One of the obvious perks of hosting my own podcast is that I get to meet creative authors and hear about their journeys. You may find this hard to believe, but not everything we talk about is recorded. Often, we finish up the podcast interview and chat for a while after. It gives me the opportunity to delve into the more personal side of their stories—both the ones they write and the ones they live.
I would love to have the time to read every interviewee’s book, but there are not enough hours in the day. Admittedly, there are some genres that don’t particularly appeal to me—sci-fi, speculative, and fantasy to name a few. You don’t have to tell me I’m in the minority here. I’m well aware this is a flaw of mine.
I gravitate to historical fiction/romance, contemporary fiction/romance, and suspense. In fact, I had intended on launching into a dual-timeline historical/contemporary romance as my next series, but God had other ideas. He is the Creator, after all, so I will always defer to Him.
With historical fiction, I have found there to be a lot of post-Civil War, World War II, and Regency novels available. Thus far, my favorite World War II historical fiction is Kristen Hannah’s The Nightingale. If you’re a fan of historical fiction and haven’t read this one, I recommend you do so.
Heather Wood’s novel, Weaving Roots, is about Irish immigrants. When we think of Irish immigrants of the 1800s, we often jump to the conclusion that they relocated to America due to the potato famine that started in 1845. And we might also assume they were all of the Catholic faith.
But we’d be wrong.
When I interviewed Heather Wood (whose podcast won’t publish until January 2nd), I was enthralled with her enthusiasm over the research she delved into for her historical fiction. Just hearing her enthusiasm about everything she learned, and how she created this beautiful story from factual events, made me want to immediately read it. Fortunately, it is also available on Kindle Unlimited, which is even better.
So, although you won’t be privy to my conversation with Heather for another few months, I can’t keep quiet about her book.
Weaving Roots is Book One in A Gathering of Mercies Series. It’s a story about Betha Young, her brother Seamus, and nephew Henry. They’re artisans. Weaving linen is how they make their living, and in the late 1830s, it’s losing popularity to cotton.
Betha and Seamus move from New York to Baltimore where they register young Henry into a school that uses innovative teaching methods. Colm Gallagher is the attractive teacher with whom Betha is immediately smitten—and the male counterpart in this book.
So far, this sounds like a formulaic romance. But it isn’t. I’m not a big fan of formula plots, as you probably know if you’ve read my books. Heather weaves (no pun intended) historical information, inspirational scripture, and wonderful character development throughout this story.
I literally could not put it down, which is saying something.
I don’t want to give too much away other than to say I highly recommend this book. It was released in July, and I’m anxiously awaiting book two.
You can purchase Weaving Roots on Amazon in paperback, ebook, or Kindle Unlimited.
Here is the back cover blurb:
Baltimore, 1828
Spinning. Turning flax to fine linen thread for her family’s weaving business keeps Betha’s hands occupied all day, but it’s the concerns spinning in her heart that never truly rest. How can she give her nephew Henry a secure, loving home when his father remains indifferent? How can she guide the boy who calls her “Ma” to know and follow the Lord for himself? And when past secrets and future changes collide, will she lose Henry altogether?
Colm Gallagher is passionate about teaching boys using innovative educational methods. But is his kind and thorough instruction enough if he is not allowed to give his students the ultimate truth of God’s Word? Confronted by his student Henry Young and the boy’s lovely but determined aunt, Colm considers if he has allowed practical considerations to outweigh his deepest-held beliefs.
Even as Betha and Colm are drawn to each other, family loyalties, financial pressures, and personal uncertainties push them further apart. Will the threads of their lives unravel or become knit together into something stronger?
Weaving linen is her family’s legacy. Weaving roots of truth and grace is her calling.
