Episode 449: A Chat with Avellina Balestri

 WHEW!  Guys, I had the BEST conversation with Avellina Balestri--nearly FOUR hours of chatting. And somehow I cut it down to less than an hour (okay, we didn't record the first hour). But... WHOA. This woman's historical knowledge is phenomenal. Listen in to see why I can't WAIT to read this book! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  Seriously, there is WAY too much for me to try to put into shown notes.  Zip me a message or an email if you want the whole conversation 95% uncut (over two hours) uploaded to YouTube.  I could make that happen. Gone for a Soldier by Avellina Balestri If you don a scarlet coat at the price of your conscience, the color will only remind you of the wound in your own soul! If you sign away the faith of your fathers, all lesser goods will be forfeited too!" ~ Young Edmund Southworth could not have foreseen the path his life would take upon befriending Gentleman Johnny Burgoyne, British military veteran and parliamentarian. As Catholic recusants from the north of England, Edmund's once noble family has struggled to survive for centuries in the shadow of the Anglican ascendancy. But General Burgoyne offers him the chance to put past humiliations behind him by joining the Church of England and donning a scarlet coat as an officer of King George III. Although his conscience is uneasy, Edmund embarks upon Burgoyne's March to subdue the American revolutionaries by splitting the colonies in two. He finds unexpected love in the arms of Abby Vanderkamp, a supporter of American independence, who will do anything to free her father from a British prison hulk or, failing that, strike a blow for the hard-pressed rebel cause. As the British advance through the New York wilderness devolves into increasing brutality and instability, Edmund will have his already divided loyalties tested to the breaking point under the influence of this hostile land, which presents him with new challenges and opportunities alike. Learn more about Avellina on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads. Don't miss the literary magazine she edits as well! Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!