What’s in a name?

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As a writer of Colonial fiction, one of funnest things to do is choose names for characters. More and more I see the huge influence the Puritans had on what became common names in the American colonies. They also had a lot of names that didn’t rise in popularity as some of the Bible names did, but still hold a lot of meaning…and sometimes a chuckle (like ‘Search-the-Scriptures’, ‘Joy-in-sorrow’ or ‘Sorry-for-Sin’)

Here are a few of my favorites:

For girls: (Besides the usual Bible names)
Berenice
Charis
Charity
Chastity
Comfort
Constance
Chloe
Clemence
Damaris…

Pop over to Colonial Quills for the rest of this blog, including an excerpt from The Scarlet Coat!

Battle of Oriskany-where Hearts at War begins

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At our last tea party I had the pleasure of unveiling the cover of my Revolutionary War novel. The Scarlet Coat will be the first book of my Hearts at War series that Pelican Book Group/White Rose Publishing will release. Today, I want to take you to where it all begins, a horrific battle that plays a role in each book in the series.

In August of 1777, one year and one month after the Declaration of Independence was signed, the British decided to use the Mohawk Valley as a spike into the heart of New England. Barry St. Leger was promoted to Brigadier General for the campaign and took with him eight hundred British, German, Loyalist, and Canadian troops, and almost one thousand allied Iroquois.

One of their first stops was Fort Stanwix (for a time renamed Fort Schuyler by the Continental forces, and near present day Rome, New York).

                                                         Areal view of Fort Stanwix

The British laid siege, but the Fort’s commander, Colonel Peter Gansevoort, with his almost eight hundred men, refused to surrender…

To read more come on over to Colonial Quills!

The Greatest Love Stories

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Happy belated Valentine’s day to you all! To celebrate the occasion, and todays release of 51O2btV6eUL._SX328_BO1,204,203,200_Dancing up a Storm, the analogy with my short story, When I’m Gone, I’m giving away an ebook to someone. Just leave a comment!

“When I’m Gone” by Angela K. Couch 
First Place Romance 
Summer 1942. Just before the competition that could launch their careers as professional ballroom dancers, Elaine Mathews’s partner, James Larson, gets drafted into the army. Now, with her dreams and the man she loves hanging in the balance, Elaine must acknowledge what she’s most afraid to lose. 

As a historical romance writer, it doesn’t take Valentine’s Day to get me thinking about love. As a Christian, I think about it even more, for the greatest love story of all is the one of our Savior’s love for us. Completely platonic, but oh, so powerful! Today I have been “musing” about aspects of Christ’s love for us – aspects that are present in all the best love stories. Even the romantic ones….

Click here to read more on Stitches Thru Time blog!

Celebrating 3 – Birthday Bash!

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I’ve decided I’m not going to celebrate turning 34. I wasn’t even going to mention my age to anyone, because really, what women over 23 does that? But than I sat down and was contemplating my 33rd year, and it was too amazing to leave unnoted. It was the year of the #3.

This year:

  • We celebrated living in our home for 3 years.
  • Did well in 3 notable writing contest (Was a semi-finalist in the ACFW Geneses contest and won two short story contests).
  • Signed 3 short story contracts with publishers.
  • Published 3 short stories. (Only two mentioned above, so there is still one to come next year.)
  • Signed contracts for 3 full novels!
  • Welcomed our 3rd child into our family (on the 3rd month, no less!)
  • Bought 3 bookshelves! (I saved this till the end because it was so exciting.)

Next year should be much more relaxing- I don’t have room for more book shelves and I’m not ready for baby #4. But, oh, I did forget one thing, the reason for even having this post:

  • And gave away 3 print copies of my books on my birthday!

Thanks for partying with me! Leave me your e-mail address or how to get a hold of you and Wednesday I’ll pick three winners to receive a copy of one of the following:

Coming Feb 3, 2015

Feb 3, 2015

Hot chocolate with marshmallows in a vintage cup

Dec 1, 2015

KISS Front Cover

Nov 1, 2015