A Priceless Gift--the Love of Reading

I am a writer because of my parents. A love of reading and the written word ranks high among my earliest memories. Dad told wonderful stories and recited from his favorite authors. I clambored for the Jaberwocky, and relished the sound of those words. My long-suffering mother, also a story teller, read to us. She took me and my younger brothers (our baby sister missed these excursions) on weekly trips to the library. I emerged loaded with books, the rule being that I could check out as many as I could carry. The top of the stack hitched under my arched chin and my skinny arms stretched to my knees as I staggered to the car. At home, I climbed into bed with my treasures, like a ship in a sea of stories, and sailed away. I never discarded any, but read them all. Even the biography of Lottie Crabtree.

My sharp-witted father, a college English professor, shared his passion for literature and overflowing book shelves with me. I raided his trove in my teens and grew up on the classics. His loved authors and poets were familiar friends. Mark Twain, Charles Dickens. Emily Bronte, Henry David Thoreau, Emily Dickinson--the reclusive poet to whom he compared me, as I’d hole up in my room reading and writing for hours--and countless other greats filled his shelves. I didn't find any of these authors too wordy, but devoured their offerings, though I did struggle a bit with the Russian authors. Dostoevsky comes to mind.

Both Mom and Dad encouraged my writing from the start, which for years was solely non-fiction. Mom sent a country vignette I'd penned (literally) about ducklings to Southern Living Magazine that won me a phone call from the editor of their freelance column and much encouragement. My dear mother typed up all my hand written pages, entrusted to her in manila envelopes labeled 'Guard With Life', until I finally acquired a computer and learned myself. She even typed my early novels when I embarked on my journey into historical/paranormal romance -- one reason I refer to her as long-suffering. She still proof reads for me. Mom and Dad have cheered me on, assisted in research, and celebrated each milestone along the way. They heralded every new book. That winding journey now encompasses twenty plus years and titles. Dad gave me high praise when he compared me to Daphne Du Maurier after reading my haunting mystery romance, Somewhere My Love. 

(Dad and me in our shirts. He didn't 'silently' correct grammar :)

My new release, Civil War time travel romance, Secret Lady, came out from The Wild Rose Press on January 9^th, only a handful of days after my dearly loved father died. Of course, he knew of this undertaking from the copious research I did and the sharing we had together about the Civil War. Our ancestors were heavily involved in that enormous upheaval, and some were lost. My dad’s great-grandfather was in Pickett’s Charge at Gettysburg. Amazingly, Grandpa Finley survived or none of us would be here. Dad helped with some of the backstory for Secret Lady. My beloved brother, Chad, died suddenly in the middle of my writing the story, which made finishing it a challenge. Secret Lady is dedicated to Chad, and I'm saddened not to share this latest release with Dad. He would be so proud. Even though he has gone where I cannot yet follow, I sense his loving presence. He knows.

Secret Lady Blurb:

At Lavender House, Evie McIntyre is haunted by the whispers from her bedroom closet. Before she can make sense of their murmurs, the house "warbles" between times and transports her to the Civil War. Past and present have blended, and Evie wishes she'd paid more attention to history. Especially since former Confederate officer, Jack Ramsey, could use a heads up.

Torn between opposing forces, Jack struggles to defend the valley and people he loves. Meeting Evie turns his already tumultuous world upside down. Will solving the mystery of the whispers return her home, and will the handsome scout be by her side?

Against the background of Sheridan's Burning of the Shenandoah Valley, Jack and Evie fight to save their friends and themselves – or is history carved in stone?

"Beth Trissel is a master storyteller. If you love romance, history, and the right amount of paranormal suspense and magic, this is the series for you!" ~Colleen M. Cheesbro

"I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read Secret Lady. Ms. Trissel never disappoints! I highly recommend Secret Lady to anyone looking for a sweet historical romance" ~Long and Short Reviews

***Secret Lady is available in print and kindle at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Lady-Ladies-Time-Book-ebook/dp/B07KNL7K3Z/

In eBook from all major online booksellers.

For more on me follow my Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Beth-Trissel/e/B002BLLAJ6