Providence – a novel of the West

"Garrit, a solid name—you have found a strong husband, daughter." Mama's blessing, spoken after their wedding vows and as clear as the stars above, allowed Meta to release her cares at last.

Born of solid German stock, Meta Tolzmann Rausch eyed the starry sphere above. Beside her, Garrit's steady breathing relayed a message—safe in the hands of Providence. Oh, to embrace that truth! Already seven days to the western border of Iowa and then three more to meet the wagon train at Council Bluffs. And their trek had only begun.

Each day took them further away from home, with no return. As she floated between wakefulness and sleep, Garrit draped his arm around her. After long miles on the trail, his warmth soothed her aching muscles.

This man, strong as the oxen who would pull their wagon on the trail and as determined as the Union Army—this man she had wed.

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Publisher: WordCrafts Press
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Reviews:Peggy Ellis wrote:

In Providence, author Gail Kittleson departs from her beloved World War Two era and gives us a thoroughly researched and enjoyable story of an 1863 western trek on the Oregon Trail. At age eighteen, newly-wed Lissa leaves her home in Iowa to help her husband realize his dream of owning a western horse ranch. As troubles multiply, Lissa learns that making that dream a reality is more than she bargained for. I especially appreciate the Historical Background sections because I knew little about the War Between the States in those areas. I highly recommend this excellent, clean historical romance.


Kiss Me Once Again

Glenora Keeps Her Heart Under Lock and Key
No one ever accused Glenora Carson of being a breathtaking beauty. Her talk, gangly figure and angular face are more solid Midwestern stock than Hollywood glamour. But Joe liked her. He even told her, “You’re the one for me.” He gave her a locket with his picture inside, to remind her of him while he was away, serving his country on the U.S.S. Arizona.
After December 7, 1941, Glenora shelves her dreams of attending college on the scholarship she was offered by Iowa State University, locks her heart away, and focuses on holding down the home front by helping out the family business – Carson’s Garage.
The grease-stained overalls didn’t do much to compliment her female figure, but they cover her female heart well enough.
That is, until Hank Anderson, a wounded warrior back from battle, walks into the garage and into Glenora’s life.
Is an old maid’s future Glenora’s fate, or will Cupid throw a wrench in her plans?
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Publisher: WordCrafts Press
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Historical Cozy Mystery

Book Cover: Historical Cozy Mystery

1943: The world is at war and the outcome is anything but sure

In the heartland, communities like Caroline, Iowa, must bind together to support The Cause. As the war drags on, few families escape paying the ultimate price.

But the unity of this close-knit community is threatened by a violent death-a murder committed in the basement of the town's beloved Church Street United Brethren. Everyone, including the congregation's handsome new pastor, becomes a suspect.

The underpinnings to the mystery delve deep into the town's past... and extend far beyond its borders.

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Publisher: WordCrafts Press
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A Hill Country Christmas: Hope for Hardscrabble Times

Book Cover: A Hill Country Christmas: Hope for Hardscrabble Times
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Christmas Love Through the Ages

Ready for the Christmas spirit? Light the Yule log, grab a snuggly blanket, and settle in for a
collection of stories celebrating the season. This collection of festive tales honors our beloved
traditions, reminds us of our moorings, and warms our hearts. Short stories and novellas take us
on a journey from 1868 to today. You'll travel from Bethlehem with angel Gabriel to an airport
in Colorado. Lena Nelson Dooley, Lisa Bell, Gail Kittleson, Cleo Lampos, and Paula Peckham
offer tales commemorating the wonderful season of hope and possibility. Welcome to Christmas
Love Through the Ages
.
Listen, by Lisa Bell: If you were the angel Gabriel, how would you get people to remember Jesus at Christmastime?
A Father’s Gift, by Paula Peckham: A young man, anticipating the birth of his child, learns about love and sacrifice only a father can give.
The Rescued Christmas, by Lena Nelson Dooley: Can a young woman trust God to turn her worst nightmare into a blessing?
Turtle Creek Christmas, by Gail Kittleson: Finding a home means everything to an orphan girl, but discovering the joy of Christmas surpasses her wildest dreams.
A Divine Romance, by Lena Nelson Dooley: A friend leads Jolene to Colorado and then to Jesus.
A Bookmobile Noel, by Cleo Lampos: The difficulties of rural Illinois in the Great Depression are lessened by a novice librarian’s ingenuity.
Gold Mine Christmas, by Gail Kittleson: Though we seek earthly fortune, genuine treasure remains a matter of the heart.
Blessings on the 38th Parallel, by Cleo Lampos: Amid war-weary Korea in 1952, hope rekindles in the lives of a soldier and a MASH nurse.
A Christmas Hallelujah, by Paula Peckham: In the aftermath of a canceled Christmas Eve flight, strangers become friends when presented with the chance to show selfless love to a fellow journeyer.

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Country Music’s Hidden Gem: The Redd Stewart Story

Redd Stewart's journey began as more than just another rags-to-riches story, but with an essential heritage of family love and music that would later shape him into one of the music world's greatest 'unsung heroes.'

His life inspired others to do better, to be better, to love unconditionally, and to share with others the blessing of God-given talent. He was a man who never asked for personal praise, but whose individual contribution to the Country and Pop music industries is still alive throughout the world today.

Many of the songs written by Redd have been performed and recorded by such entertainment legends as Patti Page, Hank Williams, Roy Rogers, Dean Martin, Michael Bublé, and the list goes on. He was heard to say in all humility, "I don't deserve any of this."

Follow these pages of heartfelt thoughts about our subject as explored in detail by the musician, author, and loving son of this sincere man, revealed for the first time is the real-life love story that inspired the lyrics to the world's most famous Country music song; the beautiful Tennessee Waltz.

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Publisher: WordCrafts Press
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Secondhand Sunsets: A Novel of the Mogollon Rim

West.

Heading west.

Put the past behind you.

Start over.

In nose-biting pre-dawn cold, Ray’s rap sounded. Out front waited a new wagon. Abby buttoned her wool coat and bonnet, doubled Papa’s traveling blanket over her arm with her parasol, and crossed the threshold for the last time. Ray hoisted her trunk as she clambered into the buckboard.

He was no gentleman—no surprise to that. Through hushed streets, past Annabelle’s house, the silent empty clapboard church, and beyond the new train depot, memories flitted one by one. With each, her heaviness lifted, and out in the countryside west of town, each squeaky turn of the wheels breathed hope.

In rhythm with the creaking wheels, words circled through her mind like poetry—Now we are wed... no longer alone... heading west.

A fog immersed her. Not an endearing word from him, nor even a kindly touch of his hand.

Her husband.

***

A sudden light spangled the heavens as if to show that sunshine still reigned.

Abby sank to a fallen log—the glow rimmed the clouds in an ethereal aura. Crimson became rose, yellows transformed to gold, and periwinkle caressed deep purple.

“Could I have been befuddled all this time?”

The scripture Fred read at supper filtered back.

The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee.”

The day’s warmth still hovered, and with it, a sense that all was well. The sky flamed for several more minutes.

This beauty and my love for you are one.

She hugged the message close. “Perhaps, after all, I am loved.”

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Publisher: WordCrafts Press
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All for the Cause

Distant thunder rolled as Mr. Olsen poured coffee for his customers, and comments crackled like popcorn.

"Surrender?"

"Unconditional, he said. Who woulda thought..."

"Sure ain't lookin' good."

"Sure hate to think of 'em bein' prisoners."

"Ain't Howard Hannam's son over there?"

"Yeah, and my brother's boy. Sure hope MacArthur keeps his promise to rescue them fellas."

The news was grim in May 1942. The Philippines had fallen to the Imperial Japanese Army. Rommel is on the move in Northern Africa. The Russian Army is pushed back toward Stalingrad. In the sweltering jungles of Corregidor, PFC Stan Ford battles illness and injury as he and his comrades escape and evade a tenacious enemy. And in the Heartland, women mourn the loss of husbands, sons, and sweethearts.

While everyone else seems to be doing something to support the troops, Twila Brunner feels lost, and useless. But when she sees a newspaper article about a Prisoner of War camp being built in neighboring Algona, Iowa, she believes she has finally discovered a way to to give something for the Cause.

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Publisher: WordCrafts Press
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A Purpose True

Though War Breeds Cruelty and Injustice, Grace Yet Prevails

Southern France - Spring, 1944

German panzer units crisscross the region, dealing ruthless reprisals against the French Resistance, and anyone suspected of supporting its efforts. Secret Operations Executive (SOE) agent Kate Isaacs is tasked with providing essential radio communications with the Allies, while her guide, Domingo Ibarra, a Basque shepherd-turned-Resistance fighter, dedicates himself to avenging the destruction of his home and family.

Thrown together by the vagaries of war, their shared mission, and common devotion to liberty, the last thing Kate and Domingo anticipate is the stirring of affection that threatens to blossom into love. But how can love survive in the midst of the enemy’s relentless cruelty toward innocent citizens?

Everything hinges on the success of the Allied Invasion - L’Invasion.

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Publisher: WordCrafts Press
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With Each New Dawn

Late Winter, 1943

The world is at war with no end in sight

Addie Bledsoe and Kate Isaacs, best friends from Iowa, are embroiled in their own private battles. In England, Kate grieves the loss of her pilot husband even as she awaits the birth of their child. Addie makes the dangerous trek across the ocean to be with her friend in her hour of need, much to her abusive husband's ire.

With Europe reeling under the heels of the Nazi Wehrmacht the two friends are once again called on separate journeys. Kate is recruited into Britain's Secret Operations Executive (SOE), resulting in a clandestine mission behind enemy lines in occupied France, while Addie wages a war of the heart in war-torn London.

Somehow, these heroic Women of the Heartland must find a way to overcome the adversities of the war without, and the war within.

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Publisher: WordCrafts Press
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Reviews:Amazon Customer on Amazon wrote:

Well written, I learned a lot about the events leading up to the Allied Invasion of Normandy. Gripping book, can't wait for the next one!