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Denise Weimer returns to the show this week to talk about two books—When Hope Sank and A Calculated Betrothal. She shares the fascinating history behind both books, how she redeems her characters, and why she loves dressing up in period fashion. Patrons will get to hear what her next great adventure is going to be.

When Hope Sank by Denise Weimer
The Civil War has taken everything from Lily Livingston—her parents, her twin brother, her home. Now she works at her uncle’s inn and keeps her head down. Speaking up for her beliefs proved too costly in a part of Arkansas split by conflicting loyalties and overrun by spies and bushwhackers.

Emaciated in body but resilient in spirit, Lieutenant Cade Palmer is crowded onto the Sultana with other paroled Andersonville and Cahaba POWs for the journey north. But a fiery explosion on April 27, 1865, rends the steamer and empties two thousand men into the frigid Mississippi River.

Recovering from wounds that might end his career as a surgeon but clinging to his faith, Cade threatens both Lily’s defenses and her heart. How can she tell him she might’ve prevented the tragedy if only she’d reported a suspected saboteur’s claims? And when the man returns to town and encoded messages pass through the hotel, will Lily follow her convictions to prevent another tragedy?

“I really enjoyed this story of overcoming after tragedy. The author did a great job with the time period, shortly after the Civil War. It was well-researched, the characters were likable, and the writing compelling. The faith elements were natural and didn’t preach at you. Highly recommend!”

Get your copy of When Hope Sank.

A Calculated Betrothal by Denise Weimer
The death of her titled husband means that not only is Tabitha Gage no longer a lady—but she’s also abandoned on an isolated Southern Georgia plantation on the eve of revolution. With the fine house and fields sold to a neighbor, she’s left with a log cabin on unsettled timber land. Rather than marry the neighbor’s son, Tabitha determines to make her own way—and never again be shackled to a man she doesn’t love. 

Sergeant Edmond Lassiter is one assignment away from promotion when he comes to the aid of a red-haired beauty fending off cattle rustlers. Thrown together during an attack at a nearby fort, the Patriot scout and Loyalist widow are surprised by the values they share—including honesty, loyalty, and equality. When Edmond learns the same man who ruined his family is after what little Tabitha has left, he convinces her they should work together to make her land profitable—all while fighting off the British from East Florida and her greedy neighbor, who sabotages their every effort to succeed.

Their work together will be a business arrangement…nothing more. But as a British invasion threatens, the truth soon becomes clear—continuing the connection between them will risk far more than their hearts.

“A Calculated Betrothal is part of a wonderful series that focuses in on the period of time before the Revolutionary War. This is book five I believe. I’ve had the pleasure of reading this whole series and love how it flows. The characters grow and change throughout not just one book but the series.”
Get A Calculated Betrothal by Denise Weimer.

More about Denise:
I write historical and contemporary romance and romantic suspense mostly set in my home state of Georgia. I’ve authored around fifteen traditionally published novels and a number of novellas.  A freelance fiction editor and a mother of two wonderful young adult daughters, I always pause for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.
Visit Denise Weimer’s website.