Blog Tour for The Secrets of Emberwild (Interview with Stephenia McGee)

About the Book

“Saddle up for a ride you won’t want to end.”
—Jocelyn Green, Christy Award-winning author of Drawn by the Current

A gifted trainer in a time women are not allowed to race, Nora Fenton prefers horses to men. They’re easier to handle, they’re more reliable, and they never tell her what to do. After her father’s passing, Nora is determined to save her struggling horse farm, starting with entering her prize colt into the harness races at the 1905 Mississippi and West Alabama Fair. If she wins, she may have a chance at independence. But when a stranger arrives and starts asking disconcerting questions, she suspects he may have other motives than unseating her in the training job that is rightfully hers.

Silas Cavallero will do whatever it takes to solve the mystery of his father’s death–even if it means training an unwieldy colt for Nora, who wants nothing more than to see him gone. But when mysterious accidents threaten their safety and circumstances shrouded in secrets begin unlocking clues to his past, Silas will have to decide if the truth is worth the risk of ruining everything for the feisty woman he’s come to admire.

“A spirited woman ahead of her time makes this well-paced novel in an extraordinary setting shine. Rife with suspense and romance—and a horse lover’s dream!”–Laura Frantz, Christy Award-winning author of A Heart Adrift

“Stephenia H. McGee is a master at writing Southern charm and historic detail. This is one for the keeper shelf!”–Misty M. Beller, USA Today bestselling author of the Brides of Laurent series.

About the Author

Stephenia H. McGee is the award-winning author of many stories of faith, hope, and healing set in the Deep South. When she’s not reading or sipping sweet tea on the front porch, she’s a writer, dreamer, husband spoiler, and busy mom of two rambunctious boys. Learn more at http://www.stepheniamcgee.com.

Social Media Links:

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https://www.bookbub.com/profile/stephenia-h-mcgee

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5802810.Stephenia_H_McGee

Interview with Stephenia

Share something your readers wouldn’t know about you.

Not many people realize that I hold a degree in Animal and Dairy Sciences (with a concentration in equine sciences). Something that actually came in quite handy while writing all of the horse scenes in The Secrets of Emberwild.

What book is currently on your bedside table?

I’m currently reading an early edition of Crystal Caudill’s upcoming release, Counterfeit Hope.

Is writing your full-time career? Or would you like it to be?

Writing is my full-time career. I’ve been blessed with a husband who supported me through all those years of struggling to make my dream a reality, and it has been amazing to now have writing be a real full-time job.

If you could travel anywhere or any when for research where/when would you go?

I love this question. In fact, this very thing is what led me to write the Back Inn Time Series. I love history. I love research. And I love traveling. So I wondered what it would be like if I could visit the eras I love to write about. What would that be like for a modern gal like me? The series let me join a wagon train on the Oregon Trail, visit a military base in the 1950s, see Colonial Boston, and crash a ball at a castle in 1356. The next place I want to visit is New York in the 1880s. I’m thinking I’d like an invite to the storied Vanderbilt Ball in 1883!

Does one of the main characters hold a special place in your heart? If so, why?

Nora Fenton holds a special place in my heart because she gave me the opportunity to relive the bonds I shared with my horses and the training methods I used before a medical condition kept me from riding and training. Nora holds the same love and respect for horse that I do.

What is the key theme and/or message in the book?

The Secrets of Emberwild is, at its heart, a story of freedom. Nora seeks freedom in her life, but it is the freedom that comes to her heart and spirit that truly gives her what she needs. I hope readers will be able to see a little of themselves in Nora as she searches for purpose and discovers her true worth and value as defined by God. This quote from the book sums up the theme for the story: “How like God to weave a pattern where men’s evil and tragedy could somehow be twisted into something beautiful at the end.”

Where can readers find out more about you and your books?

Readers can learn more about my books, current works in progress, download book club packages, and more on my website. www.StepheniaMcGee.com And be sure to join my newsletter for fun content and to stay up to date on new releases and deals!

Any current or upcoming projects you’d like to tell us about?

I have another historical romance coming from Revell in May of 2023. We haven’t officially released the title yet (title and cover reveal coming soon!) but what I can tell you this is an exciting story of swindlers, hidden motives, and second chances set in 1912 Georgia. (If you get The Secrets of Emberwild, you’ll be able to read the first chapter at the end of the book!)

Giveaway

Enter here: https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b464bfed71/