Cathy Richmond's "Through Rushing Water"

Title: Through Rushing Water
Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Cover blurb: Sophia Makinoff is certain 1876 is the year that she’ll become the wife of a certain US Congressman, and happily plans her debut into the Capitol city. But when he proposes to her roommate instead, Sophia is stunned. To flee the upcoming nuptials, she signs up with the Board of Foreign Missions.

With dreams of a romantic posting to the Far East, Sophia is dismayed to find she’s being sent to the Ponca Indian Agency in the primitive Dakota Territory. She can’t even run away effectively and begins to wonder how on earth she’ll be able to guide others as a missionary. But teaching the Ponca children provides her with a joy she has never known—and never expected—and ignites in her a passion for the people she’s sent to serve.

It’s a passion shared by the Agency carpenter, Willoughby Dunn, a man whose integrity and selflessness are unmatched. The Poncas are barely surviving. When US policy decrees that they be uprooted from their land and marched hundreds of miles away in the middle of winter, Sophia and Will wade into rushing waters to fight for their friends, their love, and their destiny.

1) How did this story come to you?
The trial of Standing Bear is the most important event in 1870s Nebraska, yet few outside our state have heard of it. While researching the events leading to the trial, I discovered one of the teachers at the Ponca Agency was Russian. A woman with the same name taught at Vassar College. Why would anyone leave what must have been the most comfortable job in the U.S. for the hardships and heartbreak of an Indian reservation? She would have been surrounded by people with a different skin color, different language, different culture. Their enormous needs must have overwhelmed her and their enormous faith humbled her... just as I had experienced when I went with my church on mission trips to Jamaica. I knew I'd found my heroine for Through Rushing Water.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Through Rushing Water is the second book in my contract with Thomas Nelson, so it was my first time with a deadline. I'm relieved to say, I made it! With God all things are possible!

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I have grandbunnies! My daughter has two pet rabbits, Natty Bunpo and Professor Fritz. My son has a contract to write a children's book - at the ripe young age of 26. The most unusual place I've ever lived is Nantucket Island.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
Ideas are scampering around my head like untrained puppies - I'm trying to figure out which one is ready for paper training!

5) Parting comments?
Through Rushing Water is dedicated to those who went out to change the world and returned with a changed heart. Have you gone on a mission trip? Were you amazed to see God in action? Surprised at the changes within you? This book is especially for you!

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
I love to hear from readers!

http://www.catherinerichmond.com/, https://www.facebook.com/catherinerichmondfans, and Twitter @WriterCatherine.

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.