With Each New Dawn
Women of the Heartland, book 2
February, 2017
Heritage Beacon Hill
$3.99 eBook
$7.95 Print
Buy on Amazon
American RAF widow Kate Isaacs leaves war-torn London to
parachute into southern France and aid the French Resistance. Her alliance with
grieving Basque shepherd-turned-Resistance fighter Domingo Ibarra brings both
sorrow and relief as she discovers her familial roots, along with second
chances.
Domingo, a grieving Basque mountain guide-turned-saboteur,
meets her parachute drop, tends her injured ankle, and carries her to safety.
Reunited a few months later, they discover the injured Monsieur le Blanc who,
with his dying breath, reveals a secret that changes Kate's life.
In the shadow of the Waffen SS, Domingo's younger brother Gabirel is missing. While Domingo seeks Gabirel, Domingo's parish priest, Père Gaspard, creates a new identity for Kate.
As Kate and Domingo subject their mutual attraction to the cause of freedom, can mere human will and moral courage change the war's tide and forge a future for them?
In the shadow of the Waffen SS, Domingo's younger brother Gabirel is missing. While Domingo seeks Gabirel, Domingo's parish priest, Père Gaspard, creates a new identity for Kate.
As Kate and Domingo subject their mutual attraction to the cause of freedom, can mere human will and moral courage change the war's tide and forge a future for them?
Gail, what do you
love about this book?
Just before the final edit of the proof copy, I thought, “I
am SO tired of this manuscript…” But part way through, it hit me again how much
I love the characters. Writing about World War II folks always intrigues me,
and my characters’ integrity impresses me. I’ve learned there’s no reason to
fear our questions, so why hide them? (My hero and heroine certainly don’t!)
This time, layering
the personality of the Basque shepherd hero taught me so much about his origins
and worldview. As far as I know, I’ve yet to meet a person of Basque
heritage, but Domingo is SO real to me. He’s humble, compassionate,
strong, and his faith tempers his actions and attitudes. What a guy—can’t wait
for readers to meet him.
Lisa: That sounds
typical. Surprisingly there are people of Basque heritage in the western
states!
Share two things you
learned during the writing or publishing journey of this sequel?
Oh my...only two? I learned far more about various Waffen SS
atrocities in Southern France en route to fight the Allies after D-Day.
Kate’s character also taught me many facets of the role and
function of Secret British agents behind enemy lines.
Introduce us to your
least favorite character.
This is a little tough, because I honestly feel close to
them all. But I suppose Mrs. Culver would come in last. She’s not my type of
woman at all—she’s organized, efficient, and always in control. Of course,
without people like her, the world would probably stop turning ... I guess I
have a basic resistance to folks who are extremely methodical and structured.
I’d choose a spontaneous, impulsive character for a friend any day.
Lisa: Funny! It can
be cathartic to create a character opposite of our comfort level.
What are you reading
now?
A nonfiction book about Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
Amazing how carefully even their marital spats were detailed.
What’s next for you?
I’m working on the third Women of the Heartland novel. Oh boy... tons more
research, and right now, this story begins with a flashback. Never tried that
before, but it seems right. We’ll see what an editor thinks, eh?
Thanks for having me, Lisa.
Lisa: Best
wishes, Gail.
About the Author:
Gail Kittleson taught college expository writing and English
as a Second Language. Now she writes memoir and women's fiction, and
facilitates writing workshops and women's retreats. She makes her home in
northern Iowa, where she and her husband enjoy their grandchildren and
gardening. In winter, the Arizona mountains provide new novel fodder.
www.twitter.com/GailGkittleson @GailGkittleson
