I am Mrs. Jesse James

by Pat Wahler

  6.

  In an effort to stop the economic impact in Missouri of the James gang, Governor Crittenden made an agreement that facilitated the murder of a private citizen. What do you think about his strategy? How did the agreement change the lives of Charlie and Bob Ford?

  7.

  It appears likely Zee may have suffered from depression. Has the perception of mental health disorders improved since the nineteenth century or is it still, in some ways, the same?

  8.

  Zee grows to blame herself for Jesse’s activities and worries over what will ultimately happen to her family. Do you think she could have done something to change Jesse’s behavior?

  9.

  Zee’s mother-in-law and aunt, Zerelda Cole James Simms Samuel remained an important influence throughout the life of Jesse James. Do you think this may have impacted upon his decisions and Zee’s relationship with her husband?

  10.

  One of this novel’s themes is redemption. Was Zee able to come to terms with what happened during her marriage to Jesse? If so, how?

  Acknowledgments

  It truly does take a village to create a book, and there are many who helped guide me when the idea to write the story of Zee James first glimmered more than seven years ago.

  I am grateful to writer friends who encouraged me—notably my esteemed colleagues in Coffee and Critique. Armed with red pens and clear observations, they always tell it like it is.

  Thank you to Cassie Cox-Robertson at Joy Editing, who provided initial editing and feedback on the manuscript. I appreciate your input and sound advice.

  I extend my deepest gratitude to friends and cherished loved ones who understood that last minute cancellations go with the territory when a deadline looms.

  To the staff of Amphorae Publishing Group and Blank Slate Press, thank you for taking a chance on a debut author and birthing this book despite my countless questions, anxious moments, and tendency to be more than a little verbose in emails. A special thanks to Kristina Blank Makansi, who helped shape this story into a much stronger one, and Donna Essner, who supported the notion of giving Zee the chance to be heard.

  For my family, what can I say? I’m more grateful for your love and support than you’ll ever know.

  About the Author

  Pat Wahler is an award-winning author with fifteen stories in the popular Chicken Soup for the Soul series. Her work can also be found in Cup of Comfort, Sasee Magazine, Storyteller Magazine and other publications. She is inspired by the emotionally satisfying stories of historical women brought to life through fiction. Most recently, Pat coauthored a picture book, Midnight the One-eyed Cat, focused on disabilities and self esteem, due for release Fall 2018. I am Mrs. Jesse James is her first novel.