Confession time.
I’ve never actually seen Gone With the Wind. I know. I know.
And I call myself a romance author. I really ought to be kicked out of the group
for this one. I’ll get around to watching it. I promise.
So what’s it
about anyway? The Civil War? Well, that’s a topic I know and love. I’ve taught
about the Civil War in my fifth grade classroom every spring for the past
fifteen years. The division between the North and South as one grew more
industrial and the other based its livelihood on agriculture. Abraham Lincoln—my
favorite president—getting elected. The slavery debate and the challenges to
the “all men are created equal” line in the Declaration of Independence. Harriet
Beecher Stowe and Uncle Tom’s Cabin as it highlighted the evils of slavery. The
Underground Railroad and heroes like Harriet Tubman, risking it all in the name
of liberty. Generals Grant and Lee as they led the armies and all the soldiers,
sometimes fighting brother-against-brother for the nation. Lincoln’s “Anaconda
Plan” to squeeze the Confederacy into giving up, by far the best named plan in
our nation’s history. The eventual surrender of Lee’s army at Appomattox
Courthouse in 1865. All pivotal events in the shaping of the United States of
America.
Have you ever
considered what would have happened if Lee never surrendered? If the
Confederacy had succeeded in becoming its own separate nation?
I have.
Actually, my
husband and I have. Our book,
A
Less Perfect Union, toys with division in our country and with the
idea of a Second Civil War. Writing as Goodwin Reed, we explored the status of
our nation at the present time. We looked at the issues we see as potential
dividers—political party disunity, religious zealots, technological advances,
lying in the government, unnecessary war, terrorists… yeah, so like, the list
is long.
What was really
interesting is that while we were writing this book, there would be stories on
CNN that coincided with our fictional events. The correlation was interesting…
and a little frightening. We both believe we’re living in a delicate time—a time
where a simple pebble might tip the scales and throw the balance off. We watch
TV shows like The Walking Dead and think “Why fear zombies?” There are real
dangers now that could reduce us to the quality of living portrayed in shows
like that. If you can even call what those characters do “living.” I mean, I
know I couldn’t survive without proper hair styling products. You?
A
Less Perfect Union (and no, the title does not reflect our
marriage, by the way) takes the “what if” to the next level. Are you brave
enough to take a peek?
Here’s the back
cover blurb:
Another war in the Middle East brings
General Charles Easley and coalition forces to the country of Yemen. The number
of casualties continues to increase from the enemy’s use of devastating
improvised explosive devices. When the general’s son, Paul, becomes a victim of
the violence, he discovers an unthinkable truth that will force him to question
his loyalty.
Back
in the United States, Pastor Roy Campbell wants change. Believing Americans
have abandoned morality, Roy deepens his commitment with the ultra-conservative
Purist Party. Roy is uprooted from his rural life and soon finds himself among
the most powerful people in the country.
Ultimately,
the two worlds collide to create a perfect storm that will change America.
Forever. According to businessman and technological genius Hanson Davis, it is
not a storm at all, but a symphony of notes brought together in perfect harmony
to create what he loves most.
Chaos.
Are you prepared
for a Second Civil War? What side would you be on? The Union who wants to keep
the United States just as she is or the Purist side who wants to turn back the
clock to a 1950s America?
Oh, and don’t
worry. I cut a deal with The Husband before agreeing to work on this book with
him. He had to let me have two people fall in love, so it’s not all politics
and chaos and changing the rides at Disney World. (What? Oh, now you’re interested!)
You can download
A
Less Perfect Union here.
Let us know what you think by leaving a review. I’ll just be over here watching
Gone
With the Wind. I swear.
Toodles,
Chris
