So you’ve accepted a free copy of a book in return for a review. Or maybe you've finished a book you want to tell everyone about. But now that you’ve read it, that next step seems daunting. So here are some tips to help you decide how to write your review. Though I’ll concentrate on … Continue reading 3 Easy Ways to Write a Book Review
Author: Gifford MacShane
The Quakers and the Underground Railroad
You’ve heard about the Underground Railroad in the southern coastal states, and Harriet Tubman’s and Frederick Douglass’s heroism in aiding slaves escape to the northeastern states and Canada. The Railroad actually had several distinct routes to freedom, as shown on this map from National Geographic. The branch on the Mississippi and Ohio rivers was established … Continue reading The Quakers and the Underground Railroad
RAINBOW MAN is here!
So it's been awhile since you heard from me, but there's a good reason: after exhaustive edits, critiques, and beta reads, RAINBOW MAN has been published! And here's the lovely cover chosen by my newsletter subscribers: This novel, like my previous ones, is set in the 1880s Arizona Territory. A bit more information on it: … Continue reading RAINBOW MAN is here!
Western Trivia: Mark Twain
Mark Twain, whose real name was Samuel Langhorne Clemens, is an American icon. But in his time, he wasn't the only one in his family with name recognition. Twain's older brother, Orion Clemens, was a newspaper publisher and had studied law under Edward Bates, who later became President Abraham Lincoln's Attorney General. Orion was appointed … Continue reading Western Trivia: Mark Twain
MOLLIE DARLIN’, Traditional American Folksong
The first time I heard this song, I thought it was Irish in origin, as it has the same appeal. But it was written by William Shakespeare Hayes (1837-1907), a prolific American lyricist who is often compared to Stephen Foster. The more I hear it, the more I love it. You can sing along with … Continue reading MOLLIE DARLIN’, Traditional American Folksong
THE WOODSMAN’S ROSE Character Sketch: Annie Griffiths
Annie is the fiancee of Daniel Donovan, a delicate girl who suffers from debilitating headaches. But Annie is also know as the best baker in their community, and she's volunteered to make a wedding cake for Daniel's brother Frank's wedding to Patricia Flaherty. This excerpt from THE WOODSMAN'S ROSE is inspired by her talents. Daniel … Continue reading THE WOODSMAN’S ROSE Character Sketch: Annie Griffiths
THE WOODSMAN’S ROSE now available; First review is in!
THE WOODSMAN'S ROSE was released yesterday. All the retailers' links are in one place at Books2Read: When a friendship is shattered, can a fragile young woman with the gift of insight heal the rift? 1880s Arizona: Daniel Donovan wants nothing more than to get married, unless it's to restore his friendship with his closest friend, … Continue reading THE WOODSMAN’S ROSE now available; First review is in!
THE WOODSMAN’S ROSE is Available for Pre-Order
THE WOODSMAN'S ROSE, Book 2 in the Donovan Family Saga, is set to release on January 25, 2021, and is available to pre-order right now! Find all the Retailers offering the pre-order at Books2Read. If your favorite site isn't there, watch for updates, as they're still coming in! I'm also very please to announce a … Continue reading THE WOODSMAN’S ROSE is Available for Pre-Order
An Answer to That Age-Old Question: What to do with the kitty’s Santa hat when the kitty won’t wear it?
Find a fake kitty who doesn't mind wearing it: OR: or, better yet... HOPE YOUR HOLIDAYS ARE MERRY & BRIGHT!
WHISPERS IN THE CANYON: Another 5-star review from Readers’ Favorite
This lovely review was written by K. C. Finn. (No spoilers!) "WHISPERS IN THE CANYON is a work of fiction in the historical, romance, and interpersonal drama sub-genres, and was penned by author Gifford MacShane. Written as the opening novel to the Donovan Family Saga of books, this work is largely suitable for all readerships, … Continue reading WHISPERS IN THE CANYON: Another 5-star review from Readers’ Favorite
Gifford MacShane, Author 