Wow! Does it feel good to get my second complete novel from my computer into your hands.
When I first started Luke and Elizabeth’s story, I never envisioned all the twists and turns and nefarious schemes that would end up in the final version. From cruel former fiancés to meddling mothers to scheming brothers, this novel took on a life of its own. I was thrilled with the way Luke and Elizabeth changed and grew alongside the story. They constantly rose to meet new challenges and came through shining like gold tempered by fire. As an author, I’m a little sad to see them go, but I’m also busy working on more stories for you to read, so parting with Luke and Elizabeth then isn’t too painful.
Family played an important part in the writing of The Wyoming Heir. Oftentimes in novels, the main characters have healthy, ideal families, loving parents and kind siblings. Unfortunately families in real life usually look a lot less perfect, and so with this story, I endeavored to examine “family” and everything that concept entails. Rules, social mores and expectations all play into the fabric that makes a family into...well, a family. I hope Luke’s and Elizabeth’s fictional struggles with their families gives you some personal hope and encouragement, and perhaps even sheds some light on what it means to be part of a “family.”
Historically speaking, the Panic of 1893 started the worst depression the country saw before the Great Depression of the 1930s. Overextension and poor financing of the railroad industry coupled with the government driving up silver prices and a full-fledged gold run were the main causes of the panic, and many eastern families such as Elizabeth’s lost their fortunes. Unfortunately the financial struggles that the Wells family and Hayes Academy for Girls face in The Wyoming Heir were very real, and probably not all that different from some of the current financial troubles plaguing the United States today.
Thank you so much for taking time to read my second novel, The Wyoming Heir. I hope you enjoyed it, and if you’re interested in reading more of my stories, my debut novel, Sanctuary for a Lady, has been out for over a year, and its sequel, The Soldier’s Secrets, will release in April 2014.
Like many other writers, I love hearing from readers. To contact me, or stay up-to-date on my newest stories, you can visit my website www.naomirawlings.com. Or you can write to me at PO Box 134, Ontonagon, MI 49953.
Blessings,
Naomi Rawlings