A New Author in a New Year by Pat Davis

   

         Today I held my novel in my hands for the first time. With the release of my debut novel, When Valleys Bloom Again, in mid-January, I began 2019 as a new author. What a wonderful way to start a new year! Exciting, but at the same time overwhelming for this introvert. Since I signed a contract with my publisher, I’ve been on a steep learning curve with all the marketing and promoting required from me. Still, I’ve been the recipient of much generosity from many whether through invitations to speak at book clubs, a women’s breakfast, a library, or through readers eager to support me by agreeing to be a endorser or a reviewer for When Valleys Bloom Again.

             It’s been two years since I wrote these words in a blog post dated 1/5/16:

            “I’m still learning how to be more patience while awaiting a response from a publisher to my novel and to continue to persevere when the answer is not the one I wanted to hear. I’ve come to appreciate even more the wisdom in not having high expectations but to keep the feeling of anticipation nonetheless. I remind myself the writing experience is also part of my walk of faith and that, too, requires patience, perseverance and prayer. Still, I’ve questioned whether I should be writing fiction even after finally acquiring an agent to represent my work. Then a magazine editor will tell me I know how to write short stories. Do I have any more to submit? At times a reader will let me know how much they enjoyed a story. Responses like those propel me forward when I need them the most.”

            Even though I’m now a published novelist, I will still continue to study the craft of fiction writing and make new friends in the writing community. We are never too old to learn and to grow.

            My prayer for all who read this is after you have done all that is required, you may experience a renewed perspective and that you keep anticipation alive in the new year. We’re in sync with God’s perfect timing when we ask Him to direct our path. It’s never too late to realize your heart’s desire.

When Valleys Bloom Again   

Book Blurb:

As war approaches in 1939 Abby Stapleton’s safety is under threat. Her father, a British diplomat, insists she go back to America until the danger passes. Abby vows to return to her home in London—but where is home? With her family facing mortal danger so far away and feeling herself isolated, she finds it hard to pray or read the Bible. Did she leave God behind in war-torn London too? Abby becomes friendly with Jim, a gardener on her uncle’s estate.

Jim can’t get Abby out of his mind. Did she have a sweetheart in England? Was it foolish to think she’d consider him? He curses his poverty and the disgrace of his father’s desertion and drunkenness haunts him. Can he learn to believe in love for a lifetime and to hope for a happy marriage?

Abby couldn’t know the war would last a long time, nor that she would fall in love with Jim—soon to be drafted by the U.S. Army—or that she’d have to confront Henri, a rejected suitor, determined by his lies to ruin her reputation and destroy her faith in God’s providence. Will she discover the true meaning of home and find happiness with Jim?

BIO:

PAT JEANNE DAVIS has published essays, short stories and articles online and in print. She has a keen interest in mid-twentieth century American and British history, particularly the period of World War II. Pat’s father-in-law served in the British Eighth Army during the war. She lives in Philadelphia, Pa with her British-born husband, John. They have two grown sons. She enjoys flower gardening, genealogy research and traveling with her husband. They recently returned from a trip to England.   Subscribe to her newsletter here www.patjeannedavis.com

LINKS:

To Purchase When Valleys Bloom Again:

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