Talkshow Thursday: Welcome back, Jodie Wolfe!
Thanks for having me today, Linda. My heroine for Wooing Gertrude is Gertrude Miller. She made a few cameo appearances in book one of the series, Taming Julia. Then in the second book, Protecting Annie, she befriends the heroine of that story. After getting to know Gertrude better through writing book two, I wanted her to have a happily ever after as well.
What sort of research did you do for your story, and was there an exceptionally interesting tidbit you knew you had to include?
When my sons knew I was writing a book with the character name of Gertrude, they encouraged me to include guinea pigs. This stems back to a family story about a fictitious ‘Aunt Gertrude’ and her love of guinea pigs. I started researching to see if it was feasible historically to have these critters as part of the story. I learned guinea pigs came to America as early as the 1600s and even Queen Elizabeth I, had one as a pet. I had fun sprinkling some of the antics from guinea pigs our family has had through the years.
If your book is part of a series: Did you set out to write a series? Why did you decide to write a series?
Wooing Gertrude is part of my Burrton Springs Brides Series set in Kansas in the 1870s. When I wrote the first book, I knew it could easily lend itself to being part of a series.
Why do you write in your particular genre?
I fell in love with the 19th century as a kid reading the Little House on the Prairie Series. I opted for
What writers or books have influenced you?
Some of my favorite authors are Jen Turano, Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, and Jody Hedlund. They all typically write close to the time period that I write, so it helps me to stay current in my genre.
What is your next project?
The final book of the series, Convincing Lou, is currently at my publisher being considered. Since the completion of it, I’ve started a new series set in Shippensburg, PA. The first book, tentatively titled Abigail’s Pursuit takes place during the Civil War. I opted for this time period after receiving two personal diaries from 1864 that stated the daily weather and what was happening in town.
About Wooing Gertrude
Enoch Valentine has given up finding peace for his past mistakes. He throws everything he has into being the new part-time deputy in Burrton Springs, Kansas while maintaining the foreman position at a local horse ranch. But when trouble stirs on the ranch, he questions whether he's the right man for either job.
Peace has been elusive for most of Gertrude Miller's life, especially under the oppressiveness of an overbearing mother. She takes matters into her own hands and sends for a potential husband, while also opening her own dress shop. Gertrude hopes to build a future where she'll find peace and happiness.
Will either of them ever be able to find peace?
Social Media Links
Website: https://www.jodiewolfe.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jodie-Wolfe-553400191384913
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jodie-wolfe
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/JodieAWolfe
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15220520.Jodie_Wolfe
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Jodie-Wolfe/e/B01EAWOHXO/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
Amazon: https://amzn.to/49muwfA
Ebook: https://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1635
Print:
https://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1636
First Page Peek
BURRTON SPRINGS, KANSAS
AUGUST 4, 1877
Gertrude Miller’s life couldn’t get any better. She grinned, patting her pocket. Her fingers traced the two skeleton keys. After months of planning and preparing she finally had moved into her own place a week ago, away from the overbearing reach of her mother. In two days, she’d be opening the clothing shop beneath her apartment.
She studied the trail leading into town hoping for a wisp of dust indicating the stagecoach was on its way, but saw none. Smoothing the light blue flowered fabric of her skirt, Gertrude’s hand settled against her churning stomach. What would George Witt think of her when he arrived? Would he see past her faults and still find her loveable? Would he like the place she picked for them to live? The many letters he’d written to her crinkled in her reticule, as she clutched it close to her heart. His last missive declared he planned to marry her shortly after arriving. Mama would have a conniption, which was why Gertrude hadn’t breathed a word to her mother that she’d marry tomorrow after the church service. Mama would try to do everything in her power to prevent it. Gertrude didn’t plan to say anything to her until they were sitting side by side in the church. No use creating a stir ahead of time.
Her dress hung from a hook in her new place waiting for the blessed event. She’d spent hours sewing it and adding yards of intricate lace she’d crocheted.
About Jodie
Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and Faith, Hope, & Love Christian Writers (FHLCW). She's been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests. A former columnist for Home School Enrichment magazine, her articles can be found online at: Crosswalk, Christian Devotions, and Heirloom Audio. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.
Print:
https://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1636
First Page Peek
BURRTON SPRINGS, KANSAS
AUGUST 4, 1877
Gertrude Miller’s life couldn’t get any better. She grinned, patting her pocket. Her fingers traced the two skeleton keys. After months of planning and preparing she finally had moved into her own place a week ago, away from the overbearing reach of her mother. In two days, she’d be opening the clothing shop beneath her apartment.
She studied the trail leading into town hoping for a wisp of dust indicating the stagecoach was on its way, but saw none. Smoothing the light blue flowered fabric of her skirt, Gertrude’s hand settled against her churning stomach. What would George Witt think of her when he arrived? Would he see past her faults and still find her loveable? Would he like the place she picked for them to live? The many letters he’d written to her crinkled in her reticule, as she clutched it close to her heart. His last missive declared he planned to marry her shortly after arriving. Mama would have a conniption, which was why Gertrude hadn’t breathed a word to her mother that she’d marry tomorrow after the church service. Mama would try to do everything in her power to prevent it. Gertrude didn’t plan to say anything to her until they were sitting side by side in the church. No use creating a stir ahead of time.
Her dress hung from a hook in her new place waiting for the blessed event. She’d spent hours sewing it and adding yards of intricate lace she’d crocheted.
About Jodie
Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and Faith, Hope, & Love Christian Writers (FHLCW). She's been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests. A former columnist for Home School Enrichment magazine, her articles can be found online at: Crosswalk, Christian Devotions, and Heirloom Audio. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.
Thank you for having me here today!
ReplyDeleteHi Ladies! I loved this story, Jodie.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you liked it, Barbara.
ReplyDelete