Today we’re featuring a book based on a true story!!
Welcome to author Barbara Britton! This story is fascinating, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
Story Behind the Story – Until June
Where do authors get their ideas for stories? A lot of my books are based on Bible stories. I always say, “God has the best storylines.” But my latest novel doesn’t come from the Bible. My story idea came from an Alaskan cruise excursion that I took over a decade ago. My family and I visited the Taku Lodge outside of Juneau. As we sat eating lunch, our guide told us about how a WWI veteran and his caregiver lived at the lodge and were cut off from supplies during the winter. A man and a woman alone in a lodge? That is how Until June was born.
What would a WWI veteran be suffering from that he would seclude himself at a lodge? I don’t know the details of the service of the real-life veteran, but Geoff Chambers suffers from morphine addiction due to the phantom pain he experiences from losing his legs in a trench explosion. Add a historical PTSD diagnosis of being shell-shocked, and you have an inkling that Geoff may not be the easiest patient to deal with.
I moved the lodge in Until June to Douglas Island where mining operations abounded in the early 1900s. My veteran, Geoff Chambers, owns a gold mine, but mining booms in remote locations came with a laundry list of problems. My caregiver, Josephine Nimetz, has to deal with the darker side of mining as her stepfather gambles his earnings. Josephine sews her fingers to the bone creating fashions to support her family until she receives the offer to care for Geoff at the lodge. With the 1918 influenza spreading across Alaska, Geoff has to get out of town and Josephine is caring and daring enough to accept the offer to go with Geoff as a caretaker.
My theme for Until June is “Surviving Life’s Storms.” Geoff and Josephine overcome the hardships of life with grace, patience, a bit of humor, and ample hope. You’ll notice on the cover of the book that there is an eagle flying through my name. One of the best surprises in Alaska is bald eagles flying about as if they were robins back home. Freedom is another theme in my novel. Freedom from pain, freedom from fear, and the freedom to pursue your gifts.
I hope you will be flying high after reading a story that started over lunch on my own vacation adventure.
About Until June
When seventeen-year-old seamstress, Josephine Nimetz, agrees to take care of a WWI amputee in a remote Alaskan lodge to escape the influenza of 1918, there’s enough friction to melt the Mendenhall Glacier. Her position is only until June, and it pays well enough to overlook the hardship of managing a rustic home and a shell-shocked veteran, Geoff Chambers.
Geoff makes it clear that he isn’t too fond of the “runt” sent to take care of his needs, nor of her painful mistakes. Dealing with a depressed and addicted amputee pushes Josephine to the brink of leaving, if not for the money her salary brings.
But Josephine is a perfectionist, determined to get Geoff back on his feet—figuratively. Though, sending a rich, handsome veteran back into society may cost Josephine the man she has grown to love.
About Barbara Britton
Barbara M. Britton lives in Wisconsin and loves the snow—when it accumulates under three inches. She writes Christian Fiction for teens and adults where she enjoys bringing little-known Bible stories to light in her Tribes of Israel series. Barb has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate. Barb is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Romance Writers of America and Wisconsin Romance Writers of America. She is published with Harbourlight Books an imprint of Pelican Book Group.
You can find out more about Barb and her books on her website www.barbarambritton.com.
The Giveaway – Until June
Barbara has graciously agreed to give away an ebook copy of her upcoming novel, Until June, releasing in July. It’s based on a true story.
Thank you, Barbara, for sharing with us today! Be sure to comment to be entered to win an e-copy of Until June!
In the meantime, I’m editing away, getting ready for my August 5 release!!!
Happy Wednesday!
Thanks for having me back on the blog, Regina. “Until June” holds a special place in my heart.
You’re so welcome! I can’t wait to read it, Barbara – the concept really intrigues me!
I’d love to read your new release! It’s already on my “To-Read” list on Goodreads. Love the premise!
Hi Emilee! Thanks for adding me on Goodreads. This is a story that’s near and dear to my heart. I’m glad you joined us.
This book is filled with hummer, caring and love. It was so much fun even with the hard topics.
Thank for another great read Barbara Britton
Please don’t enter me in the giveaway as I have already read this wonderful book.
Hi Renette! Thank you for leaving a comment with such nice words about “Until June.” I hope you have a wonderful day!
I’d love to read your new release! It’s already on my “To-Read” list on Goodreads. Love the premise!
This sounds good!! I would love to read Until June!! Thanks for offering the opportunity!!
Hi Jan. I hope you like it. Not only did I hear this story on vacation, but it shows what veterans face when they get injured in war. Thanks for joining us.
I’ve been listening to the Daughters of Zelophehad (Tribes of Israel) series on Audible. I’ve had 2 brain surgeries. Love the whole concept of how YHWH’S loving care provides love and care from HIS human messengers. My husband is former military too. Looking forward to this new series. Got the “heads up” on Amazon Kindle and Good Reads.
Hi Kitty,
I’m so sorry to hear of your brain surgeries. I’m glad that the daughters of Zelophehad series is ministering to you. I couldn’t believe that I had not heard of these girls since there is so much Scripture devoted to them. “Until June” will be a stand alone novel, but I do hope to shed a light on the struggles of veterans. Thank you for joining us and may God grant you health.
I just read “Until June” it is wonderful!
Hi Abigail! Thank you for reading “Until June.” I’m so glad you liked it. This has been my Mom’s favorite book and she has been after me for years to get it published. Finally, the time was right in the publishing world. Thanks for joining us.
This sounds like a beautiful story! I love the title and the time period.
Hi Kara. WWI stories are getting popular. I liked “Downton Abbey” and it was set after WWI. Maybe that sparked the time period in fiction. I’m glad you joined us.
It is such a great story <3