Cynthia Roemer: Beyond Wounded Hearts

Cynthia Roemer joins us to woolgather down the story trail! She is discussing her newest release, Beyond Wounded Hearts, a Civil War era novel. 

Writing historical novels can be a challenge. As a stickler for historical accuracy, I sometimes hit bumps in the road when it comes to my storylines. And yet, often it’s those “bumps” that lead to the most interesting side trails.

I came upon one such instance while writing my latest novel, Beyond Wounded Hearts. At one point in the book, I needed to transport my hero (Luke) and heroine (Adelaide) hundreds of miles. Eager to get them from one place to another quickly to keep the story moving, my first inclination was to have them board a train—the travel mode of choice in 1865 when the story takes place.

Then it hit me. Many railroads had been ransacked over the span of the Civil War. A bit of research confirmed that to be the case. Every train in and out of Richmond, Virginia (where Luke and Adelaide needed to leave) was out of commission at the time of the novel.

Now what?

Unable to alter the time frame, I had no choice but to devise an alternate plan.

In my research of the Union overtake of Richmond, I had run across an interesting person I wished to somehow work into my storyline—Elizabeth Van Lew. Miss Van Lew was a Union spy who headed a network of spies from within the very heart of the Confederate Capital. Such knowledge was too rich to leave out of my story. So, when I was forced to switch the mode of travel from train to horse and buggy, I knew I would need a chaperone for Luke and Adelaide. Who better than Miss Van Lew for the job?

Of course, Adelaide (Addie) had a hard time warming to the idea. She viewed Van Lew as the worst form of person—a traitor to the Southern cause. I’ll not spoil what happens next, but I will tell you Luke is in for an eventful ride with the two of them.

Following is an excerpt from Beyond Wounded Hearts at the point when Addie realizes Miss Van Lew is to be their chaperone.

Adelaide’s pace slowed to a near stand-still, the pallor in her cheeks deepening. Luke followed her gaze to the woman seated in the carriage, his muscles tensing in anticipation of what was to come.

“That’s Crazy Bet! What is she …?” Adelaide’s head whipped toward him, her glare as sharp as her pointed question. “How could you?”

Conscious Miss Van Lew could decipher every word, Luke wedged himself in front of Adelaide to block her view and lowered his voice. “I’m sorry. She was our only option, and she was gracious enough to help fund the trip.”

A blend of hurt and anger collided in Adelaide’s violet eyes. “Are you intent on making this trip miserable for me?”

“He’s done nothing of the sort.”

Luke cringed at Miss Van Lew’s defensive tone, fighting the urge to march Adelaide back to the hospital and forget the whole thing. 

“Step aside, Corporal. I want to speak with Miss Hanover.”

Hesitant to obey the woman’s plea, Luke locked eyes with Adelaide hoping the look he gave would temper her response. Instead, her chin tipped higher, the set in her jaw intensifying as she peered up at him. “Do as she says.”

Reluctantly, Luke eased from his spot. This was gearing up to be a battle of the wills. He could only pray it would end peaceably and not prove the onset of another war.

 

More About Elizabeth Van Lew

A born Richmonder, Miss Elizabeth Van Lew’s roots were in the deep south, but unlike most Southerners, she had a distaste for slavery that refused to let go. Resourceful and intelligent, Van Lew had ties in Philadelphia and lived there for a time while receiving much of her education. Never shy to express her views opposing slavery, her return to Richmond was not well received by many.

When the Civil War broke out, rather than support the Confederacy, Van Lew secretly threw her efforts into aiding the Union. Under the guise of benevolence, she wormed her way into daily visits at Libby Prison where she smuggled in coded information and, with the help of a high-ranking turncoat prison official, smuggled out Union prisoners. Late in the war, as Union forces advanced closer to Richmond, Miss Van Lew utilized her network of spies to skillfully send vital information as well as a copy of the Richmond Daily Dispatch newspaper directly into General Grant’s hands!

Though many suspicioned her a spy, and on occasion attempted to ensnare Van Lew with a cunning trap, she was never found out. As a cover, Van Lew often muttered to herself while walking the streets of Richmond, earning her the nickname, Crazy Bet. Not until Union forces invaded Richmond did she make known her association with the Federals. As they entered the city, she bravely displayed an American flag atop her house to show her loyalties.

So you can see why a devout Southerner like Adelaide would have no love for the likes of Elizabeth Van Lew. I had such fun writing scenes in which the two of them sparred with each other and voiced their strong convictions. I hope you’ll enjoy this slice of fact and fiction intermingled.

 

Beyond Wounded Hearts – BOOK BLURB:

 

They were North and South ~ Faithful and Faithless

 

After suffering disabling burns during the fall of Richmond, Adelaide Hanover awakens in a hospital alone and destitute, escalating her already stanch hatred for Yankees. When the Union soldier who freed her from the rubble begins paying her visits, she wants nothing to do with him … or his faith. Yet, his persistent kindness penetrates her resolve and forges a much-needed friendship. But after a dangerous man threatens Addie, she flees Richmond, intent on solving the mystery to her aunt’s dying wish before he does.

 

Haunted by a tragic failure in his past, Corporal Luke Gallagher takes Adelaide’s plight on as his own. Though his strong beliefs collide with his growing feelings for her, he offers his family’s home as a place to convalesce. Adelaide’s initial rejection, followed by her sudden willingness to accept his benevolence, hints there’s more to the decision than a mere change of heart. When trouble follows her, endangering her safety, as well as his family’s, Luke must lay his life and his convictions on the line to save them.

Author Bio

 

Cynthia Roemer is an inspirational, award-winning author with a heart for scattering seeds of hope into the hearts of readers. Cynthia enjoys spinning tales set in the backdrop of the mid-1800’s prairie and Civil War era. She resides with her husband on their family farm in central Illinois. Visit Cynthia online at: www.cynthiaroemer.com

 

 

Website and Social media links

 

Website:  https://cynthiaroemer.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCynthiaRoemer/

Goodreads:   https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16785237.Cynthia_Roemer

Author Newsletter Sign-up:  https://mailchi.mp/2a0d03dfaa50/newslettersignup

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Cynthia-Roemer/e/B06Y1CJ588/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1

BookBub:   https://www.bookbub.com/profile/cynthia-roemer

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/cynthiaroemer

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/cynthiaroemer_author/

 

Purchase Link:  https://scrivenings.link/beyondwoundedhearts