Monday, March 26, 2012

Catherine Richmond's "Spring for Susannah"




Title: Spring for Susannah
Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Cover blurb: Hundreds of miles from home, Susannah faces an uncertain future as a mail-order bride on the untamed Dakota prairie.

When her parents die suddenly, and no suitors call, Susannah resigns herself to the only option available: becoming a mail-order bride. Agreeing to marry her pastor's brother, Jesse, Susannah leaves the only home she's ever known for the untamed frontier of the Dakota Territory.

Her new husband is more loving and patient with her than she believes she deserves. Still, there is also a wildness to him that mirrors the wilderness surrounding them. And Susannah finds herself constantly on edge. But Jesse's confidence in her-and his faith in God's perfect plan-slowly begin to chip away at the wall she hides behind.

When she miscarries in the brutal Dakota winter, Susannah's fledgling faith in herself and in God begins to crumble. Still, Jesse's love is unwavering. Just when it seems like winter will never end, Susannah finally sees the first tentative evidence of spring. And with it, the realization that more than the landscape has changed.

She looks to the future with a renewed heart. Yet in her wildest dreams, she couldn't predict all that awaits her.

1) How did this story come to you?
Spring for Susannah was inspired by a song about a mail-order bride meeting her husband for the first time. Researching the history unrolled the story.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I first heard the song in July 1991. Through the years I researched, learned to write, and learned to deal with rejection letters. I entered a contest, hoping for feedback, and received a contract with Thomas Nelson - how amazing is that!

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I was on a rifle team in high school and college. I have a pilot's license. My writing is fueled by Ghiradelli chocolate chips - they come in huge bags from Sam's Club. No, I won't say how many it takes to write a novel!

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
My next book, Through Rushing Water, releases in July. When the mission board sends her to a poverty-stricken Indian agency, Sophia wonders if she can do anything about the tribe's enormous problems. Then she witnesses the most important events of the 19th century.

5) Parting comments?
I love hearing from readers!

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
http://www.catherinerichmond.com/, https://www.facebook.com/catherinerichmondfans, and Twitter @WriterCatherine.

23 comments:

  1. I would love to win a copy of Spring for Susannah. Love your books.

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  2. I would love to win this book for ME, lol, I have it on my wish list.

    wfnren(at)aol(dot)com
    wrensthoughts.blogspot.com

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  3. I've had my eye on this one. I would love to win it thanks!

    Margaret
    singitm(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  4. I would love thread this. Looks like a great read :)

    randomness.is.awesome@gmail.com

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  5. I've been wanting to read this one for awhile!

    marissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com

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  6. Spring For Suzannah sounds like a great novel. i would love to win! Thank you for the opportunity

    marianne dot wanham at yahoo dot com

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    Replies
    1. sorry, the correct email address is

      marianne dot wanham at gmail dot com

      Delete
  7. I love books about mail order brides. They have problems that they have to deal with and survive the harsh living conditions. Some find real love, some don't find the love they would like to have and some only have hardships. I would love to win Spring For Suzannah as it sounds like a great story. Thanks for the opportunity to enter giveaway.

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

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  8. Spring for Susannah sounds a little different than many of the mail-order bride stories, and I'd love a chance to win. Thanks for the giveaway as well as the interesting interview!
    -Emily

    emily_reynolds(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  9. I love mail-order bride stories. It's such an interesting journey of discovery.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  10. I've always been fascinated by the idea of mail-order brides. Funny how they always work out well in the romance stories, eh? I suppose, in real life, they didn't end up quit so neat and tidy... but I still enjoy them. :)

    twinwillowsfarm at gmail dot com

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  11. I love the variety of subjects that you write about and would very happy to win your book.

    CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

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  12. Yes, I've wondered why we love mail-order bride stories. Is it because it's the opposite of what happens in real life - that we date someone perfect, then find out what a mess he is after we marry ? ;-). It is amazing any of these mail-order marriages survived - but they did! I think they believed in commitment, whereas now it seems couples believe in weddings (think of certain celebrities). Blessings on all of you and your marriages!

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  13. This book sounds great. I'd love to win a copy. There's a lot of truth in Cathy's comment. Commintment is so important. Thanks.

    thanger72@yahoo.com

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  14. This sounds like a great book.
    Linda L.
    dlarock(at)wolfenet(dot)com

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  15. Mail order bride books are very interesting and I would love to read this book. Thank you for the opportunity to enter me.

    Blessings,
    Jo
    ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

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  16. I interviewed a historian and asked her why women agreed to be mail-order brides. She said a lot of areas, especially in New England, had no men. Between the Civil War and the "go west young man" lure of gold and other adventures, they had no prospects. Becoming a mail-order bride was their only chance for marriage. Isn't that sad?

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  17. Sounds great! Really enjoy stories of arranged marriages where love takes hold and blooms!
    brendon8 at bellsouth dot net

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  18. Sounds like a great read. I hope to win :-)

    thelastbinge@gmail.com

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  19. I love reading prairie and Mail Order Bride stories ever since I read The Little House On the Prairie so many years ago!
    I would love to read Spring for Susannah!
    Thanks!
    Rebecca
    rbooth43(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  20. Rebecca, I reread Laura Ingalls Wilder's books when I researched Spring for Susannah. She almost starved to death in the Long Winter. It's so hard to imagine that desperation in today's world. The other thing that hit me was how often Pa Ingalls was gone. We have this imagine of the family being together all the time, but homesteaders needed a second source of income, which meant the father had to work. And Laura's first job was sitting on a claim with another woman - what a difficult life! It's a wonder anyone survied!

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  21. And the winner is… Teresa! With all these interesting comments, I wish I could send a copy to each of you! Blessings!

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