It's Here! My debut Historical Romance BACHELOR BUTTONS is finally in print!

My BABY is here! Er, my first published work of fiction is finally here! And I am almost as excited about my book baby as I am my beautiful grandson, born 7/10, and weighted 7lbs 10 oz. :)

Lucas Joseph, born 7/10

But since I can't send Lucas out to the whole world to hold and cuddle, I'll tell you more about my book baby.

           Introducing my book baby, Bachelor Buttons!

Murray Pura and Helping Hands Press presents CRY of FREEDOM, a commemorative collection of novellas celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Civil War in 1863. Bachelor Buttons is volume three of this 15 part collection. Special thanks goes out to Murray Pura, Giovanni Gelati, Carrie Fancett Pagels, and Debbie Lynne Costello, who all played a big part in bringing this story to you.

The daughter of immigrants who fled the Irish Potato Famine, Rose Meehan longs for a better life than the tenements of New York City. Courted by two men--a young doctor who represents material security, and a poor violin instructor who has captured her heart--she must choose between a life of advantage-grabbing or a life of faith. When Manhattan explodes in mob rule following Lincoln's unpopular draft, the heroic action of one suitor brings provision for those she loves, and reveals God's plan.


http://www.amazon.com/Murray-American-Freedom-Bachelor-Buttons/dp/1622083954/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_pap?ie=UTF8&qid=1374364971&sr=8-1&keywords=bachelor+buttons+by+kathleen+l.+maher


With 30 reviews to date, Bachelor Buttons is currently rated 4.9 out of 5 and is #17 in top rated Civil War fiction on Amazon.

This is what reviewers had to say about it:

"A very sweet, fun, adventurous and engaging story you won't want to miss!"
ML Tyndall

" . . .what made me LOVE it--was Kathleen Maher's commitment to history (even the parts we're not proud of), and the sweet romance that unfolded against the backdrop of war."
Jocelyn Green

"Kathleen Maher has a fresh and pleasant writing-style which makes this story an enjoyable read."
Marian Baay

"Lots of action, beautiful descriptions, and a sweet romance make this a fantastic story!"
Amber Schamel

"The author captured the sights and sounds so well, I had to re-orient myself to the 21st century after emerging from the book."
Susan J. Reinhardt

"This story was a fun, humorous and touching enovella from the very beginning! There is also plenty of romance, faith, and . . . I utterly enjoyed every bit of it and it definitely is a fine addition to this series."

Kara Grant


Bachelor Buttons has just released in paperback, but for those of you Kindle lovers, I am pleased to say it is also available as an ebook for only $2.99 http://www.amazon.com/Murray-Puras-American-Series-ebook/dp/B00CLJD4JW/ref=dp_kinw_strp_1


  I am so thrilled at the arrival of my first book baby that I am offering a print book to one lucky winner! Leave your email addy with a comment and you have until July 30 when I will draw the winner via random.org If you sign up to follow this blog, or you share this giveaway on FB, Google+ or twitter, that is one extra entry each. 

 Good luck! 

Kathleen L. Maher is a 21st Century gal with an old soul. Her debut historical novella Bachelor Buttons came out through Helping Hands Press in 2013 and incorporates both her Irish heritage and love of Civil War history. She won the Genesis Contest for unpublished writers, historical category, in 2012. An active member of American Christian Fiction Writers since 2008, Kathleen created Civil War HIStory yahoo group for CBA writers. She also co-founded CROWN Fiction Marketing Network.

Kathleen contributes to several writing and history blogs and enjoys reviewing new releases. Kathleen and her husband live in an old country farmhouse with their three children, two rescued Newfoundland dogs, and a tuxedo cat.