About the Book:
Sophie
Biddle, an heiress on the run with a child in tow, considers herself abandoned
by her family and God. Wary, self-reliant Sophie is caught off guard when
meeting a kind, but meddling and handsome minister at the local mercantile.
In 1900, Reverend Ian McCormick is determined to start anew in Stone Creek, Michigan, believing he has failed God and his former flock. He works harder than ever to forget his mistake, hoping to prove himself a most pleasing servant to his new congregation and once again to God.
While Sophie seeks acceptance for the child and a measure of respect for herself, the rumors swirl about her sordid past. Should Ian show concern for Sophie plight, he could risk everything - including his position as pastor of Stone Creek.
Now the pair must choose to trust God and forgive those who slander and gossip, or run. Will the scandals of their pasts bind them together forever, or drive both deeper into despair?
In 1900, Reverend Ian McCormick is determined to start anew in Stone Creek, Michigan, believing he has failed God and his former flock. He works harder than ever to forget his mistake, hoping to prove himself a most pleasing servant to his new congregation and once again to God.
While Sophie seeks acceptance for the child and a measure of respect for herself, the rumors swirl about her sordid past. Should Ian show concern for Sophie plight, he could risk everything - including his position as pastor of Stone Creek.
Now the pair must choose to trust God and forgive those who slander and gossip, or run. Will the scandals of their pasts bind them together forever, or drive both deeper into despair?
Buy the book on Amazon.com
$4.99 eBook; $14.95 Print
April 18, 2016
Heritage Beacon Fiction
Buy on LPC Books
Buy on LPC Books
A brief interview with the Author:
Kathy, what
do you love about Rumors and Promises?
I originally wrote this story
more than 12 years ago, so the characters have become like old friends to me.
With my characters and the evolution of several drafts and versions of Rumors and Promises, I’ve learned so
much about writing. Of course there’s always more to learn.
Sophie
Biddle’s story in Rumors and Promises really
began as an attempt to convey a story similar to the account of the woman at
the well in chapter four of the Gospel of John. At the time editors weren’t
interested in biblical fiction. But I was also constrained by the guidelines of
Christian publishing. How could I have my protagonist be a woman of bad
reputation while preserving her purity? The character of Sophia Bidershem, an
heiress concealing her identity with a slightly different name and trying to
pass off her toddler daughter as her sister, was born. The
out-of-wedlock-pregnancy had not come about by her volition, but she loves her
child anyway, and does what she must to take care of her.
Then
I thought about who had the most to lose in becoming involved in the life of
these runaway girls, just as the disciples became shocked Jesus would associate
with the Samaritan woman. Pastor Ian McCormick would have much to lose if his
reputation was besmirched by friendship with a “fallen woman.” Of course that’s
where the similarities end. Jesus is sinless while Ian is a flawed man trying
to start over with a new congregation because of past failings.
What
begins as ministry to a poor girl and her little sister turns into a deeper
relationship than either of Sophie or Ian bargained for. Doubts about little
Caira being her sister cause tongues to wag in Stone Creek and they are
eventually faced with a dilemma about whether or not to confess the truth.
Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman compassionately, but He also helped her face
the truth of her sin, so that He could become living water to her.
Rumors and Promises is a story close to my heart in
that it shows a mother’s love and sacrifice. I also hope it exemplifies the
power of God to make blessings out of the difficult things in life along with
His ability to heal and renew.
Sophie
sacrificed for Caira at the cost of her reputation, in a time when a woman’s
reputation meant everything. Sophie knew it wasn’t her child’s fault she’d been
sexually assaulted and loved her daughter despite the circumstances in which
she was conceived. Ian has a lesson to
learn about whether or not to put his own reputation above the welfare of
others. They both have an opportunity to make choices that will move them
forward rather than keep them bound to the past. And know they must ask God for
help to accomplish this transformation. We are all faced with these kinds of
choices, even today. Our situations may be completely different, but we can
stay chained to the past or move forward with the Lord’s help.
My
novel’s original title was “Before the Promised Land” and my theme verse is: I am the Lord thy God, which have brought
thee out the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. (Exodus 20:2, KJV)
If
it’s sin you’re bound to, then He has the power to free you. If you have deep
hurts or grief, Jesus wants you to trust Him for the future and bring healing
into your life. Even when we are forever changed by circumstances, He can use
them for good. I’m counting on that!
I
have loved the whole process of developing the story and deepening the
characters with each draft. It’s been a blessing.
Lisa: I'm so glad you had the patience to keep plugging along and not give up, Kathy. I'm excited for you and this work.
Two
things you learned from researching/publishing this story:
Since Pastor Ian McCormick wants
to start a mission in the small town of Stone Creek for pregnant unwed girls
and “fallen” women, I looked up what similar missions there had been in the
Detroit area around 1900. To my surprise I found that Crittenton Hospital had
its roots in such a mission. The Florence Crittenton missions had been started
by Charles Crittenton all around the country to help unwed mothers and
prostitutes. After his daughter passed away when she was only four, Mr. Crittenton
came to faith in Christ and wanted to do a good work in memory of his daughter.
Crittenton Hospital still flourishes today as a large modern medical facility
on the east side of the city.
I
also learned how difficult it can be to find specific historical details. I
looked for whether gaslights and telephones were common in small towns. Would
it be likely that they had wood burning or coal stoves? Information varied and
I did my best to make a realistic decision. I also didn’t want anything to
appear in my book before it would have appeared in the historical timeline.
Lisa: I knew all that research we did with our novellas in Brave New Century came from your love of history and bringing it to life.
Who
is your least favorite character?
Originally I would have said my
primary antagonist, Gertrude Wringer, but since she is important to the story,
I will say Cecilia Neuberger is my least favorite. She is the spoiled daughter
of the kind storekeeper and is bent on making Sophie feel left out, but in a
sickly-sweet way. I describe Cecilia as all “ribbons and corkscrew curls.” She
pretends to act friendly, making sure Sophie knows she’s not good enough to be
part of the town’s social activities. She’s plain stuck up and mean spirited!
What
have you been reading?
The
Prophetess by
Jill Eileen Smith and Restored, by
Tanya Eavenson, to name a couple. Seems I’m always reading more than one book,
but eventually focus on finishing one of them at a time.
What’s
next for you?
I am writing the
stand-alone sequel to Rumors and Promises
with the working title, A Good
Medicine. Here’s the tag line: A widow and a pharmacist find remedies for
what ails them most where they least expect it.
It
also takes place in Stone Creek, involving a widow and a widower, who each have
children. Maggie Galloway is a strong woman trying to decide how to steer her
future. Thomas Harper, the new apothecary in town, is struggling with his brood
of four children and starting his business in the town.
There’s
a lot of humor, healing, and hope in this story as Maggie, Thomas, and their
families clash and, yet, manage to find common ground.
I’m
also editing my biblical novel manuscript, which is about both of Moses’
mothers. It’s a totally different world than Michigan in 1900. I definitely
have plenty of writing projects and ideas to keep me busy.
Thank
you so much, Lisa, for having me as a guest on your blog. It’s been fun.
Lisa: It's been a pleasure. I'm intrigued by your next work. Thanks for sharing.
About the Author:
Kathleen
Rouser has loved making up stories since she was a little girl. Her debut
novella, "The Pocket Watch," is part of Brave New Century, a
Christian historical romance anthology, published in 2013 by Prism Book Group
(Inspired Romance). Her short story, "Special Assignment" was part of
the Amazon bestseller, Christmas Treasures. Kathleen has also been published in
Homeschool Digest, An Encouraging Word, and Happy Sis magazines. She
contributes regularly to Novel PASTimes, a blog devoted to promoting mainly
Christian historical fiction and to the Heroes, Heroines, and History blog. She
is a long time member in good standing of ACFW and a former board member of its
Great Lakes Chapter.
Connect with Kathy:
Website and other online links, including Amazon:
Website: http://www.kathleenrouser.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kathleenrouser/
Twitter: @KathleenRouser
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kerouser/
