Saturday, July 20, 2013

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.

46 comments:

  1. Kathleen, I am reading the ebook version right now. I love your story and the exciting history! You don't have to enter me in the drawing, but I wanted to tell you how much I am enjoying Bachelor Buttons!

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  2. I'd love to win a copy! Thanks! My email is LMArshall.Writer@Yahoo.com. Looks great. :) Congratulations!

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    1. Thank you so much, Laura. Wishing you the best of luck!

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  3. Kay, thank yo so much! I am thrilled to hear this. I really appreciate you saying so. <3

    hugs,
    Kathy

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  4. Im excited about your book my husbands ancestor joined the Civil War
    in Elmira NY God bless you Enjoy your grandbaby also And Congrats on a published book
    granville@frontiernet.net

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    1. Oh my goodness, thank you! I would love to feature his story on this blog if you would like me to interview you. Please contact me at kathleenleemaher@gmail if you would like to connect!

      blessings,
      Kathy

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  5. So excited for you and congratulations on your grand baby! Somehow I missed out on his arrival (I guess from my shingles!) but is he ever adorable!! Can't wait to see the books in print! Blessings!

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    1. Thank you Carrie. :D He is a teenie little guy compared to his 6' 5" daddy. My son can practically hold him in one hand. :)

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  6. Half-Irish Kathleen here. I only like a print book to take with me! Yes, Please
    lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

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    1. hey, Kathleen! I haven't forgotten you, lass. We'll see what the luck of the Irish has for ya. :)

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  7. How cool that your grandson was 7lb 10 oz on 7/10. I have fun with both my babies coming out 8lb 2oz, 21.5 in with 13 inch blond covered heads. I have a baby mold inside of me evidently :) We'll see about #3...

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    1. Melissa, that is amazing! Perhaps they are twins separated at birth by a few short months? LOL
      Thanks for celebrating my babies with me!

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  8. Congrats on the new book! Can't wait to read it! I LOVE Ireland :)
    Lisa
    deiselbuffs@gmail.com

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    1. Thank you, Lisa. I borrow some of my family history for this story, so it was extra fun to write.

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  9. Sounds fantastic, Kathleen! Congrats on your first Book Baby! :)
    browncarole212(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Thanks, Caroline. Its hard to put either of them down. heehee

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  10. Historical fiction is my favorite, so I would love to win a copy of BACHELOR BUTTONS. Thank you for offering me the opportunity.
    Janice H.

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    1. thanks, Janice. Its so nice to have you come by and leave a comment. Good luck!

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  11. Barbara Gauthier. I would love to win this book. It sounds so good! Thank you. Bgauthier49@live.com

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  12. Congrats on having your book in print! I love bachelor buttons and I know I'd love to have a copy of the book. Sounds so very good.

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    1. Thank you so much for being so supportive, and I am thrilled you liked it. Its those posituve reviews that make such a difference. <3

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  13. Sounds like a good book. Please enter me. I also follow your blog.
    wendy
    wsmarple/at/gmail/dot/com

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  14. Congratulations on the arrival of yournew grandson and your book in paperback! Yay! Two wonderful reasons to celebrate. I am so happy for you Kathleen!
    Carrie

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    1. Thank you Carrie! I am so eager to read your new book combining both Downton Abbey and Amy Carmichael's life. Win/win!

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  15. So glad to see this beautiful debut, Kathy! A great big congratulations to you--on both your beautiful new babies!

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    1. Thank you so much, Linore. July has been a good month! :D

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  16. I am always looking for new authors to read. Your book sounds really good and I have added it to my TBR list.
    JWIsley(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. Thank you, Joye! I am thrilled to hear that we've found one another! I hope you have as much fun reading it as I did writing it.

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  17. Hooray! So excited for you, Kathleen! Congrats on BOTH babies! :)

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    1. Thank you, Jocelyn! I can't get enough of that little boy. Even though it means I am a *grammie* I will cede my vanity for one cuddle, cheap date that I am. heehee

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  18. I already have it, so don't enter me, but I wanted to pop in and say CONGRATULATIONS on your book baby and your new precious human baby!!!

    God is GOOD!

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    1. Thank you, Virginia! I am an obnoxiously happy grammie. :D

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  19. Hello Kathleen. I am so glad and happy for you that your book is finally out in print, and I want it really, really bad. (my dad said we had some Irish blood) Does that count? LOL Congratulations for this. I am a follower of this blog, and I shared i this contest to my FB page encouraging others to read it. Please enter me 3 times. OK? Congratulations on that sweet grandson. Babies are a gift from GOD. And, you will be his favorite date. :) I am a Grammy also, 19 times. I have 12 grandkids I am Gramma to, and 13 of their children that I'm Grammy to. Sure hoping to win this book. MAXIE mac262(at)me(dot)com

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    1. Maxie you are so sweet! Thank you dear lady. What a blessing to have so many grandkids. Your quiver is full!
      I am hoping to be able to do several giveaways of this book in future, so if random.org doesn't get you this time around, keep trying! :D You are the best!

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  20. YAY!! Congrats on the print of your book and your wonderful new grandbaby! July is a great month for a birthday. ;) I celebrated mine today by giving blood - haha, yes, being able to lie down for 30 minutes and do nothing is a GREAT gift to me.
    Hope you continue to have a wonderful month!
    Susan P
    farmygirl at hotmail dot com

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    1. Happy birthday, Susan. What a blessing you are! My sister and MIL are also July birthdays. Hope you are drinking lots of fluids and relaxing today. Good luck on the giveaway!

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  21. Congratulations on the birth of your grandson and your new bouncing baby book.
    Thanks for entering me in your giveaway.
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

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  22. Hi Kathleen. Congrats on the debut novel! It sounds great. Congrats on the beautiful grandson too. Thank you for the chance to read your new book.

    Wanda Barefoot
    flghtlss1(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Wanda, thank you so much for rejoicing with me! Babies are always fun to celebrate. I hope you get a chance to hold a bouncing baby Bachelor Buttons of your very own! Good luck :D

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  23. and the winner via random.org is Kathleen Lane! Congrats, Kathleen! I will be contacting you for your snail mail addy shortly.
    Thank you so much everybody for coming this week and celebrating my babies with me. I am blessed by your comments and encouragment. Blessings!

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