Guest Blogger Reviews My Novel "Unwilling Warrior" (Click here to purchase novel)

Unwilling Warrior by Andrea Boeshaar

Reviewed by

Karla Akins

Milwaukee native, Andrea Boeshaar has given inspirational romance lovers another reason to fancy historical fiction with her new book, Unwilling Warrior, the first book in the Seasons of Redemption series (Realms Fiction/Strang Book Group.

Valerie Fontaine runs away from boarding school in Virginia to her home in New Orleans during the Civil War. Her unexpected arrival complicates Edward Fontaine’s shipping schemes and he arranges a marriage between Valerie, and truculent bully, James Ladden. When Mr. Fontaine is declared a spy by the Confederacy, the beautiful young socialite’s life is changed forever.

It’s Gone with the Wind meets Wagon Train (only better) when Valerie flees for her life to Jericho Junction, Missouri. Life as a New Orleans socialite has ill-prepared Miss Fontaine for the challenges she faces as a pioneer woman. And while she does learn to warm her hands before milking a cow, she struggles to bake an edible cake.

Catherine Elliot has other plans for Valerie Fontaine and is determined to gain the affection of the handsome Benjamin McCabe, a photographer in search of his brother lost in a Civil War Battle. Determined to destroy Valerie’s life, Catherine boards the same train that Valerie takes to Missouri to escape being arrested as a spy.

“Do you think I would allow you to live my dream of traveling west, teaching, and marrying Ben?” The calculating Miss Elliot’s unhealthy obsession with Ben McCabe brings tragedy to the peaceful community of Jericho Junction and the McCabe family.

Reading of Valerie’s love for Ben, and Catherine’s duplicitous schemes kept me turning the pages and wishing the story would continue when I reached the final scene. Thankfully, a second book in this series is coming so I can happily lose myself in the romance and intrigue that Unwilling Warrior brought to my imagination.

*Karla Akins is a freelancer writer, speaker, musician and teacher in North Manchester, Indiana*

The Antebellum Period and My Latest Novel "Unwilling Warrior"

The following article appeared on Romantic Times Daily Blog May 12, 2010
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I’ve been enthralled with the antebellum era ever since I was a girl in junior high. I toured the battlefields of Gettysburg and Vicksburg with my family – and my father, a Civil War enthusiast. I imagined myself a Southern young lady, hoping, praying that our soldiers would come back safely from battle. (I even wrote that last line with a Southern drawl in my head!) Southern chivalry enchanted me. Old fashioned, gentlemanly manners were something I never experienced, growing up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin during the 1960 and early 1970s.

It was during that same time in my life that my family and I visited friends in the New Orleans area. The memories of those trips will linger in my memory forever. We toured sprawling plantations. While I shunned the use of slavery and abhorred the abuse that many human beings suffered under their masters’ heavy hands, it didn’t stop me from appreciating the beauty of those majestic places. The wide lawns, tall oaks, weeping willows…and the verandahs. As an awkward pre-teen, I pictured myself all grown up, wearing a silk ball gown with its full hoop skirt, accepting the hand of a gallant young man. Together we’d waltz across the mansion’s polished ballroom floor.

And then I saw the movie Gone With The Wind (only about 49 times since) I knew I was in love with the antebellum period. Years later, being a writer, I naturally felt compelled to set a story in the Old South.

My novel Unwilling Warrior (Realms Fiction) is that book. The War Between the States has begun about six months prior to the story’s opening, and the heroine, Valerie Fontaine is frightened about her future. She never suspects she’ll be thrust into the middle of the conflict. Meanwhile the hero of the story, Benjamin McCabe, embraces a noble dream of photographing the Civil War – and he never expected to fall in love with a New Orleans socialite.

As a young mother, I read Kathleen E. Woodiwiss’s Ashes in the Wind. The novel is one of my favorite stories of all time. I fell in love with the handsome Yankee Army surgeon and sympathized with the deceitful Southern girl on a mission who blossomed into a beautiful woman. I knew I wanted to write a story just as powerful and beloved.

And yet, one that was very different from both GWTW and AITW.

In 1991, I gave my heart to Jesus Christ. Soon after, I realized I was call to write Christian romance. My world changed. My writing changed. But my desire to write a romance set during the Civil War remained.

In 1994 my first novel was published. A grand attempt. But due to word length constraints, the story was only a shadow of what I really had wanted to create.

Sixteen years later, I was given my chance to write the story that’s lurked in my heart for nearly four decades. Unwilling Warrior is the result.

In researching the antebellum period for my book I read A Diary of Dixie by Mary Chestnut and Sarah Morgan’s The Civil War Diary of a Southern Woman. I also studied books about photography and purchased Mathew Brady’s Civil War, a collection of photographs from the Civil War. I discovered that not everyone in New Orleans was a staunch Southerner back in 1862. My heroine Valerie Fontaine’s father is such a character. When he is arrested on charges of treason, Benjamin secures a way for her to leave the city and travel to his family’s home in Jericho Junction, Missouri where she’ll be safe.

Worlds collide in my book – the North and the South, of course, but also city life verses prairie life – as well as good and evil. My heroine, Valerie, has only known New Orleans’s high society. The soirees there were just as grand as anything in Scarlet O’Hara attended in Atlanta. But whereas Scarlet never left Georgia (and the Atlanta area), my character flees Louisiana and travels to a fictional town west of St. Louis called Jericho Junction. Valerie suffers the usual culture shock and then faces an adversary more chilling than Yankee or Confederate troops. Like Woodiwiss’s character Alaina MacGaren, my heroine adapts to a new land and a new life in order to hold fast to her new found love. There are similarities – and yet my novel is very, very different.

Unwilling Warrior is wrought from a childhood fantasy and encouraged by the classics and years of research. It captures the easy dignity of the antebellum era, the mayhem of the Civil War, and the simplicity of the prairie. But more, it’s an enduring love story of two people caught up somewhere in the middle.

Marketing Takes Time - Part II

Last week I did an Internet radio interview with Lori Twichell and now it's up on the Fiction Addict web site. Click here to listen to radio interview

The one thing that I can say for sure is I had fun! Lori made me feel at ease as we talked about one of my favorite subjects - writing -- as well as my new release Unwilling Warrior

Marketing isn't fun if there's too much pressure involved. So many times as writers we put too much stress on our shoulders as we paticipate in Internet interviews and guest appearances. I've learned that if I can releax and enjoy myself things go much smoother.

So how does one go about relaxing before appearing on TV or live radio or pod-casts?

Praying just before I go on helps a lot. I ask God to help me watch my words. I ask Him to keep me calm and attentive. I tend to chatter, so I ask the Lord to help me  be precise with my replies.

Other helps might include preparing for the interview or blog tour. If it's television, be sure to know what you're going to wear (right down to the accessories) the night before. If radio, write down a few talking points. You'll feel confident if you're prepared.

Stretching before the appearance is a good way to relax or listening to soft music during the ride to the TV station. Reading the Bible as you wait off stage or at home before the radio/blog interview. The Book of Psalms is marvelous for calming the nerves.

These are some to the tips I've gathered and in the next few months you can be sure I'll put them to use.

Marketing one's book takes time and I don't just mean time spent waiting for the end results. I'm referring to all the time spent during the day. Marketing is time-consuming. But there's a balance and at some point a writer has to say, "Okay, I've done all I can humanly do. The rest is up to God."

Then it's on to writing that next best-selling book!

Marketing Takes Time

It's weird when the book reviews begin surfacing on the Net. I always pray that I'll be able to handle the good, the bad, and the ugly. So far, the reviews I've seen for my novel Unwilling Warrior have been good -- even excellent. In fact last week received a 4-start review from the Romantic Times magazine. The good review made the RT Interviewer asked me to write something about the Antibellum era. If you'd like to read the post I wrote for RT and leave a comment, please click here

Others also have written reviews for me. In fact I was the "wildcard" pick on Monday. If you'd like to see this wonderful review See more, click here

This afternoon I did a radio show that's affiliated wtih Fiction Addicts. There's a super review from Lori Twichell. http://fictionaddict.com/category/book-reviews/romance/
Just click on the link and scroll down. My novel's review is just below Melody Carlson's book.

In the days and weeks to come I'll be posting more about this topic of marketing. It's more than getting good reviews and a lot of efforts done today won't be seen until months from now. Marketing does take time.

Christian Historical Romance -- Straight-up

Christian Historical Romance – Straight-up

(Previously Published on http://goaheadandwearthepurple.blogspot.com/)

© 2010 by Andrea Kuhn Boeshaar

http://www.andreaboeshaar.com/

Christian historical romances, or CHRs, are as varied and textured as the food we eat. Some are more wholesome while others contain a spiciness that may or may not agree with readers. Still others might be “too mushy” for some – and then there are those novels which are so addictive that you can’t read just one.

The Christian historical with the romance served “straight-up,” then, might be compared to a fruit smoothie that’s served in a lovely, long-stemmed glass. It’s refreshing and sweet, but sometimes tart too. It’s good for the body and soul, and very classy. There are no additives so sensitive readers can enjoy it. And it comes in many different flavors (a.k.a. time periods).

For instance my latest novel “Unwilling Warrior” (Realms Fiction) takes place during the Civil War. This part of history has often been romanticized in sagas such as “Gone With The Wind” and I have to admit to watching the movie at least twenty-five times. I’ve always been intrigued with the American South’s antebellum period. While I’m aware of the inaccuracies within the Hollywood adaptation of Margaret Mitchell’s novel, I’m enthralled with the era all the same. The beautiful flared, silk gowns, the majestic plantation homes, and the gallantry of handsome beaus beneath towering oaks are the perfect ingredients for any sweet historical novel…maybe even the chocolate-raspberry smoothie of them all!

The Love of History and Romance

At the age of 4 (my granddaughter’s present age) I fell in love with the boy in Disney’s movie, “Johnny Shiloh.” My father, a Civil War enthusiast, found my crush quite amusing. As a girl in junior high school, I toured the Battlefield of Shiloh with my family. I read stories written by soldiers and preserved by their descendants. I imagined what it would be like to live in such a day – a day when a gunshot wound to the leg often meant amputation or lead poisoning. Battlefield medics oftentimes only received on-the-job training and weren’t medical personnel at all.

On the home front, women wore their bonnets and petticoats even when temperatures hit 110 degrees. Unless they were “strange women,” they didn’t unbutton their blouses or let their hair down – and especially didn’t behave in such a manner in front of a gentleman suitor. However, today’s readers wouldn’t know it from some of the bodice-ripping covers lining the bookshelves.

Despite my disparaging, these are the kinds of romances which I began reading when my sons were toddlers – and the kind I wanted to write until I gave my heart to the Lord Jesus Christ. After that, I felt called to write God-honoring stories, specifically romance.

Relationship-driven Stories

Christian historical romances are, by contrast to their secular counterparts, as safe as most Hallmark movies. In fact, many CHRs have become Hallmark movies. Janette Oke’s “Love Comes Softly” titles come to mind. Conversely, some Christian historicals are more edgy, their stories are more plot-driven with action and suspense. The CHR – straight-up, on the other hand, focuses primarily on the relationship between the heroine and hero – and their relationships with God.

In essence, the relationships carry the plot. That’s straight-up romance.

In my book “Unwilling Warrior” (Realms Fiction) which will be released in May 2010, my character Valerie Fontaine wants to be loved and accepted by her father – and then by her new husband. But it’s not until she wholeheartedly trusts the Lord that she understands what true love is all about.  


The CHR – straight-up depicts healthy relationships as positive and God-honoring while pointing out the consequences of choosing anything less. This may seem fundamental, but let’s face it: A majority of today’s populace believes “The Real Housewives of New York City” are…real housewives.

The Bible instructs otherwise. Proverbs 31 praises the woman who is moral and chaste, who puts her family above her own selfish desires, and who brings honor to her husband. (Incidentally, honor is not the same as fame and fortune.)

Encouraging Others

One reader told me she thinks of my stories as “little teachings.” The comment was humbling and made me see how much responsibility I have as a writer – but more, as a Christian writer. I can show my characters stumbling so my readers don’t have to fall. I can illustrate faith in action so those who don’t believe might have a change of heart. The vehicle in which I feel called to share my spiritual gift is writing.

And, sure, the literary world can’t survive on fruit smoothies in long, tall glasses alone. I realize and accept the fact. Nevertheless, one cannot deny the power of love in the Christian historical novel with the romance served straight-up.


Andrea Boeshaar
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www.andreaboeshaar.com

My Novel Journey

I recall that the desire to be a writer came to me in the fourth grade. Everyday after school I stopped at the public library and sat on the turquoise-color, square cushions in the children's section and wrote for hours on my lined notebook paper.

My story was called "Little Miss Mouse." It, actually, was a romance.   

As I grew older, I kept a diary in which I wrote of my dislike of my younger sister and brother, my school teachers, my parents. I started playing the guitar and writing my own songs which I would sing to my friends. In middle school I performed in something called "Show Circle" and sang James Taylor's hit "Fire and Rain." My mom said she cried as she watched me strum my guitar and sing into the microphone. I really felt I was the next Carly Simon.

But then in high school I met many more kids just as talented. But still thought I'd get to Los Angeles where I'd become a singer/songwriter.

When I was a sophomore in high school I performed with the Milwaukee Opera Company. That was a thrill for me. I also took part in my high school's performances over the years. But slowly my dream of becoming a "star" vanished. More practical ideas were forced upon me by parents and guidance counselors. I went to college for a semester, hated it, and came home and married my high school sweetheart, Daniel. We met when I was a senior. He had already graduated and worked at A.O. Smith.

We married and soon our son Benjamin came along, followed closely by his brothers, Richard and Brian. As a young mom, I traded books with girlfriends and read such novels as "Ashes in the Wind" by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss and "Outlaw Hearts" and "Upon A Moon-Dark Moor" by Rebecaa Brandewyne.

I decided I wanted to be like these authors and write a classic romance novel, complete with bodice-ripping cover. To help me achieve this goal, I returned to college. I took creative writing and excelled in the class.

But, again, practicality set in when I learned getting published wasn't as simple as I thought. Neither was writing! I re-directed my energies into the Professional Communications and Business Management areas. Meanwhile Daniel kept the home fires burning and made the kids dinners like scrambled eggs with Rice Crispies thrown in. Mmmm. 

Then in 1991, I was gloriously born again.

God redirected my paths and I decided to write for the Christian market. My stories, I determined, would be romances and yet honor God -- and certainly not dishonor Him in any way.

My first novel, a story near and dear to my heart, was published in 1994. It was Divine Affirmation for me. This is what God wanted me to do: Write Christian romance.

Since then, I have had many novels published. I helped launch Barbour Publishing's trade line with my Faded Photograph Series. I was one of the first authors kicking off Summerside Press's Love Finds You line. I am a cofounder of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers).

Most recently I was blessed with the pleasure of revisiting the characters in my very first published story. I totally rewrote it and "Unwilling Warrior" (Realms Fiction) will be released in May 2010. Below is summary of the story. It's the first book in my Seasons of Redemption series.

The War Between the States has Valerie Fontaine frightened about her future. She never suspects she’ll be thrust into the middle of it. But when her wealthy father is charged with supplying Federal gunboats in order to save his shipping business, Valerie is suspected of conspiracy. Suddenly she’s forced to flee her upscale New Orleans home or be taken into custody by Confederate troops.

Benjamin McCabe is part simple country boy and part educated philanthropist. He’s got a noble dream to somehow make his mark on the world and he’s decided that photographing the Civil War is the way to accomplish it; however, since Bull Run his brother Luke has been missing and Ben’s plans to find him. He’s followed and photographed regiments from Virginia to Louisiana. His stop in New Orleans is supposed to be a temporary one – until he meets and falls in love with Miss Valerie Fontaine.

When Valerie’s father is arrested, Ben secures a way for her to leave the city and travel to his family’s home in Jericho Junction, Missouri where she’ll be safe. He promises that as soon as he finds Luke, he’ll be home and they can begin their life together. However, once Valerie steps off the train she finds herself caught up in a web of lies that threaten to imprison her more than Yankee steel bars ever could. Only Benjamin has the key to unlock the truth.

Can Valerie adjust to life on the prairie and remain true to her promise to Ben no matter what the cost? Will Ben prove he’s more valiant than visionary and return to Jericho Junction with Luke in tow before Valerie loses all hope?

*     *     *

It's such a blessing to be where I'm at, writing historical romance that honors Jesus Christ and having a wonderful publisher behind me, believing and investing in me. What I would tell any writers working toward publication is: Don't give up!

There will always be nay-sayers in your life, those people who don't believe in you or your writing. But that's the point at which a writer's faith must be strong.

Believe in the gift God has given you and press on. Keep writing. Finish that book you're working on.

A friend once told me, "Perseverance is what gets a book published." And I think there's a lot of truth to that statement. It's perseverance -- and being open to write as the Spirit living in you directs and redirects.

In short, the novel journey is...quite a trip!

Blessings,

            Andrea

Andrea Boeshaar

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www.andreaboeshaar.com

Hey! I've got an idea!

A version of this article appeared on the Seriously Write blog, Friday 2-12-10

Where do you get your ideas?”


People ask me that all the time. Unfortunately, there’s no pat answer. Ideas for my stories come from many different sources. Sometimes a movie. Other times a newspaper or magazine article. Oftentimes a personal testimony from someone at church might ignite my muse. But frequently I get my ideas from personal experiences.

Take, for example, my novel Promise Me Forever (Barbour Publishing). I came up with the idea when my husband and I attended a wedding and the groom didn’t show up! No lie! That really happened! (See my previous blog post for details.)

The inception of my novel The Haven of Rest (Barbour Publishing) occurred when my mother told me about the old gas station in the small town where she’d grown up. She remarked about how sad it was that the filling station now stood abandoned, along with the building the once housed a Laundromat and my great Uncle Edwin’s second floor apartment. I knew of the filling station, and a nostalgic chord was plucked somewhere deep inside of me. Again, I dreamed up characters and plotted a romance around the gas station and the tiny town of Tigerton, Wisconsin. It wasn’t long and The Haven of Rest was born into print.

Noteworthy: If you look closely at the cover, you'll see the picture I took of the actual filling station in the background.

Another of my novels Love Finds You in Miracle, Kentucky (Summerside Press) was actually titled How Far Is Heaven in 2004 but never published under that title. 

One morning I woke up and had the entire book’s characters and much of the plot in my head. You might say I dreamed it, although I like to think God gave me the idea while I slept.

These books are all available on my website.

Ideas for stories can come from just about anywhere and at anytime. So be alert. Be aware. Relax and take nothing that happens around you, and in your life, for granted. There’s probably a story lurking somewhere in your corner of the world.

~Andrea Boeshaar

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www.andreaboeshaar.com