Monday, April 22, 2013

It's book launch time: Return to Shirley Plantation by Carrie Fancett Pagels, plus giveaways!

This month, Carrie Fancett Pagels and I both have novellas releasing in the Civil War collection Cry of Freedom, Murray Pura's brainchild with Helping Hands Press. The series includes 15 unique short stories and novellas covering 1863.
I had the privilege of being a beta reader/crit partner for Return to Shirley Plantation. It was a pleasure having a first-hand look at this historical romance as well as receiving Debbie Lynne Costello's and Carrie's help on mine.

Carrie is visiting this week to celebrate! Shh, don't tell her, but this is a pink party stop! We are featuring the launch of her first novella, Return to Shirley Plantation with a giveaway copy to one lucky winner, plus a basket of pinkness delight! To make the celebration even more amazing, Carrie just learned that she will have a short story in the Guideposts Christmas collection as well! And she also has a nonfiction releasing which she contributed to. In the Bible, three is a number of completion. I feel God is speaking, don't you?  He is saying "Carrie girl, you are a published writer, you are a published writer, you are a published writer!" I am tickled pink for her!
I loved Return to Shirley Plantation for so many reasons, I can't begin to count them. This delightful and insightful romance is set in the oldest plantation in Virginia, this year celebrating its 400 anniversary. Chocked with factual information gleaned by many hours of research and personal tours with resident historian Julian Charity, this story will transport you.

Carrie Fancett Pagels has spun gold in her tale about a real and beautiful place and time, with elements of romance and fiction told by a master story teller. This debut novella, part of the Civil War collection by Murray Pura, depicts the story of a Copperhead senator's son from Ohio who is conscripted by the Confederate army. Matthew Scott is a thespian whose theater troupe makes loose ties to John Wilkes Booth. Before he knows it, Matthew finds himself serving on the front lines in Virginia, and among the wounded transported to Shirley Plantation near Harrison's Landing.

Angelina Rose is a 1/8 black former slave woman who would have gone North except for two things, her commitment to her niece and nephew still in slavery's grip, and a strong impression from the Lord to wait. When Matthew arrives as one of the wounded, they catch one another's eye.
How will a Union man escape forced conscription into an army he does not sympathize with? Matthew faces this dilemma and others, wondering why the Lord has led him here. Could it be that God's leading could bring love, answers to long-standing questions of his past, and a new family he never imagined?


This novella is a big story wrapped in a short package. A heart stealing cast of characters and a lovely, authentic, and well researched setting will delight every fan of historical fiction, and the sweet and satisfying romance will make you wish this book could go on forever.
A great new voice from debut author Carrie Fancett Pagels will surely make you put her on your watch list of new talent.

You can purchase your very own copy for only $2.99 by clicking here

Carrie is offering a copy of her novella to one lucky commenter. I am offering a basket of pink delights, to another winner.
Here are the rules: Leave a comment below if you can guess Carrie's favorite color. Gain extra entries if you follow any of her blogs or social media:
http://www.cfpagels.blogspot.com/
http://colonialquills.blogspot.com/
https://twitter.com/cfpagels
and more extra points if you share this post on any of the buttons top right of this page--facebook, twitter or Google+. Let me know what you did and I will credit you with up to 7 entries~
winners drawn Friday April 26 at 10 PM eastern by random.org
GOOD LUCK!



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77 comments:

  1. UnknownApril 22, 2013 at 8:29 AM

    Stopping by to wish you a wonderful and fun time Carrie at your PINK party and to say a big CONGRATS again on all of your successes - I'll say it along with God, 'you are now a published writer!!' :)
    Kathleen, wow, what a beautiful review of Carrie's book!! You'll have her crying if she hasn't already seen that! ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kathleen L. MaherApril 22, 2013 at 8:37 AM

      Noela, I know you follow all of Carrie's media, so that's at least four entries for you. Did you share the links?

      Delete
    2. Kathleen L. MaherApril 22, 2013 at 8:42 AM

      and one more for sharing on fb

      Delete
  2. Debbie Lynne CostelloApril 22, 2013 at 8:30 AM

    Hey Kathy and Carrie! I'm so happy for both of your debut stories. Have a wonderful Party ladies! Beautiful basket, Kathy. But don't enter me. :o)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kathleen L. MaherApril 22, 2013 at 8:42 AM

      so i have you down for five entries, Debbie Lynne :D

      Delete
    2. Kathleen L. MaherApril 22, 2013 at 9:06 AM

      six, because i see you shared on twitter, too

      Delete
    3. Kathleen L. MaherApril 22, 2013 at 9:46 AM

      ack! seven, because yo google +'d it, too :D Thank you!

      Delete
  3. Kathleen L. MaherApril 22, 2013 at 8:35 AM

    Thank you, Ladies. I am entering you, DL, And if you truly don't want it, you can donate it to someone who might. (hint: a certain party girl who loves pink) LOL Thanks for being such a great friend and support,as well as your eagle eye on my work, always. You are ever gracious.

    ReplyDelete
  4. LaurettaApril 22, 2013 at 8:46 AM

    Let me guess.....Pink!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kathleen L. MaherApril 22, 2013 at 9:01 AM

      Lauretta! so nice to see you come by. you are CORRECT! :D
      And did you follow any of Carrie's sites or share for extra points? Be sure to let me know

      Delete
    2. Kathleen L. MaherApril 22, 2013 at 9:02 AM

      oh, and don't forget to leave your email address in case you win

      Delete
  5. Carrie Fancett PagelsApril 22, 2013 at 8:54 AM

    WOW!!! You really surprised me, KATHY!!! Yes, I have tears in my eyes and I laughed out loud at the question!!! Bless you Kathy for helping me and for featuring me this week for this lovely pink party week. I feel like a pretty pink princess!!! HUGS!!! Love the quote about the THREE! And God does speak to me with numbers sometimes! Love those three coming in Autism month for a Terrific Overcoming Mom!!!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Kathleen L. MaherApril 22, 2013 at 9:05 AM

      what a great point, about how the Lord used Autism Awareness month to bless you. I love that! you really are a Terrific Overcoming Mom, and a published writer. squee!

      Delete
  6. Marjorie/cenya2April 22, 2013 at 9:09 AM

    Well now, I think the answer is pink.

    cenya2 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kathleen L. MaherApril 22, 2013 at 9:14 AM

      you are correct, Marjorie! That gives you one entry, but you can shoot for more if you follow Carrie's media and share on the buttons above right. Let me know! :D

      Delete
    2. Carrie Fancett PagelsApril 22, 2013 at 9:29 AM

      Haha! Thanks Marjorie!!

      Delete
  7. Tina PinsonApril 22, 2013 at 9:19 AM

    Congrats, Carrie,

    the story sounds interesting. Call me crazy, but I have the feeling that pink is your favorite color. Don't know where that came from. :-) Must be I have ESPN (intended) or something.


    tina_pinson@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kathleen L. MaherApril 22, 2013 at 9:22 AM

      heehee--ESPN--the ability to predict sportcasters' bad hair and garrulous verb usage. LOL
      you are correct! Pink is the color of the day, and pink is the color that wins an entry.
      thanks, Tina. Blessings! and good luck

      Delete
    2. Carrie Fancett PagelsApril 22, 2013 at 9:31 AM

      ESPN haha! Kathy I think u r rt!!!

      Delete
  8. lorlyn63April 22, 2013 at 9:42 AM

    Congrats Carrie on your accomplishments! I am going to guess your favorite color is "Pink." It is one of my faves too! I pray you continue to have success in your writing!

    Blessings,
    Lori

    triplel(at)evertek(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kathleen L. MaherApril 22, 2013 at 9:44 AM

      Lori, it is a delight to have you here at our pink soiree. Thank you for coming, and best of luck to you on the giveaways. :)

      Delete
    2. Carrie Fancett PagelsApril 22, 2013 at 10:03 AM

      Thanks LORI,
      Great guess! TY!

      Delete
  9. rubynrebaApril 22, 2013 at 10:45 AM

    What a fun giveaway! I'd guess pink to be the favorite color!!! Know what - it is mine too!

    I follow Colonial Quills on GFC.

    I follow Overcoming with God on GFC.

    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Carrie Fancett PagelsApril 22, 2013 at 1:01 PM

      Hey, how r u doing? Great to see u here! Really solidified as my fave after my two BFFs beat breast cancer! Hugs!!!

      Delete
    2. Kathleen L. MaherApril 22, 2013 at 4:06 PM

      hey, ruby
      thanks for coming to the pink party :) I didn't know pink was your favorite, too. You get three entries. Good luck!

      Delete
  10. Davalyn SpencerApril 22, 2013 at 11:57 AM

    Congratulations, oh lover of pink, on a great accomplishment! I so enjoy reading history accurately portrayed as the background of a great romance. This sounds like a book to enjoy more than once.
    davalynnspencer at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Carrie Fancett PagelsApril 22, 2013 at 1:02 PM

      DAVALYN, Lots of people are saying exactly that! And I have to be honest, I love this story and the characters so much that I want to go back and re-read it myself, lol! I may do a sequel. We will see! Blessings!

      Delete
    2. Kathleen L. MaherApril 22, 2013 at 4:11 PM

      Oh, Davalyn, are you in for a terrific surprise when you read this wonderful novella. It has all of that and more. A beautiful and encouraging faith message about trusting God's leading and timing, and the value of a godly heritage, and speaking, of which, a wise Grannie, as well as a full cast of well-defined and distinct characters. How you get a chance to read this.

      Delete
  11. Stephanie CraigApril 22, 2013 at 12:28 PM

    I'd have to guess pink!! This is my first time to this blog, I found the link from Facebook on the Christian Fiction Gathering page. I couldn't help but to follow the link, the picture was too enticing. The book sounds very interesting. I started following the colonial quills blog because I love the colonial American era. I used to be in a fife and drum corps. We traveled around playing colonial music and teaching information about that time. I also started following on twitter.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Carrie Fancett PagelsApril 22, 2013 at 1:03 PM

      STEPHANIE, hi!!! Please be sure to follow Kathy's lovely blog! Kathy's novella releases SOON!! Kathy is also a CQ contributor. I LOVE fife and drum!!! My son used to be a groupie lol! Blessings!

      Delete
    2. Kathleen L. MaherApril 22, 2013 at 4:15 PM

      Stephanie, it is an honor to have you here--a fellow appreciator of the Colonial era. How awesome that you were involved in teaching about it! I think we should recruit you to guest post on Colonial Quills!
      I have you down for three entries. Best of luck to you on the goodies and the novella.

      Delete
  12. Kate DolanApril 22, 2013 at 2:27 PM

    The story sounds excellent and I love the connection to Shirley Plantation, which is an awesome site. Congrats!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Kathleen L. MaherApril 22, 2013 at 4:17 PM

      hey, Kate--thank you for coming to the party and wishing our guest of honor well. I learned so much about Shirley Plantation and the Peninsula campaign during the Civil War in this story. Carrie is a superb researcher and writer.
      I have you down for one entry. Good luck!

      Delete
  13. Jackie TessnairApril 22, 2013 at 2:40 PM

    Enjoyed the post.I am looking forward to reading Return To Shirley Plantation.Sounds very interesting.Thanks for sharing.jackie_tessnair@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. Jackie TessnairApril 22, 2013 at 2:42 PM

    Shared on facebook.Thanks...jackie_tessnair@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kathleen L. MaherApril 22, 2013 at 4:18 PM

      Thank you, Jackie! It's a delight to have you here at the pink party. I have you down for two entries. Best of luck to you

      Delete
    2. Carrie Fancett PagelsApril 22, 2013 at 6:19 PM

      TY, JACKIE!!!

      Delete
  15. Teresa MathewsApril 22, 2013 at 2:53 PM

    KATHY what a great pink party you are having for our Sweet CARRIE.Your review is fantastic and of course we know Return to Shirley Plantation is marvelous. I love the pink goodies, I bet you had fun finding all those things, I especially like the pink mouse! :D Thanks for having Carrie on your blog and I cannot WAIT to read your book in this series! I know it's going to be great!! HUGS to you and Carrie!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Kathleen L. MaherApril 22, 2013 at 4:27 PM

      Thank you so much, Teresa! you are so sweet. I know--I saw the pink mouse and those pink earbuds, and I knew someone was going to have a lot of fun with those. :D
      It wouldn't be a party without you--thanks again for coming by!

      Delete
    2. Carrie Fancett PagelsApril 22, 2013 at 6:19 PM

      T!!! We have to get you a copy of K's novella!!! u will love it!!!

      Delete
    3. Kathleen L. MaherApril 22, 2013 at 6:34 PM

      I would be honored to send Teresa a copy. :)

      Delete
  16. Quilting GrannieApril 22, 2013 at 3:20 PM

    I think Carrie's favorite color is PINK!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kathleen L. MaherApril 22, 2013 at 4:28 PM

      you are correct, my friend. Good sleuthing skills! :D Thanks so much for coming by today and I wish you luck on winning this stellar novella and the basket.

      Delete
    2. Carrie Fancett PagelsApril 22, 2013 at 6:20 PM

      Guess what, Quilting Grannie? My mom made my hubby n me a PINK quilt when we got married!!!! Don't be jealous now... Thanks for coming by!

      Delete
  17. Julie LessmanApril 22, 2013 at 3:46 PM

    WHOO-HOO ... ANOTHER PARTY FOR ONE OF MY FAVORITE PEOPLE ... AND NOW ... AUTHORS!!!

    LOVED the review, Kath, and, of course, LOVED the book!! Looking forward to reading yours too, my friend, so you go, girls!!

    Hugs,
    Julie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kathleen L. MaherApril 22, 2013 at 4:30 PM

      Thank you, Julie. You make the party even more fun by your sunny presence! I know you follow Carrie on all the blogs and media sites, so you get four entries. Blessings!

      Delete
    2. Carrie Fancett PagelsApril 22, 2013 at 6:21 PM

      OHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! Thanks so much JULIE!!! K's book ROCKS!!!

      Delete
    3. Faithful Acres Books ~ Linda Marie FinnApril 22, 2013 at 10:41 PM

      Julie
      Its nice to see you over here .... I am loving this pink party theme... Its getting catchy....
      Linda Finn

      Delete
  18. WinterRoseApril 22, 2013 at 4:27 PM

    I'm guessing Carrie's fave color is PINK which is also MY fave color :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. WinterRoseApril 22, 2013 at 4:28 PM

      I also follow her blogs :D

      Delete
    2. Kathleen L. MaherApril 22, 2013 at 4:32 PM

      hi, Louis--so nice to have you here today. What a coincidence that you also like PINK! :D Good guess by the way. Wasn't too obvious. heehee
      Best of luck on the giveaways, and I have you down for three entries.

      Delete
    3. Kathleen L. MaherApril 22, 2013 at 6:13 PM

      d'oh, I meant to say LOUISE, not Louis. :) Sorry

      Delete
    4. Carrie Fancett PagelsApril 22, 2013 at 6:21 PM

      Which only proves why I think u r awesome n smart LOUISE!!!!

      Delete
  19. karenkApril 22, 2013 at 4:53 PM

    I'm going to take a wild guess and say....PINK!

    I'm a follower of Colonial Quills, too

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kathleen L. MaherApril 22, 2013 at 6:00 PM

      Karen! Hey, girl, nice to see you at Carrie's pink cotillion. You are correct--she is one southern belle that looks divine in pink. thanks for following CQ. you have two entries. Good luck!

      Delete
    2. Carrie Fancett PagelsApril 22, 2013 at 6:22 PM

      TY KAREN! K--my ace bandage clashes with my pink :(

      Delete
  20. AnonymousApril 22, 2013 at 5:19 PM

    Kathleen, I will try this once more. I answered all of the questions and tried to submit and it never did enter it. I don't understand why, but hoping for better results this time. I watch Carrie on Overcoming With God, Colonial Quills, and Carriefpagels/Facebook. And of course anywhere I can find her. She is such a sweet person and encourager.Her favorite color is PINK. Please put my name in for a chance to win. Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Carrie Fancett PagelsApril 22, 2013 at 6:23 PM

      I would say exactly the same about you MAXIE!!! I am SO glad God put us together!!! Hugs!!!

      Delete
  21. Kathleen L. MaherApril 22, 2013 at 5:56 PM

    Hey, Maxie! Great to have you join us for the party. Sorry you had trouble submitting your comment. Sometimes it filters out the anonymous posts. Thanks for having perseverance. :)Looks like you have five entries. And yes, PINK is the answer vwe were looking for. good job! heehee

    ReplyDelete
  22. Wendy NewcombApril 22, 2013 at 8:16 PM

    I love easy questions, lol, Carrie loves PINK.
    I follow Carrie's blog, Colonial Quills blog (wfnren) and on twitter (WendyNewcomb).
    I posted on FB: https://www.facebook.com/wendy.newcomb.92
    tweeted: https://twitter.com/WendyNewcomb/status/326487319798489088
    and blogged: http://wrensthoughts.blogspot.com/p/contests-and-giveaways-good-luck.html

    Thank you for hosting this contest.

    wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kathleen L. MaherApril 22, 2013 at 8:24 PM

      wow, Wendy, you get all seven entries! Great job. Thanks so much for helping us spread the word!
      Good luck, and hope you get to read this fantastic novella.

      Delete
    2. Carrie Fancett PagelsApril 22, 2013 at 10:15 PM

      WENDY, u r a hoppin gal! I love easy Q's too! Hugs!!!

      Delete
  23. RosesApril 22, 2013 at 10:09 PM

    Would the color by any chance be pink? I do follow her blog and site. Thanks for having such a delightful giveaway.

    harnessrose(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Carrie Fancett PagelsApril 22, 2013 at 10:15 PM

      ROSE, Welcome to the party! Hmmm, I think u r right!!! blessings!

      Delete
    2. Kathleen L. MaherApril 23, 2013 at 12:53 PM

      Pink like a rose, yes! :) I have you down for three giveaways, Rose. Thank you for playing. Good luck!

      Delete
  24. Faithful Acres Books ~ Linda Marie FinnApril 22, 2013 at 10:33 PM

    Carrie, good thing you reminded me to come on over here....
    I see some of my favorite peoples and authors... and who can resist pink...
    Love in Jesus
    Linda Marie Finn
    faithfulacres7@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Faithful Acres Books ~ Linda Marie FinnApril 22, 2013 at 10:38 PM

      Kathleen, I cannot wait to read your book also... I grew up and lived in Ny all my life, but there is nothing like a good story to bring it to life for you... The Lord bless thee.
      Linda Marie Finn
      Red Creek, NY

      Delete
    2. Kathleen L. MaherApril 23, 2013 at 12:55 PM

      Linda, I am so blessed to have you here! Thank you so much. Red Creek. . .hmm, going to have to look that one up. I live in the Southern Tier near Corning/Ithaca. Beautiful country, and lots of history! I <3 NY.
      Do you follow any of Carrie's blogs or social media? Right now you have one entry. Good luck!

      Delete
  25. Pam HillmanApril 23, 2013 at 12:05 PM

    Congratulations Carrie!

    I have no clue what your favorite color is, but....hmmmm... on a whim, I'll just say PINK! :)

    God bless your writing, and I hope this is the first of many to come.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kathleen L. MaherApril 23, 2013 at 12:57 PM

      Amen, Pam. The first of many indeed. The world needs more artists who will tell the Truth through story. Thanks for coming by, and VERY GOOD GUESS! LOL pink it is. (uh-oh, I hope no one reads the comments and cheats! heehee)
      Good luck on the giveaway.

      Delete
  26. chappydebbieApril 25, 2013 at 12:46 AM

    Hmmm....this is really, really hard....thinking, thinking....well, it's ONLY a guess, but perhaps her favorite color is PINK? LOL

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kathleen L. MaherApril 25, 2013 at 1:19 PM

      Hi, Debbie--so nice of you to come join the pink party :) How did you ever guess Carrie's favorite color? heehee

      Delete
  27. Carla GadeApril 25, 2013 at 12:51 PM

    What a perfectly pink post! Congratulations, Carrie!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Kathleen L. MaherApril 25, 2013 at 1:49 PM

    My email filtered this one out:

    :-) good morning !! I think Carrie's favorite color is pink, not sure though !! lol beautiful prizes, I bought Return to Shirley Plantation and so enjoyed it !!!!!!!!!!!!! will read it again !!!!! Carrie did a wonderful job, need more !! Rosemary rfoley@salemstate.edu

    ReplyDelete
  29. Kathleen L. MaherApril 26, 2013 at 11:48 PM

    And by random.org drawing, the winner of our big pink basket and novella is: Quilting Grannie! Congratulations, Quilting Grannie! I will be emailing you for your contact information in the morning.

    Thank you to everyone who came by both days and wished Carrie well. Blessings to you all!

    ReplyDelete

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