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Guest Post with Eileen Clymer Schwab, author of Shadow of a Quarter Moon & Giveaway

July 26, 2011 by Darlene

I’m pleased to welcome Eileen Clymer Schwab, author of Shadow of a Quarter Moon, to Peeking Between the Pages today. This book sounds fantastic and I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy. Any time you mention plantations, slavery, and family secrets to me, I’m in! So sit back, relax, and let’s see what Eileen has to say on her inspiration for Shadow of a Quarter Moon…

Imagine fleeing the only home you know, alone, with nothing but the clothes on your back. Without shoes or a map, you tread through murky nights along landscape you have never seen. You have no idea where you are going or where you will end up, yet what you are escaping makes the treacherous journey the lesser hell. In the 1800’s the secret network of escape known as the Underground Railroad was the perfect example of the best of America in the worst of America, and it serves as a vehicle of transformation for the main character in my novel, SHADOW OF A QUARTER MOON.

In the book, an unimaginable secret changes the course of Jacy Lane’s life; not once, but twice. First, when it is hidden from her, and then when it is revealed. As the daughter of a plantation owner, Jacy has been raised in privilege until she discovers that she is the offspring of a dalliance between her father and a slave. Amid the shock and complexities of her mixed heritage, Jacy is simply a woman longing for love, happiness, and a sense of wholeness; however the 1800s are not a simple time and Jacy begins a treacherous journey of denial and self-discovery that is fraught with danger and life-altering choices. She soon discovers that what she chases is as elusive as the secret network she hopes can save them.

While I do not profess to be an expert on the Underground Railroad, I am an admiring believer in its power to unite for a common cause and awed by the courageous men and women who drove it forward in the changing face of a nation. Its veins began in the South, flowing northward to the Free States, and sometimes continued all the way into Canada. One of the questions I often hear from readers is, “Do you find it difficult to write novels that are set in such a brutal period of American history?”

Let me confide to you that I am a “happily ever after” kind of gal. So the fact that I’ve written two novels against the backdrop of slavery in the 1800s may seem like a highly unusual choice. After all, what good can be gained by stirring old ghosts? For this reason, there is not a lot of adult fiction written about this period. I suspect this is because it is not a time we are proud of or wish to reminisce over. Instead we hide it from sight like an ugly scar. Readers and writers alike often avoid revisiting these pre-Civil War years because of the horror and shame it stirs in our moral conscience. In keeping the door closed on this period, we miss the chance to celebrate and marvel at the incredible acts of courage and daring deeds that were the genesis of social change in the United States.

The main characters in SHADOW OF A QUARTER MOON are composites of countless heroes, both black and white, who provided aid to runaway slaves in one way or another. I love that my characters pass through Philadelphia. The city is rich with Underground Railroad history which allows Jacy to cross paths with some true life leaders of the time.

As an author, I am inspired by the strength and courage of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. It was an honor to look back and give voice to a generation deserving of acknowledgment, tribute, and literary life. Remembering and discussing their trials and triumphs can be one way of paying respect for their role in our social evolution.
__________

Thank you so much for this wonderful guest post Eileen. Like you, I am inspired by people who have the courage to make it through extremely trying times. I really can’t wait to read your novel! Thank you for being here at Peeking Between the Pages.
__________

About the Book

Shadow of a Quarter Moon is the suspenseful and moving story of Jacy Lane, the daughter of a wealthy North Carolina horse breeder in 1839. After Jacy’s father is killed in a suspicious accident, Claudia (the woman Jacy knows as Mother) reveals a secret that shatters her world. Jacy is not the well-bred woman she believes herself to be, but rather she is the light-skinned offspring of a dalliance between her father and a slave.

The shocking revelation destroys Jacy’s sense of who she is and where she belongs in the world. If her secret is revealed, she will be cast out of “white” society. But as she tentatively gets to know her true mother and brother, as well as a protective slave named Rafe, Jacy begins to see life in the South with fresh eyes. To secure their wealth, Claudia tries to manipulate Jacy into marriage with a well-positioned but lecherous suitor. Claudia threatens to sell Jacy’s newfound family, forcing her to make a decision that will take her on a treacherous and life-altering journey.

Read an excerpt
Reading Group Discussion Questions
Buy Shadow of a Quarter Moon on Amazon.com or Amazon.ca

About the Author


If you like being swept away by a touching, layered saga with memorable, moving characters then we have something in common. I love discovering characters who seek out the best in each other and in themselves; resonating with the reader long after the book has been finished and set aside. Men and women, who in the face of danger and adversity, hold tight to their beliefs trusting that love and decency will empower them.

Long intrigued with the transitional periods before and after the US Civil War, I find inspiration in the courage of those who sought freedom, as well as the spirit of joined purpose developed with those who provided aid during their struggle. What amazing stories of love, loss, and bold beginnings come alive against the backdrop of this volatile period in history! My hope is you will be swept away by these amazing and perilous journeys of courage and self-discovery.

Eileen’s website
Find Eileen on Facebook
Find Eileen on Twitter

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

I have one ‘autographed by the author’ copy of Shadow of a Quarter Moon by Eileen Clymer Schwab up for giveaway. To enter…

  • For 1 entry leave me a comment with an email address to contact you should you win (no email, no entry).
  • For 2 entries, follow my blog. If you already do, thank you, and please let me know so that I can pass the extra entry on to you as well.
  • For 3 entries, blog or tweet this giveaway and spread the word!

This giveaway is open to US & Canadian residents only (no PO boxes) and I will be drawing for the winner on Saturday, August 13/11. Good luck everyone!

© 2010, Darlene of Peeking Between the Pages. All Rights Reserved. If you’re reading this on a site other than Peeking Between the Pages or Darlene’s Feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Katy Lin says

    July 26, 2011 at 9:24 am

    oooooo!!! This sounds fantastic!!! Please count me in!!!

    katylinvw at yahoo dot com

  2. Katy Lin says

    July 26, 2011 at 9:25 am

    I'm a follower, too!

  3. Katy Lin says

    July 26, 2011 at 9:32 am

    I tweeted you here: http://twitter.com/#!/katylinvw/status/95787469932478466

  4. bermudaonion says

    July 26, 2011 at 11:49 am

    This does sound like a good book! I admire people who can leave their homes like that – I think that's why I love a good immigrant story.

    I subscribe in Google Reader.

    kathy(at)bermudaonion.net

  5. bookworm says

    July 26, 2011 at 1:07 pm

    wow, this sound intriguing. I like the premise.

  6. TheBookGirl says

    July 26, 2011 at 1:39 pm

    This sounds like an engrossing read that will have alot of depth to it — one of those books that you turn the pages quickly, but at the same time, find yourself thinking about long after its done.
    I've added it to my TBR pile.

  7. Anonymous says

    July 26, 2011 at 1:42 pm

    A memorable story which I would enjoy. Many thanks. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

  8. Anonymous says

    July 26, 2011 at 1:46 pm

    This type of novel is a favorite which I would treasure. Lovely. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

  9. Holly (2 Kids and Tired) says

    July 26, 2011 at 2:53 pm

    This one sounds fantastic. It's on my wish list. I'd love to be entered!

    I follow you in Google Reader

    je2kids(at)gmail(dot)com

    2 Kids and Tired Books

  10. PoCoKat says

    July 26, 2011 at 3:33 pm

    Sounds great, would love to win.

    littleone AT shaw doT ca

  11. PoCoKat says

    July 26, 2011 at 3:33 pm

    GFC follower

    littleone AT shaw DOt ca

  12. Zibilee says

    July 26, 2011 at 3:49 pm

    I agree that this subject is painful to read about, and I am sure, to write about as well. I have read very little about slavery, and when I do, it just makes me so ashamed and angry. I think that Eileen has a great reason for authoring books on this subject, and I would love to read this one. Please count me in for your giveaway, Dar, and thanks for hosting it!

    zibilee(at)figearo(dot)net

    I also follow through google reader.

  13. rhonda says

    July 26, 2011 at 4:08 pm

    sounds really interesting.Email subscriber lomazowr@gmail.com

  14. Margaret says

    July 26, 2011 at 4:20 pm

    I'm glad to see this one includes Canada. Thanks!

    Margaret
    singitm@hotmail.com

  15. Margaret says

    July 26, 2011 at 4:21 pm

    I'm a follower

    Margaret
    singitm@hotmail.com

  16. pmernick says

    July 26, 2011 at 5:28 pm

    Great review and sounds like an interesting read!
    PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com

  17. pmernick says

    July 26, 2011 at 5:28 pm

    I follow your blog via GFC as pmnsl95
    PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com

  18. pmernick says

    July 26, 2011 at 5:30 pm

    Tweet
    https://twitter.com/#!/pmernick1/status/95908616888004610
    PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com

  19. Anonymous says

    July 26, 2011 at 5:33 pm

    This sounds like a fantastic read!
    kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

  20. Anonymous says

    July 26, 2011 at 5:34 pm

    Email subscriber and GFC follower as Karen B.
    kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

  21. scottsgal says

    July 26, 2011 at 5:40 pm

    I love this time period for books – thanks for the chance
    msboatgal at aol.com

  22. scottsgal says

    July 26, 2011 at 5:40 pm

    already a follower
    msboatgal at aol.com

  23. mamabunny13 says

    July 26, 2011 at 5:40 pm

    I can't even imagine going through such a journey!
    mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

  24. mamabunny13 says

    July 26, 2011 at 5:41 pm

    I follow you via gfc (mamabunny13)
    mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

  25. mamabunny13 says

    July 26, 2011 at 5:42 pm

    tweet http://twitter.com/#!/mamabunny13/status/95910766317813760
    mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

  26. Sherri says

    July 26, 2011 at 5:59 pm

    Dar, this books sounds really good! Please count me in for the giveaway!

    #2 I am a follower of yours!

    cmcdermitt1 at carolina dot rr dot com

  27. Vicki says

    July 26, 2011 at 6:22 pm

    Would love to read this one!
    irbratb(@)gmail(.)com

  28. Vicki says

    July 26, 2011 at 6:23 pm

    I follow via GFC: Vicki Newell
    irbratb(@)gmail(.)com

  29. Vicki says

    July 26, 2011 at 6:26 pm

    TWEET

    irbratb(@)gmail(.)com

  30. Pinchbuggies says

    July 26, 2011 at 6:37 pm

    This sounds intriguing! I love stories from the Underground Railroad Era where people helped other people to freedom! It kind of takes you there & you feel like you were one of the ones that helped! Thanks for a great giveaway!
    pinchbuggies at hotmail.com

  31. Pinchbuggies says

    July 26, 2011 at 6:38 pm

    I am following you via GFC & the email newsletter.
    pinchbuggies at hotmail.com

  32. Pinchbuggies says

    July 26, 2011 at 6:41 pm

    Tweeted
    http://twitter.com/#!/Pinchbuggies/status/95926323125555202
    @pinchbuggies
    pinchbuggies at hotmail.com

  33. Maureen says

    July 26, 2011 at 9:22 pm

    It looks like a good story
    mce1011 AT aol DOT com

  34. Maureen says

    July 26, 2011 at 9:22 pm

    I am a follower
    mce1011 AT aol DOT com

  35. ann says

    July 26, 2011 at 11:25 pm

    Sounds like a great story that I would enjoy

    amhengst AT verizon DOT net

  36. ann says

    July 26, 2011 at 11:26 pm

    I subscribe by email

    amhengst AT verizon DOT net

  37. ann says

    July 26, 2011 at 11:26 pm

    I follow you by email

    amhengst AT verizon DOT net

  38. Anonymous says

    July 27, 2011 at 12:33 am

    Thanks for offering this giveaway.

    pboylecharley AT hotmail DOT com

  39. Staci says

    July 27, 2011 at 1:29 am

    Being a historical fiction buff I've got to read this one!!!

    stacijoreads@gmail.com

  40. Anonymous says

    July 27, 2011 at 11:23 am

    Sounds like a great book.
    Please enter me
    RJB
    loki304(at)tds(net)

  41. Susan says

    July 27, 2011 at 4:18 pm

    I love reading books set in the Civil War period. Must go back to my love early on for Gone With the Wind. Thanks for the chance to win this book.

    I am a GFC follower.

  42. dolleygurl says

    July 27, 2011 at 11:01 pm

    I would love to win this book. I haven't read anything about the civil war. Please enter me – dolleygurl[at]hotmail[dot]com. I am a follower.

  43. BrittanyGale says

    July 28, 2011 at 4:25 am

    Count me in. Thanks 🙂

    quixoticdreamer(at)hotmail(dot)com

  44. BrittanyGale says

    July 28, 2011 at 4:33 am

    I follow via GFC quixoticdreamer

    quixoticdreamer(at)hotmail(dot)com

  45. BrittanyGale says

    July 28, 2011 at 4:35 am

    Tweet
    http://twitter.com/#!/QuixoticWeetzie/status/96438583791075328

    quixoticdreamer(at)hotmail(dot)com

  46. Nise' says

    July 28, 2011 at 11:42 pm

    I just finished listening to a book about plantations, slavery, and family secrets! I look forward to this one.

    nisethusfarATyahooDOTcom

    I am a follower

  47. Melissa says

    August 1, 2011 at 8:20 pm

    Please enter me:)

    mk261274 at gmail dot com

  48. Melissa says

    August 1, 2011 at 8:20 pm

    GFC=mk261274

    mk261274 at gmail dot com

  49. Anonymous says

    August 1, 2011 at 9:11 pm

    dianam167@sbcglobal.net
    am an email subscriber….this really piques my interest

  50. Gwendolyn B. says

    August 1, 2011 at 10:46 pm

    What an interesting post! Truly this was a time in American history when a person's character was revealed. Looking forward to reading this one. Thanks so much for the chance to win a copy!

    geebee.reads AT gmail DOT com

  51. Gwendolyn B. says

    August 1, 2011 at 10:46 pm

    Follow with GFC.

    geebee.reads AT gmail DOT com

  52. Gwendolyn B. says

    August 1, 2011 at 10:48 pm

    Blogged about this giveaway here:
    http://aseaofbooks.blogspot.com/2011/07/not-my-giveaways-but-boy-they-sure-look.html

    geebee.reads AT gmail DOT com

  53. Veens says

    August 2, 2011 at 11:49 am

    I really liked the authors writing. Please enter me for the giveaway!

    givingreadingachance AT gmail.com

    I am a google reader follower.

  54. Free eBooks Here.com says

    August 4, 2011 at 1:50 am

    I'm adding this to my to be read list.

  55. Carrie at In the Hammock Blog says

    August 4, 2011 at 7:58 pm

    I would love to read more about the underground railroad. this book sounds excellent.

    thank you for the contest!

    inthehammockblog at gmail dot com

  56. Carrie at In the Hammock Blog says

    August 4, 2011 at 7:58 pm

    i'm a gfc follower

    inthehammockblog at gmail dot com

  57. Carrie at In the Hammock Blog says

    August 4, 2011 at 7:58 pm

    i tweeted here: http://twitter.com/#!/in_the_hammock/status/99207308973834240

    inthehammockblog at gmail dot com

  58. Anonymous says

    August 5, 2011 at 1:23 pm

    This book looks intriguing. Thanks for the giveaway.
    mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

  59. Anonymous says

    August 5, 2011 at 1:23 pm

    follower by GFC (as Margie)
    mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

  60. 409cope says

    August 7, 2011 at 7:01 pm

    I love historical romances! cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com

  61. 409cope says

    August 7, 2011 at 7:02 pm

    I follow through google friend.cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com

  62. SusanB says

    August 7, 2011 at 9:34 pm

    This sounds like a great book. Thanks for the giveaway.
    Follow via GFC

    susan.byerly@comcast.net

  63. Anonymous says

    August 8, 2011 at 3:43 pm

    Sounds like a great story line, I can't imagine having your life turned upside down that way. Please enter me. Thanks!

    Anita Yancey
    ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

  64. Anonymous says

    August 8, 2011 at 3:44 pm

    Old Follower on GFC as Anita Yancey.

    Anita Yancey
    ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

  65. Sandra K321 says

    August 9, 2011 at 1:38 pm

    I love historical fiction from the civil war. Please enter me.
    seknobloch(at)gmail(dot)com

  66. Sandra K321 says

    August 9, 2011 at 1:40 pm

    I follow your blog with google friend connect. (and the previous comment should have said Civil War Era).
    seknobloch(at)gmail(dot)com

  67. lag123 says

    August 9, 2011 at 5:24 pm

    I would love to read more of Jacy's story.

    lag110 at mchsi dot com

  68. lag123 says

    August 9, 2011 at 5:26 pm

    I follow via GFC.

    lag110 at mchsi dot com

  69. Luvdaylilies says

    August 13, 2011 at 6:52 pm

    This sounds like a fantastic read; great review!
    Luvdaylilies
    Luvdaylilies at bellsouth dot net

  70. Luvdaylilies says

    August 13, 2011 at 6:54 pm

    I follow via GFC~Luvdaylilies
    Luvdaylilies at bellsouth dot net

  71. Luvdaylilies says

    August 13, 2011 at 6:57 pm

    I tweeted the giveaway~
    https://twitter.com/#!/Luvdaylilies/status/102453627976814592
    Luvdaylilies at bellsouth dot net

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