Welcome, everyone!
PAT JEANNE DAVIS is our newest honored guest. She lives in Philadelphia, PA with her British-born husband, John. They have two grown sons. She enjoys flower gardening, genealogy research and traveling with her husband. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and the Historical Novel Society. Pat loves to hear from her readers. Subscribe to her newsletter at www.patjeannedavis.com.
Pat Jeanne Davis has published essays, short stories and articles online and in print. She has a keen interest in twentieth-century American and British history, particularly the period of World War II. Pat Jeanne Davis’s father-in-law served in the British Eighth Army during the war. When Valleys Bloom Again is her debut historical romance set in that era.
Pat is offering a print copy of When Valleys Bloom Again to one U.S. resident who joins the chat below.
When Valleys Bloom Again
A Wartime Romance Set On Two Continents
After fleeing impending war in England, nineteen-year-old Abby Stapleton works to correct her stammer and to become a teacher in America, only to discover this conflict has no boundaries and that a rejected suitor is intent on destroying her name, fiancé, and fragile faith.
As war approaches in 1939 Abby Stapleton’s safety is under threat. Her father, a British diplomat, insists she go back to America until the danger passes. Abby vows to return to her home in London—but where is home? With her family facing mortal danger so far away and feeling herself isolated, she finds it hard to pray or read the Bible. Did she leave God behind in war-torn London too? Abby becomes friendly with Jim, a gardener on her uncle’s estate.
Jim can’t get Abby out of his mind. Did she have a sweetheart in England? Was it foolish to think she’d consider him? He curses his poverty and the disgrace of his father’s desertion and drunkenness haunts him. Can he learn to believe in love for a lifetime and to hope for a happy marriage?
Abby couldn’t know the war would last a long time, nor that she would fall in love with Jim—soon to be drafted by the U.S. Army—or that she’d have to confront Henri, a rejected suitor, determined by his lies to ruin her reputation and destroy her faith in God’s providence. Will she discover the true meaning of home and find happiness with Jim?
How Writing Began for Pat Jeanne Davis
My desire to write for publication began when I became convinced I had a personal story to share that would encourage other women. This realization motivated me to enroll in a creative writing course. There I was introduced to the basic steps in the writing process. My essay on my experiences while struggling with infertility was critiqued in class.
“Continue to polish your piece and find a publication for it,” my writing instructor advised. So began my journey on the road toward publication.
Many times I reminded myself this writing experience was also part of my walk of faith and that, too, required patience, perseverance and prayer. This passage in God’s Word has been a favorite. “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart…” (Psalm 37:4, NKJV).
My teacher suggested that I apply for a scholarship to the conference where she was on the board of directors. At the same time, I submitted the story I had worked on in her class to a national magazine for their Mother’s Day writing competition. I sent both the application for the scholarship and the story out in December. I didn’t think anymore about them.
A Blessed Surprise for Pat Jeanne
Five months later and just before Mother’s Day, I went for the first time to GRIT Magazine’s website. To my surprise jumping out at me on the front cover was my piece, Mommy to You Both. There was no mention of the contest or any winners. Two weeks later a check and five copies arrived in my mailbox. This success gave me much needed encouragement and a desire to continue submitting more of my work.
At the end of May I received word that I was awarded an all paid scholarship to the writer’s conference in June. So with renewed enthusiasm and much excitement I attended my first conference. I knew my instructor would be there too. As I was browsing through the free literature provided at this event, I saw a stack of GRIT Magazines. There on the table was the issue with my story. It was an exciting moment as I once more realized that I was not wasting my time trying to become a published writer. But more importantly I saw this as an indication that God was pleased with my efforts to encourage others with my words.
Eventually more of my work was accepted elsewhere. I began to use those clips when querying or submitting to other markets. Since then my essays, short stories and articles have been accepted by other publications.
Another Cherished Dream for Pat Jeanne Davis
But I had another cherished dream as yet unrealized. I wanted to write an inspirational historical novel—the story of my heart. This would take much longer and require a different set of skills.
After more than 10 years spent in learning how to write fiction, writing and then rewriting to improve my novel, and then searching for an agent and finally a publisher, eventually my inspirational World War II romance, When Valleys Bloom Again, released earlier this year. The days since then have been exciting, but at the same time overwhelming with promoting and marketing my debut novel.
Today, I’ve come to even more fully realize that I’m in sync with God’s perfect timing when I ask Him to direct my paths. And it’s never too late to realize your heart’s desire if you don’t abandon your dream.
Pat Jean Davis Purchase Links:
When Valleys Bloom Again can be purchased here:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2njPfy5
Barnes & Noble:http://bit.ly/2lBAVAu
Social Media Links to Pat Jeanne Davis:
Website:https://www.patjeannedavis.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pat.j.davis.7
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/patjeannedavis/
Goodreads:http://bit.ly/2l7rd8w
Amazon Author Page:https://amazon.com/author/patjeannedavis
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pat-jeanne-davis-34290422/
Pinterest:https://www.pinterest.com/patjeannedavis/
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Lord, we offer praises to Your name, for You and You alone are good. Remind us of this when we don’t understand Your ways. Please bless each word Pat Jeanne Davis writes for You. ~ For Jesus’ sake
Hi! Thanks for sharing the story of your road to publication as I am new to fiction, too, and am now drafting my second WW2 novel! Throughout, my characters go through the peaks and valleys of faith, like yours! Thank you for including me in your drawing.
Nice to meet you here, Janice. Thank you for leaving your comment for me. All the best with your WW2 novel. Keep trusting in Him for the results of your hard work. His timing is perfect. You are in the drawing.
I love stories about WWII . My father was in the China,Burma, India Theater. I remember him teaching us Indian words for different foods. He was a cook and drove a supply truck.
paulams49ATsbcglobalDOTnet
Hi, Paula. I’m always happy to hear from historical fiction readers who love stories set in the WWII era. Your father had such an important job. He helped to move the troops through their bellies. You’re in the drawing too.
Would love to win
Thank you, Jane, for stopping in and leaving a comment for me. You’re in the drawing for a copy of When Valleys Bloom Again.
I like historical fiction and this sounds like a good one. My Dad was a navigator in planes and flew in WW2.
Thank you, Vivian, for stopping by and leaving your comment for me. You’re entered in the drawing for a copy of When Valleys Bloom Again.
I think this sounds like a very intriguing book. I would love to win a copy!!
I appreciate your stopping in to Let’s Chat and leaving your comment, Bev. You too are entered in the drawing for a copy of my debut WWII inspirational romance. God bless.
I would love to read your book! World War II is my favorite genre of Christian fiction! Thank you for sharing your story of how you perservered with your writing! Your words are an encouragement for all of us to write our stories and memories to share with our family and friends.
Thank you, Sandy, for leaving this message for me. Your words here have encouraged me today. Yes, continue to write your stories and memories. There are those who want and need to hear them. God bless you.
Your book is my absolute favorite time in history and genre, and it is going on my list of must reads! I look forward to reading it!
I so appreciate your stopping in and leaving your message for me, Marybeth. So many of us love stories set in the WWII era. I hope you will love the story of Abby and Jim. God bless.
Thank you, Alicia, for stopping by Linda’s blog to chat. I appreciate your kind words on my debut WWII novel and the cover too. Many others as well have thought the cover beautiful. My publisher and her designer worked hard to satisfy me there. It was my pleasure to write this post. I’m delighted that you enjoyed hearing about my writing journey towards publication. God bless you too.
Sounds like a terrific read. I love any book dealing with history. So glad you pursued your dream of writing.Upon reading about the British Eights in you comments, I immediately recalled when Linda Brooks Davis and I played clarinets in our school band. One of our favorite marches was British Eights. Already you triggered a historical memory for me. Keep up the great writing.
Thank you, Jane, for stopping by to chat. I’m happy to know that something I said here sparked such a wonderful memory from the days when you and Linda played clarinets in the bank. God bless.
Hi, first of all your book sounds like a very good read and a very good page turner! I Love, love the cover, it is Beautiful! I enjoyed reading what the book is about and I truly enjoyed reading such an uplifting inspirational article from the author! Thank you so very much for this article . Have a Great rest of the week . God Bless you.
Hi, Alicia. I left a reply earlier but don’t see that. So again I want to thank you for leaving your comment for me. I especially appreciate your kind words on the cover for When Valleys Bloom Again. I’m delighted you enjoyed the blog post and found it to be uplifting. God bless you also.