About the Book

Book: Seeking Simon

Author: Susan Pope Sloan

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: November 26, 2024

When a mysterious stranger claims to be her fiancé, the fight to save her land turns into a battle for her heart.

Daviana Spalding dreams of leaving Georgia in search of a place where she can prove her worth as more than a claim to land. And when a handsome and kind stranger wanders onto the farm in need of help, she can’t help but see him in those dreams too. Yet those are only daydreams…until the Freedmen’s Bureau shows up threatening to take their land, and her guest steps forward claiming to be her betrothed.

Simon McNeil is a man haunted by his past and his time in a Confederate prison, seeking redemption and a fresh start back in Alabama. But his journey home is delayed when a bout of malaria keeps him bedridden, depending on strangers for help. As Daviana nurses him back to health, Simon is drawn to her strength and beauty, and when her home is threatened, he steps in to help.

When their fake engagement becomes real, Simon and Daviana must confront their feelings for one another as they face escalating threats that could tear them apart. And when a long-lost friend returns, all their plans could come crashing down.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Born into a family of storytellers, Susan Pope Sloan published her first articles in high school and continued writing sporadically for decades. Retirement provided the time to focus on writing and indulge her avid interest in history. Her Civil War series begins (and ultimately ends) in her home state of Georgia with references to lesser-known events of that period. She and husband Ricky live near Columbus where she participates in Word Weavers, ACFW, and Toastmasters.

More from Susan

When I started the series, I thought it would stop with the end of the war, but I became intrigued with the McNeil family who lived near the Alabama-Georgia line. (My family also is scattered on both sides of that state line, but farther south.)

Troy McNeil and his brothers had fought on opposing sides, which could lead to some tense moments. Simon became the prodigal son longing to go home after a long separation. This book delves into the relationships within the McNeil family and also with their former slaves. As a Southerner who grew up in the 1960’s, I’m well aware of the cultural distinctions that existed during that time, but I also know that relationships between individuals can emerge despite those distinctions. I believe the same could have happened in the previous century.

Seeking Simon also let me bring back that rascally Rufus Spalding from Loving Lydia. Rufus was a fun character to write, but I hadn’t paid much attention to his daughter, who was destined to become Simon’s love interest. Dottie/Daviana Spalding represents many women of the Civil War, who struggled within the confines of the old socio-economic system and longed for personal significance, symbolized here by the change in her name.

I pray that reading this book will encourage those who feel insignificant and long to matter in their world and also those who are praying for a prodigal to return. My favorite line from the book is “Every prodigal runs out of road sooner or later.”

Thank you for taking a look at Seeking Simon.

Interview with Susan

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I always loved making up stories, but taking a creative writing class in high school really solidified the desire to write.

How long does it take you to write a book?

I’m a slow writer, so I’ve learned to give myself three to six months for the first draft. After that, I have to let it sit for a while before I go back and work out the kinks.

What is your real-life work schedule like when writing?

I’m retired but active in local groups, so my balancing act isn’t as difficult as others. My usual excuse for not having enough time is “I have a husband.” 😊I generally aim for a certain word count every day and make myself accountable to my online group.

What are your favorite books to read?

Historical fiction, of course, but I make it a point to read other genres from time to time. I really enjoy reading in the Regency period, but I haven’t tried writing that era yet.

When did you write your first book and how old were you?

I was 39 when I wrote my first full-length novel. It was a biblical novel, and no one was publishing biblical fiction in the 1990’s, so I gave up trying to get it published.

How do you create your main characters?

I’d say I don’t create characters. They come to me fully developed, and I just have to discover what they’re all about as I write.

What would you say is the most difficult part of writing a book?

Developing a plot that works. My stories are character-driven, so the plot is secondary for me. I usually have quite a few holes that have to be fixed.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

In no particular order: Read, sing, crochet, sew, walk or ride my bicycle outside, play piano for my ears only, and visit family.

What does your family think of your writing?

After years of getting small pieces published and attending writers groups and conferences, I think it amazed them that I got a few books published. They were thrilled for me. The grandsons have asked to be featured in a book. 😊

Do you base your characters on real people?

Not intentionally, but sometimes I’ll realize a character reminds me of someone I know.  I like to use real events and sometimes include real historical people in a few scenes.

Have you experienced writer’s block, and how do you handle it?

Not really. I’ve encountered times when it took me a while to figure out how to make a scene work or where to go next, but nothing serious.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

It surprised me that the characters became so real during the writing process. It’s almost like I’m simply watching what they do.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I just finished book number five in this series. As much as I love all of them, it’s that first unpublished book that holds a special place in my heart. I guess it was for me alone.

Where can readers find out more about you and your books?

My books are published by Wild Heart Books, so readers can find me on that website as well as my own: https://susanpsloan.com. I’m listed on Amazon, BookBub, and Good Reads as Susan Pope Sloan. I’m also on Facebook and Instagram.

Any current or upcoming projects you’d like to tell us about?

I need to rework a story to offer as a lead magnet for my newsletter, and I’ve started a contemporary short story or novella so I can include those grandsons as characters.

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 7

Texas Book-aholic, December 8

Connie’s History Classroom, December 9

Stories By Gina, December 10 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, December 10

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 12

Cover Lover Book Review, December 13

Simple Harvest Reads, December 14 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Artistic Nobody, December 15 (Author Interview)

Allyson Jamison, December 15

For Him and My Family, December 16

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 17

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, December 18

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, December 19 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, December 20

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Susan is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54112