Welcome to my Book Review Blog. My goal is to connect readers with the wonderful and amazing books I am blessed to reveiw. And to introduce you to the talented and wonderful authors responsible for writing these books. May my love for books show through my reviews on this site.
Paperback: 284 pages Publisher: Sword of the Spirit Publishing (May 6, 2012) Language: English ISBN-10: 098388367x ISBN-13: 978-0983883678
About this Book!
The year was 1800. A young man makes weapons for the defense of America, still a fledgling nation. He also protects his heart from the allure of a young woman who is so far above his station in life that he cannot win her.
The lady fights her own war against loneliness and grief. Despite her finery and airs, she is drawn to the young armory worker, who is distant yet disarming.
Love is not the only entanglement. The nation’s enemies are afoot. They creep within the very walls where America’s defenses are being forged. Who are they? When will they strike? Who will survive their terrorism?
Intrigue of the heart and intrigue of the times are only part of this compelling story – book three of the Deer Run Saga. This series finale is a gripping mix of romance and deception, faith and forgiveness, transgression and trial.
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My Thoughts On This Book
I’m excited to read and review this book after reading the first two books in this series. The story of Daniel and Mary’s family continues, and as in all families, their children have growing up and leaving the safe environment of their family home. Danny Lowe now lives and works away from home at the Springfield Armory. Susannah Dobbins just moved to Springfield from Boston with her dad. From the beginning, Danny and Susannah were attracted to each other, but Danny knew it wouldn’t work because he was only a factory worker and could never provide for Susannah with a life she was use to living. But their attraction on grew more and more.
I really love and thoroughly enjoyed this third and final book in The Deer Run Saga! Again, author Elaine Cooper writes a loving and heartwarming story based on her own family in the early 1800’s. The scenes in this interesting and intriguing story were so realistic that I found myself wanting to pray for these characters and the sad situations they were going through! And the love and closeness of the Lowe family gives readers that heartwarming feeling throughout the book as the author so vividly describes the family together and the interaction with each other. And this deep love for each other and for the Lord pulls them through the difficult situations they faced in life as a family. Life wasn’t easy in that era, and especially the Lowe family, knowing the background of Mary’s husband and Danny’s father Daniel Lowe. Which means you really need to read all three of the books in this series to find out what happens from the beginning.
And I can’t forget to mention the beautiful cover of this book…I just love the awesome design and the colors. It all just seems to fit the story and the era, making the book even more enjoyable!
I highly recommend not only The Legacy of Deer Run, but I also recommend the first two books in The Deer Run Saga. I assure you, you will not be disappointed. And I almost forgot to mention the history in these books. I thoroughly enjoyed the trip to Springfield, Massachusetts and getting to know life as it was in the early years of the 1800’s era. I really felt as though I was there while reading these wonderful books. As you can see, I just can’t say enough about this awesomely wonderful series!!
And Check out the neat video Trailor on You Tube
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Elaine Marie Cooper began writing at the age of eleven and it quickly became a passion for the future novelist. “The Road to Deer Run” is her debut novel. It was a Finalist in the 2011 Next Generation Indie Book Awards and received Honorable Mention in the Romance category at the 2011 Los Angeles Book Festival.
Her sequel, “The Promise of Deer Run,” placed First in Romance at the 2012 Los Angeles Book Festival and is a Finalist in Religious Fiction for Foreward Reviews’ Book of the Year contest.
“The Legacy of Deer Run,” the third book in the Deer Run Saga, will release Summer of 2012.
Long enamored of the historical period of the American Revolution, Cooper wrote “The Road to Deer Run” based on actual persons and events. A Registered Nurse, she researched and included many gut-wrenching medical practices used during the colonial era in her novel.
Cooper grew up in Massachusetts–the setting for her novels–but currently lives in the Midwest.
In 1800, a young armory worker is swept
up in unrequited love as well as
dangerous plots brewing against
the nation.
Can he fight his heart’s desire while battling to
protect his country’s defenses?
Elaine Marie Cooper, author of The Road to Deer Run Although currently living in the Midwest, Elaine Marie Cooper spent much of her childhood in Massachusetts. She has long been interested in family history as well as Early American history. She is a registered nurse and an award-winning freelance writer.
Elaine is a regular contributor to a blog on the Midwest called The Barn Door (thebarndoor.net) She continues with magazine freelance writing and is currently working on the sequel to “The Road to Deer Run.”
She lives with her husband of 35 years (Steve) and three dogs and one cat. Both her sons are married and Elaine is “Grammie” to triplets. Her only daughter Bethany died in 2003 from a brain tumor. “The Road to Deer Run” is lovingly dedicated to her memory.
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Hey bloggers, Today we have Elaine Cooper with us. I hope you enjoy our interview with Elaine enough to go out and grab a copy of her books to read and enjoy. Now I will let Elaine answer some questions for us.
1. Hey Elaine, it’s great to have you on my blog today. Thank you so much for being here. Tell us a bit about yourself.
Hi Joy! A pleasure being here! Thanks for having me. Well, I’ve been married to my “Honey” for 36 years. We have two wonderful, married sons that we are so proud of. I am a Grammie of triplets who are now 19 months old and just a delight! I am a lover of writing and a registered nurse. I enjoy tea AND coffee (caffeinated, of course); love to crochet and do cross-stitch—but mostly, I am a devoted follower of Jesus Christ.
2. How long have you been writing?
I’ve loved reading for as long as I can remember, and I think that just grew into a love of words and writing. When I was eleven, my Dad encouraged me to write a story about my hamster that was lost in the attic for three days and nights. I think I’ve been hooked on writing ever since!
3. What aspects of being a writer do you enjoy the most?
Watching characters unfold in my novels almost as if they are writing the story themselves! It never ceases to amaze me how a little turn in the plot or new discovery about a character appears in my writing—sometimes completely unplanned. I also love to research new facts about an era that opens up a whole new understanding for me about history. There are no better ideas for fiction than real life.
But I also enjoy the flexibility of being a writer—being able to have a busy life and travel to see my sons and their families while carrying my laptop with me. My family is so important to me and I am very blessed to be able to see them as often as I do.
4. What is your favorite Scripture?
Proverbs 31:8-9 “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” It’s so easy to get caught up in our comfortable lives and ignore the great need in the world around us. We cannot meet every hungry person’s need—but we can each help meet the need of some.
5. How do you find characters for your books? Are they influenced by family and friends?
Some of my characters personalities come from traits of family members; some are based on my own personality quirks. And some characters are inspired by complete strangers! I’m always on the lookout for certain traits or mannerisms to fuel my writer’s imagination. The doctor in The Promise of Deer Run was inspired by a person sitting next to me on a flight. I’m sure he has no clue! 😉
6. What are 4 things about yourself that most people wouldn’t know about ?
I’m not sure that I am so interesting as to have four “unknowns!” LOL But let me try:
-If a person is out walking their dog down the street, I always notice the animal. It could be Fabio or Daniel Craig out dog-walking but it would be his Welsh Corgi that I’d notice (if they hada welsh Corgi!)
– I am completely lame at knowing what kind of cars people own. I always refer to someone’s vehicle as “a red car” or “a black car.” I am so unimpressed by models and makes.
– – I cannot stand mushrooms. They even leave a nasty flavor behind if I pick them off of a pizza.
– I could watch “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” at Christmas time on the Hallmark Channel a dozen times and not get sick of it! Much to my husband’s chagrin!!
7. When will your next book be out?
The Legacy of Deer Run, Book 3 in the Deer Run Saga, is due out in 2012. J I just signed the contract on Thanksgiving Day with Sword of the Spirit Publishing.
8. What are you working on now?
The aforementioned book! I’d better get going. 😉
9. Where can our readers find you?
They can contact me through my websites: www.PromiseOfDeerRun.com and www.DeerRunBooks.com. I am also on Facebook under Elaine Cooper, or my book pages, The Promise of Deer Run and The Road to Deer Run.
10. Anything else you want to add?
I’ve just enjoyed this interview immensely and hope and pray that all the readers have a VERY blessed Christmas and New Year!
11. And I wanted to save this one until last, Tell us a bit about This Series and what Inspired you to write this wonderful book.
The Deer Run Saga was inspired by actual events in my ancestry: The coming to America of a British soldier to fight against the colonials; his subsequent surrender after the British defeat in Saratoga in 1777; then as a prisoner, fleeing into the American countryside, before meeting my fourth great grandmother in western Massachusetts. The perfect set up for a love story in my mind!
But actually feeling inspired to write this novel came upon the heels of a personal tragedy. Although I had been a freelance writer for many years, my “pen” went silent for a long time after my daughter’s death from a brain tumor. But in 2007, on the fourth anniversary of her passing, I suddenly felt the urge to write this story. It became a passion that was driven by my need to heal from my daughter’s loss as well as my need to follow this mental directive. Whether inspired by God or not, I pray that my work brings Him honor and can lead others to heal from their own sorrows as well as draw closer to the Lord.
You can also see an interview video with Elaine talking about the Deer Run Saga. Click on URL below
The year was 1777. The war had already broken the heart of Mary Thomsen, a young colonial woman from Massachusetts. It had also broken the spirit of British soldier Daniel Lowe, a wounded prisoner of war in a strange land.
They were enemies, brought together by need. Would their differences overshadow the yearnings of their hearts? Or would the bitterness of war keep them apart?
Elaine says: This story was inspired by my great-great-great-great grandparents. My research into their lives and times brings authenticity to my book. Hope you enjoy it.
The Road to Deer Run by Elaine Cooper
My Thoughts
If you were at war, what would you do if you found your enemy seriously injured to the point of helplessness and dying? Mary Thomsen couldn’t turn Daniel Lowe away so she took him in, hiding him from the rest of her family for a while, and nursed him back to heath. This wasn’t an easy task for Mary, and healing for Daniel took a very long time.
The Road to Deer Run is set during the British and American war in 1977 and is loosely based on family members of the author. Hiding this British soldier was very dangerous for Mary and her family, especially with her father gone. The family faced dangers a number of times because of this enemy in their home.
This is just a pure heartwarming love story. But a love that was difficult at every turn. I enjoyed the journey of Mary and Daniel as they faced some of the most difficult times anyone could ever face. And hey, he was the enemy after all. As they spent more and more time together, and their love grew, how could they ever stay together when there worlds were so far apart? Would God step in? Because apart from a miracle from Him, there was just no way. I couldn’t put this book down, because I was afraid of missing something! It will truly keep you on your toes with all of the twists and turns. Just when I thought things were settling down, there was another twist in the story and I was on my toes again!
You do not want to miss this entertaining war story. You will see God working in ways unimaginable and your heart will be blessed. Grab a copy of this intriguing Historical fiction, read and enjoy it! It will be well worth your time and money!
I want to thank the author Elaine Cooper for providing a copy of this book for me to read and review. The opinions in this review are mine only. I was not expected or required to write a positive review.
The Year is 1790. The American Revolution has long been over, but the wounds of battle still linger in the hearts and minds of many. A veteran Continental soldier still awaits the return of his missing father, years after the last battle. Haunted by the painful memories of war and scarred from betrayal in love, the young man turns away from faith. The only hope he clings to is that perhaps his father still lives. Then he discovers his hope is shared by a young woman, who understands loss and the longing for a father. As they encounter this unexpected connection, their hearts become drawn together. But jealousy, slander, and misunderstanding ignite a fire of doubt and mistrust-destroying their relationship. Can two souls longing for healing and trust, love again? Can faith-and a family-be restored?
My Thoughts
This sequel to The Road to Deer Run continues the story of Daniel and Mary along with Mary’s family and some exciting changes there. We also meet Nathaniel Stearns and a more mature Sarah Thomsen in this book. Nathaniel arrives home from the war to wait on his father, who didn’t show up. Daniel is mad at the world, not wanting to associate with anyone, but someone was reaching out to him by putting food on his doorstep. It is interesting to find out who this mystery person is, but you need to read the book to find out for yourself!
Again, Elaine Cooper writes an intriguing story that keeps you reading until the last page. I loved getting to know her wonderful characters, and I still think about them a lot, even a month or so after reading the books. I keep wanting to pray for them! How cool is that! Elaine might be a new author to you, but don’t hesitate buying her books to read. You will find they are well worth your time and money! I can hardly wait to read the third book in this series! I encourage you to join the rest of us that’s read the first two books in The Deer Run Saga! You will be glad you did!
I want to thank the author Elaine Cooper for providing a copy of this book for me to read and review. The opinions in this review are mine only. I was not expected or required to write a positive review.
in the Romance category at the 2011 Los Angeles Book Festival.
splashesofjoy 