I’d like to take a moment to pause and reflect on the many men and women over America’s existence who have fought and died for our freedoms. Beginning with the thousands who died during the American Revolution under the leadership of General George Washington and the care of his wife Martha Washington. All the way through to today’s men and women serving in the many branches of the military service. Thank you to them and their families for the sacrifices made to keep our borders safe from invasion and to help protect us in times of crises such as the current pandemic.
I did not serve in the military, though I did apply and was turned down due to weighing more than they would accept. I had hoped that by enlisting they’d help me slim down, but they didn’t agree with my thinking. Perhaps it’s for the best as I’m not necessarily willing to follow someone else’s lead. But that’s another story!
I have family who has served as does my husband, who himself was a captain in the U.S. Army. Both enlisted and officers doing their best to serve their country in times of war and peace. I am grateful to them and everyone like them who had/have the courage to stand up and defend our way of life.
So my fellow Americans, as you go about having your holiday barbecues, picnics, and other outdoor activities, please remember the meaning behind Memorial Day.
Next week is the big day! Early reviews of Becoming Lady Washington are 4 and 5 stars with highly complimentary things to say about the story, too. Remember that I’m throwing Martha Washington a birthday party and you’re invited!
The party will take place on Sunday, May 31, 3-4 pm CDT, a few days before the actual date of her birth. I’m inviting all of you to join in virtually from your own computer or device, too. We’ll each put a single birthday candle in a baked good (cake, cupcake, cookie, brownie, etc.) or other dessert. We’ll sing “Happy Birthday” to Martha Washington and by extension her story, Becoming Lady Washington, which will release on June 2. Then we’ll blow out the candles and I’ll read an excerpt from the book and answer any of your burning questions about her life or my writing and research.
How will it work? After you RSVP here, the week of the party I’ll send out a newsletter to only the party guests with the party favors and the Zoom meeting invitation link. You can dress up in period costume (like me?) if you’d like, or just wear a party hat for the occasion. You might really get into the spirit and decorate a bit for a birthday party, too. I’m going to see what decorations I can scare up here. If you’re interested in attending the party, be sure to RSVP or you won’t receive the party invite! (Yes, it will sign you up for a newsletter, but only one time so I can send you the information. Then that group of subscribers will be deleted. Promise!)
Thanks for reading! I hope to “see” you at the party!
Betty
P.S. If you haven’t already, please consider signing up for my newsletter, which I send out most every month, including news like new covers, new releases, and upcoming appearances where I love to meet my readers, along with recipes and writing progress. Thanks and happy reading!
Visit www.bettybolte.com for more on my books and upcoming events.
Available for preorders now! Releases June 2, 2020…
Martha “Patsy” Custis manages an immense eighteenth-century plantation in the Virginia colony. But as a young widow she’s hard pressed to balance her business and to care for her two young children. They need a father and protector. She needs a husband and business partner…one she can trust, especially now as tensions rise between the motherland and the American colonies. Her experience and education have sustained her thus far but when her life veers in an unexpected direction, she realizes she has so much more to learn.
Colonel George Washington takes an interest in her and she’s surprised to find him so sociable and appealing. They form an instant bond and she is certain he’ll be a likeable and loving husband and father figure for her children. She envisions a quiet life at Mount Vernon, working together to provide for their extended family.
But when trouble in the form of British oppression, taxes, and royal arrogance leads to revolt and revolution, George must choose between duty to country and Martha. Compelled to take matters into her own hands, Martha must decide whether to remain where she belongs or go with her husband…no matter what the dangerous future may hold.
Betty Bolte's Musings 