Help me welcome author Linda Shenton Matchett as she shares a giveaway and her latest release with us.

I was honored to be invited to contribute a story to the You Are on The Air series, a collection of stories in which the protagonists call into a radio program for relationship advice. I jumped at the chance and accepted the offer. About three weeks later, I began to regret the decision. What was I thinking? I’m a writer of historical fiction; I had published exactly one contemporary book. Contacting the series coordinator, I apologetically notified her that I need to renege on my commitment and said I’d do my best to find a replacement author.

Her response? How about if you weave history into your plotline?

That I could do! But how? Then it came to me…

I had just finished putting together an exhibit with the curator at the museum where I volunteer. One of the display items was a wedding gown made from a parachute. Included with the dress was a photograph of the couple, and their names and wedding date, but nothing else. Why did they wait until the end of the war to marry? Why not wed before the groom shipped out? Did they regret waiting? I realized that members of today’s armed forces might deal with the same situation and knew I had my story.

Excellent! I had managed to come up with a concept, but it would require A LOT of research: Valentine’s Day and the military. My mother’s birthday is February 14, so when we were growing up that date was all about celebrating Mom, not romance. As a result, observing the day never carried over into my adult (dating) life, therefore, I had to research what Valentine’s Day means to people and how it is celebrated. Additionally, even though I know many people who serve(d) in all branches of the armed forces, I didn’t have a clue about what it’s like to be part of a military family.

Fortunately, the writing community is a giving community. I posted on a couple of author groups about the information I needed and almost immediately heard from USA Today and Publishers Weekly Bestselling Author Jodie Bailey. Did you see what I just wrote? A USA Today and Publishers Bestselling author contacted “little ol’ me.” Her husband, 1SG(R) Paul Bailey, is apparently quite used to being a resource, and the two were a gold mine of information.

I loved writing this book, and the research gave me an even greater appreciation for those serving in the armed forces. There’s no way I have what it takes to be part of this special group of people. I hope Dial V for Valentine honors them and brings to light their daily sacrifices.

About Dial V for Valentine

Valentine’s Day is perfect for a wedding. If only the bride will agree.

Being part of the military is not just a job for Fergus Rafferty, it’s a calling. He’s worked his way up the ranks and doing what he loves best: flying Apache helicopters. The only thing that will make his life complete is marrying Celeste. After he transfers to a unit scheduled to deploy in three months, he’s thrilled at the idea of marrying before he leaves so they can start their new life. Except Celeste wants to wait until he returns. Can he convince her to wed before he leaves?

Celeste Hardwicke has just opened her law practice when she finally accepts Fergus’s marriage proposal. Not to worry. She has plenty of time to set a date, then plan the wedding. Until she doesn’t. But a quickie wedding isn’t what she has in mind. Besides, why get married when the groom will ship out after the ceremony? When she stumbles on her great-grandmother’s diary from World War II, she discovers the two of them share the same predicament. 

At an impasse, Celeste and Fergus agree to call into WDES’s program No Errin’ for Love. Will DJ Erin Orberg’s advice solve their dilemma or create a bigger divide? One they’ll both regret.

How to enter givewaway: Leave a comment and your cleverly disguised email address (for example, donna AT livebytheword DOT com), and we will select one random winner to receive an ebook edition of Dial V for Valentine.

About the Author: 

Linda Shenton Matchett writes happily-ever-after historical Christian fiction about second chances and women who overcome life’s challenges to be better versions of themselves. Whether you choose my books set in the Old West or across the globe during WWII, you will be immersed in the past through rich detail. Follow the journeys of relatable characters whose faith is sorely tested, yet in the end, emerge triumphant. Be encouraged in your own faith-walk through stories of history and hope. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Linda was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry (of Star-Spangled Banner fame) and has lived in historical places all her life. She now lives in central New Hampshire where she is a volunteer docent and archivist at the Wright Museum of WWII.

Social Media Links:

Website/Blog: http://www.LindaShentonMatchett.com

Newsletter Signup: https://BookHip.com/BKQNLMN

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lindashentonmatchettsreadersgroup

Moments in History: http://www.youtube.com/@lindamatchett

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/linda-shenton-matchett

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author_linda_matchett