First, to my Heavenly Father. This book was a journey we took together, and a story that He helped me with each step of the way.
A huge thank you to Joshua Cain, Camille Collins, and Sandra Stillman at Belmont Plantation. I was so thrilled to get to set my story in this beautiful mansion. We were treated with the utmost Southern hospitality on each of our visits, and I loved learning all I could about “Ella’s” home. I couldn’t have found a better location for the setting of the story. Thank you all.
I’d like to say a special thank you to Andrea Boeshaar for reading the rough draft of this novel. You helped me strengthen the writing, checked my historical facts, and pointed out areas that needed work. Your input was critical to the outcome of the story.
Doc Hensley, my writing has only grown stronger under your guidance. Thank you for your suggestions and edits on my work. Anything I missed is entirely my fault. I’m grateful for your encouragement and look forward to our next project.
Rich Stevens, Kevin Robichaux, and Larry McCluney, I greatly appreciate your help on the historical and military aspects of the story. If I missed anything or stretched history a bit too far, the fault lies with me.
The cover art is one of my favorite aspects of the process. It is so much fun. Taylor, you were such a great sport on our long day of cover shots and video production. My heart skipped a beat when you stepped out in that dress. You truly brought Ella off the page, and you made a stunning model! It was a joy to work with you. And Ravven, you always do such great work on my covers. I love seeing how you make the images in my head come to life. Thank you for another beauty!
As always, a huge thank you to my family. Momma and Jason, you are always my first eyes. Thank you for catching things I miss and giving me encouragement and critiques on my manuscript.
This was also a very proud time for me, since during the writing of this book, my oldest son published his first story “just like Momma”. It might be a shameless plug, but this proud Mom would love for you to go check out his children’s book The Adventures of Captain A and Lambme Boy.
And finally, to my readers. Wow. Where would I be without you? It means the world to me when you send me letters and connect with me online. You have been such an encouragement to me and have given me the courage to keep writing even when things get difficult. My Faithful Readers Team—you are all awesome. Thank you for letting me bounce ideas off you and for giving me your input along the journey.
Thank you all for everything. I’m blessed to have so many great people alongside me.
The Whistle Walk
Heir of Hope
Under the roof of a grand Mississippi plantation, two women separated by generations will discover the power of redemptive healing and a love that mends the heart.
A Trilogy
Leveraging Lincoln
Losing Lincoln
Labeling Lincoln
A nation at war….
A plot that could change the tides….
A Southern Belle and a Confederate Captain caught in the crossfires as America’s first presidential assassination unfolds
Stephenia H. McGee has a fascination with hoop skirts and ball gowns, Greek revival homes and horse-drawn carriages, quirky Southern sayings, and home-grown recipes. She lives in Mississippi where she sips her sweet tea on the front porch with her husband and two boys, accompanied by their two spoiled dogs and mischievous cat.
Visit her website at www.StepheniaMcGee.com and be sure to sign up for the newsletter to get sneak peeks, behind the scenes fun, the occasional recipe, and special offers.
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In His Eyes: A Civil War Romance Page 31