As we begin this tale, we see Mariah, a young woman who has recently lost her father, battling with his past indiscretions and faced with the consequences of her father’s bad decisions. Where did the idea for Claiming Mariah come from?
Several years ago, I read a novel where a bank robber tosses a sack of stolen money in the back seat of a hand-to-mouth college student’s car. She kept the money and eventually started a very successful business. She justified her actions because she anonymously created a charity to help destitute young women get back on their fee. But, as the old saying goes, two wrongs don’t make a right, and that wasn’t quite right from a Christian’s perspective, was it? I based Claiming Mariah on the following question: “What would a Christian do if they found out their whole livelihood had been based on a lie?” Mariah does the right thing by writing to Slade’s father asking for forgiveness, but the consequences of her actions end up being way more than she bargained for.
For someone debating reading your story, what would you say makes it worth the read? What sets it apart from other historical novels out there?
Some might say that Slade Donovan doesn’t come across as very heroic to begin with, but he believes he has good reasons for his demands. He quickly softens toward the heroine and her family and eventually lets go of his bitterness. Also, I like readers to see part of the story from an unusual angle, a point of view that shines a light a little off center, and in Claiming Mariah, that light is on Red Harper, a secondary character who plays a pivotal role in the story. Red could have had so many more layers, and I’m still not sure I did him justice.
While writing, do you find yourself using your life experiences as fodder for a more realistic novel? If so, describe a few times this takes place within Claiming Mariah.
The account of Yellow, the half-wild tomcat and his precarious beginnings after being born in the woods, is an almost exact retelling of a cat that I befriended several years ago. I had to work for that cat’s trust, just as Mariah earns the trust of both Slade and Yellow in Claiming Mariah.
The entire true-life account of Taming Yellow can be found here: http://calicotrails.blogspot.com/2012/11/taming-yellow.html
In the larger sense, what do you hope readers learn from Claiming Mariah?
I hope readers can learn to let go of bitterness toward someone who has wronged them. But on the flip side, I pray that someone who has committed a wrong would have the courage to offer restitution if God lays it on their heart to do so.
About Pam
Pam Hillman was born and raised on a dairy farm in Mississippi and spent her teenage years perched on the seat of a tractor raking hay. In those days, her daddy couldn’t afford two cab tractors with air conditioning and a radio, so Pam drove the Allis Chalmers 110. Even when her daddy asked her if she wanted to bale hay, she told him she didn’t mind raking. Raking hay doesn’t take much thought so Pam spent her time working on her tan and making up stories in her head. Now, that’s the kind of life every girl should dream of! Claiming Mariah is her second novel. www.pamhillman.com
Pam is thrilled to announce the release of her second novel,
About The Book
In light of her father’s death, Mariah Malone sends a letter that will forever alter the lives of her family. When Slade Donovan, strong willed and eager for vengeance, shows up on her front porch, Mariah is not ready to hear his truths: her father’s farm, the only home she’s ever known, was bought with stolen gold. With Slade ready to collect his father’s rightful claim and force Mariah and her family out on the streets, Mariah must turn to God for guidance. Though Mr. Fredrick Cooper, a local landowner, promises to answer her financial woes if she agrees to be his bride, Mariah finds herself drawn instead to the angry young man demanding her home.
With the ranch now under Slade’s careful eye, he will unearth more than he ever imagined as a devious plot of thievery, betrayal and murder threatens more than the well-being of the ranch, endangering the lives of those who hold it dear. With days dwindling until the rest of the Donovan clan arrive to the Lazy M ranch, Mariah and Slade must rise above the resentment of their fathers and see their true feelings before greed alters their futures forever.
To celebrate, Pam is giving away two eReaders
(choice of Kindle Wi-Fi, 6″ Display, or Nook Simple Touch)
Two Winners: One on facebook. One through Pam’s Newsletter.
Facebook Drawing: Kindle/Nook Giveaway
Newsletter: Pam’s newsletter.
Registering both places is not required but will double your chances of winning. Also keep in mind that you will receive updates more often being connected on facebook than through the newsletter. Just sayin’
Contest runs from January 1st until March 31st, 2013.
And….that’s not all! There will be prizes offered randomly throughout the tour.
Pam is especially excited about this week’s giveaway:
A horn fountain pen handcrafted by Herbert Johnston
PREVIOUS STOP ON TOUR
January 17th: Blogging with Jenny Blake
NEXT STOP ON TOUR:
January 21st: Blogging with Mary Connealy
http://mconnealy.blogspot.com/
Click for a Complete List of Stops Along the Tour
Preslaysa, thank you for inviting me into your home on the web.
Love the pink and green wall paper. Very chic! 🙂 I left my boots at the door and will freshen up in the powder room. Looking forward to visiting with you and your guests.
Oh, what pretty teacups! So dainty! c\_/ c\_/
Tea, anyone? Coffee? [_]?
Wow love the book came about from the bank robbery story and I can see where that happened. Love Yellow and how Mariah was taming it and it came from a real story. I have had a cat or two come to the old house I use to try and get close to but never quite got there. (still trying to convince two where I visit I am a good person but no they run for the hills).
Jenny, taming a cat takes a lot of patience, doesn’t it? And I doubt we’d ever completely tame one. I just like to know they’re being fed and taken care of.
PAM, I love what you said about “forgiving others”…..I totally agree. However, I do know a person who needs to practice this……am praying for them!
Great tour!!