HOW IT ALL BEGAN...

 By Caroline Clemmons

 

Ever since my family had a German couple as landlords when I was a little girl in Bakersfield, California, I have been fascinated by the German language—and the country. Our landlords spoke German when nosy little girls were near. I suspect they hoped it would discourage me, but it only caused me to eavesdrop whenever I could. That wasn’t often. Of course, my mother would not have permitted it if she had known.

My fascination didn’t wane after my family moved back to Texas, but I couldn't do much to feed my obsession except read the encyclopedias. I took German 101 at Texas Tech University in Lubbock. The professor was an  exchange professor from Germany. His stories of his homeland increased my desire to visit there. Finally, after many years, my husband began traveling to Germany occasionally. I was able to tag along several times.

In the meantime, both our daughters had taken German classes. On one trip they accompanied us. Our oldest had her heart set on a genuine cuckoo clock. In my favorite city of Munich, she had practiced how to ask for one in a shop. The first place we tried didn’t have them, but the clerk gave us directions in German to a clock shop not far away. I could tell she spoke English and was humoring our daughter. With only our smattering of German, we were elated when we understood the directions and found the right shop. Sadly, now we couldn’t do it—use it or lose it! We lost it.

When I thought of starting a fresh historical western romance mail order bride series, I wanted the first brides to be German. The area I love most is Bavaria. So, Adelheid “Heidi” Roth became the first mail order bride for the new sweet series, the Texas Hill Country Mail Order Brides. Her groom is Gentry McRae. (You may notice that is not the name of the groom to whom she commits herself in the excerpt below.)

Heidi

Heidi is a beautiful blond of 25 and is 5’ 10” tall. Without consciously intending it, Heidi’s family takes advantage of her. Well, maybe her sister intends to do so. Although Heidi has a quick temper, she usually keeps it in check rather than create strife in her family. Her spoiled younger sister, Willhamina, makes no attempt to hide her feeling of superiority because she is married and Heidi is not. 

Heidi's Bavarian Hometown

Several times recently, the local matchmaker has invited Heidi to visit her regarding Johann Meyer, a former resident who is now living in America. His mother also calls on Heidi. However, Heidi wants to find a husband on her own. One day, insults go too far and Heidi’s control snaps. She throws her pride and her apron aside and goes to the matchmaker.

Here the excerpt of the result:

Although she hated to leave her parents, she was tired of her family members criticizing her. If she needed to support herself, she could cook and sew and clean and do accounts. Her heart pounded so loud she thought Mrs. Heinz must hear it.

Heidi took a deep breath. “I believe Johann and I can make a good marriage.”

The matchmaker leaned back and clasped her hands to her chest. “Wonderful, my dear! You are a beautiful woman and a good daughter. I know how hard you work to help your mother, and even find time to help Mr. Schneider with his bookkeeping.”

“Thank you,” was all Heidi could say.

“I am so pleased you will have your own home—and it sounds like a very nice one. I have your funds and your travel arrangements. Mrs. Meyer was so sure you would accept that she has given me your tickets and the cash you’ll need for incidentals.”

Heidi cleared her throat to remove the lump that had lodged there. “You mean… you mean I am supposed to leave immediately?”

Mrs. Heinz held up a hand in a motion to halt. “You must get to your ship by the end of the month. To do so, you must leave in fourteen days. Please write Johann a letter today while you are here. I will mail it immediately so he will have it before you arrive.” She handed Heidi several sheets of paper and set the inkwell and pen near her.

Gentry, groom by default

Heidi travels for weeks to reach Harrigan Springs, Texas. When she arrives, huge surprises await her. If you haven’t read GENTRY AND THE MAIL ORDER BRIDE, I hope you’ll do so and then follow the series. You don't need to read the books in order, but you'll enjoy them more if you do. Each book is available in e-book and print. They are all enrolled in Kindle Unlimited. Here’s the Amazon link for GENTRY.

https://www.amazon.com/Gentry-Mail-Order-Bride-Country-

ebook/dp/B0B6YN6QHK

 

Thanks for stopping by. Stay safe and keep reading! 

LIBERATED -- A TRUE STORY OF ONE WOMAN'S PLIGHT AT THE HANDS OF THE NAZIS

LIBERATED is not the type book I usually feature on this blog. For one thing, it's non-fiction, a true story of one woman's tragedy and renewal. This is NOT a PG book because of the trauma the main character endured at the hands of the Nazis. With so many people now denying that the Holocaust and all the heinous acts committed by the Nazis never existed, I believe it is important for us to be reminded. Those who deny history are doomed to repeat it. 

The author is a friend whose friendship I value highly. She has mentioned the woman she calls Inga and how amazing and brave Inga was and is. Pre-order now for September 14th release!

By Laura Miller

LIBERATED Blurb:

This book is a biography of a woman I have loved and admired for the whole of my life.

In December 1944 a German family of seven were captured and convicted of war crimes for harbouring Jews.

I have known this story for most of my life. In the twilight of her years, this lady has decided that it is time for her story to be told, so it will be recorded for future generations.

The woman and her sister were interned in Bergen-Belsen Concentration Camp until Liberation on 13 April 1945.

This is a true account of her experience. Due to the gruesomeness of the real events, many were omitted. What remains shows the strength some humans delve deep within themselves in order to overcome adversity.

LIBERATED Excerpt:

Hanover, Lower Saxony

GERMANY 1939

The house looked the same as every other dwelling in the street. Two story, attached, weathered stone. There were three bedrooms and a bathroom with indoor plumbing upstairs. An attic, where family treasures were hidden, could only be accessed through a removable panel in the ceiling of the main bedroom closet. Downstairs was a small but adequate dine in kitchen, a sitting room and a storeroom. Inside the storeroom was a staircase which led down to a basement.

The house sat opposite the banks of the Leine River. It was home to Inga Albine and her family. She had one older sister, two older brothers and one younger brother. They loved summer when they could swim and play in the water.

Inga’s father, Adaulfo, was a well-known and successful Banker. An unusual occupation for an Aryan as most Bankers were Jewish.

Inga’s mother, Alisz, was a talented seamstress but with her husband being more than capable of providing for the family, sewing was a hobby rather than a chore. Although sewing gave her a great deal of joy, her first love was her family. She adored being with her children.

Being only children, both Alisz and Adaulfo had always dreamed of having a large family. Their dream had come true. They had five healthy children, blonde haired, blue eyed. Perfect Aryans in Adolf Hitler’s eyes. Klaus, 18, Manfred 17, Elke 15, Inga 13 and Oskar 8. The girls and Oskar attended private school while the two older boys studied Engineering. They all played the violin and with the exception of Oskar, they played very well. Neighbours often praised Adaulfo and Alisz on how polite and well-mannered all five children were.

The family were prominent in the local community. They never hesitated to help people who were less fortunate than themselves.

That was to be their downfall…..

GENRE:

Non-Fiction, Historical, True Life

Cover Design

Cover by Charlene Raddon of Cover-Ops

http://cover-ops.blogspot.com

 

About Author Laura Miller

Laura is a middle aged lady who was born in England. She has a compassionate nature, a great sense of humor and is a loyal friend. She also has an insatiable love of history.

Growing up, Laura would spend hours with a member of her family who she loved dearly. Over the years she was told the story of how this amazing lady had suffered at the hands of the Gestapo and German SS.

Laura had always had a strong desire to write. She felt a responsibility to record the story as a part of her family history.

Links:

Pre Order Links:

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Amazon AU

Amazon CA

Email:

millerlaura1955@gmail.com