FAMILY:
Ask people what ranks high on their list of thanks, and likely it will be family. I have a wooden plaque in my kitchen with the words “Family is Forever” on it. I love my family and am so grateful for each member. We’ve been through the good, bad, and the ugly together, and I wouldn’t trade one day of the journey. Maybe you can say the same.
I wanted to work this sort of family importance into my novels, and I hope readers will get a sense of that. In my book, Silver Moon, family plays a big role in keeping the spirits of the fictional community of Webaashi Bay, Ontario going during WW1.
Oshki Cota, a young man from the Canadian town, fighting in the trenches on the Western Front, writes home to his wife and family, and the letters he receives back give him hope to keep fighting and hoping that he can return to his loved ones.
Mauve, Oshki’s wife, leans on her husband’s family as a young mother and the trials of depression and illness come calling. Her faith is strengthened by her in-laws, as they gather together to surrender Oshki to God in prayer, trusting in His love for Oshki to lead him through unknown valleys.
Luis Wilson, my main character, acting as a spy in France, is bolstered by the love and support of his family after surviving an auspicious day, fighting in Flanders with the Canadian Expeditionary Forces.
Rose, a nurse working in a hospital receiving wounded men, makes an unusual bond with the parents of her once-intended fiancé. She blooms in her faith from their love and support.
FRIENDS:
Jimmy Smith, another man from Webaashi Bay, receives letters from Lily Parsons, an old schoolmate, who he once picked on in school. Over letters of friendship, they fall in love, and Lily’s words become an anchor for Jimmy in a sea of destruction.
The women of Webaashi Bay unite and do what they can to further the wartime effort and tame tensions rising at home. They form a group, meeting and talking about such things as: how to make meat and dairy rations go further, how to make new clothes from old ones, and how to can and preserve food.
Natalie Herman, the local café owner, accused of being a German spy by her neighbor, must defend herself to the local constabulary. Lionhearted Lily stands by her friend and challenges the town to do the same.
FAITH:
I can’t write a story without pouring my faith through my characters. My faith in God and the salvation of His Son, Jesus, is integral to who I am as a person and as an author. I’ve lived through some dark days, and I know that God was with me in the midst of those. And He will continue to be in the future. Although, I have not lived through a physical war, I’ve lived through a mental and spiritual one, and I battle with my health every day. I hope my writing reflects the deep places I have been to in the voices of my characters and their experiences.
TIME TOGETHER:
During our current health crisis around the world, we’ve come to realize just how important time together is as family and friends. We cherish the times and opportunities when we can see our loved ones.
Participating in or hosting tea parties has always been an activity I liked to do with friends and family. In Silver Moon, I have several scenes including friends, family, and tea—imagine that. In the back of the book, I included my own recipe for a lovely tea. Let’s have a cup together, shall we?
Thank you for reading! The very best of blessings to you,
Jenny
Autumn Comfort Tea
This is a recipe for a hand-blended tea from ingredients that I grew, except the spices.
It’s simple, light, and comforting.
Ingredients:
1 and 1⁄2 T. dried apple 2 t. dried sage
2 t. dried mint
1 t. dried chamomile
2 T. cinnamon bark chips 1⁄2 t. crushed clove buds
Instructions:
Chop dried ingredients separately before measuring. After chopping mix together well.
Store in airtight container away from light.
Use 1 t. per 8oz of boiling water.
Steep for 4-5 min. in an infuser.
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Enjoy!