RITA Watch: The Soldier's Wife by Cheryl Reavis

Welcome, The Soldier’s Wife and thank you for interviewing with us today. The Craftie Ladies always enjoy having new books stop by to talk with us.

To get started, can you tell us when you were born?

August 1, 2012

And where were you born?

I was born in North Carolina in the imagination of award-winning author Cheryl Reavis. 

Then, it’s not too surprising that your story is set in North Carolina. Do you have any brothers and sisters?

I have a houseful of siblings, with another one An Unexpected Wife due in July from Love Inspired Historicals.

What do you think made you a RITA finalist?

My emotional pull. I’m one of those stories that hits you in the heart. And it doesn’t hurt that I’m set in an interesting time period — the aftermath of the U.S. Civil War — and my main characters are a Union soldier and a Southern was widow. Not to mention my vivid descriptions of my Blue Ridge Mountains setting.

I have to agree. You certainly pulled on my heart strings. I’m a bit of a Civil War buff, so I’ve read a lot of stories set in that time period, and you’re right up there on my favorites list.  Now can you tell our readers a little more about yourself?

Sure. Here's my back cover copy:

"Promise Me You'll Help Her."

Former Union soldier Jeremiah "Jack" Murphy should never have given his word to a dying man, especially a Rebel. But now he feels honor-bound to carry the message to the man's young bride. Besides, with false charges following him, Jack needs somewhere to turn. After he fulfills his promise, perhaps the North Carolina mountains can give this weary soldier some shelter. Yet when he meets beautiful widow Sayer Garth, leaving is the last thing on Jack's mind. Sayer, and her young sisters-in-law, need help that Jack is more than willing to provide. If only he could be certain that his presence-and his secrets-won't put them all at risk….

Thank you for being with us today, The Soldier’s Wife. And congratulations on being a Rita Finalist. You must be thrilled!