The Promise Of Deer Run, Book Review And GiveawayTour

Book description:

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 review:

'The Promise of Deer Run' is book two in the series 'The Deer Run Saga' and I will admit I am not fond of sagas usually.  The incentive to read this particular novel was in fact entirely its historical setting, the American Revolution and this being a veteran story held much appeal.

Elaine Marie Cooper weaves a good story based on her research of the many challenges Continental veterans faced when returning home, sometimes years later, and as such her characters are carefully described. 

I always enjoy reading the lives of these Colonials who fought so hard to eck out a living in a land often hostile. Families and communities depended on each other for survival. Tragedies happened and you had to be a hardy soul to survive! Historical facts such as midwifery and childbirth in the 18th Century is chilling! Details such as authentic Colonial era address betwixt the different characters is a nice touch!

The author's heartfelt dedication to all veterans who suffer from PTSD pulled a string of my heart as I am sure it will for many. I felt Nathaniel was indeed the most attractive character of her story as she describes his yearning to find his father, another veteran gone now for 8 years, and his love for young Sarah is sure to appeal to the most romantic soul! 

I give it 4 stars!

About Elaine Marie Cooper:

Elaine Marie Cooper grew up in Massachusetts but now lives in the Midwest with her husband, her three dogs and one huge cat. She has two married sons and triplet grandchildren who are now one years old. The Promise of Deer Run is dedicated to the triplets and to veterans who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
 

 Elaine has been a magazine freelance writer for many years, and is a regular contributor to a blog on the Midwest called The Barn Door and a blog on Christian living called Reflections In Hindsight. She is the author of The Road to Deer Run and the sequel, The Promise of Deer Run. Prior to becoming an author, Elaine worked as a registered nurse.

Note to readers: Elaine Marie Cooper has a Corgi too! 

The Story Behind the Story:

How The Deer Run Saga Was Birthed

By Elaine Marie Cooper

When I was young and first heard that one of my grandfathers had been a Redcoat during the Revolutionary War, I was somewhat embarrassed. Growing up in Massachusetts had made me proud of our country’s heritage. But instead of finding zealous patriots in my bloodline, my DNA was from an enemy soldier named Daniel Prince!

Calmer reasoning prevailed, however, as I thought about the reality of his story. Living conditions in Colonial times were difficult, to say the least. It was a frightening period of our history for both Americans and the British. And in the midst of our nation struggling to be birthed, two people on opposing sides in a bloody war met and fell in love.

This story from my family’s history was transformed in my thinking into an inspiring one of romance, unhindered by the politics of the day. It became, purely and simply, a love story.

And so was birthed the idea to create a fictional account of actual events. Since the story is from my imagination, I opted to change last names, the names of the communities, and many other details of the time. However, many of the historical events are documented facts.

The particular information on Daniel Prince’s military background was discovered thanks to the diligent work of Betty Thomson, independent researcher at The National Archives, Kew, in England. 

In book one, The Road to Deer Run and now in the sequel, The Promise of Deer Run, I made every effort to stay true to the colonial times. Descriptions of food, homes, clothing, farming, worship practices, medical care, etc. are the result of extensive research.

It has been a personally inspiring experience to write these novels. While the times have changed since the 18th century, the same struggles of their day are our own. Forgiveness, fear, pain, illness, despair, the pain of having a family member at war, the death of a loved one—these are all the battles we contend with in the 21st century. But we also share faith, laughter, love, the excitement of that first kiss, the wonder of looking at a newborn. These are the same joys that we share with our ancestors who are so much a part of who we are.

Their journeys are interwoven with our own.

And now for our Giveaway:

Thanks to KCWC and Elaine Marie Cooper one lucky reader will receive the chance to win the following:

Grand Prize (Retail Value: $297.38) Contains:

• Basket
• $25 Starbucks gift card  
• Spode Christmas teapot  
• Spode Christmas mugs   
• Yankee candle
• Hardbound copy The Road to Deer Run
• Hardbound copy The Promise of Deer Run 
• Bath and Body Paris Amour scent 

All you have to do is place a comment on this post by the 18th of Novembre to qualify for an entry!

Be sure to include contact information should you be our lucky winner (i.e. smith1 at yahoo period com).

I will then send the name of the randomly selected reader to KCWC as a finalist. One Grand Prize winner will be selected by the Publishing Company and the Author on the 21st of Novembre! Winner will be announced on blog and contacted by email.

Best of luck everyone!

I received this book free from KCW Communications as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not asked to write a positive review and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.