I like to say I inherited my love of baking and gardening from my mother; a love of horses, reading, and writing from my dad—and the wanderlust gene from both. When I traveled to Southold, L.I., with my mother in 1999 to discover our roots, passions collided: my love of faith, family, travel, history, and writing. Little did I know …
Research: Chasing Clues, Ideas, and Whims
I love researching a new novel. I love letting the story swirl in my head as I chase clues, ideas, and whims across the country and into research heaven: libraries and museums, historical sites and societies, bookshops and academia. Wherever the road may lead is research heaven. My fiction is based on real historical women and to trace the path …
That Thing About Doors
When I was in England, I was struck by how beautiful the doors were. The English give thought to that first impression of their home or business. Here are a few of my favorites, along with some fun door quotes! “Keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new …
From Mowsley, England to Southold, Long Island, NY
Last fall I had the incredible opportunity to visit Mowsley, England and speak at St. Nicholas, the 13th century church my ancestor, Barnabas Horton, would have been baptized at in July of 1600. He later wed Mary Horton, and though the records no longer exist, it was very likely at the same Anglican church. Mary and Barnabas, my ninth great-grandparents, …
Mowsley, England, Has a Place in My Heart
A big chunk of my heart seemed to have stayed behind when I left my ancestral home in the U.K. But when I look at the pictures we brought home, I know the hole is filled with wonderful memories of Mowsley, England – a place in my heart! Here are some of my favorite memories! Photo Credits: Tom DeMarino/Grey Eagle …
To Follow Her Heart: Mowsley, U.K. to Southold, L.I.
A book tour to remember… With the release of To Follow Her Heart, book #3 in The Southold Chronicles series, I was thrilled to travel to some of my favorite places (Hood River, Mowsley, Long Island!) to promote the book! On September 2nd, I joined my friend and fellow author, Jane Kirkpatrick, where we both signed our latest (Jane’s is The …
Book Signing at Christian Resources Together in Swanwick, England
Book Signing September 15, 2016 2:50 P.M. Christian Resources Together The Hayes Conference Centre Swanwick, Derbyshire England To Follow Her Heart, Book #3 in The Southold Chronicles! Duty and love are powerful forces. Only one has the power to make her life complete. It is 1664 and Patience Terry is devastated to learn that Captain Jeremy Horton’s ship has been …
THE MISSING LINK: Is Wanderlust a Gene?
If wanderlust is a gene, I must have it. I have a passion for travel, but I don’t do it enough – though some would say I do. I was born in a car to a father who was a career Navy pilot, and a mother who could make a home anywhere. By the time I was fifteen, I’d live …
This Day in History: John White, Virginia Dare and the Lost Colony
On this date in history, July 22, 1587, John White, appointed Governor of the Roanoke colony by Sir Walter Raleigh, arrived with his expedition of 150 colonists. The story of the lost colony of Roanoke is a fascinating one of missteps, misfortunes and intrigue.
Oh, for an English Apple!
In 1999, my mother and I flew from Oregon to Long Island, a journey that would become a cherished memory for me. My younger brother had been researching our genealogy and found that a lighthouse had been named after our 8th great-grandfather, Barnabas Horton. Mom had told us stories about this grandfather, tales that were passed down for generations. Family …