At the height of the French and Indian War, a young English widow ventures into the colonial frontier in search of a fresh start. She never expects to find it in the arms of the half-Shawnee, half-French warrior who makes her his prisoner in the raging battle to possess a continent--or to be aided by a mysterious white wolf and a holy man.
"Ms. Trissel has woven a spellbinding, emotionally riveting story of love and adventure. Her writing is mystical, action packed, and heart wrenching, pulling you straight into the thick of it. Prepare to embark on a captivating journey with characters you'll fall in love with, and won't soon forget." ~ Eliza Knight, Historical Romance Author
I'm a Wild Rose Press author of historical and light paranormal romance and 2008 Golden Heart ® Finalist. My first release, SOMEWHERE MY LOVE, a murder mystery/ghost story romance with flashbacks to early nineteenth century Virginia, won first place in the 2008 Preditors & Editors Readers Poll for Best Romance Novel and was reviewed at Publisher's Weekly (April/Barbara Vey's Blog).
I am married and live on a farm in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia with children and multiple animals. The beauty of the valley and mountains are my inspiration, as are my roots which go well back into Virginia's history. My fascination with the colonial frontier and the Shawnee Indians is an early and abiding one. My English, Scot-Irish ancestors had interactions with this tribe, including family members taken captive. Intrigued with all things Celtic, much of my writing features the Scot-Irish who settled the valley and spread into the mountains and the Carolinas.
This absorption with early America also extends to the high drama of the Revolution and ancestors who fought and loved on both sides of that sweeping conflict. My research into the Southern face of the war was partly inspired by my great great great grandfather, Sam Houston, uncle of the famous Sam, who kept a journal of the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, North Carolina, 1781, used by historians today. Historical romance novel, ENEMY OF THE KING, grew out of my passionate interest in the Revolution.
I've researched extensively and consulted with members of the Shawnee Nation United Remnant Band to ensure authenticity of the Native American aspects in my work. THROUGH THE FIRE, 2008 Golden Heart ®, is set in the colonial frontier with a THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS flavor.
My light paranormal, DAUGHTER OF THE WIND, is a suspenseful historical romance set among the clannish Scots-Irish in the Alleghenies two years after the revolution. The Celtic flavor of these early Scots is a unique twist on stories set in the Old Country with an intriguing paranormal element in the form of a 'bear walking' Shawnee warrior and a mystical necklace. The Ohio Shawnee confided this ancient belief/practice of bear walking to me and they are long known for their belief in the power of amulets.
Also by Beth Trissel
Somewhere My Love Daughter of the Wind Enemy of the King
A note from Beth Trissel...
My Colonial American Romance entitled A Warrior For Christmas will be one of six stories featured in the American Rose Christmas Anthology.
An Interview with Beth Trissel
By Holly Hewson for The Romance Studio
HH: Beth, thank you for talking with us at TRS. Please tell us about your featured book, Through the Fire.
BT: Thanks for having me, Holly. Through the Fire is a fast paced historical romance with a The Last of the Mohicans flavor and a mystical weave.
HH: A young English widow finds herself the captive of a half-Shawnee, half-French warrior. Where did you get the idea for this emotionally-charged romance?
BT: From research into my English Scots-Irish ancestors, fascination with the colonial frontier, and a dream. I dreamed the opening to this story.
HH: How much research went into this story to bring it so wonderfully to life?
BT: Years of research went into Through the Fire with assistance from anthropologists, reenactors, and Shawnee language experts. I consulted with members of the Shawnee Ohio Remnant Band to assure authenticity of the Native American elements. Through the Fire is a journey back in a time to a place and people I feel passionate about.
HH: What do you like best about Rebecca and how do you identify with her?
BT: Rebecca is angry and grieving at the start of Through the Fire and so was I over the tragic death of my youngest daughter's best friend to a drunk driver. That child's death on top of other family tragedies called for a dramatic arena in which to vent. The French and Indian War provided just that. Rebecca is a volatile blend of fury and vulnerability. She's my favorite heroine of them all.
HH: You've had a busy spring/early summer? What's your schedule like these days?
BT: ? I have a boisterous and growing family and spend much time with them. I'm also an avid gardener. With three releases out in May, it's been hectic. Promo demands a lot of attention now, but I hope to get back into my writing soon.
HH: What else do you have coming up for lucky readers?
BT: I recently signed with the Wild Rose Press for my American historical Christmas story entitled A Warrior for Christmas. It will be one of six stories included in their American Rose Christmas anthology. I also have another Native American historical romance under consideration. Through the Fire is the first of three colonial frontier romance novels I've written.
HH: What's your favorite part of the creative process in writing?
BT: When the research is done and the story just flows.
HH: What challenges do you face at this point in your career?
BT: Balancing promo with actual writing.
HH: What are you reading now?
BT: Haunted Virginia by Pamela Kinney. I love a good ghost story.
HH: How do you plan to spend the summer?
BT: My youngest daughter is home from college and we plan to get the yard in better shape. I look forward to welcoming our next grandbaby in late summer. Somewhere between my burgeoning family and gardening, I hope to make some real progress in my WIP. Maybe even several of them. Like many writers I have stories at various stages of completion.
