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From Steeple to Steeple, guest blog & *giveaway* by Carrie Fancett Pagels

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The Steeplechase cover

* WINNER LISTED BELOW *

Thank you, gals of Inspired by Life and Fiction, for allowing me to guest post about my recent release, The Steeplechase, which is part of Forget Me Not Romances “Love’s Sporting Chance” collection!

Living in a large catchment area referred to as Hampton Roads, Virginia, and sometimes Tidewater Virginia, I’m surrounded by history. In fact Yorktown (where I live), Williamsburg, and Jamestown form the Historic Triangle of Virginia. So much colonial and early American history happened here, that you really can’t escape it – not that I’d want to!

Early in Virginia’s history, the Church of England reigned supreme as place of worship…

Tithes were required to be paid to the church. There were other rules, too, that mandated church attendance (during certain times of our colonial history). The Church of England/Anglican church was the only “recognized” faith. But when German/Palatinate settlers came into the western borders of Virginia, their Lutheran faith was overlooked because the settlers  helped form a boundary between the townspeople on the coast and the Native Americans inland at the “western frontier” which then was the western border of the commonwealth of Virginia near the Appalachians.

 

GraceChurchTrio

Grace Episcopal Church

Grace Episcopal plaque
While I was researching a novel set during the War of 1812, I was  surprised to learn that many of the now-Episcopalian churches had been shut down after the American Revolution, some not even opened again until near or after the War of 1812. These lovely churches had been Church of England or Anglican and Virginians didn’t trust that association with their former adversaries.

bruton parish

In my new release, The Steeplechase, I have a group of young men gathering to race from the steeple of Williamsburg’s
Bruton Parish church, a tremendously historic and beautiful Episcopal church which edges the corner of modern-day Colonial Williamsburg. Someone has urged the young men to race one another through the countryside and down to Grace Episcopal, another historic church  in Yorktown.

Who put the young men up to this? Why?

In the story I answer those questions, as a spy becomes known during the build up to the War of 1812. And my heroine has determined that she will race from steeple to steeple, too!

Bruton_Parish_Postcard

 

About Carrie’s new novella, The Steeplechase:

Martha Osborne fears for her six-year-old brother, who was shuffled off to boarding school when his British mother departed to England.

Set in Hampton Roads, Virginia, in the build-up to the War of 1812, expert rider Martha plans to substitute for her older brother in a “race to the steeple” to win the prize—and a bet with Phillip Paulson, equestrian trainer at Yorkview Academy, to help have her little brother returned home. When Phillip stumbles upon the real reasons behind the secret race, he finds he may not be able to keep his end of the bargain. Can he save Martha and her brother? And will his heart be lost in the process?

Carrie headshot 2016What historical fiction/romances have you read recently?

What do you enjoy most about the historical genre?

Carrie

 

Note: Carrie has had a death in their family (of her favorite uncle) so, as it turns out, she and her family are traveling this week. I’m sure Carrie will comment as soon as time allows, so keep those comments coming.


A Giveaway

 A paperback or ebook copy (winners choice) of The Steeplechase

Simply leave a comment on this blog post today, March 29, 2016,
and your name will be entered in the drawing!

The Steeplechase cover

Winner’s name will be posted on this blog post Wednesday,  March 30, 2016
and winner will have 48 hours to respond with contact information.
If no response, a new winner will be drawn. Thanks, all!

 

 

 

And the winner is! 

Screen Shot 2016-03-30 at 2.50.40 PM

Congrats, Heidi!
Please contact me here (under Send me an email)
with your contact information,
and I’ll connect you with Carrie!
~ Tammy

 

 

 

Learn more about Carrie:

Carrie Fancett Pagels is a multi-published award-winning author of Christian historical romance.  Twenty-five years as a psychologist didn’t “cure” her overactive imagination! She resides with her family in the Historic Triangle of Virginia, which is perfect for her love of history. Carrie loves to read, bake, bead, and travel – but not all at the same time!

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Tamera Alexander

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Novelist, wife, mother… USA Today bestselling author Tamera Alexander has loved the lure and power of story for as long as she can remember. Now she enjoys creating stories set within the real history of the post-Civil War South and the rugged, panoramic vistas of America's West.
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Comments

  1. Finished The Gentleman’s Quest by Camille Elliot yesterday & am currently reading The Road Home by Winnie Griggs. The Gentleman’s Quest was a Regency Historical which I don’t normally read but found it enjoyable. The Road Home is set in the old west which I love cause of the horses & cowboys & ranches.

  2. I just finished The Reluctant Duchess by Roseanna White. I’m a fan of historical fiction, it doesn’t matter what period. Historical gives me a glimpse of what life was like years ago. For a history and fiction fan, it’s a perfect combination!

  3. I like historical fiction for all the interesting things I usually learn about places and times past. Thank you for sharing.

  4. I recently finished At Love’s Bidding by Regina Jennings and thoroughly enjoyed it. I like historical fiction because of my love of history. I always learn something as I enjoy a good book!
    I look forward to reading Carrie’s book.
    Connie
    cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com

    • I like to learn stuff while I am reading fiction and while I am writing a book, Connie. In my novella “Requilted with Love” in Blue Ribbon Brides (Barbour Nov 2016) I have a balloonist in 1889 so that is interesting research.

  5. I recently read a biblical historical–Bathsheba, by Angela Hunt. A fictional retelling of the biblical beauty and her bond with King David. Highly recommended!

    What I love about historical fiction is that I can visit a time and place from the past and observe and experience things I would have few other ways of doing. I learn the hardships and complexities of times gone by, and appreciate the advantages that time has allowed.

  6. I enjoy reading historical fiction because if the history part is accurate I can learn a lot in a fun way. And I have! Most of history in class was boring and I didn’t retain much of it.

  7. This month I read Heart of Gold by Robin Lee Hatcher, A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander, and The Lost Heiress by Roseanna White. I really appreciate all the research that goes into these books – I’m always learning something new!

    lindajhutchins@gmail.com

  8. Thanks for visiting us here at Inspired by Life, Carrie! I’m fascinated by the idea of a story surrounding the history of the ‘Steeplechase’. Great premise!

    • Thanks Becky and congrats on your Rit nomination!! I got inspired while researching in Philly for my upcoming release a colonial “Saving the Marquise’s Granddaughter” because young dandies would race down certain streets and so I knew that although steeplechase a weren’t technically established until later, young men with horses would come up with their own races. So I used that for The Steeplechase!

  9. I’m now reading A Flight of Arrows by Lori Benton. I love historical fiction because you learn along with being entertained, especially if the research has been done properly. Thank you, Carrie, for the chance to win. Have a blessed and happy day.

  10. A lovely and interesting post, Carrie! As a young girl, history was my least favorite subject…now I cannot get enough and love your books for all the history woven into the wonderful stories! This sounds like another good one I’m putting on my TBR list! 🙂 Thank you for having Carrie, Tamera 🙂

  12. I’m reading “To Win Her Favor” By Tamera Alexander. It’s hard to put down!

  13. I just finished ” Tifffany Girl” by Deeanne Gist. It was so interesting to me because I have always loved Tiffany lamps and stained glass windows.

  15. Interesting history and pictures! I really enjoy Christian historical fiction of because it puts a face on history and I’ve learned a lot by reading; I enjoy many time periods.The last historical fiction book I read was called Until the Dawn by Elizabeth Camden. Thanks for doing a giveaway. 🙂

  16. I just finished The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron set in the WWII era. A sad period in our history. But very thought provoking.

    • My father was A WWII veteran 2 Purple Hearts and Silver Star. Infantry. He was the inspiration for the hero in “Snowed In” my story in Guidepost Books A Cup of Christmas Cheer.

  17. I love historical fiction, and colonial/early American is one of my favorite time periods to read about. I also enjoy regency England novels and I’m almost finished reading Prelude for a Lord, which is wonderful. If you like a good fairytale type set in medieval times, Jody Hedlund’s newest, A Daring Sacrifice, is a wonderful retelling of Robin Hood (with a female Robin!). Thank you for sharing your novel, I’m definitely adding it to my to be read list!

  18. Thank you for sharing with us, Carrie, and congratulations on your book. The story sounds fascinating!
    Oh my, you live in a wonderful, historical area and I’m a bit envious. 😉 I haven’t visited Williamsburg since I was in the 8th grade (just a few years ago, LOL) but I’ve wanted to go back, and hope to before long. Now that I have Military relatives living at Quantico, I’m hoping to visit them and while I’m in Virginia see other areas as well. 🙂
    Blessings from Georgia (where it’s a BEAUTIFUL Spring day!!), Patti Jo

  19. Glad to hear about you, Carrie, and I am definitely interested in your books. I live in Virginia Beach and just retired from teaching 5th graders for 23 years. Of course I’m sure you know Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown are part of our curriculum.

    Have a great day!

  23. I’ve never read one of Carrie’s books before, but I’d sure love to start with this one! I’m so jealous that you live in such a historic area of the country! 🙂

    • Hi Heidi! I have published in a collection in Guidepost Books, am under contract with Barbour for a full length novel and a novella, have an upcoming release with Pelican books, this book with Forget Me Not Romances and another under contract, and another handful including my Christy Lumber Camp series all three books Family Fiction Book of the Year finalists PTL and book 1 a Selah Award finalist. So I have been blessed! I hope you get to read them!

  24. I also love to read historical fiction books and I can tell that I’ll enjoy reading this story too!

  25. I enjoy historical novels because they transport me to a different time and place.

  26. I love historical fiction because I get to travel to a period of history that fascinates me. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of this book. It sounds like a great read.

  27. Historical fiction is my favorite genre. I am currently reading The Wood’s Edge by Lori Benton. I found the beginning of this blog very interesting because I thought the early colonists came to America for religious freedom. My favorite vacations include stops at places of historical interest. Tamera Alexander’a books inspired my family’s visit to the Belmont Mansion as we passed through Nashville on our way from the Smokies back home to Kansas.
    Your new book sounds great. Can’t wait to read it.

  28. I most recently read a Dear Canada book; “All Fall Down, The [Frank, Alberta] Landslide Diary of Abby Roberts” by Jean Little, and I Am Canada “Fire In The Sky,” about WW1. Both of these books are part of Canadian history as fiction collections. Both are aimed at juvenile audiences of about 11 to 14 years old but are great reads for adults as well. I also just re-read “Full Steam Ahead” by Karen Witemeyer. I love both Canadian and American history. Am looking forward to reading “The Steeplechase” whether I win it or not. But I hope I win it. :).
    What do I like most about historical romance. Not sure how to answer. I guess the vicarious experience of something our ancestors lived. I am 62 and it’s interesting [and a little disconcerting] that my childhood and teen years are now so “historical.” 🙂

    • Those books sound great! You might enjoy my Christy Lumbercamp Series set in Northern and Upper Peninsula ofMichigan at the turn of the century. I am vintage as well Diana and I consider those years nostalgic fiction not historical.

  29. In school I didn’t like being required to study history, because I was studying to become an accountant and didn’t think it would be helpful to me later. I do enjoy reading historical fiction. I have learned quite a bit about history just by reading some great books. Thank you for the giveaway.

  30. I, too, love history and Virginia is certainly a history rich area. We have visited there several times. This sounds like a fascinating book, and I would love to read it!

  31. Forgot to comment yesterday! Ah! Craziness. Prayers to you and your family! I’ve recently read “Whispers in the Reading Room”, which was unique but great, and “The Girl from the Train”, which was my favorite book of 2015. Very thought-provoking.

    Callie

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