Blog Tour: No Small Storm

Blog Tour: No Small Storm

About the Book

 

Title: No Small Storm  
Author: Anne Mateer  
Genre: Historical/Historical Romance 
Release Date: August, 2017

September 1815, Providence, Rhode Island Thirty-year-old Remembrance “Mem” Wilkins loves her solitary life running the farm and orchard she inherited from her father and has no plans to give up her independence. Especially not for the likes of Mr. Graham Lott. But when Mem is unable to harvest the apples on her own, she accepts the help of the man she despises. Fresh off a boat from Ireland with his four-year-old son in tow, Simon Brennan secures a building in which to ply his trade as a cobbler. Still healing from the grief of his wife’s death a year earlier, he determines to focus only on providing a good life for his son. But when he intervenes in an argument on behalf of the intriguing Miss Wilkins, sister-in-law of the tavern owner who befriends him, he suddenly finds himself crossways with his landlord, Mr. Lott, and relieved of his lease and most of his money. With no means of support, Simon takes a job helping Mem with her harvest, relieving her of the need of Lott’s help. But their growing attraction to each other makes them both uneasy. Mem gladly escapes to town when her sister begins labor, and Simon, believing it best to distance himself from Mem, takes his son and leaves. But neither anticipates the worst gale New England has ever seen—or that the storm will threaten all they hold dear.

Click here to purchase your copy.

My Thoughts

No Small Storm is a heart-warming story that drew me in from the beginning. Remembrance “Mem” Wilkins inherits the family farm after her father dies, which is unusual for the time period. Because of the associated wealth, local men come calling, much to Mem’s dismay. I liked Mem; she is a great mix of strength and insecurities. The relationship she has with her sister is realistic, their dialogue authentic whether they are bickering or getting along. I fell in love with Simon immediately. His love for his son and his integrity in business and personal situations show his true character. Seeing the “bad guy” through both Mem’s and Simon’s eyes was fun because of their different perceptions of the man. I also liked that the story centered around a real incident in history, one of which I was unfamiliar, so I enjoyed learning about it. For me the story tied up a little too obviously and quickly, but the ending was satisfying and who doesn’t love “happily ever after?” The cover is beautiful and does a nice job of capturing the essence of the book. The book was an easy read, and I finished it in one delightful afternoon. I look forward to reading other works by this author.

I received a copy of this book for free from CelebrateLit Publicity, and a positive review was not required. All opinions expressed are my own. 

About the Author

 

Anne Mateer has loved reading and writing stories since childhood. She is the author of 4 historical novels, 1 historical novella, and a few contemporary short stories. Anne and her husband of 30 years, Jeff, love to visit their grown children and tour historical sites. They are currently living an empty nest adventure in Austin, TX.

Guest Post from Anne Mateer

I’m always up for a good historical story. It’s what I enjoy reading. It’s what I enjoy writing. But I find that my pleasure in any historical fiction increases exponentially when the story at hand is based on at least a kernel of historical fact. All four of my full-length novels share this trait. So it stood to reason that when turning my mind to a historical novella I would seek the same grounding in truth I’ve sought before.

So what historical fact inspired No Small Storm? It was a combination of them, actually. Which I think always makes for the best tales!

I like an overarching historical event to help frame a story. Things like war or economic crisis or natural disaster. Situations in the historical record which required courage or resilience or sacrifice from the people who lived through them. When I stumbled upon the Great Gale of 1815, which hit Providence, Rhode Island particularly hard, I knew it could provide obstacles for my characters to overcome.

As I began to read about this event—a hurricane before such storms were commonly called hurricanes—I happened upon some first hand accounts of that day. Fascinating remembrances about a storm arriving without much preamble, then departing and leaving bright sunny skies with which to view the destruction.

And destruction there was! Not only from wind and water, but also the fact that both of those things unleashed the ships moored in the harbor and sent them sailing down the main street of town! Can you imagine looking out of the second or third story window of a building which was likely flooded on the ground floor and seeing a ship coming at you?

That, in itself, was dramatic enough. Especially when coupled with the fact that those ships often broke apart, whether from wind and waves or from contact with the buildings and bridges they encountered on land. Then I considered the in those ships? What happened to them? Many were flung into the water, searching for purchase.

It was just such a circumstance that brought one man to the window of a young woman. She helped him inside. They were later married. And if finding such a story that isn’t a romance writer’s delight, I don’t know what is!

Finally, as I continued to read about the destruction in the area, I discovered a few lines about area orchards. The hanging fruit was found covered with a dusting of white. When tasted, it was discovered to be salt. Salt from storm surge and sea spray. Salt that saturated, even miles inland. Water and wind—and they salt they carried—ruining fruit crops ready for harvest. What could be more devastating to a farmer than that?

And so No Small Storm was born, with Remembrance and Simon each trying to make a good life for themselves, each trying to trust God as they work hard. Each keeping careful watch over their heart. But sometimes circumstances take things we don’t want to give. And give things we never imagined possible.

Historical fact and spiritual truth. Characters who are a product of their times as well as universal in their struggles and desires. It’s the kind of story I love to read. And the kind of story I’m proud to write.

Blog Stops

Anne's Remaining Blog Stops:

February 11: Bukwurmzzz

February 11: Views from the Window Friend

February 12: By the Book

February 12: Maureen's Musings

February 13: D's Quilts and Books

February 13: Mary Hake

February 14: Proud to be an Autism Mom

February 14: Connie's History Classroom

February 15: A Greater Yes

February 15: Janice's Book Reviews

February 16: Jeanette's Thoughts

February 16: A Baker's Perspective

February 17: Bibliophile Reviews

February 17 (Interview): Margaret Kazmierczak

February 18 (Guest Post from Anne): Simple Harvest Reads

February 18: Bigreadersite

February 19: Pink Granny's Journey

February 19: Pursuing Stacie

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Anne is giving away a grand prize of a reader bag of goodies—including a Pride and Prejudice fleece throw, a “reading” charm necklace from Storied Jewelry, a Secret Garden lithograph tote bag, and a $25 Amazon gift card!!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c604