The True Story Behind The Bearwalker's Daughter--Beth Trissel

Historical romance novel, The Bearwalker’s Daughter, is a blend of carefully researched historical fiction interwoven with an intriguing paranormal thread and set among the clannish Scots in the mist-shrouded Alleghenies. The story is similar to others of mine with a western colonial frontier, Native American theme, and features a powerful warrior or two. My passion for the past and some of the accounts I uncovered while exploring my early American Scots-Irish ancestors and the Shawnee Indians is at the heart of my inspiration.

A particularly tragic account is the driving force behind the story, the ill-fated romance of  a young captive woman who fell in love with the son of a chief. As the result of a treaty, she was taken from her warrior husband and forced back to her white family where she gave birth to a girl. Then the young woman’s husband did the unthinkable and left the tribe to go live among the whites, but such was their hatred of Indians that before he reached his beloved her brothers killed him. Inconsolable and weak from the birth, she grieved herself to death.

Heart-wrenching, that tale haunts me to this day. And I wondered, was there some way those young lovers could have been spared such anguish, and what happened to their infant daughter when she grew up? I know she was raised by her white family–not what they told her about her mother and warrior father.

Not only did The Bearwalker’s Daughter spring from that sad account, but it also had a profound influence on my historical romance novel Red Bird’s Song.  Now that I’ve threaded it through two novels, perhaps I can let go…perhaps….

The history my novels draw from is raw and real, a passionate era where only the strong survive.  Superstition ran high among both the Scots and Native Americans, and far more, a vision that transcends what is, to reach what can be.  We think we’ve gained much in our modern era, and so we have.  But we’ve also lost.  In my writing, I try to recapture what should not be forgotten.  Read and judge for yourself. And hearken back.  Remember those who’ve gone before you.

As to bearwalking, this belief/practice predates modern Native Americans to the more ancient people. In essence,  a warrior transforms himself into a bear and goes where he wills in that form, a kind of shapeshifting.

 Blurb: A Handsome Frontiersman, Mysterious Scots-Irish Woman, Shapeshifting Warrior, Dark Secret, Pulsing Romance…The Bearwalker’s Daughter~

Karin McNeal hasn’t grasped who she really is or her fierce birthright. A tragic secret from the past haunts the young Scots-Irish woman who longs to learn more of her mother’s death and the mysterious father no one will name. The elusive voices she hears in the wind hint at the dramatic changes soon to unfold in the mist-shrouded Alleghenies in Autumn, 1784.

Jack McCray, the wounded stranger who staggers through the door on the eve of her twentieth birthday and anniversary of her mother’s death, holds the key to unlock the past. Will Karin let this handsome frontiersman lead her to the truth and into his arms, or seek the shelter of her fiercely possessive kinsmen? Is it only her imagination or does someone, or something, wait beyond the brooding ridges–for her?~

The Bearwalker’s Daughter is available for only .99 at: Amazon Kindle: Nookbook: Best Indie Book Store: Kobo:

*Cover by my daughter Elise Trissel

*Image of old family musket, powder horn, and shot pouch by my mom Pat Churchman

***The Bearwalker’s Daughter is a revised version of romance novel Daughter of the Wind Publisher’s Weekly BHB Reader’s Choice Best Books of 2009 

“Ms. Trissel’s alluring style of writing invites the reader into a world of fantasy and makes it so believable it is spellbinding.” –Long and Short Reviews

Suspenseful Scottish Time Travel Romance Revised and Relaunched--Beth Trissel

For days, Somewhere My Lass has been the tireless focus of my attention, and is not only relaunched but revised with some new additions to the story. My next goal is to finish the sequel, Somewhere in the Highlands (Fergus’s story) and this time I shall conquer, so cheer me on.

My talented art major graduate daughter, Elise, did the lovely cover. I’m thrilled. Yes, that’s the Scottish Highlands in the background. Elise does all my Indie published titles, and has done covers for several other authors. If interested, you can contact her through me. She doesn’t do erotica, and is interested in various genres.

Back to Somewhere My Lass, the novel received many stellar reviews during its first run and is even better now, so I hope it will be well received. If you’d like to review the story, please contact me and I’ll provide you with a copy. At this time, the novel is only available at Amazon in kindle, but will spread further afield on down the road. And I might even put it into print.

Scottish time travel romance novel Somewhere My Lass is the second story in my Somewhere in Time series, and no, you don’t have to read Somewhere My Love first. Until the sequel comes out, the stories in this series adhere to a theme, not a continuation of the characters themselves. That will change, though, with Somewhere in the Highlands. Then I will say ‘yes’ you better read Somewhere My Lass first.  My ghostly Christmas novella, Somewhere the Bells Ring, also stands alone. And it’s not only a holiday read (hint, hint).

Blurb for Somewhere My Lass:

Will Mora and Neil be too late to save a love that began centuries before?

‘The MacDonald comes’ warns Mora Campbell when Neil MacKenzie finds the young Scotswoman lying unconscious at the top of his stairs after he discovers his murdered housekeeper slumped at the bottom. Mora’s claim that she’s his fiancé from 1602 and was chased to the future by clan chieftain, Red MacDonald, through ‘the door to nowhere’ seems utter nonsense. Neil thinks she’s addled from the blow to her head until his life spirals into chaos and the avenging Highlander shows up wanting blood. Mora knows the Neil of the future is truly her beloved Niall who disappeared from the past, but he must also remember. And fast.

Although Niall’s kinsmen believe he’s dead, and Mora is now destined to marry his brother, she’s convinced that if she and Neil return to the past, all will be right. The balance of the present and future are in peril if she marries another, and the Neil of the present will cease to exist. The only problem is how to get back to 1602. An ancient relic, the ultimate geek friend, and a little Celtic magic help pave the way back to the enormous challenge that awaits them. If they’re in time.~

***Royalty free images of the Scottish Highlands, Eilean Donan Castle, and the Door to Nowhere.  Or is it?

***Purchase Link for Somewhere My Lass at: Amazon (If you overlooked all the others)

“Mrs. Trissel masterfully blended the past and the present in order to create a lovely romance that spans centuries.” ~Long and Short Reviews

Paranormal Romance Novel Somewhere My Love A Free Kindle

For the final time, my award-winning ghostly time travel romance novel, Somewhere My Love, is a free kindle book today, Sat. 19th — Sunday, the 20th at:  Amazon. 

Daughter Elise did the striking cover. I’m proud.

Kitten Rescue--Beth Trissel

Excerpt from Shenandoah Watercolors, my nonfiction book about gardening, country life and herbal lore.

~Years ago, my youngest daughter, Elise, and I found a bedraggled black kitten in a murky corner of the old red barn huddled beside an ancient water trough. Hay was stuck to its fur and its head slick in places from a calf’s sympathetic tongue. 

We carried the mewing puff ball down to the house and gave it a bath. Being mostly fur, it shrank considerably in the water and nearly disappeared.

After drying this soggy specimen of catdom, we bundled it up in an old towel and fed it the formula concocted by a local vet for orphan kittens: one cup whole milk, one teaspoon of vegetable oil, one egg yolk, whisk well and warm. Sometimes I use a tiny bottle, but this baby is old enough to lap and downed the lot I had poured into a shallow lid. We filled a canning jar with hot water, screwed the lid on tightly and tucked our swaddled charge beside the improvised water bottle back in the small closet in the laundry room.

Assorted farm coats, jeans and shirts hang on hooks up above and brush our heads as we kneel to peer into this den-like place. There’s nothing dogs like better for a bed than a worn coat with that barn smell still clinging to it, cozily tucked back into this closet. Cats prefer sunbeams but will make do. I’ve spent many hours on my knees helping to birth puppies, fuss over their care and tend kittens. Countless kittens and puppies, tiny terriers that could fit in a shoe box, medium size dogs and dogs that have grown too big but are still attached, have called this comforting space home. The narrow walls are gnawed and deeply grooved from the many inhabitants over the years. Every household should have such a place.

Fortunately our rescue dog, Mia, also likes her bed in the dining room because she cannot be trusted to kitten-sit. The formula rapidly dwindles. Not only that, she’s afraid of kittens. Silly, silly Mia. The kitten does not yet have a name because if you name a creature that implies that it’s staying, which this one very well may be. Sometimes you just need a kitten.

Oddly, it would seem that Mia always wanted a kitten of her own after all. She follows the minute puff ball around the kitchen and hovers over it with a worried look. Actually, Mia generally looks worried. I suppose from earlier traumas before we took her in. She has never had a small furry friend though and even tries to play with the kitten as it bounds around the kitchen in great excitement over everything and anything.

My mother made the observation that kittens and other babies can utterly give themselves to play in a way that the rest of us can’t because we’ve had the play smacked out of us by life. Now and then, I think we should all play as unreservedly as possible.

***Photograph of a rescue kitten and baby barnyard goose by my mother, Pat Churchman

***Mia and another rescue kitty, Percy (Both much bigger and older now)

About Shenandoah Watercolors: 

Author/farm wife Beth Trissel shares the joys and challenges of rural life on her family’s small farm located in the scenic Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Journey with her through the seasons on the farm, owned by her family since the 1930's, and savor the richness of her cherished gardens and beloved valley. This journal is a poignant, often humorous, sometimes sad glimpse into a vanishing way of life for anyone who loves or yearns for the country and even those who don't.

At Amazon in kindle and print. The paperback has lovely images taken by my talented family.

Super Review and Recommended Read for A Warrior for Christmas

“A Warrior for Christmas took me by complete surprise. I expected the usual tale of a former Indian captive transcending his past to live the life of a gentleman, but Beth Trissel’s exquisite writing skill made me love this story. In just 53 pages, she created a warm and exiting backdrop and brought to the lovely scenery characters that made the story come alive. Ms. Trissel will make the reader truly wonder if everything is going to work out well between Dimity and Corwin because she created internal and external conflict that could persuade Corwin to return to the wilderness he loves. I really liked the way Ms. Trissel handled the problem of a deaf character communicating with other characters in the story in convincing ways. No reader of historical romance will want to miss A Warrior for Christmas, even if it isn’t Christmas.”~

For the Full Review Visit: Two Lips Reviews 

Somewhere My Love Is A Night Owl Top Pick!--Beth Trissel

“Somewhere My Love tells the tale of the beautiful Julia Morrow and the dashing William Wentworth. A pair worthy of a Shakespearean epic.”

I’m delighted with this wonderful review from Night Owl Romance.

A snippet: “Somewhere My Love tells the tale of the beautiful Julia Morrow and the dashing William Wentworth. A pair worthy of a Shakespearean epic, Julia and William have known each other before. Star crossed lovers of the highest caliber; they must overcome the ghosts of the past to have the chance to fulfill their love. It is a beautiful love story with plenty of suspense and mystery. The story will draw a reader in and will not let go until the very last page. It is a novel that will live in the hearts of its readers for a very long time. I certainly will not forget it. It is a truly wonderful story.” ~ Reviewed by Hitherandthee

To read the full review visit the above link.

***For now, Somewhere My love is only .99 at Amazon kindle. But not for long.

First Kiss~Ghostly Time Travel Romance Somewhere My Love--Beth Trissel

~Will blew the layer of dust from an ornate wooden box inlaid with ivory and lifted the lid. Inside were brass workings like the mechanism of a clock.  He wound a small gold key in the back until it would wind no more, and released it. 

The wheels and cogs turned and wonderful music flowed forth, the beautiful strains of a Viennese waltz, The Blue Danube.

Julia clapped her hands. “A music box.”

He bowed. “May I have this dance, sweet Julia?”

She gazed up into his velvet brown eyes, and he gazed back. She managed a nod and he drew her into his arms.

Around the attic he waltzed with her secure in his lead.  Everything fell away except this moment while the haunting melody played on, taking her back to that faintly remembered place. She didn’t even stumble, not once.  It was as if some inner memory guided her in the steps, even though ballroom dancing hadn’t been a part of her lessons.

The music picked up and he swung her around and around. Her dress swirled as he circled. With each turn, he was Will—then Cole, Will—then Cole, both men in rapid succession, separate and yet the same. Her heart pounded from far more than the whirling dance.

The music faded and Will slowly stopped revolving. They stood, his arms circled at her back and waist, eyes locked on each other.

His brow furrowed. “Julia, you look as if you’ve seen a ghost.”

She ran the tip of her tongue over her lips. “You may be the ghost.”

He tightened his mouth in an impatient line. “Don’t try to make me into Cole again.”

“Will, listen to me. I know it sounds crazy, but I think somehow you already are.”

He dropped his hands, turning away. “Only because you insist I am.”

She grabbed his arm. “No. It’s what I saw while we danced. You must believe me.”

“Believing doesn’t make it any easier,” he said flatly.

“That’s because you think I’m misled.”

He swiveled his head at her. Exasperation flared in his eyes. “There’s a simple reason for my laboring under that assumption. You are.”

“Don’t be angry. I hate that I’ve spoiled such a lovely moment.”

“You’ve a talent for that.” He turned and strode across the floor. His footsteps echoed on the boards with a hollow sound, just as her heart would beat if he left.

She ran behind him and reached out, catching his plush shoulder. “Consider me balmy, if you must, but don’t walk away. Please Will.”

He stayed as he was. “What do you want me to do, Julia?”

“I don’t know.” She wasn’t strong enough to turn him and dashed in front instead, grasping his upper arms and twisting the fabric in her fingers. “Something—anything.”

He smiled faintly. “Never say those words to a man.”

Cupping her face between his hands, he bent his head and closed his lips over hers in an all consuming kiss…so swiftly she hardly knew what had happened. Even if he hadn’t cupped her cheeks, she wouldn’t have moved. The compelling press of his mouth bound her in place. If possible, Julia’s heart thudded even faster than it had before. The surging pulse drummed through her entire being, reverberating in places she didn’t even know she had. From what she could remember of her dream with Cole, her feelings had been poignant but tender. The sensations coursing through her now weren’t entirely that. An exhilarating passion was sweeping her up in a shocking tide.

“Who am I now?” Will whispered against her mouth.

She loosened her grip on his jacket in speechless surprise, too breathless to tell him she didn’t care.~

***For now, Somewhere My love is only .99 at Amazon kindle.

Super New Reviews for Time Travel Romance Somewhere My Love--Beth Trissel

From Author Caroline Clemmons’ lovely blog:  
A Writer’s Life

Caroline gave Somewhere My Love a wonderful write-up and introduced my ‘Somewhere in Time’ series.  Here’s a snippet, but I urge you to visit her blog for the full post.

“Do you enjoy reading a good romance, a good mystery? Do you believe in soul mates for whom each of us is destined? Do you believe in reincarnation? In living again and again until we get it right? Then  the Somewhere In Time series is for you! And SOMEWHERE MY LOVE is a great start to the series.

In SOMEWHERE MY LOVE, Julia Morrow is a young English woman who comes to work as a tour guide at Foxleigh, a centuries old house near the James River. Sad that owners of wonderful historic homes are forced to have guided torus, isn’t it? But it’s lucky for those of us who want to visit them. And it’s lucky for Julia because it brought her to Virginia to complete her destiny.

Julia is amazed when she realizes that William Wentworth, who is Foxleigh’s current owner, bears an uncanny resemblance to an old portrait. The large painting is of the very handsome Cole Wentworth, who is William’s ancestor. Julia can’t explain why she’s drawn to Cole’s portrait or the eerie feeling that she knows both Cole and William. How could she have when she’s only just come to Virginia?

I don’t want to give away too much, because you will want to read this book for yourself. This beautiful story is a combination of historical romance and mystery combined with contemporary romance. Included are mystical paranormal elements. The exquisite descriptions plunge readers into the story with page-turning twists and surprises.”

From a reader at Amazon:

“Normally, I much prefer historical to contemporary romance, but ‘Somewhere, My Love’, the first in Ms. Trissel’s paranormal ‘Somewhere In Time’ series, with its echoes of a genteel and elegant past, caught and held my attention from the very first paragraph.

I thought the book well-written and well-paced, and Ms. Trissel expertly built the story’s suspense to a dramatic and climactic ending (and while late in the story I thought I knew the identity of the murderer, I could not be sure until the very end.) The tender, haunting scenes from Cole and Julia’s past were pure magic. 

The descriptions of the Foxleigh house and grounds were visually stunning. I wished I could go there to live for a while.

As for the negative feedback about Julia as a helpless female, I must disagree. We live in a day when ridiculously superhero females are held up as the norm, and women are expected to be uber everything, but such expectations are both simplistic and unrealistic. 

While I enjoy a spirited, feisty heroine, I also find heroines from the opposite end of the spectrum just as captivating, as well as refreshing. Julia is ultra-feminine to Will/Cole’s healthy masculinity and her gentle, quiet demeanor immediately sparks his protective instincts. That, IMO, is no bad thing in a romance.

I found ‘Somewhere My Love’ a delightful read, and look forward with anticipation to the next installment in the series.”

Story Blurb:

Fated lovers have a rare chance to reclaim the love cruelly denied them in the past, but can they grasp this brief window in time before it’s too late?

Two hundred years ago Captain Cole Wentworth, the master of an elegant Virginian home, was murdered in his chamber where his portrait still hangs. Presently the estate is a family owned museum run by Will Wentworth, a man so uncannily identical to his ancestor that spirit-sensitive tour guide Julia Morrow has trouble recognizing Cole and Will as separate. As Julia begins to remember the events of Cole’s death, she must convince Will that history is repeating, and this time he has the starring role in the tragedy. The blade is about to fall.

***For now, Somewhere My love is only .99 at Amazon kindle.

Don't Give Up--Beth Trissel

“You are not finished when you lose, you are finished when you quit.”~quote from daughter Elise's private basketball coach, Bobby, back in the day. 

That wise man was full of inspiration not only for our struggling girls who needed all the help they could get, but also their long-suffering moms (and a few dads) looking on from the sidelines every Saturday morning for seemingly endless months. But they did end. Not the life lessons, though. Many times I have thought of Bobby's encouragement and forged ahead with my own dreams, like writing novels and pursuing publication. Even now, when the going gets tough, I think back. In the end, basketball, like so much else, is a mind game. Success is all about believing. Don't give up on anything or anyone you truly love.

Bobby also said, "When you are behind, don't give up; when you are ahead, don't let up." He had a great selection of motivational quotes. Much needed and appreciated.

Here's one I came across:
“Whatever you vividly imagine, ardently desire, sincerely believe, and enthusiastically act upon…must inevitably come to pass!” ~ Paul J. Meyer