Showing posts with label ireland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ireland. Show all posts

Monday, November 20, 2023

Did Jane Austen Celebrate Thanksgiving? The Answer Might Be Surprising Says Bestselling Author Donna Fletcher Crow


Crow writes meticulously researched, entertaining novels of romance, history, adventure and mystery in an engaging you-are-there style that allows readers to live the history. Reviewers have compared her work with PD James, Dan Brown and Barbara Pym.

Thanksgiving Day in the US can be experienced in many ways. For some, it is an opportunity to reflect on gratitude, unity and can remind one to express appreciation for the abundance for what life offers, fostering a sense of thankfulness for both tangible and intangible blessings. It can also be an occasion to gather with loved ones, reinforcing the importance of family and community bonds. Beyond its historical roots, it can promote a spirit of generosity and compassion. But does that happen only in the US? Donna Fletcher Crow recently posted an article on her website in which she delved deeply into the history of Thanksgiving in the UK, US and Canada, and answers the question "Did Jane Austen celebrate Thanksgiving?" In that article, she said in part:

Obviously, Jane Austen did not celebrate Thanksgiving as we know it in the United States and in Canada. As every school child in the US knows (or should know), Thanksgiving in the United States has its origins in a feast that was held in 1621 by English Pilgrims and Native Americans to celebrate a successful harvest. The celebration is believed to have been in late November. The feast lasted for several days and was a communal celebration of the harvest, a way for the Pilgrims to express gratitude for their survival and for the help provided by the Native Americans.

In 1863 President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation establishing Thanksgiving as a national holiday to occur on the last Thursday in November. In 1941, Congress officially established Thanksgiving as a legal holiday.

Canadian Thanksgiving has a different historical background and origin. In 1578, Martin Frobisher, an English explorer, celebrated a homecoming and thanksgiving ceremony in what is now Newfoundland as a gesture of gratitude for the safe return of his expedition who underwent many perils whilst seeking a Northwest Passage.

Over time, various regions in Canada held intermittent thanksgiving celebrations, but it wasn't until 1879 that Thanksgiving was established as a national holiday. Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada's first prime minister, declared Thanksgiving a national holiday to celebrate the recovery of the Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII) from a serious illness.

She then addressed Harvest Festival, the UK day of giving thanks:

Harvest Festival, the popular UK day of giving thanks for the bounty of the earth dates back to pagan times when communities would give thanks for a successful harvest. The British practice as we know it, however, post-dates Jane Austen. Harvest Festival as it is known today has specifically Christian, even Anglican roots. The first recorded Harvest Festival church service took place in 1843 in Cornwall, England. The Reverend Robert Hawker invited his parishioners to a special thanksgiving service for the harvest at his church in Morwenstow as an alternative to the often-drunken celebrations that took place at the completion of a harvest.

Crow said in a recent interview, "I have loved celebrating American Thanksgiving all my life--family gatherings and church services were always special occasions. In my adult life I have greatly enjoyed participating in Harvest Festivals in the UK, in Canada, and in the US. When our daughter and her family moved to Canada, I then had the opportunity to experience Canadian Thanksgiving as well. Each one is a unique and very special event.

"None of these, however, is an occasion Jane Austen would have known, although their roots go deep into the past. The event she is most likely to have participated in is the Church of England observance of Rogation Days which occur in the spring to seek God's blessing on the crops and on the land in general.

"Few things in life are more important than giving thanks. No matter how difficult circumstances may seem at times we can always find something to be grateful for--and what better time to do it than at a time of national observance?"

The full text of the piece is available at Crow's website at https://donnafletchercrow.com/p/504/Did-Jane-Austen-Celebrate-Thanksgiving.

Donna Fletcher Crow is the author of 50 books, mostly novels of British history. She has taken a number of high-level industry awards for her work. Many of her books have been bestsellers in their categories, including 'A Most Inconvenient Death', which achieved #1 bestseller status in Christian Suspense. 'The Fields of Bannockburn', the epic from which The Celtic Cross Series, Part I: Scotland, The Struggle for a Nation is based, was listed as Fiction Bestseller by Christian Book Distributors and 'The Banks of the Boyne', the epic from which The Celtic Cross Series, Part II: Ireland, The Pursuit of Peace is based, hit #3 Best-Selling Fiction.

The 10-volume Celtic Cross series covers the history of Scotland and Ireland. The leading historic figures of the day interact with fictional characters to bring the stirring events alive. Each epoch is tied to the series with the on-going events in the lives of modern young people as old wars and current conflicts keep them striving to find answers that provide hope for the future. The series is comprised of 10 novels. ‘The Keeper of the Stone,’ book 1 in the series was #1 on Amazon for Historical Scottish fiction.

The Daughters of Courage, 'Kathryn', 'Elizabeth' and 'Stephanie' is a pioneer family saga based on the stories of Crow's own family and other Idaho pioneers in the Kuna, Nampa and Boise area.

'Glastonbury' is her best-known book, which received the prestigious First Place, Historical Novel, award from the National Federation of Press Women. Readers and reviewers have raved about 'Glastonbury', calling it "The best of its kind," "richly fascinating," "beautifully researched," "gloriously evocative," and "panoramic." One Amazon reader said, "WHAT a work! Every reader can be enveloped in the sheer scope and quality, every historian be constantly nodding at the precise detail and accuracy, and every Christian can rejoice in the fullness of scripture. For me it is simply beyond descriptive praise. I would urge all who value truth to treat themselves to a feast."

The Elizabeth & Richard Mysteries is a literary suspense series using literary figures as background: Rudyard Kipling in 'The Flame Ignites', Dorothy L Sayers in 'The Shadow of Reality', Shakespeare in 'A Midsummer Eve's Nightmare', and Jane Austen in both 'A Jane Austen Encounter' and 'A Most Singular Venture'. Watch for 'A Prodigious Sum of Corpses: Seeking Sanditon at Jane Austen’s Seashore', which will take readers to all of Austen’s favorite seashore resorts. Accounts of Crow’s visits to these sites are available on her blog under the heading "Jane Austen Seashore Tour."

The Monastery Murders Series features atmospheric contemporary crimes with their roots buried deep in the middle ages. Books in the series include 'A Very Private Grave', 'A Darkly Hidden Truth', 'An Unholy Communion', 'A Newly Crimsoned Reliquary', 'An All-Consuming Fire' and the newly-released 'Against All Fierce Hostility.'

Where There is Love is a 6-book series of the enduring legacy of love and faith all based on historic people and events. The titles are: 'Where Love Begins', 'Where Love Illumines', 'Where Love Triumphs', 'Where Love Restores', 'Where Love Shines', and 'Where Love Calls'.

The Lord Danvers Victorian true-crime series is an Amazon bestseller in the British Detectives category. Books in the series include 'A Lethal Spectre', 'A Most Inconvenient Death', 'Grave Matters', 'To Dust You Shall Return' and 'A Tincture of Murder'. Donna provides a no-charge download of 'A Tincture of Murder' for those who sign up for her newsletter. More information is available at her website.

Donna Fletcher Crow's awards include:

The Dawning Of Peace, of Dreamers and Designers, Book Excellence Award 2023
Where Love Begins, Best Historical Romance, Pinnacle Awards 2019
A Lethal Spectre, Best Mystery, Pinnacle Awards, 2019
Glastonbury, First Place, Historical Fiction, National Federation of Press Women Award of Merit
The Banks of the Boyne, Silver Angel; First Place Historical Fiction, National Federation Press Women
The Fields of Bannockburn, First Place Historical Fiction, National Federation Press Women
Professional Achievement Award, Northwest Nazarene College
Juvenile Books Award of Merit, Idaho Press Women
Top Idaho Author
Pacesetter Award, Mt. Hermon Writers Conference
Outstanding Historical Fiction, Idaho Press Women, National Federation of Press Women,
Idaho Writer of the Year
Best Inspirational Novel, Finalist Romance Writers of America
Writer of the Year, Mt. Hermon Writers Conference

Donna is available for media interviews and can be reached by email at donna@donnafletchercrow.com. All of her books are available at online book retailers. More information, including a no-charge download of 'A Tincture of Murder', is available at her website at https://www.donnafletchercrow.com.

About Donna Fletcher Crow:

Donna and her husband live in Boise, Idaho. They have 4 adult children and 15 grandchildren living on 3 continents. Donna is a former English literature teacher and lifelong Anglophile. Idahoans with long memories will remember her as a former Queen of the Snake River Stampede, Miss Rodeo Idaho and runner-up for Miss Rodeo America. She is an enthusiastic gardener.

Contact:

Donna Fletcher Crow

donna@donnafletchercrow.com

https://www.donnafletchercrow.com

Leia Mais…

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

ChatGPT vs Bing vs Human, Which Is Better For A Creative Project? Bestselling Author Donna Fletcher Crow Offers A Surprising Answer


Crow writes meticulously researched, entertaining novels of romance, history, adventure and mystery in an engaging you-are-there style that allows readers to live the history. Reviewers have compared her work with PD James, Dan Brown and Barbara Pym.

Could artificial intelligence ever take the place of human authors?

AI has become the most talked-about, game-changing concept since the birth of the World Wide Web. To some, AI emerges as humanity's potential savior—a never-erring guiding light that promises to unveil solutions to the most formidable human threats, from the specter of climate change to the onslaught of modern-day pandemics. For believers, the age-old struggles of human cooperation and resource management seem trivial, with the prospect of entrusting AI to oversee all facets of existence.

Conversely, for a different group of naysayers, AI serves as a perilous gateway to our own undoing. Job security becomes an antiquated concept, jobs themselves vanishing into the void as AI takes the reins. The very essence of choice, be it moral, ethical, or otherwise, is cast into doubt. In a plot reminiscent of a dubious 1980s B-movie, we find ourselves on the brink of annihilation, ensnared by the very monster we birthed into existence.

Most of us fall somewhere between those two extreme points of view. Award-winning author Donna Fletcher Crow, however, has put AI to the test in a head-to-head, real-human-writer-versus-machine contest. And the results were surprising. She presented the results in a post on her website titled, "The AI Wars: ChatGPT vs. Bing, Which is better for a Creative Project?" In that post, she wrote in part:

Could this be of any value for the short story collection I was writing? I was clear on one thing: I would not turn to AI to write a story until I had written it myself, then I would see what the artificial creative “mind” could do. My project was writing a short story collection in the format of a travel memoir, using characters from my various mystery series as characters in stories set in places I visited on a trip to the Riviera and Switzerland in 2021.

The project took an inordinate amount of time. While I was plodding away at my tales, a whole new AI system burst on the world from Bing. The results sounded astounding. Better than anything before people said.

Now I hesitated. ChatGPT had been easy to work with and helpful for the questions I had asked it. Good at coming up with suggestions for names or research recommendations. But should I change? I am not an early adapter by nature; change of any kind isn’t easy for me. But one needs to keep up.

The Plan

I decided to give both systems an identical outline, based on a story I had already written for my collection. Then we would see the results.

Crow said, "This started out as an AI vs. AI competition in my mind, but it soon became a Woman vs. AI competition. Only the reader/viewer can be the final judge.”

The complete responses from both Bing and ChatGPT are posted on Crow's blog, plus a link to the YouTube video of herself reading her story "The Ghost Boy" fully illustrated with her own photos. All 3 results began with the same outline.

Crow invites you to read the AI versions and watch the video. "Then," she says, "You be the judge."

To judge the final result, visit Donna’s site at https://donnafletchercrow.com/p/501/The-AI-Wars-ChatGPT-vs-Bing-Which-is-better-for-a-Creative-Project

Readers who prefer reading books created by human being should watch for 'Going There, Tales from the Riviera and Beyond' coming December 1, 2023.

In the summer of 2021 amidst a world-wide pandemic, Donna Fletcher Crow, her daughter-in-law, and granddaughter managed to slip through a narrow window of calm for a remarkable journey to France and Switzerland. And much to Donna’s surprise and delight, she was accompanied on the undertaking by characters from her mystery series—who had adventures of their own. Because crime never takes a holiday.

'Going There, Tales from the Riviera and Beyond', is an account of a memorable travel experience in the real world and the fictional. It takes the reader to places physical and imaginary, and like all good books, expands our universe.

Donna Fletcher Crow is the author of 50 books, mostly novels of British history. She has taken a number of high-level industry awards for her work. Many of her books have been bestsellers in their categories, including 'A Most Inconvenient Death', which achieved #1 bestseller status in Christian Suspense. 'The Fields of Bannockburn', the epic from which The Celtic Cross Series, Part I: Scotland, The Struggle for a Nation is based, was listed as Fiction Bestseller by Christian Book Distributors and 'The Banks of the Boyne', the epic from which The Celtic Cross Series, Part II: Ireland, The Pursuit of Peace is based, hit #3 Best-Selling Fiction.

The 10-volume Celtic Cross series covers the history of Scotland and Ireland. The leading historic figures of the day interact with fictional characters to bring the stirring events alive. Each epoch is tied to the series with the on-going events in the lives of modern young people as old wars and current conflicts keep them striving to find answers that provide hope for the future. The series is comprised of 10 novels. ‘The Keeper of the Stone,’ book 1 in the series was #1 on Amazon for Historical Scottish fiction.

The Daughters of Courage, 'Kathryn', 'Elizabeth' and 'Stephanie' is a pioneer family saga based on the stories of Crow's own family and other Idaho pioneers in the Kuna, Nampa and Boise area.

'Glastonbury' is her best-known book, which received the prestigious First Place, Historical Novel, award from the National Federation of Press Women. Readers and reviewers have raved about 'Glastonbury', calling it "The best of its kind," "richly fascinating," "beautifully researched," "gloriously evocative," and "panoramic." One Amazon reader said, "WHAT a work! Every reader can be enveloped in the sheer scope and quality, every historian be constantly nodding at the precise detail and accuracy, and every Christian can rejoice in the fullness of scripture. For me it is simply beyond descriptive praise. I would urge all who value truth to treat themselves to a feast."

The Elizabeth & Richard Mysteries is a literary suspense series using literary figures as background: Rudyard Kipling in 'The Flame Ignites', Dorothy L Sayers in 'The Shadow of Reality', Shakespeare in 'A Midsummer Eve's Nightmare', and Jane Austen in both 'A Jane Austen Encounter' and 'A Most Singular Venture'. Watch for 'A Prodigious Sum of Corpses: Seeking Sanditon at Jane Austen’s Seashore', which will take readers to all of Austen’s favorite seashore resorts. Accounts of Crow’s visits to these sites are available on her blog under the heading "Jane Austen Seashore Tour."

The Monastery Murders Series features atmospheric contemporary crimes with their roots buried deep in the middle ages. Books in the series include 'A Very Private Grave', 'A Darkly Hidden Truth', 'An Unholy Communion', 'A Newly Crimsoned Reliquary', 'An All-Consuming Fire' and the newly-released 'Against All Fierce Hostility.'

Where There is Love is a 6-book series of the enduring legacy of love and faith all based on historic people and events. The titles are: 'Where Love Begins', 'Where Love Illumines', 'Where Love Triumphs', 'Where Love Restores', 'Where Love Shines', and 'Where Love Calls'.

The Lord Danvers Victorian true-crime series is an Amazon bestseller in the British Detectives category. Books in the series include 'A Lethal Spectre', 'A Most Inconvenient Death', 'Grave Matters', 'To Dust You Shall Return' and 'A Tincture of Murder'. Donna provides a no-charge download of 'A Tincture of Murder' for those who sign up for her newsletter. More information is available at her website.

Donna Fletcher Crow's awards include:

The Dawning Of Peace, of Dreamers and Designers, Book Excellence Award 2023
Where Love Begins, Best Historical Romance, Pinnacle Awards 2019
A Lethal Spectre, Best Mystery, Pinnacle Awards, 2019
Glastonbury, First Place, Historical Fiction, National Federation of Press Women Award of Merit
The Banks of the Boyne, Silver Angel; First Place Historical Fiction, National Federation Press Women
The Fields of Bannockburn, First Place Historical Fiction, National Federation Press Women
Professional Achievement Award, Northwest Nazarene College
Juvenile Books Award of Merit, Idaho Press Women
Top Idaho Author
Pacesetter Award, Mt. Hermon Writers Conference
Outstanding Historical Fiction, Idaho Press Women, National Federation of Press Women,
Idaho Writer of the Year
Best Inspirational Novel, Finalist Romance Writers of America
Writer of the Year, Mt. Hermon Writers Conference

Donna is available for media interviews and can be reached by email at donna@donnafletchercrow.com. All of her books are available at online book retailers. More information, including a no-charge download of 'A Tincture of Murder', is available at her website at https://www.donnafletchercrow.com.

About Donna Fletcher Crow:

Donna and her husband live in Boise, Idaho. They have 4 adult children and 15 grandchildren living on 3 continents. Donna is a former English literature teacher and lifelong Anglophile. Idahoans with long memories will remember her as a former Queen of the Snake River Stampede, Miss Rodeo Idaho and runner-up for Miss Rodeo America. She is an enthusiastic gardener.

Contact:


Donna Fletcher Crow

donna@donnafletchercrow.com

https://www.donnafletchercrow.com

Leia Mais…

Monday, July 24, 2023

Donna Fletcher Crow's Fascination With Scottish History Is A Decades Long Journey That Inspires Award-Winning Novels And Captivates The Hearts And Minds Of Americans


 Crow writes meticulously researched, entertaining novels of romance, history, adventure and mystery in an engaging you-are-there style that allows readers to live the history. Reviewers have compared her work with PD James, Dan Brown and Barbara Pym.

Scottish history holds great significance for many of us here in the United States, as it weaves a rich tapestry that has shaped the cultural and historical fabric of both Scotland and the US. From the mystical isle of Iona, a focal point of Gaelic monasticism for three centuries, to the resilient town of Selkirk, which helped give birth to the legend of William Wallace, Scotland's history resonates across the Atlantic. The majestic Edinburgh Castle, standing proudly atop the ancient volcanic rock, symbolizes centuries of Scottish sovereignty and resistance against oppression. The pivotal Battle of Bannockburn, fought in 1314, serves as a reminder of the indomitable spirit and quest for freedom that continue to inspire people in both countries. The allure of Scottish heritage, with its traditions, music, and clan connections, captivates the hearts of many Americans.

It is this heritage that has helped inspire many of the novels written by bestselling, multi-award winning author Donna Fletcher Crow. She addressed this subject in a blog post titled 'Scotland On My Mind, the Influence of Heritage,' on the occasion of her 60th wedding anniversary. She and her husband will be celebrating the event with a family reunion in Scotland.

"Thanks to family history research handed down to me from my great uncle Donald Fletcher," Crow stated, "our family has always enjoyed claiming descent from Fletcher the Warrior, sole survivor among the men of Selkirk of the Battle of Flodden Field in 1513. This bit of historical identity has been a focus of family fun that included Highland dancing, bagpipe playing, and kilt wearing for various members--as well as a source for story and setting for many of my novels.

"It was, therefore, natural that my husband, whose Johnston ancestors came to the New World from Scotland before the Revolutionary War, should choose a Scottish Castle as the venue for the family (all 26 of us) to gather in to celebrate our 60th wedding anniversary. Just as it was natural for me to use our Scottish heritage in my family saga trilogy The Daughters of Courage based on a fictionalized account of my own pioneer roots. I later went on to recount stories of Celtic saints in my Monastery Murders series, especially in Book 1, A Very Private Grave where saints Mungo and Ninian play a part in the story. Likewise, in Book 5 Against All Fierce Hostility where Scotland's patron Saint Andrew makes an appearance.

"In my most recent project The Celtic Cross Series, Scotland's history covers 4 volumes through Saint Columba, Kenneth Mac Alpin, Queen Margaret, William Wallace, and Robert the Bruce--all magnificent heroes and heroines whose lives serve as such excellent role models for their country, for the world, and for our family."

The full Scottish heritage article can be found at https://donnafletchercrow.com/p/498/Scotland-on-My-Mind-the-Influence-of-Heritage.

Crow picked up several new awards for a number of books in the Celtic Cross Series. She received the Book Excellence Award, billed as "A Global Celebration of Literary Excellence", for 'The Dawning of Peace, Of Dreamers and Designers,' Book 10 The Celtic Cross Series.

1914: Budding actress Nora Armstrong is set to star at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin--until everything is changed by the Easter Rising. 1996: Can Mary fight her way from the wreckage of a hotel bombing to find real hope for the future—hers and Ireland’s?

She also received the First Place, Media Network Idaho, Adult Novel, and National Federation of Press Women, Adult Novel, Second Place for 'The Shaping of the Union, Of Plots and Parliaments,' Book 8, The Celtic Cross Series

Valiant Women Risk All for Ireland: In 1789 Lenny imperils her life to uncover the insidious spy bent on bringing all their plans for a revived Ireland to ruin, even as she harbors a secret message. In 1996 Mary jeopardizes her own happiness as she seeks an answer that will finally help bring peace in the historic struggles of this land.

Donna Fletcher Crow is the author of 50 books, mostly novels of British history. She has taken a number of high-level industry awards for her work. Many of her books have been bestsellers in their categories, including 'A Most Inconvenient Death', which achieved #1 bestseller status in Christian Suspense. 'The Fields of Bannockburn', the epic from which The Celtic Cross Series, Part I: Scotland, The Struggle for a Nation is based, was listed as Fiction Bestseller by Christian Book Distributors and 'The Banks of the Boyne', the epic from which The Celtic Cross Series, Part II: Ireland, The Pursuit of Peace is based, hit #3 Best-Selling Fiction.

The 10-volume Celtic Cross series covers the history of Scotland and Ireland. The leading historic figures of the day interact with fictional characters to bring the stirring events alive. Each epoch is tied to the series with the on-going events in the lives of modern young people as old wars and current conflicts keep them striving to find answers that provide hope for the future. The series is comprised of 10 novels. ‘The Keeper of the Stone,’ book 1 in the series was #1 on Amazon for Historical Scottish fiction.

The Daughters of Courage, 'Kathryn', 'Elizabeth' and 'Stephanie' is a pioneer family saga based on the stories of Crow's own family and other Idaho pioneers in the Kuna, Nampa and Boise area.

'Glastonbury' is her best-known book, which received the prestigious First Place, Historical Novel, award from the National Federation of Press Women. Readers and reviewers have raved about 'Glastonbury', calling it "The best of its kind," "richly fascinating," "beautifully researched," "gloriously evocative," and "panoramic." One Amazon reader said, "WHAT a work! Every reader can be enveloped in the sheer scope and quality, every historian be constantly nodding at the precise detail and accuracy, and every Christian can rejoice in the fullness of scripture. For me it is simply beyond descriptive praise. I would urge all who value truth to treat themselves to a feast."

The Elizabeth & Richard Mysteries is a literary suspense series using literary figures as background: Rudyard Kipling in 'The Flame Ignites', Dorothy L Sayers in 'The Shadow of Reality', Shakespeare in 'A Midsummer Eve's Nightmare', and Jane Austen in both 'A Jane Austen Encounter' and 'A Most Singular Venture'. Watch for 'A Prodigious Sum of Corpses: Seeking Sanditon at Jane Austen’s Seashore', which will take readers to all of Austen’s favorite seashore resorts. Accounts of Crow’s visits to these sites are available on her blog under the heading "Jane Austen Seashore Tour."

The Monastery Murders Series features atmospheric contemporary crimes with their roots buried deep in the middle ages. Books in the series include 'A Very Private Grave', 'A Darkly Hidden Truth', 'An Unholy Communion', 'A Newly Crimsoned Reliquary', 'An All-Consuming Fire' and the newly-released 'Against All Fierce Hostility.'

Where There is Love is a 6-book series of the enduring legacy of love and faith all based on historic people and events. The titles are: 'Where Love Begins', 'Where Love Illumines', 'Where Love Triumphs', 'Where Love Restores', 'Where Love Shines', and 'Where Love Calls'.

The Lord Danvers Victorian true-crime series is an Amazon bestseller in the British Detectives category. Books in the series include 'A Lethal Spectre', 'A Most Inconvenient Death', 'Grave Matters', 'To Dust You Shall Return' and 'A Tincture of Murder'. Donna provides a no-charge download of 'A Tincture of Murder' for those who sign up for her newsletter. More information is available at her website.

Donna Fletcher Crow's awards include:

The Dawning Of Peace, of Dreamers and Designers, Book Excellence Award 2023
Where Love Begins, Best Historical Romance, Pinnacle Awards 2019
A Lethal Spectre, Best Mystery, Pinnacle Awards, 2019
Glastonbury, First Place, Historical Fiction, National Federation of Press Women Award of Merit
The Banks of the Boyne, Silver Angel; First Place Historical Fiction, National Federation Press Women
The Fields of Bannockburn, First Place Historical Fiction, National Federation Press Women
Professional Achievement Award, Northwest Nazarene College
Juvenile Books Award of Merit, Idaho Press Women
Top Idaho Author
Pacesetter Award, Mt. Hermon Writers Conference
Outstanding Historical Fiction, Idaho Press Women, National Federation of Press Women,
Idaho Writer of the Year
Best Inspirational Novel, Finalist Romance Writers of America
Writer of the Year, Mt. Hermon Writers Conference

Donna is available for media interviews and can be reached by email at donna@donnafletchercrow.com. All of her books are available at online book retailers. More information, including a no-charge download of 'A Tincture of Murder', is available at her website at https://www.donnafletchercrow.com.

About Donna Fletcher Crow:

Donna and her husband live in Boise, Idaho. They have 4 adult children and 15 grandchildren living on 3 continents. Donna is a former English literature teacher and lifelong Anglophile. Idahoans with long memories will remember her as a former Queen of the Snake River Stampede, Miss Rodeo Idaho and runner-up for Miss Rodeo America. She is an enthusiastic gardener.

Contact:

Donna Fletcher Crow

donna@donnafletchercrow.com

https://www.donnafletchercrow.com

Leia Mais…

Thursday, December 15, 2022

The Perfect Christmas Book - ‘A Lighted Lamp, Scenes Of Christmas Through Time,’ By Bestselling Author Donna Fletcher Crow, Provides Short Holiday Themed Getaways For Busy Readers

 


Crow writes meticulously researched, entertaining novels of romance, history, adventure and mystery in an engaging you-are-there style that allows readers to live the history. Reviewers have compared her work with PD James, Dan Brown and Barbara Pym.

For serious readers, nothing satisfies like a well-written novel. Books can take us to faraway places, the past, the future, outer space, inner space, or any place or time we might imagine. We can immerse ourselves in entire worlds, far removed from our own. This is why we read.

During the hustle and bustle and endless to-do lists we must deal with during the Holiday Season, it is often not possible to indulge ourselves in such fantastic adventures for hours at a time. Award-winning author Donna Fletcher Crow has a solution specifically designed for readers - a Christmas-themed short story collection that allows readers to " leave the contemporary seasonal rush to spend a few minutes in your favorite historic period: From Scotland a thousand years ago to modern England, with visits to the American west in between, where queens, Regency ladies and pioneers celebrate Christmas with faith and festivities."

'A Lighted Lamp, Scenes Of Christmas Through Time,' is the perfect Christmas book, and the perfect Christmas gift. Covering almost a thousand years of history, these scenes take the reader to: Saxon Scotland, Medieval England, Regency England, Pioneer America, Depression Era America, 1970s America, and a contemporary monastery in England. Customs have changed, struggles have varied, but one constant has remained—the season has never failed to bring hope and joy.

Crow explained her motivation in publishing a collection of Christmas short stories. “Everyone thinks of books at Christmas: Books to give as gifts, favorite stories brought out each year, seasonal novels one wants to read… I have a long list of tomes that I would love to sit by the lighted tree and read. But who has time?

“That’s why I wrote these 7 seasonal short stories—to give my readers fun, festive glances into holiday moments ranging from the royal court in Medieval Scotland to a contemporary monastery in Yorkshire, England, with a look-in at a homestead shack in Idaho and other stops along the way.

“No matter how long our to-do list is, we all need to take a few minutes to put our feet up and relax between tasks, and nothing can help one unwind better than being transported to another time and place for a quick break.”

Donna has posted a list of her novels with Christmas stories, and a list of recommended Christmas books on her blog at https://donnafletchercrow.com/p/482/Plenty-of-Time-for-Christmas-ReadingIf-only.

'A Lighted Lamp, Scenes Of Christmas Through Time,' is available at her website at https://DonnaFletcherCrow.com.

Donna Fletcher Crow is the author of 50 books, mostly novels of British history. She has taken a number of high-level industry awards for her work. Many of her books have been bestsellers in their categories, including 'A Most Inconvenient Death', which achieved #1 bestseller status in Christian Suspense. 'The Fields of Bannockburn', the epic from which The Celtic Cross Series, Part I: Scotland, The Struggle for a Nation is based, was listed as Fiction Bestseller by Christian Book Distributors and 'The Banks of the Boyne', the epic from which The Celtic Cross Series, Part II: Ireland, The Pursuit of Peace is based, hit #3 Best-Selling Fiction.

'Glastonbury' is her best-known book, which received the prestigious First Place, Historical Novel, award from the National Federation of Press Women. Readers and reviewers have raved about 'Glastonbury', calling it "The best of its kind," "richly fascinating," "beautifully researched," "gloriously evocative," and "panoramic." One Amazon reader said, "WHAT a work! Every reader can be enveloped in the sheer scope and quality, every historian be constantly nodding at the precise detail and accuracy, and every Christian can rejoice in the fullness of scripture. For me it is simply beyond descriptive praise. I would urge all who value truth to treat themselves to a feast."

The recently completed 10-volume Celtic Cross series covers the history of Scotland and Ireland. The leading historic figures of the day interact with fictional characters to bring the stirring events alive. Each epoch is tied to the series with the on-going events in the lives of modern young people as old wars and current conflicts keep them striving to find answers that provide hope for the future. The series is comprised of 10 novels.

The Elizabeth & Richard Mysteries is a literary suspense series using literary figures as background: Rudyard Kipling in 'The Flame Ignites', Dorothy L Sayers in 'The Shadow of Reality', Shakespeare in 'A Midsummer Eve's Nightmare', and Jane Austen in both 'A Jane Austen Encounter' and 'A Most Singular Venture'. Watch for 'A Prodigious Sum of Corpses: Seeking Sanditon at Jane Austen’s Seashore', which will take readers to all of Austen’s favorite seashore resorts. Accounts of Crow’s visits to these sites are available on her blog under the heading "Jane Austen Seashore Tour."

The Monastery Murders Series features atmospheric contemporary crimes with their roots buried deep in the middle ages. Books in the series include 'A Very Private Grave', 'A Darkly Hidden Truth', 'An Unholy Communion', 'A Newly Crimsoned Reliquary', 'An All-Consuming Fire' and the newly-released 'Against All Fierce Hostility.'

The Daughters of Courage, 'Kathryn', 'Elizabeth' and 'Stephanie' is a pioneer family saga based on the stories of Crow's own family and other Idaho pioneers in the Kuna, Nampa and Boise area. A short story on her blog entitled "A Nostalgic Fourth of July" is based on a scene from ‘Kathryn: Days of Loss and Hope'.

Where There is Love is a 6-book series of the enduring legacy of love and faith all based on historic people and events. The titles are: 'Where Love Begins', 'Where Love Illumines', 'Where Love Triumphs', 'Where Love Restores', 'Where Love Shines', and 'Where Love Calls'.

The Lord Danvers Victorian true-crime series is an Amazon bestseller in the British Detectives category. Books in the series include 'A Lethal Spectre', 'A Most Inconvenient Death', 'Grave Matters', 'To Dust You Shall Return' and 'A Tincture of Murder'. Donna provides a no-charge download of 'A Tincture of Murder' for those who sign up for her newsletter. More information is available at her website.

Donna Fletcher Crow's awards include:

Where Love Begins, Best Historical Romance, Pinnacle Awards 2019
A Lethal Spectre, Best Mystery, Pinnacle Awards, 2019
Glastonbury, First Place, Historical Fiction, National Federation of Press Women Award of Merit
The Banks of the Boyne, Silver Angel; First Place Historical Fiction, National Federation Press Women
The Fields of Bannockburn, First Place Historical Fiction, National Federation Press Women
Professional Achievement Award, Northwest Nazarene College
Juvenile Books Award of Merit, Idaho Press Women
Top Idaho Author
Pacesetter Award, Mt. Hermon Writers Conference
Outstanding Historical Fiction, Idaho Press Women, National Federation of Press Women,
Idaho Writer of the Year
Best Inspirational Novel, Finalist Romance Writers of America
Writer of the Year, Mt. Hermon Writers Conference

Donna is available for media interviews and can be reached by email at donna@donnafletchercrow.com. All of her books are available at online book retailers. More information, including a no-charge download of 'A Tincture of Murder', is available at her website at https://donnafletchercrow.com.

Contact:

 

Donna Fletcher Crow

donna@donnafletchercrow.com

https://www.donnafletchercrow.com

Leia Mais…

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

A Study Of The Jane Austen Byrne And Rice Portraits Presented By Bestselling Author Donna Fletcher Crow During Her Talk For The Jane Austen Society Annual Meeting


Crow's talk, “Jane Austen in London With The Dashwoods” for the Jane Austen Society of North America Annual General Meeting in Victoria BC, featured Crow in the persona of Jane Austen.

Award-winning, bestselling author Donna Fletcher Crow recently presented a talk titled "Jane Austen In London With The Dashwoods" for the Jane Austen Society of North America Annual General Meeting held In Victoria, British Columbia. A dedicated Janeite, Crow took things to the next level by delivering her presentation in the persona of Jane Austen, wearing a replica of a Jane Austen outfit.

As Crow stated in a recent blog post, "All Jane Austen devoted fans want to know more about her and what she looked like. Little wonder then, that there has been so much interest—and controversy—created by newly emerged portraits declared to be authentically Austen."

“Like all avid Janeites, I had been interested over the years in newly-discovered portraits declared by some to be of Jane Austen. I had never considered taking a position in the on-going debates, however, until my granddaughter and I found ourselves ‘living’ two of the most prominent representations.

“The experience of portraying the portraits was much like getting inside a character I’m developing for a novel, whether an historic or fictional person. It’s all based on meticulous research and careful observation of the smallest details until, slowly, one comes to realize you know what that person thinks, what they would do or say.

“It was the same for me with the Byrne and Rice portraits I experienced in preparing for my presentation for the Jane Austen Society of North America conference in Victoria, BC. Hours spent scrutinizing every detail of the portraits and every known description of Austen led me to a firm position and to feeling like I know the beloved author better. I hope my conclusions can help readers to a better understanding of her wonderful books.”

The full blog post, including some background research and some great images that Janeites will find of compelling interest, can be found at https://donnafletchercrow.com/p/476/Jane-Austen-Portraits-Reenacted-and-Reevaluated-

Donna Fletcher Crow is the author of 50 books, mostly novels of British history. She has taken a number of high-level industry awards for her work. Many of her books have been bestsellers in their categories, including 'A Most Inconvenient Death', which achieved #1 bestseller status in Christian Suspense. 'The Fields of Bannockburn', the epic from which The Celtic Cross Series, Part I: Scotland, The Struggle for a Nation is based, was listed as Fiction Bestseller by Christian Book Distributors and 'The Banks of the Boyne', the epic from which The Celtic Cross Series, Part II: Ireland, The Pursuit of Peace is based, hit #3 Best-Selling Fiction.

'Glastonbury' is her best-known book, which received the prestigious First Place, Historical Novel, award from the National Federation of Press Women. Readers and reviewers have raved about 'Glastonbury', calling it "The best of its kind," "richly fascinating," "beautifully researched," "gloriously evocative," and "panoramic." One Amazon reader said, "WHAT a work! Every reader can be enveloped in the sheer scope and quality, every historian be constantly nodding at the precise detail and accuracy, and every Christian can rejoice in the fullness of scripture. For me it is simply beyond descriptive praise. I would urge all who value truth to treat themselves to a feast."

The recently completed 10-volume Celtic Cross series covers the history of Scotland and Ireland. The leading historic figures of the day interact with fictional characters to bring the stirring events alive. Each epoch is tied to the series with the on-going events in the lives of modern young people as old wars and current conflicts keep them striving to find answers that provide hope for the future. The series is comprised of 10 novels.

The Elizabeth & Richard Mysteries is a literary suspense series using literary figures as background: Rudyard Kipling in 'The Flame Ignites', Dorothy L Sayers in 'The Shadow of Reality', Shakespeare in 'A Midsummer Eve's Nightmare', and Jane Austen in both 'A Jane Austen Encounter' and 'A Most Singular Venture'. Watch for 'A Prodigious Sum of Corpses: Seeking Sanditon at Jane Austen’s Seashore', which will take readers to all of Austen’s favorite seashore resorts. Accounts of Crow’s visits to these sites are available on her blog under the heading "Jane Austen Seashore Tour."

The Monastery Murders Series features atmospheric contemporary crimes with their roots buried deep in the middle ages. Books in the series include 'A Very Private Grave', 'A Darkly Hidden Truth', 'An Unholy Communion', 'A Newly Crimsoned Reliquary', 'An All-Consuming Fire' and the newly-released 'Against All Fierce Hostility.'

The Daughters of Courage, 'Kathryn', 'Elizabeth' and 'Stephanie' is a pioneer family saga based on the stories of Crow's own family and other Idaho pioneers in the Kuna, Nampa and Boise area. A short story on her blog entitled "A Nostalgic Fourth of July" is based on a scene from ‘Kathryn: Days of Loss and Hope'.

Where There is Love is a 6-book series of the enduring legacy of love and faith all based on historic people and events. The titles are: 'Where Love Begins', 'Where Love Illumines', 'Where Love Triumphs', 'Where Love Restores', 'Where Love Shines', and 'Where Love Calls'.

The Lord Danvers Victorian true-crime series is an Amazon bestseller in the British Detectives category. Books in the series include 'A Lethal Spectre', 'A Most Inconvenient Death', 'Grave Matters', 'To Dust You Shall Return' and 'A Tincture of Murder'. Donna provides a no-charge download of 'A Tincture of Murder' for those who sign up for her newsletter. More information is available at her website.

Donna Fletcher Crow's awards include:

Where Love Begins, Best Historical Romance, Pinnacle Awards 2019
A Lethal Spectre, Best Mystery, Pinnacle Awards, 2019
Glastonbury, First Place, Historical Fiction, National Federation of Press Women Award of Merit
The Banks of the Boyne, Silver Angel; First Place Historical Fiction, National Federation Press Women
The Fields of Bannockburn, First Place Historical Fiction, National Federation Press Women
Professional Achievement Award, Northwest Nazarene College
Juvenile Books Award of Merit, Idaho Press Women
Top Idaho Author
Pacesetter Award, Mt. Hermon Writers Conference
Outstanding Historical Fiction, Idaho Press Women, National Federation of Press Women,
Idaho Writer of the Year
Best Inspirational Novel, Finalist Romance Writers of America
Writer of the Year, Mt. Hermon Writers Conference

Donna is available for media interviews and can be reached by email at donna@donnafletchercrow.com. All of her books are available at online book retailers. More information, including a no-charge download of 'A Tincture of Murder', is available at her website at https://www.donnafletchercrow.com.

About Donna Fletcher Crow:

Donna and her husband live in Boise, Idaho. They have 4 adult children and 15 grandchildren living on 3 continents. Donna is a former English literature teacher and lifelong Anglophile. Idahoans with long memories will remember her as a former Queen of the Snake River Stampede, Miss Rodeo Idaho and runner-up for Miss Rodeo America. She is an enthusiastic gardener.

Contact:

Donna Fletcher Crow

donna@donnafletchercrow.com

https://www.donnafletchercrow.com

Leia Mais…

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

Bestselling Author Donna Fletcher Crow Announces Completion Of 10-Volume Celtic Cross Series With The Release Of Epoch 10, The Dawning Of Peace, Of Dreamers And Designers


 Crow writes meticulously researched, entertaining novels of romance, history, adventure and mystery in an engaging you-are-there style that allows readers to live the history. Reviewers have compared her work with PD James, Dan Brown and Barbara Pym.

Bestselling author Donna Fletcher Crow has announced the completion of her 10-volumn Celtic Cross series. This series of novels covers the history of Scotland and Ireland. The leading historic figures of the day interact with fictional characters to bring the stirring events alive. Each epoch is tied to the series with the on-going events in the lives of modern young people as old wars and current conflicts keep them striving to find answers that provide hope for the future. The series is comprised of 10 novels:

Epoch 1 The Keeper of the Stone, of Saints and Chieftains
563: Columba and his little band of monks arrive on the Isle of Iona from Ireland. Can a monk, seeking his own absolution, bring enlightenment to this strange, isolated people? Can three modern young people find the answer to Scotland’s oldest secret?

Epoch 2 The Forger of a Nation, Of Kings and Kingdoms
847: Kenneth mac Alpin is crowned king, but can he forge a nation from warring tribes threatened on every side by fierce Vikings and contentious Picts? And can modern young people uncover the truth about Scotland’s past and their own lives?

Epoch 3 The Refiner of a Realm: Of Queens and Clerics
1068: The gentle Queen Margaret, vowed to become a nun, accepts the hand of the uncivilized King Malcolm. Are her tools of love and beauty enough to carve a haven of civility among these rough, barbarous people? Modern young people seek answers at Edinburgh Castle, high on its windy hill.

Epoch 4 The Vanquishers of Tyranny, Of Priests and Patriots
1297: The valiant William Wallace and Robert the Bruce lead an often heart-breaking, but ultimately triumphant, struggle for Scotland’s freedom. 700 years later, three adventurous young people follow this spellbinding tale, seeking answers for their lives today.

Epoch 5 The Planting of Ulster, of Visionaries and Builders
1610: Lady Montgomery introduces potato planting to Scots settlers seeking to make a new life, including Calum Lanark, desperate to make a home for his beloved Deirdre. In 1996 Mary is filled with trepidation as she agrees to accompany her fiancé to Belfast to work for peace. But what if those mad Irish start throwing bombs at each other again?

Epoch 6 The Hammering of the Inhabitancy, Of Brothers and Strangers
1610: An Irish family is torn apart as the sons march off to war—on opposing sides—as Oliver Cromwell leads one of the most turbulent periods in all the long, troubled history of Ireland. In modern times, an American woman struggles to understand the roots of the unimaginable atrocities she sees around her in The Troubles.

Epoch 7 The Strife of Acendancy, Of People and Rulers
Two women, Two times, One agony: In 1683, the desperately ill Janet Lanark grieves as her husband and son, while feuding between themselves, stride away to join King Billy at the Battle of the Boyne. In 1996 Mary Hamilton despairs of helping the Belfast youth find peace as renewed conflict boils into riots.

Epoch 8 The Shaping of the Union, of Plots and Parliaments
Valiant Women Risk All for Ireland: In1789 Lenny imperils her own life to uncover the insidious spy bent on bringing all their plans for a revived Ireland to ruin, even as she harbors a secret message. In1996 Mary jeopardizes her own happiness as she seeks an answer that will finally help bring peace in the historic struggles of this land.

Epoch 9 The Famishment of the People, Of Hunger and Fulfillment
1845: Andrew Armstrong is determined to break free of the strictures of life on his family plantation in Northern Ireland. Then the potato famine brings disaster to all that he loves. In 1996 Mary Hamilton is ready to abandon hope for peace in strife-torn Belfast—until a devastating event changes her plans irrevocably.

Just released: Epoch 10 The Dawning of Peace, Of Dreamers and Designers
The stunning conclusion to The Celtic Cross series. In the aftermath of the hotel bombing where they had gone to lead a peace rally, Mary sits, shattered, in a hospital room beside the broken body of her beloved Gareth. In an effort to distract her and pass the long hours, Philip reads to her from the final episode of his family journals.

In 1914, in spite of her family’s skepticism, budding actress Nora Armstrong is thrilled to join the Gaelic Revival movement at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin under the leadership of the indomitable Lady Gregory. Nora loves her new life until everything is changed by the Easter Rising. Northern Ireland is born out of the rubble of the conflict, but can the uneasy peace be sustained?
Old Wars; present conflicts. Out of her pain Mary finds real hope for the future—changing peoples’ hearts.

"It is deeply gratifying to me to have completed the publication of my Celtic Cross Series," Crow stated. "This has been a project I have long wanted to undertake and Covid lockdowns gave me the perfect opportunity to begin what I knew would be a lengthy under-taking.
 
"It's always impossible to put actual dates on such ventures. Do you start with the inception of the idea? With the first proposal sent to an editor? With beginning the first manuscript? Perhaps a good place to start for The Celtic Cross Series would be 1993 with my first research trip to Scotland where I fell in love with the land and her stories.

"My then 13-year-old daughter accompanied me for 6 weeks in that marvelous country and I still value the dear friends who hosted us and assisted with my research.

"The Fields of Bannockburn, the first publication of the stories from that adventure, came out as a 707-page epic in 1996 and won first place for fiction in the 1997 National Federation of Press Women Communications Contest. The first 4 Epochs of The Celtic Cross are taken from that book.

"The Banks of the Boyne, Ireland’s story, followed that in 1998 in 823 pages. It was definitely time thoroughly to up-date these books and to bring them into the new century in ebook format as well. I am so grateful to Sheila Deeth, my editor, and to Ken Raney, my cover artist and all who worked on this effort."

More information on the series is available at Crow's website at https://donnafletchercrow.com/booksHistorical.php#historical.

Donna Fletcher Crow is the author of 50 books, mostly novels of British history. She has taken a number of high-level industry awards for her work. Many of her books have been bestsellers in their categories, including 'A Most Inconvenient Death', which achieved #1 bestseller status in Christian Suspense. 'The Fields of Bannockburn', the epic from which The Celtic Cross Series, Part I: Scotland, The Struggle for a Nation is based, was listed as Fiction Bestseller by Christian Book Distributors and 'The Banks of the Boyne', the epic from which The Celtic Cross Series, Part II: Ireland, The Pursuit of Peace is based, hit #3 Best-Selling Fiction.

'Glastonbury' is her best-known book, which received the prestigious First Place, Historical Novel, award from the National Federation of Press Women. Readers and reviewers have raved about 'Glastonbury', calling it "The best of its kind," "richly fascinating," "beautifully researched," "gloriously evocative," and "panoramic." One Amazon reader said, "WHAT a work! Every reader can be enveloped in the sheer scope and quality, every historian be constantly nodding at the precise detail and accuracy, and every Christian can rejoice in the fullness of scripture. For me it is simply beyond descriptive praise. I would urge all who value truth to treat themselves to a feast."

The Celtic Cross is a 2-part series which begins with Scotland: The Struggle for a Nation. In 4 individual epochs it tells the stories of—'The Keeper of the Stone,' St. Columba; 'The Forger of a Nation,' Kenneth MacAlpin; 'The Refiner of the Realm,' Queen Margaret; 'The Vanquishers of Tyranny,' William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. The 10-book series will complete in the summer of 2022.

The Elizabeth & Richard Mysteries is a literary suspense series using literary figures as background: Rudyard Kipling in 'The Flame Ignites', Dorothy L Sayers in 'The Shadow of Reality', Shakespeare in 'A Midsummer Eve's Nightmare', and Jane Austen in both 'A Jane Austen Encounter' and 'A Most Singular Venture'. Watch for 'A Prodigious Sum of Corpses: Seeking Sanditon at Jane Austen’s Seashore', which will take readers to all of Austen’s favorite seashore resorts. Accounts of Crow’s visits to these sites are available on her blog under the heading "Jane Austen Seashore Tour."

The Monastery Murders Series features atmospheric contemporary crimes with their roots buried deep in the middle ages. Books in the series include 'A Very Private Grave', 'A Darkly Hidden Truth', 'An Unholy Communion', 'A Newly Crimsoned Reliquary', 'An All-Consuming Fire' and the newly-released 'Against All Fierce Hostility.'

The Daughters of Courage, 'Kathryn', 'Elizabeth' and 'Stephanie' is a pioneer family saga based on the stories of Crow's own family and other Idaho pioneers in the Kuna, Nampa and Boise area. A short story on her blog entitled "A Nostalgic Fourth of July" is based on a scene from ‘Kathryn: Days of Loss and Hope'.

Where There is Love is a 6-book series of the enduring legacy of love and faith all based on historic people and events. The titles are: 'Where Love Begins', 'Where Love Illumines', 'Where Love Triumphs', 'Where Love Restores', 'Where Love Shines', and 'Where Love Calls'.

The Lord Danvers Victorian true-crime series is an Amazon bestseller in the British Detectives category. Books in the series include 'A Lethal Spectre', 'A Most Inconvenient Death', 'Grave Matters', 'To Dust You Shall Return' and 'A Tincture of Murder'. Donna provides a no-charge download of 'A Tincture of Murder' for those who sign up for her newsletter. More information is available at her website.

Donna Fletcher Crow's awards include:

Where Love Begins, Best Historical Romance, Pinnacle Awards 2019
A Lethal Spectre, Best Mystery, Pinnacle Awards, 2019
Glastonbury, First Place, Historical Fiction, National Federation of Press Women Award of Merit
The Banks of the Boyne, Silver Angel; First Place Historical Fiction, National Federation Press Women
The Fields of Bannockburn, First Place Historical Fiction, National Federation Press Women
Professional Achievement Award, Northwest Nazarene College
Juvenile Books Award of Merit, Idaho Press Women
Top Idaho Author
Pacesetter Award, Mt. Hermon Writers Conference
Outstanding Historical Fiction, Idaho Press Women, National Federation of Press Women,
Idaho Writer of the Year
Best Inspirational Novel, Finalist Romance Writers of America
Writer of the Year, Mt. Hermon Writers Conference

Donna is available for media interviews and can be reached by email at donna@donnafletchercrow.com. All of her books are available at online book retailers. More information, including a no-charge download of 'A Tincture of Murder', is available at her website at https://www.donnafletchercrow.com.

About Donna Fletcher Crow:


Donna and her husband live in Boise, Idaho. They have 4 adult children and 15 grandchildren living on 3 continents. Donna is a former English literature teacher and lifelong Anglophile. Idahoans with long memories will remember her as a former Queen of the Snake River Stampede, Miss Rodeo Idaho and runner-up for Miss Rodeo America. She is an enthusiastic gardener.

Contact:

Donna Fletcher Crow

donna@donnafletchercrow.com

https://www.donnafletchercrow.com

Leia Mais…

Thursday, August 25, 2022

Jane Austen Would Celebrate Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee Says Bestselling Author Donna Fletcher Crow


Crow writes meticulously researched, entertaining novels of romance, history, adventure and mystery in an engaging you-are-there style that allows readers to live the history. Reviewers have compared her work with PD James, Dan Brown and Barbara Pym.

Jane Austen is of singular interest to bestselling author Donna Fletcher Crow. She has written a number of books that tie into Austen and her life. She is a frequent online guest for book club discussions and is available to speak to groups on Austen related subjects. In a recent article posted on her site at https://donnafletchercrow.com/p/473/Jane-Austen-Celebrates-Queen-Elizabeths-Platinum-Jubilee-with-Jubilee-Trifle, she wrote the following:

"Jane Austen was picky about her sovereigns. She wrote her riotous romp through time ‘The History of England’ ‘By a partial, prejudiced & ignorant Historian' when she was 16 years old. Therein she declared that Elizabeth I, 'that disgrace to humanity, that pest of society,” was “wicked' and committed 'extensive Mischeif[sic.].' The supreme wickedness being the execution of Mary Queen of Scots."

Yet Crow believes Jane Austen would have approved of Queen Elizabeth II, and would have likely enjoyed celebrating her Platinum Jubilee, as she enjoyed Queen Charlotte's birthday in 1809.

When the Jane Austen Society of North America held their annual Box Hill picnic, Crow's contribution was the Jubilee Trifle in honor of Jane Austen and Queen Elizabeth II

Crow said in a recent interview, “It was a great delight to be in London during the recent Jubilee Celebrations. We were able to attend several special events honoring Queen Elizabeth’s record-breaking 70-year reign. As a special quiet moment amid all the hoopla my husband and I had a lovely afternoon tea in our hotel, where the signature piece of the celebration, Jubilee Trifle, was served.

“I couldn’t wait to share the dish and the experience with my fellow Janeites when we returned home, and then, through my blog, to give my readers the opportunity to replicate the fun. I am pleased as well to have been able to simplify and translate the complications of the elaborate dish for Americans.”

The full text of the article is available at her website.

In preparation for the Jane Austen Society of North America’s annual meeting this September in Victoria BC, Crow is busy preparing her talk “In London with Jane Austen and the Dashwoods” which she will present in the persona of Jane Austen. “Austen” will explain the meaning of the London locations she uses in her novel ‘Sense and Sensibility’ and show how understanding these sites gives the reader a deeper insight into her characters.

Donna Fletcher Crow is no stranger to portraying her literary role model. Crow has two videos on YouTube “Jane Austen from Paradise to Lyme Regis” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1W0WI_-qFwE and “Jane Austen from Paradise to Portsmouth” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDamVe-w60E. In each of these copiously illustrated talks, “Jane Austen” takes viewers to the sites she knew well in her lifetime and explains how she used them in her novels Mansfield Park and Persuasion.

Donna is currently in the midst of finishing up her new Celtic Cross series. This series will be a 10-volume series of novels covering the history of Scotland and Ireland. The leading historic figures of the day interact with fictional characters to bring the stirring events alive. Each epoch is tied to the series with the on-going events in the lives of modern young people as old wars and current conflicts keep them striving to find answers that provide hope for the future.

Epoch 4 in this series ‘The Vanquishers of Tyranny, Of Priests and Patriots’, was recently awarded third place in Fiction for Adult Readers at the National Federation of Press Women National Communications Conference held in Fargo, North Dakota.

This novel tells the story two great patriots who fought for Scotland’s freedom: William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, bringing to a conclusion the first 4 epochs of the Celtic Cross series which comprise Part 1, Scotland: The Struggle for a Nation.

The NFPW National Communications Contest is a nation-wide, two-tiered contest open to all writers. First-place winners from state-level contests are then moved to the national level of judging.

Donna Fletcher Crow is the author of 50 books, mostly novels of British history. She has taken a number of high-level industry awards for her work. Many of her books have been bestsellers in their categories, including 'A Most Inconvenient Death', which achieved #1 bestseller status in Christian Suspense. 'The Fields of Bannockburn', the epic from which The Celtic Cross Series, Part I: Scotland, The Struggle for a Nation is based, was listed as Fiction Bestseller by Christian Book Distributors and 'The Banks of the Boyne', the epic from which The Celtic Cross Series, Part II: Ireland, The Pursuit of Peace is based, hit #3 Best-Selling Fiction.

'Glastonbury' is her best-known book, which received the prestigious First Place, Historical Novel, award from the National Federation of Press Women. Readers and reviewers have raved about 'Glastonbury', calling it "The best of its kind," "richly fascinating," "beautifully researched," "gloriously evocative," and "panoramic." One Amazon reader said, "WHAT a work! Every reader can be enveloped in the sheer scope and quality, every historian be constantly nodding at the precise detail and accuracy, and every Christian can rejoice in the fullness of scripture. For me it is simply beyond descriptive praise. I would urge all who value truth to treat themselves to a feast."

The Celtic Cross is a 2-part series which begins with Scotland: The Struggle for a Nation. In 4 individual epochs it tells the stories of—'The Keeper of the Stone,’ St. Columba; ‘The Forger of a Nation,’ Kenneth MacAlpin; ‘The Refiner of the Realm,’ Queen Margaret; ‘The Vanquishers of Tyranny,’ William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. The 10-book series will complete in the summer of 2022.

The Elizabeth & Richard Mysteries is a literary suspense series using literary figures as background: Rudyard Kipling in 'The Flame Ignites', Dorothy L Sayers in 'The Shadow of Reality', Shakespeare in 'A Midsummer Eve's Nightmare', and Jane Austen in both 'A Jane Austen Encounter' and 'A Most Singular Venture'. Watch for 'A Prodigious Sum of Corpses: Seeking Sanditon at Jane Austen’s Seashore', which will take readers to all of Austen’s favorite seashore resorts. Accounts of Crow’s visits to these sites are available on her blog under the heading “Jane Austen Seashore Tour.”

The Monastery Murders Series features atmospheric contemporary crimes with their roots buried deep in the middle ages. Books in the series include 'A Very Private Grave', 'A Darkly Hidden Truth', 'An Unholy Communion', 'A Newly Crimsoned Reliquary', 'An All-Consuming Fire' and the newly-released 'Against All Fierce Hostility.'

The Daughters of Courage, 'Kathryn', 'Elizabeth' and 'Stephanie' is a pioneer family saga based on the stories of Crow's own family and other Idaho pioneers in the Kuna, Nampa and Boise area. A short story on her blog entitled “A Nostalgic Fourth of July” is based on a scene from ‘Kathryn: Days of Loss and Hope'.

Where There is Love is a 6-book series of the enduring legacy of love and faith all based on historic people and events. The titles are: ‘Where Love Begins’, ‘Where Love Illumines’, ‘Where Love Triumphs’, ‘Where Love Restores’, ‘Where Love Shines’, and ‘Where Love Calls’.

The Lord Danvers Victorian true-crime series is an Amazon bestseller in the British Detectives category. Books in the series include 'A Lethal Spectre', 'A Most Inconvenient Death', 'Grave Matters', 'To Dust You Shall Return' and 'A Tincture of Murder'. Donna provides a no-charge download of 'A Tincture of Murder' for those who sign up for her newsletter. More information is available at her website.

Donna Fletcher Crow's awards include:

Where Love Begins, Best Historical Romance, Pinnacle Awards 2019
A Lethal Spectre, Best Mystery, Pinnacle Awards, 2019
Glastonbury, First Place, Historical Fiction, National Federation of Press Women Award of Merit
The Banks of the Boyne, Silver Angel; First Place Historical Fiction, National Federation Press Women
The Fields of Bannockburn, First Place Historical Fiction, National Federation Press Women
Professional Achievement Award, Northwest Nazarene College
Juvenile Books Award of Merit, Idaho Press Women
Top Idaho Author
Pacesetter Award, Mt. Hermon Writers Conference
Outstanding Historical Fiction, Idaho Press Women, National Federation of Press Women,
Idaho Writer of the Year
Best Inspirational Novel, Finalist Romance Writers of America
Writer of the Year, Mt. Hermon Writers Conference

Donna is available for media interviews and can be reached by email at donna@donnafletchercrow.com. All of her books are available at online book retailers. More information, including a no-charge download of 'A Tincture of Murder', is available at her website at https://www.donnafletchercrow.com.

About Donna Fletcher Crow:


Donna and her husband live in Boise, Idaho. They have 4 adult children and 15 grandchildren living on 3 continents. Donna is a former English literature teacher and lifelong Anglophile. Idahoans with long memories will remember her as a former Queen of the Snake River Stampede, Miss Rodeo Idaho and runner-up for Miss Rodeo America. She is an enthusiastic gardener.

Contact:


Donna Fletcher Crow

donna@donnafletchercrow.com

https://www.donnafletchercrow.com

Leia Mais…

Thursday, July 14, 2022

Bestselling Author Donna Fletcher Crow Announces Release Of New Historical Fiction Novel, New NFPW Award And Upcoming Jane Austen Society Presentation


Crow writes meticulously researched, entertaining novels of romance, history, adventure and mystery in an engaging you-are-there style that allows readers to live the history. Reviewers have compared her work with PD James, Dan Brown and Barbara Pym.

Bestselling, award-winning author Donna Fletcher Crow has announced the release of a new historical fiction novel, ‘The Famishment of the People, of Hunger and Fulfillment’, Epoch 9 in the Celtic Cross series Part 2, Ireland: The Pursuit of Peace.

1996 Deep into a summer spent working for peace in strife-torn Belfast, American Mary Hamilton is ready to wash her hands of the whole thing. Until a devastating event changes her plans irrevocably.

1845 Andrew Armstrong is determined to break free of the strictures of life on his family plantation in Northern Ireland. Then the potato famine brings disaster to all that he loves.

Can these young people, more than a century apart, find the courage to overcome the calamities of their time?

The Celtic Cross will be a 10-volume series of novels covering the history of Scotland and Ireland. The leading historic figures of the day interact with fictional characters to bring the stirring events alive. Each epoch is tied to the series with the on-going events in the lives of modern young people as old wars and current conflicts keep them striving to find answers that provide hope for the future.

Epoch 4 in this series ‘The Vanquishers of Tyranny, Of Priests and Patriots’, was recently awarded third place in Fiction for Adult Readers at the National Federation of Press Women National Communications Conference held in Fargo, North Dakota.

This novel tells the story two great patriots who fought for Scotland’s freedom: William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, bringing to a conclusion the first 4 epochs of the Celtic Cross series which comprise Part 1, Scotland: The Struggle for a Nation.

The NFPW National Communications Contest is a nation-wide, two-tiered contest open to all writers. First-place winners from state-level contests are then moved to the national level of judging.

In preparation for the Jane Austen Society of North America’s annual meeting this September in Victoria BC, Crow is busy preparing her talk “In London with Jane Austen and the Dashwoods” which she will present in the persona of Jane Austen. “Austen” will explain the meaning of the London locations she uses in her novel ‘Sense and Sensibility’ and show how understanding these sites gives the reader a deeper insight into her characters.

Donna Fletcher Crow is no stranger to portraying her literary role model. Crow has two videos on YouTube “Jane Austen from Paradise to Lyme Regis” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1W0WI_-qFwE and “Jane Austen from Paradise to Portsmouth” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDamVe-w60E. In each of these copiously illustrated talks, “Jane Austen” takes viewers to the sites she knew well in her lifetime and explains how she used them in her novels Mansfield Park and Persuasion.

Crow says, “In all my work I strive to present civility, beauty, and peace—the qualities our world needs most. I find these in abundance in the life and works of Jane Austen, which is why I am so excited to be part of The Jane Austen Society of North America and to be speaking at this year’s annual general meeting in Victoria.

“I also strive to promote the qualities of courtesy, harmony and accord in all my work—even when telling stories that encompass brutal battles. This goal even applies to my current new release, the often-agonizing story of the Irish Potato famine. After all, when are we most in need of finding love, joy, and beauty than when in the middle of disasters? And when has there ever been a time in our world when there was no conflict or strife?”

Crow said she believes that, “The powers of darkness are always at work—but the Power of Light and Goodness is stronger. The Light shall overcome darkness. It is vital that we hold to that belief and work for it with kindness and civility.

“That is why I love to point people to Jane Austen, and what I hope readers will find in the works of Donna Fletcher Crow.”

Donna Fletcher Crow is a frequent online guest for book club discussions and is available to speak to groups on Austen related subjects.

Donna Fletcher Crow is the author of 50 books, mostly novels of British history. She has taken a number of high-level industry awards for her work. Many of her books have been bestsellers in their categories, including 'A Most Inconvenient Death', which achieved #1 bestseller status in Christian Suspense. 'The Fields of Bannockburn', the epic from which The Celtic Cross Series, Part I: Scotland, The Struggle for a Nation is based, was listed as Fiction Bestseller by Christian Book Distributors and 'The Banks of the Boyne', the epic from which The Celtic Cross Series, Part II: Ireland, The Pursuit of Peace is based, hit #3 Best-Selling Fiction.

'Glastonbury' is her best-known book, which received the prestigious First Place, Historical Novel, award from the National Federation of Press Women. Readers and reviewers have raved about 'Glastonbury', calling it "The best of its kind," "richly fascinating," "beautifully researched," "gloriously evocative," and "panoramic." One Amazon reader said, "WHAT a work! Every reader can be enveloped in the sheer scope and quality, every historian be constantly nodding at the precise detail and accuracy, and every Christian can rejoice in the fullness of scripture. For me it is simply beyond descriptive praise. I would urge all who value truth to treat themselves to a feast."

The Celtic Cross is a 2-part series which begins with Scotland: The Struggle for a Nation. In 4 individual epochs it tells the stories of—'The Keeper of the Stone,’ St. Columba; ‘The Forger of a Nation,’ Kenneth MacAlpin; ‘The Refiner of the Realm,’ Queen Margaret; ‘The Vanquishers of Tyranny,’ William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. The 10-book series will complete in the summer of 2022.

The Elizabeth & Richard Mysteries is a literary suspense series using literary figures as background: Rudyard Kipling in 'The Flame Ignites', Dorothy L Sayers in 'The Shadow of Reality', Shakespeare in 'A Midsummer Eve's Nightmare', and Jane Austen in both 'A Jane Austen Encounter' and 'A Most Singular Venture'. Watch for 'A Prodigious Sum of Corpses: Seeking Sanditon at Jane Austen’s Seashore', which will take readers to all of Austen’s favorite seashore resorts. Accounts of Crow’s visits to these sites are available on her blog under the heading “Jane Austen Seashore Tour.”

The Monastery Murders Series features atmospheric contemporary crimes with their roots buried deep in the middle ages. Books in the series include 'A Very Private Grave', 'A Darkly Hidden Truth', 'An Unholy Communion', 'A Newly Crimsoned Reliquary', 'An All-Consuming Fire' and the newly-released 'Against All Fierce Hostility.'

The Daughters of Courage, 'Kathryn', 'Elizabeth' and 'Stephanie' is a pioneer family saga based on the stories of Crow's own family and other Idaho pioneers in the Kuna, Nampa and Boise area. A short story on her blog entitled “A Nostalgic Fourth of July” is based on a scene from ‘Kathryn: Days of Loss and Hope'.

Where There is Love is a 6-book series of the enduring legacy of love and faith all based on historic people and events. The titles are: ‘Where Love Begins’, ‘Where Love Illumines’, ‘Where Love Triumphs’, ‘Where Love Restores’, ‘Where Love Shines’, and ‘Where Love Calls’.

The Lord Danvers Victorian true-crime series is an Amazon bestseller in the British Detectives category. Books in the series include 'A Lethal Spectre', 'A Most Inconvenient Death', 'Grave Matters', 'To Dust You Shall Return' and 'A Tincture of Murder'. Donna provides a no-charge download of 'A Tincture of Murder' for those who sign up for her newsletter. More information is available at her website.

Donna Fletcher Crow's awards include:

Where Love Begins, Best Historical Romance, Pinnacle Awards 2019
A Lethal Spectre, Best Mystery, Pinnacle Awards, 2019
Glastonbury, First Place, Historical Fiction, National Federation of Press Women Award of Merit
The Banks of the Boyne, Silver Angel; First Place Historical Fiction, National Federation Press Women
The Fields of Bannockburn, First Place Historical Fiction, National Federation Press Women
Professional Achievement Award, Northwest Nazarene College
Juvenile Books Award of Merit, Idaho Press Women
Top Idaho Author
Pacesetter Award, Mt. Hermon Writers Conference
Outstanding Historical Fiction, Idaho Press Women, National Federation of Press Women,
Idaho Writer of the Year
Best Inspirational Novel, Finalist Romance Writers of America
Writer of the Year, Mt. Hermon Writers Conference

Donna is available for media interviews and can be reached by email at donna@donnafletchercrow.com. All of her books are available at online book retailers. More information, including a no-charge download of 'A Tincture of Murder', is available at her website at https://www.donnafletchercrow.com.

About Donna Fletcher Crow:

Donna and her husband live in Boise, Idaho. They have 4 adult children and 15 grandchildren living on 3 continents. Donna is a former English literature teacher and lifelong Anglophile. Idahoans with long memories will remember her as a former Queen of the Snake River Stampede, Miss Rodeo Idaho and runner-up for Miss Rodeo America. She is an enthusiastic gardener.

Contact:

Donna Fletcher Crow

donna@donnafletchercrow.com

https://www.donnafletchercrow.com

Leia Mais…

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Bestselling Author Donna Fletcher Crow Announces New Sanditon Map, Upcoming Jane Austin Society Speaking Events And New Celtic Cross Series Novel


Crow writes meticulously researched, entertaining novels of romance, history, adventure and mystery in an engaging you-are-there style that allows readers to live the history. Reviewers have compared her work with PD James, Dan Brown and Barbara Pym.

We all know that Sanditon is a smash hit television series featuring a fictional seaside resort. Nevertheless, a question that is asked very frequently on Google is "Where is Sanditon on the map?" Bestselling author and researcher Donna Fletcher Crow has revealed the answer in a recent blog post titled, "Finding Sanditon on the Map." Thankfully yes, she does provide a real-world map. Very few people in the world have more expertise in all things Jane Austen than does Donna Fletcher Crow. That background, along with her expertise as a researcher who has explored these locations in person, has helped her pinpoint the most likely location of Sanditon.

June 21, 2022, Crow will be speaking to the Southern Idaho Chapter of the Jane Austen Society of North America on "How Jane Austen has Influenced my Writing." She says, "In a 40-some year career of writing 50-some books, Jane Austen has been my lodestar. Some of my novels are set in Regency England, reflecting my passion for my favorite author, others, even those set in America's pioneer west, are underpinned by my love for excellent style and great literature of which Austen is the supreme example."

June 25, 2022, Crow will speak (via Zoom) to the Jane Austen Society of New Zealand on the subject of "Frank Churchill in the Dock: Did Frank murder his Adoptive Mother?" Crow explained, "Jane Austen's ‘Emma’ has long been recognized as a great, and ground-breaking, mystery novel for her clever misdirection of the reader in solving the questions she poses. But as a mystery writer myself, I will take this a step further and investigate whether Frank Churchill was merely the 'child of fortune' he claimed to be, or whether he had an insidious hand in making that fortune.

"We will begin with a look at the courts and legal process in Regency England, then I will don wig and robes and impanel a jury of my viewers as I serve as prosecutor to show that the defendant indeed, had means, motive and opportunity to commit murder most foul."

September 29-October 30, 2022, will find Crow at the AGM of the Jane Austen Society of North America in Victoria, BC, where she will present a talk entitled "In London with Jane Austen and the Dashwoods." She says, "In the Persona of Jane Austen, I will take attendees to all the locations sited in Austen's 'Most London novel,' in a presentation fully illustrated with period maps and and pictures."

Crow has 2 You Tube videos which give a similar flavor of Jane Austen taking viewers to favorite locations: "Jane Austen: From Paradise to Portsmouth" and "Jane Austen from Paradise to Lyme Regis.," available at https://www.youtube.com/user/CrowDonna. The Sanditon maps are available at https://donnafletchercrow.com/p/470/Finding-Sanditon-on-the-Map.

Donna Fletcher Crow is a frequent online guest for book club discussions and is available to speak to groups on Austen related subjects.

Also watch for the soon to be released ‘The Famishment of the People,’ Of Hunger and Fulfillment, Epoch 9 in the Celtic Cross series, the story of the great famine.

Donna Fletcher Crow is the author of 50 books, mostly novels of British history. She has taken a number of high-level industry awards for her work. Many of her books have been bestsellers in their categories, including 'A Most Inconvenient Death', which achieved #1 bestseller status in Christian Suspense. 'The Fields of Bannockburn', the epic from which The Celtic Cross Series, Part I: Scotland, The Struggle for a Nation is based, was listed as Fiction Bestseller by Christian Book Distributors and 'The Banks of the Boyne', the epic from which The Celtic Cross Series, Part II: Ireland, The Pursuit of Peace is based, hit #3 Best-Selling Fiction.

'Glastonbury' is her best-known book, which received the prestigious First Place, Historical Novel, award from the National Federation of Press Women. Readers and reviewers have raved about 'Glastonbury', calling it "The best of its kind," "richly fascinating," "beautifully researched," "gloriously evocative," and "panoramic." One Amazon reader said, "WHAT a work! Every reader can be enveloped in the sheer scope and quality, every historian be constantly nodding at the precise detail and accuracy, and every Christian can rejoice in the fullness of scripture. For me it is simply beyond descriptive praise. I would urge all who value truth to treat themselves to a feast."

The Celtic Cross is a 2-part series which begins with Scotland: The Struggle for a Nation. In 4 individual epochs it tells the stories of—'The Keeper of the Stone,’ St. Columba; ‘The Forger of a Nation,’ Kenneth MacAlpin; ‘The Refiner of the Realm,’ Queen Margaret; ‘The Vanquishers of Tyranny,’ William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. The 10-book series will complete in the summer of 2022.

The Elizabeth & Richard Mysteries is a literary suspense series using literary figures as background: Rudyard Kipling in 'The Flame Ignites', Dorothy L Sayers in 'The Shadow of Reality', Shakespeare in 'A Midsummer Eve's Nightmare', and Jane Austen in both 'A Jane Austen Encounter' and 'A Most Singular Venture'. Watch for 'A Prodigious Sum of Corpses: Seeking Sanditon at Jane Austen’s Seashore', which will take readers to all of Austen’s favorite seashore resorts. Accounts of Crow’s visits to these sites are available on her blog under the heading “Jane Austen Seashore Tour.”

The Monastery Murders Series features atmospheric contemporary crimes with their roots buried deep in the middle ages. Books in the series include 'A Very Private Grave', 'A Darkly Hidden Truth', 'An Unholy Communion', 'A Newly Crimsoned Reliquary', 'An All-Consuming Fire' and the newly-released 'Against All Fierce Hostility.'

The Daughters of Courage, 'Kathryn', 'Elizabeth' and 'Stephanie' is a pioneer family saga based on the stories of Crow's own family and other Idaho pioneers in the Kuna, Nampa and Boise area. A short story on her blog entitled “A Nostalgic Fourth of July” is based on a scene from ‘Kathryn: Days of Loss and Hope'.

Where There is Love is a 6-book series of the enduring legacy of love and faith all based on historic people and events. The titles are: ‘Where Love Begins’, ‘Where Love Illumines’, ‘Where Love Triumphs’, ‘Where Love Restores’, ‘Where Love Shines’, and ‘Where Love Calls’.

The Lord Danvers Victorian true-crime series is an Amazon bestseller in the British Detectives category. Books in the series include 'A Lethal Spectre', 'A Most Inconvenient Death', 'Grave Matters', 'To Dust You Shall Return' and 'A Tincture of Murder'. Donna provides a no-charge download of 'A Tincture of Murder' for those who sign up for her newsletter. More information is available at her website.

Donna Fletcher Crow's awards include:

Where Love Begins, Best Historical Romance, Pinnacle Awards 2019
A Lethal Spectre, Best Mystery, Pinnacle Awards, 2019
Glastonbury, First Place, Historical Fiction, National Federation of Press Women Award of Merit
The Banks of the Boyne, Silver Angel; First Place Historical Fiction, National Federation Press Women
The Fields of Bannockburn, First Place Historical Fiction, National Federation Press Women
Professional Achievement Award, Northwest Nazarene College
Juvenile Books Award of Merit, Idaho Press Women
Top Idaho Author
Pacesetter Award, Mt. Hermon Writers Conference
Outstanding Historical Fiction, Idaho Press Women, National Federation of Press Women,
Idaho Writer of the Year
Best Inspirational Novel, Finalist Romance Writers of America
Writer of the Year, Mt. Hermon Writers Conference

Donna is available for media interviews and can be reached by email at donna@donnafletchercrow.com. All of her books are available at online book retailers. More information, including a no-charge download of 'A Tincture of Murder', is available at her website at https://www.donnafletchercrow.com.

About Donna Fletcher Crow:

Donna and her husband live in Boise, Idaho. They have 4 adult children and 15 grandchildren living on 3 continents. Donna is a former English literature teacher and lifelong Anglophile. Idahoans with long memories will remember her as a former Queen of the Snake River Stampede, Miss Rodeo Idaho and runner-up for Miss Rodeo America. She is an enthusiastic gardener.

Contact:

Donna Fletcher Crow

donna@donnafletchercrow.com

https://www.donnafletchercrow.com


Leia Mais…

Tuesday, April 12, 2022

Jane Austen's Real Life Sanditon Mystery Is Explored By Bestselling Author Donna Fletcher Crow


Crow writes meticulously researched, entertaining novels of romance, history, adventure and mystery in an engaging you-are-there style that allows readers to live the history. Reviewers have compared her work with PD James, Dan Brown and Barbara Pym.

Sanditon, Season 2, is finally upon us. Much like the cliff-hanger ending of Sandition's wildly popular first season on PBS, the unfinished Jane Austen novel by the same name leaves us with a nagging question - where is the "real" Sanditon? Bestselling author and researcher Donna Fletcher Crow attempted to answer that question during a recent tour of English seaside resorts, in which she visited every resort on England's south coast that Jane Austen was thought to have visited. The results, including an assortment of original images, have been posted on her blog in an article titled, "Jane Austen's Real Sandition, The Facts Behind The Fiction." Fans of the Sanditon series will surely find her conclusions of interest, and will find the tour fascinating.

Crow said in a recent interview, “The seaside provided Jane Austen with exquisite settings for character development and plot twists. Readers will immediately think of Persuasion with Louisa Musgrove’s fall from the Cobb in Lyme, Fanny Price’s demoralizing return to Portsmouth in Mansfield Park, and, of course, the focus on the burgeoning development of sea-bathing resorts in the unfinished Sanditon—which is now providing makers of the popular TV series with stunning views of sky, sand, and sea for their smash hit.

“I had long wanted to visit the sites of these scenes which had given me so much reading pleasure, and in the spring of 2019 I was privileged to do just that. My research trip encompassed every resort on England’s south coast that Jane was known—or thought—to have visited. Unlike the scenes in her two major novels where she names well-known towns, Austen chose to set Sanditon in a fictional village, but Tom Parker’s role of enthusiastic developer follows the historical accounts of many such sea-bathing spas.

“My questions quickly became, which of these was Austen picturing in her mind, which of her own experiences was she reliving, which real-life people were serving as models for her in this, her last, creative undertaking?

“I found many clues and fascinating bits of evidence to the model for the “real” Sanditon—which was undoubtedly a composite of the many locations Austen was familiar with. I have had great fun sharing the results of my research with my readers in a series of articles.”

Donna Fletcher Crow is the author of 50 books, mostly novels of British history. She has taken a number of high-level industry awards for her work. Many of her books have been bestsellers in their categories, including 'A Most Inconvenient Death', which achieved #1 bestseller status in Christian Suspense. 'The Fields of Bannockburn', the epic from which The Celtic Cross Series, Part I: Scotland, The Struggle for a Nation is based, was listed as Fiction Bestseller by Christian Book Distributors and 'The Banks of the Boyne', the epic from which The Celtic Cross Series, Part II: Ireland, The Pursuit of Peace is based, hit #3 Best-Selling Fiction.

'Glastonbury' is her best-known book, which received the prestigious First Place, Historical Novel, award from the National Federation of Press Women. Readers and reviewers have raved about 'Glastonbury', calling it "The best of its kind," "richly fascinating," "beautifully researched," "gloriously evocative," and "panoramic." One Amazon reader said, "WHAT a work! Every reader can be enveloped in the sheer scope and quality, every historian be constantly nodding at the precise detail and accuracy, and every Christian can rejoice in the fullness of scripture. For me it is simply beyond descriptive praise. I would urge all who value truth to treat themselves to a feast."

The Celtic Cross is a 2-part series which begins with Scotland: The Struggle for a Nation. In 4 individual epochs it tells the stories of—'The Keeper of the Stone,’ St. Columba; ‘The Forger of a Nation,’ Kenneth MacAlpin; ‘The Refiner of the Realm,’ Queen Margaret; ‘The Vanquishers of Tyranny,’ William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. The 10-book series will complete in the summer of 2022.

The Elizabeth & Richard Mysteries is a literary suspense series using literary figures as background: Rudyard Kipling in 'The Flame Ignites', Dorothy L Sayers in 'The Shadow of Reality', Shakespeare in 'A Midsummer Eve's Nightmare', and Jane Austen in both 'A Jane Austen Encounter' and 'A Most Singular Venture'. Watch for 'A Prodigious Sum of Corpses: Seeking Sanditon at Jane Austen’s Seashore', which will take readers to all of Austen’s favorite seashore resorts. Accounts of Crow’s visits to these sites are available on her blog under the heading “Jane Austen Seashore Tour.”

The Monastery Murders Series features atmospheric contemporary crimes with their roots buried deep in the middle ages. Books in the series include 'A Very Private Grave', 'A Darkly Hidden Truth', 'An Unholy Communion', 'A Newly Crimsoned Reliquary', 'An All-Consuming Fire' and the newly-released 'Against All Fierce Hostility.'

The Daughters of Courage, 'Kathryn', 'Elizabeth' and 'Stephanie' is a pioneer family saga based on the stories of Crow's own family and other Idaho pioneers in the Kuna, Nampa and Boise area. A short story on her blog entitled “A Nostalgic Fourth of July” is based on a scene from ‘Kathryn: Days of Loss and Hope'.

Where There is Love is a 6-book series of the enduring legacy of love and faith all based on historic people and events. The titles are: ‘Where Love Begins’, ‘Where Love Illumines’, ‘Where Love Triumphs’, ‘Where Love Restores’, ‘Where Love Shines’, and ‘Where Love Calls’.

The Lord Danvers Victorian true-crime series is an Amazon bestseller in the British Detectives category. Books in the series include 'A Lethal Spectre', 'A Most Inconvenient Death', 'Grave Matters', 'To Dust You Shall Return' and 'A Tincture of Murder'. Donna provides a no-charge download of 'A Tincture of Murder' for those who sign up for her newsletter. More information is available at her website.

Donna Fletcher Crow's awards include:

Where Love Begins, Best Historical Romance, Pinnacle Awards 2019
A Lethal Spectre, Best Mystery, Pinnacle Awards, 2019
Glastonbury, First Place, Historical Fiction, National Federation of Press Women Award of Merit
The Banks of the Boyne, Silver Angel; First Place Historical Fiction, National Federation Press Women
The Fields of Bannockburn, First Place Historical Fiction, National Federation Press Women
Professional Achievement Award, Northwest Nazarene College
Juvenile Books Award of Merit, Idaho Press Women
Top Idaho Author
Pacesetter Award, Mt. Hermon Writers Conference
Outstanding Historical Fiction, Idaho Press Women, National Federation of Press Women,
Idaho Writer of the Year
Best Inspirational Novel, Finalist Romance Writers of America
Writer of the Year, Mt. Hermon Writers Conference

Donna is available for media interviews and can be reached by email at donna@donnafletchercrow.com. All of her books are available at online book retailers. More information, including a no-charge download of 'A Tincture of Murder', is available at her website at https://www.donnafletchercrow.com.

About Donna Fletcher Crow:

Donna and her husband live in Boise, Idaho. They have 4 adult children and 15 grandchildren living on 3 continents. Donna is a former English literature teacher and lifelong Anglophile. Idahoans with long memories will remember her as a former Queen of the Snake River Stampede, Miss Rodeo Idaho and runner-up for Miss Rodeo America. She is an enthusiastic gardener.

Contact:


Donna Fletcher Crow

donna@donnafletchercrow.com

https://www.donnafletchercrow.com

Leia Mais…