We got a sneak peek at the soon-to-be-released novel, A Promise in Autumn by Barbara Morriss. If you’re a fan of the romance and history genres (Downton Abby anyone!?) you’ll love this novel. Escape to another time and fall in love. Read on to get the inside scoop.
What inspired you to write A Promise in Autumn?
After my retirement from teaching, my husband and I happened onto an ancestral account of great romance, punishing sadness and rich history. We worked with genealogist, Paul Barker, from the Ozark Genealogy Society and were able to develop a timeline of truths from old documents and newspaper publications. Since not all the facts could be determined, it became necessary for me to fill in the gaps. A narrative, Finding Grace, began to unfold. Upon completion of the book, we traveled to the Ozarks and Springfield, Missouri to meet with Paul Barker and see first-hand the burial site of my husband’s ancestors. It was spring and the maple trees were sporting their new leaves. Paul mentioned that the trees in autumn were a dazzling display of color, a poetic sight. This simple statement inspired A Promise in Autumn.
Can You Tell Us the Book from Your Point of View?
The romance of Keagan Cadagan and Raymon Woodrome is warm, humorous, and heartbreaking. Raymon, intelligent, hardworking and kind, is a man of character and quiet strength. Keagan, forthright, energetic and devout, is a woman of courage and determination. When the two meet they are both embarking on a new life, a new beginning. The two face the challenges of living in the early part of the twentieth century including WWI and the Pandemic of 1918.
What Can Readers Expect from This Book?
A reader can expect to care about the characters. They are good people, honest, and hardworking. There are elements of romance, heartbreak, intrigue and mystery. Raymon is recovering from a tragic relationship chronicled in my first book, Finding Grace. Keagan is escaping from her former, unscrupulous employer. As the characters confront their problems and fears together the bond of their new friendship grows.
Can You Tell Me Three Fun Facts About You?
Every one of my bridesmaids was a twin and, like me, they were all born under the astrological sign of Cancer. I only realized this fun fact long after I was married.
I have been the caregiver of fourteen dogs in my life, everything from goldens to pugs. It has been a fun and enriching experience. Phoebee, one of my pugs, took dog agility classes with me. I was a tad slow for her, so we retired. I was happy; she missed the doggie treats.
Speaking of sports, I played in a faculty vs student football game. Despite the fact we were playing flag football, the 8th grade students took the game very seriously and hit hard. By the game’s end there were four game participants, teachers and students, sitting in an orthopedic office with broken bones. I was one of them. This may not sound like a fun fact, but the orthopedic surgeon was on our school board. Happily, we never had another faculty vs student football game. My football career was over. Only in retrospect is this one of my fun stories to tell.
What Are Your Plans for Future Writing Projects?
I plan to rework my first book Finding Grace and finish the edits on my third book Glory Be at the Glidewell Ranch. This will allow me to launch the Spring Water Trilogy in 2021. I am also in the planning and research stages of a book that chronicles one man’s return from the Korean War and his struggle to re-engage with his bitter and lonely girlfriend. A chance encounter with a third, mysterious character brings new possibilities to their shattered love.
What Do You Want the World to Know About A Promise in Autumn?
I guess I would want people to know that it is a good story worthy of the time it takes to read it. You know the saying, Too many books, so little time.
How Do You Think Your Book Relates to The World Today?
As we struggle with the problems of today’s world, it is important to reflect on bygone eras. To get away to a simpler time and relish a world that is different from our own is healing. Similar problems are shared throughout time: wars, pandemics, religious conflicts, prosperity and economic decline. Love of family and a sense of home are feelings to which all men strive. These are themes used in novels throughout history and all cultures. A Promise in Autumn tackles some of these universal themes.
What Do You Hope Will Be the Everlasting Thoughts for Readers Who Finish Your Book?
I would like to think A Promise in Autumn will be remembered as a good book. The greatest compliment that a reader can bestow on any author is to recommend their book to others.
What Should Remain with Them Long After Putting It Down?
I hope they will remember Keagan and Raymon and their promise in autumn.
If People Can Only Buy One Book This Month, Why Should It Be Yours?
A Promise in Autumn has something for everyone: mystery, intrigue, conflict, and romance. It takes you on an exploration of the lives of characters from a century ago. As you engage with the characters, you will care about the outcomes of their problems, for better or for worse. You will also learn fascinating historical facts of the early decades of the twentieth century.
