of reinstating a messenger service akin to the Pony Express rekindles a faded dream. Since the war’s devastation, important letters and messages still need to get through a Western landscape governed by Indians and outlaws. When an untimely epidemic threatens, Ellis finds herself back in the saddle, a young woman and her horse on a perilous trail.
What Once Was Promised
Set in 1914, What Once Was Promised by Louis Trubiano opens with sixteen-year-old Domenic Bassini, who boards the Cretic, bound for America and a future filled with unknowns. Leaving his family behind in Italy, Domenic’s journey across the Atlantic is one of hope and uncertainty. Aboard the ship, he meets Cologero and Francesca, a young married couple brimming with dreams of a new life, and Ermino, a stowaway searching desperately for his father. Together, they envision a land of promise and opportunity, unaware that the paths they embark on will twist and bind them together for decades in ways they could never have foreseen.
What Once Was Promised is a rich, multigenerational saga that vividly portrays the Italian immigrant experience in early 20th-century Boston. Trubiano masterfully blends themes of love, loss, family, and survival with the gritty realities of politics and organized crime. The setting bursts to life with meticulous detail, drawing readers deep into the vibrant world of Boston’s North End. Every corner of the city pulses with authenticity, from its cramped tenements to its bustling markets, without ever bogging down the narrative with overwrought descriptions. Instead, the immersion feels effortless, making you experience the hardships, the joys, and the perseverance of a community bound by heritage and resilience. What keeps this novel so captivating is the powerful sense of family that courses through its pages. The characters’ struggles against racism, punishing labor conditions, and the challenges of tenement life are rendered with empathy and depth. Trubiano weaves a story where survival isn’t just about overcoming obstacles but about the bonds that sustain and uplift. In a world battered by the flu epidemic, the Great Depression, and World War II, the lesson is clear: everything starts and ends with family, a timeless truth passed down through generations. The novel’s characters are unforgettable. Domenic, Ermino, Cologero, Francesca, and the many others who populate this story feel achingly real. Trubiano’s gift for character development ensures that each person leaves an indelible mark on the reader. Their choices shape their destinies in unexpected ways, and witnessing how their lives unfold is as rewarding as it is heart-wrenching.
The narrative evokes a spectrum of emotions, moments that made me laugh out loud, passages that brought tears, and scenes that left me gasping in shock. I found myself so engrossed in their world that I often paused to look up real events and figures from history, eager to know more. What Once Was Promised is a triumph of historical fiction that offers a deeply moving glimpse into the past. It’s a story of dreams, survival, and the enduring power of family, one that lingers long after the final page. Truly, I never wanted it to end.
Pages: 314 | ASIN : B0D57JJRJJ
Realistic and Focused
Echoes of Fortune: The Search for Braddock’s Lost Gold follows a man and his friends who, after discovering a clue to a long-lost Braddock’s gold, set off on a dangerous quest to find the missing treasure. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I grew up in the region where much of the French & Indian War (Seven Year’s War) took place, including Braddock’s campaign. I go between Southwestern PA and Garrett County (Western Maryland), where most of the story takes place. I love to read historical fiction as well as history itself. I am aware of a number of legends that are spread across our country, many stemming from the early parts of the US, including the one surrounding Braddock’s lost payroll and bribes. I have seen people using metal detectors along the Youghiogheny River and some in the woods when we have taken the hiking trail that follows much of Braddock’s expedition. Given that knowledge and knowledge of the area, it made sense to craft a story surrounding it that takes into account many of the theories as to why General Braddock followed that dangerous route when Washington took a different trail the year before, and General Forbes took another 3 years later.
The supporting characters in this novel, I felt, were intriguing and well-developed. Who was your favorite character to write for?
It’s a toss-up on Steve and Emma. The characters are based on the people that surround me, or I grew up with. Sometimes a single person, or a combination of two.
For example, my quiet, unassuming wife can be a bit of a badass. Everyone’s jaws drop when they hear some of the things she does, like whitewater rafting, scuba diving, or jumping off a cliff and into a river. She’s the “don’t judge a book by its cover” person, as she can be fierce when she needs to be.
Steve is mostly based on my best friend; we grew up and went to school together from 2nd grade through college. He’s a brilliant engineer, one of the top students in our high school class, and won the top engineer student award at Penn State, but he also has black belts in Hapkido and Taekwondo and always tries to crack you up. Steve’s last name came from my friend’s nickname from the engineering school, who put the wrong last name in the awards program. Steve’s first name came from another good friend, a former marine who served in the Persian Gulf, and that is where the idea of Steve’s military background came from. You’ll see why I chose the Navy in the next book.
I felt that there were a lot of great twists and turns throughout the novel. Did you plan this before writing the novel, or did the twists develop organically writing?
A little of both. I did not want to do the usual find a cryptic clue, go to the next clue, solve it, go to the next clue, etc. (although I enjoy those) I wanted it to be more realistic and focused on the story and characters so there was more to it. Yes, I wanted the thrills and suspense, but I wanted more. The first thing I do with any writing is build an outline and timeline (or, in this book – timelines). I flesh out more details, making sure I include relevant facts that are known and refine them several times before starting to write. I also figured out who the characters I needed were, their personalities, backgrounds, speech, problems (flaws), and what they looked like. For example: Jack’s OCD, Emma’s fear (of several things), and Steve’s social awkwardness and how he compensates for things (btw-my best friend is not like that). However, as I write the story, I get a better feel for things and often realize I have to make changes as I go. Or even add characters to solve an issue. In my case, I did not like the initial ending, so to create a better one, I changed who I killed off. I also changed the complete role of a side character in the story when writing.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Yes. I am working out two possible stories. The one that is “in the lead right now” has to do with how the end of the Civil War played out, where Jefferson Davis sent much of the Confederate treasury into hiding in several places. I do not want to give away too much. Although the story starts as another treasure hunt, it quickly transitions into a full-blown thriller where Jack’s and Steve’s military backgrounds come out more and are needed. Yes, there will be a new “interest” for Steve, and yes, more twists and turns.
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Can one man change his past with the discovery of a lifetime?
Echoes of Fortune: The Search for Braddock’s Lost Gold is a multi-award-winning thriller that weaves mystery, suspense, and historical intrigue across centuries. Winner of the 2024 PenCraft Book Award for Best Thriller, 2nd place in Action & Adventure at the 2024 Book Fest Awards, a Gold Book Award from Literary Titan, and a #1 Amazon New Release in Mystery/Thriller (September 2024), this novel will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Driven by obsession, Jack Sullivan has lost nearly everything in his pursuit of an untold secret—a secret lost for centuries during the chaos of war. Left heartbroken and alone, luck has given him one final chance for redemption that leads him into the shadows of historical mystery and peril.
Be transported between the heat of the battle during the French & Indian War and the high-stakes hunt of today. When Major General Braddock faces his final foe, a fortune in payroll disappears—centuries later, Jack embarks on a daring quest to uncover it, facing cryptic clues, deadly traps, and relentless adversaries. Witness Jack as he follows the echoes of the past “Dan Brown-style,” and risks everything to bring the past to life—and perhaps restore his own.
Described as “National Treasure meets Indiana Jones,” this high-stakes, action-packed thriller blends rich history with relentless suspense. Echoes of Fortune dives into high-stakes, edge-of-your-seats adventure where love, loyalty, and courage are tested to their limits.
When a Stranger Knocks
When a Stranger Knocks by Peggy Ann Shumway is a compelling blend of mystery and slice-of-life storytelling, elegantly weaving together themes of love, faith, and the complexities of human experience. The novel follows Joaquina, a young woman devastated by the brutal murder of her loved ones at the hands of a stranger. Haunted by trauma, she becomes wary of letting anyone new into her life. However, when two strangers unexpectedly arrive, Joaquina is torn between the hope for healing and the fear of further heartbreak. The novel poignantly explores whether these new arrivals will bring love and solace or only deepen her sorrow.
From the very first page, I was captivated by Shumway’s writing. The atmosphere is hauntingly eerie as the story begins, immediately drawing the reader into Joaquina’s world. The author’s ability to evoke empathy for the characters and their tragedies is remarkable, making their pain and struggles feel deeply personal. Each character is thoughtfully crafted, resonating with a sense of familiarity, but it was Noah’s character that truly stood out for me. His gentle and comforting presence adds a layer of calm to the narrative, leading to a bittersweet yet peaceful conclusion. The prose is exquisite, rich with metaphors and deeper meanings that make every sentence worth savoring. I found myself more engrossed in the beauty of the writing and the intricacies of the characters than the mystery itself, though the plot is equally engaging. One of the novel’s most enchanting aspects is its exploration of miracles and the way the characters’ stories are seamlessly intertwined. The narrative offers insightful reflections on faith and doubt, which are subtly woven through the characters’ experiences. The bond between Noah and Michael is particularly touching, adding warmth and authenticity to the story. The concept of strangers entering our lives and helping us overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges is both poignant and beautiful, almost like an angelic presence that arrives when needed most. The way these characters find each other at their lowest points is heartwarming, and despite the darker themes of murder and mystery, the prose maintains a gentle, comforting tone that reassures the reader.
The setting further enhances the novel’s slightly eerie atmosphere, leaving you wondering about the origins of the strangers and what they will bring next. The symbolism and meaningful resolution provide a fitting end to a beautifully written story. When a Stranger Knocks is a remarkable read, especially for those who appreciate descriptive, lyrical prose. It’s a book that resonates on multiple levels and lingers with you long after you’ve finished. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves richly crafted narratives with a focus on character and atmosphere.
Pages: 385 | ASIN : B0D6Q29L1C
