Do you have a list of go-to authors? Authors that you can’t wait until their next book is released? I have about ten authors.
Now, let me ask you if you have a friend who sticks closer than a sister? Those are even more rare than those favorite authors. Perhaps just a handful.
What happens when one of those ten authors, and one of those rare friends are the same? Count that reality as a treasure. I count Cathy Gohlke, this month’s Author 2 Author featured author, as one.
Bestselling, Christy Hall of Fame, and Carol and INSPY Award–winning author Cathy Gohlke writes novels steeped with inspirational lessons, speaking of world and life events through the lens of history. She champions the battle against oppression, celebrating the freedom found only in Christ. Cathy has worked as a school librarian, drama director, and director of children’s and education ministries. When not traveling to historic sites for research, she and her husband, Dan, divide their time between northern Virginia and the Jersey Shore (two of my favorite vacation spots), enjoying time with their grown children and grandchildren. Cathy welcomes invitations to virtual book club meetings through the Connect page of her website.
Cathy’s latest release is a heart grabber. This Promised Land has already received accolades from Publisher’s Weekly
and other respected sources. Here’s a synopsis from the publisher:
Ginny Pickering Boyden can’t wait for her last day of work, when she’ll be free to pursue a lifelong ambition through a master gardener apprenticeship. But an unexpected letter brings shocking news: Ginny has inherited her family’s Christmas tree farm, a dream she’d long ago given up.
Facing a past laced with disturbing memories, a furious nephew who thought the land would be his, and a failing farm with a mountain of debt, Ginny returns to New Scrivelsby, Virginia, determined to sell. But when her younger nephew, a Vietnam vet, appears with demons of his own and three young children in tow, Ginny isn’t sure what to do. Too much of their story reminds Ginny of her own. She has little hope, however, that three generations of warring Pickerings can set aside their differences to restore all that’s broken, both on the land and in their hearts.
Set against the beautiful and rugged landscape of the Blue Ridge Mountains, This Promised Land is the story of a daughter’s longing to make sense of the past and of the unbreakable bonds that bring prodigals home.
Exciting News for Young Adults, Lovers of Historical Fiction, Homeschoolers, Librarians
Cathy’s books are what I call, “keepers.” Books that stay on my shelf and are read again and again. That includes her very first book, William
Henry is a Fine Name–which won her first Christy Award.
A bestseller, but it is now out of print. However, Cathy has rereleased it so if you’re just learning about this touching and inspiring story, you can order it. This book is a must for homeschoolers, libraries, and history teachers.
Want to get to know Cathy more? I asked her some questions to help with that:
Who is your favorite character—protagonist or antagonist— in This Promised Land, and why?
Arlo is my favorite character. She’s quirky, strong, protective of her father and younger siblings. She’s absolutely determined to keep her father from falling to his addiction, and to keep her siblings from being separated, returned to foster care. Capable beyond her years, she’s not afraid of hard work. She’s insecure about school, knowing she’s not had the benefit of consistent education and is “behind” other girls in her age range. She’s feisty and quick to react, sometimes before thinking things through. She wants and needs to be loved but is often too proud to ask for help. Throughout the story, Arlo’s defenses are gradually infiltrated by the love and caring of new adults in her life.
What is something God taught you while you wrote this book?
God taught me that we are all or have been prodigals at one time or another. We’ve all gone our own stubborn way and need to repent and return to our Heavenly Father.
We are also pictures of the older, judgmental brother—or have been at one time or another, jealous of others, certain our viewpoint is right and that others are not as deserving as we. The wonderful thing is that all have the opportunity to do better by following the example of the Running Father. We have the opportunity to forgive others, to bestow love, compassion and hospitality, and to celebrate with returning prodigals and those who are ready to forgive.
Digging deeply into these truths—asking what Jesus meant in his parable and what did those listening understand Him to mean as well as what it can mean for us today—brought so many lessons home to me.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a story inspired by my granddaughter’s sudden diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes after a bout with Covid, coupled with the historic desperate search for a cure. Insulin, though not a cure, became the answer for millions in what had long been a death sentence.
Set against the end of the Great War, the tragic Spanish Flu Epidemic, the gangsters of Prohibition in NYC, and the discovery of King Tut’s tomb, my story chronicles the race against time for every person with diabetes. So many children had died of this disease. So many lay comatose. Witnessing the receiving of insulin in those cases became like watching a resurrection. It has been a thrilling story to research and to write. We’re not ready to do a title or cover reveal, but the book is scheduled to release in the fall of 2026.
I’ve read an early draft, and I can tell you, my friends, it is a powerful, edge-of-the-seat story. As always, despite the difficult subject matter, Cathy weaves hope, faith, that bit of whimsy, and even a touch of romance.
How about a GREAT giveaway from Cathy?
April’s A2A Giveaway!
Yes! Thanks to Cathy and Tyndale Publishing, this month’s giveaway is a softcover copy of her latest release, This Promised Land!
There’s one winner and it could be you! How? Well, by entering! Not just once, but up to SIX times–actually make that SEVEN this month (see the YouTube interview)!* Leave a comment below and share this blog and if you haven’t already, please subscribe to my newsletter at the bottom of this blog and receive a free gift from me — and an extra entry.
NOTE: WANT TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING THIS INCREDIBLE GIVEAWAY?*
Check out my YouTubeA2A interview with Cathy. Because, in the video interview Cathy answer different fun questions–and we have some great discussions! And there’s an extra chance to get another entry.
By Liking and Commenting on the video episode, you will have one more entry.* Sharing the video, another entry.* Subscribe, and you have TWO entries for a chance to win.*
The Deadline is April 10th!
Watch our interview–
That means, my friends, if you comment and subscribe -– or are already a subscriber -– to my blog, then watch the video and LIKE, SHARE, and COMMENT on the VIDEO, then Subscribe to my YouTube Channel, your name will be entered SIX TIMES–SEVEN!*
Next month: Award-winning and bestselling author, Dani Pettrey.
Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed getting to know Cathy! Until May, God bless and KEEP READING!
*So sorry, entries from the contiguous US only.
