My Heart Belongs in the Shenandoah Valley
Page 27
“I never will. I never have.”
Mac stroked her cheek. “I know that now.”
“I was ready to be the mistress of your log cabin.”
He chuckled. “Yes, James told me that.”
“I do love you, Mac, and I must confess that I was so angry that I jumped to wild conclusions instead of keeping a cool head.”
“So, will you forgive me for barking at you like one of my deckhands?”
“Former deckhands.” Lily set her palm on his whiskered cheek. “And, yes, I forgive you.”
“Will you marry me? A man named Everett owes me a refund on some property he illegally sold to me.”
“I don’t care about the money, Mac. I just want to be your wife.”
His snug embrace provided the instant warmth Lily’s body craved. It melted her heart and sent her spirit soaring. Great burdens of ponderings, doubts, and fears lifted off her shoulders. She knew then that she was right where God intended her to be—
Safe in the arms of her beloved.
Author’s Note
The Shenandoah Valley
Being a Wisconsin native, I had much to learn about Virginia state history. One of the more interesting facts I came across is that because the southern part of the Shenandoah Valley has a higher elevation than the northern part, the Shenandoah River runs northeast and empties into the Potomac. As a result, when one is traveling north on the Valley Pike, from Woodstock to Winchester, for example, one is going north, down the valley. Traveling south, from Winchester to Staunton, is considered going up the valley. It’s opposite the traditional concept of “down south” and “up north.”
Drinking and Smoking
You’ll notice that my male characters, although they are Christians, indulge in a swallow or two of rum wine and ale from time to time. Additionally, they smoke cigars. Many decades after the events of this story, Charles Spurgeon was reported to have said, “Well, dear friends, you know that some men can do to the glory of God what to other men would be sin. And notwithstanding … I intend to smoke a good cigar to the glory of God before I go to bed to-night.” While I don’t personally condone the practices, I felt it was important that my story be as historically accurate as possible.
History vs. Reality
While I did much research, I also took great liberties with the town of Middletown in the Shenandoah Valley. I modeled Lily’s home after Belle Grove Plantation. It was built in 1797 by Major Isaac Hite and his wife, Nelly Madison Hite (sister of President James Madison). I had the privilege of touring it in 2014, and I felt the history ooze from its very foundation. I also fell in love with the area.
Andrea Boeshaar has been married for nearly forty years. She and her husband have three wonderful sons, one beautiful daughter-in-law, and five precious grandchildren. Andrea’s publishing career began in 1994. Since then, thirty of her books have gone to press. Additionally, Andrea cofounded ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and served on its advisory board. In 2007, Andrea earned her certification in Christian life coaching and is currently the purveyor of The Writer’s ER, a coaching and editing service for writers. For more information, log on to Andrea’s website at: www.andreaboeshaar.com. Follow her on Twitter: @AndreaBoeshaar, and find her on Facebook: Andrea Boeshaar Author.