Bachelor Buttons by Kathleen L. Maher: Author Visit & Giveaway

I am thrilled that Kathleen L. Maher is visiting my blog today. She is talking about her new book  and also giving all of you a chance to win an e-copy of Bachelor Buttons AND an opportunity to enter another giveaway! You will find all of the giveaway information at the bottom of this post.

Welcome Kathleen, it's wonderful to have you today! I love the cover of your book and I also love Rose's story. Along with the synsopsis I've included an excerpt and my thoughts about Bachelor Buttons.

Hi Connie. I'm so happy to have the occasion to be here with my new (and improved) story Bachelor Buttons.

Seven years ago this novella launched my debut into the writing world as a part of a sesquicentennial Civil War collection, and now that the rights have reverted back to me, I am thrilled to see this action-packed romance get a facelift with a new cover and fresh edits.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The daughter of immigrants who fled the Irish Potato Famine, Rose Meehan longs for a better life than the tenements of New York City. Courted by two men--a young doctor who represents material security, and a poor violin instructor who has captured her heart--she must choose between a life of advantage-grabbing or a life of faith. When Manhattan explodes in mob rule following Lincoln's unpopular draft, the heroic action of one suitor brings provision for those she loves, and reveals God's plan.


EXCERPT

Mr. Lee's teasing set Rose's heart into a twitter. His petulant tone made her want to plant a kiss on his forehead the way she soothed little Thomas's cranky spells. And then follow it up with another on his square, stubbed chin, come what may.

Ian interrupted her daydream, collecting her hand in his.  "I see I have been bested in this contest, this time. I pray you'll propose something next time that favors my strengths, Miss Rose. Until Monday, then."  He kissed her hand, bowed, clapping his bowler back on his head, took his leave. 

"Yes, I'll see you Monday, Dr. McGuiness." She waved after him. "Toodle doo."

William held out her handkerchief to her, his broad, masculine hand dwarking the tin woven fabric in his grasp. 

What would she feel, enfolded in his embrace?

Wow, Kathleen, you certainly know how to grab our attention! This excerpt gives all of us a glimpse of Rose's dilemna.

My Thoughts.....

I am a big fan of stories about the Civil War era so I was eager to read this novella by Kathleen Maher and I'm so glad that I did! It is July 1863 when the story begins but the setting isn't the deep South and the heroine isn't a Southern belle. Rose Meehan is an Irish girl living in a New York tenement and she is eager to find a better way of life. Maher tells the efforts of the two very different young men trying to capture Rose's heart and she eloquently describes Rose's confusion and indecision. Should she follow her heart and choose a young violin teacher who is financially poor but spiritually rich or should she allow her desires for financial security to color her decision? Will Rose choose the prosperous young doctor who can surely give her everything she has desired?

I truly enjoyed reading about Rose's efforts to find true love and the fact that Bachelor Buttons is based on the story of Maher's own great, great grandmother made it even more special. As a lover of history I also appreciated learning about the riots that occurred in New York during the 1860s because of President Abraham Lincoln's decision to make freedmen (black men) exempt from the draft. The Irish rebelled against this and there were riots, mobs, and violence but this story isn't just about bigotry and hatred. Maher also shares the deeds of good, Christian people, both white and black, who chose to rise up above hatred and bigotry to help people of all skin colors.

This novella is a lovely romance but there is also drama that includes the riots and a medical emergency that requires William Lee and Dr. McGuiness to work together as a team. Bachelor Buttons is a testament to the power of faith and forgiveness and I recommend it to all who enjoy Christian romance and historical fiction.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I wasn't obligated to post a review and I am voluntarily sharing my own thoughts.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

About The Author


"Where every underdog has his day."

Kathleen L. Maher’s first crush was Peter Rabbit, and she’s loved conflicted heroes ever since. She has two novellas in BARBOUR BOOKS' collections: Victorian Christmas Brides and Lessons on Love. Winner 2012 ACFW Genesis Award. Author of Sons of the Shenandoah Series: The Abolitionist's Daughter and The Chaplain's Daughter.

Kathleen and her husband live in an old farmhouse in upstate NY with their children and a small menagerie.

You can learn more about Kathleen by following her on these Social Media sites.

Amazon     Facebook     Pinterest     Goodreads     BookBub

Thank you Kathleen, for joining us today. It’s been a joy to have you here and I certainly recommend Bachelor Buttons!

Thank you so much for having me on your blog, Connie. I am offering a giveaway to one of your readers of an e-copy of Bachelor Buttons. All they have to do to enter is share this post on social media.  The more shares, the more entries.  Just tell me in the comments where you shared to claim your entry(ies). And a way for me to reach you if random dot org selects your name. (email is great.)

Also, I am hostessing a huge Rafflecopter giveaway with another Christian historical author. Please take a moment to enter for your chance to win one of these great prizes!

Rafflecopter runs from March 9-18th Grand prize is $50 Amazon GC, second prize is a $25 Ammy GC

Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway HERE 

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day. 
The luck of the Irish be with you!

View all my reviews