Debra DuPree Williams: Spotlight on Grave Decisions
I’m thrilled to have Debra DuPree Williams on the blog this week shining a spotlight on Grave Decisions, Book Two in the Charlotte Graves Mystery series. I met Debra at a writers’ conference in 2019, and learned very quickly what a gem she is.
She’s offering US winner’s choice of Grave Consequences or Grave Decisions in ebook or paperback format as a giveaway. To enter, be sure to comment below by May 13. (US winner only)
Take it away, Debbie!
My late sister and I became family genealogists about 35 years ago. In doing research to join the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) we learned our connection to the Lanier family of Virginia. When we put together our family tree, we were surprised to learn that we had not only French roots, but what we thought were Italian ones as well. Those turned out to be Iberian Peninsula, by a sidetrack to Italy, France, and later England and eventually, the American colonies.
Years of research and reading revealed that our ten-times great-grandfather, Nicholas Lanier, the elder, married Lucrece Bassano. We had no idea who the Bassano family was. Further research led us to distant cousins who told us about this famous family of musicians, artists, instrument makers, jewelers, and even writers.
Grave Decisions introduces my ten-times great aunt. I use her real name, Emelia Bassano Lanier. She and Lucrece Bassano were sisters. Of course, the story I tell regarding Charlotte and her relationship to this family is purely a work of fiction. I don’t know if anything as valuable as the item they find at Rose Haven ever existed. History says no, but could it have happened? Anything is possible.
I don’t go into deep detail about the Bassano and Lanier families. The hidden item is just one of a few sub-plots. As in all murder mysteries, Grave Decisions has that. At least, a murder plot.
Even small Southern towns have a mixture of upstanding citizens and those who tend to operate on the dark side of life. Loblolly is no different. From Lanie Kellogg, whom we met in Grave Consequences, who turned out to be the leader of the drug ring, to Hal and Doo, the bumbling crooks, you never know who is lurking around a corner. And I established in Grave Consequences that the walls within the estate of Miss Marge Mayhew, Rose Haven, hide more than their share of secrets.
My hometown, Andalusia, Alabama, wasn’t intended to be Loblolly, but it provided a perfect pattern for that adorable little town. Well, other than the bad guys. I never met one of those when I lived there. Life was idyllic. With their permission, I use a couple of friends’ names in the two books.
I loved weaving my family into this story. Author’s notes in the back of the book share more information about the Bassano/Lanier family. And don’t forget the recipes. Lots of meals are eaten gathered around the big farm table in the kitchen at Rose Haven. Recipes for a few of those meals are in the back of the book.
I feel confident you will love reading Grave Decisions. I can promise an ending filled with hope for the future.
Grammy and Charlotte would be pleased to have you join them for a big ol’ Southern supper, complete with tall glasses of sweet tea, and topped with a delicious homemade dessert. After supper, grab a good book and let’s gather on the front porch to rock a while. Maybe Oreo, the resident Tuxedo Cat, will jump into your lap and keep you company.
Thanks so much for sharing your fascinating genealogy and insights into your novel, Debbie. I pray God will bless you as you continue your publishing journey!
Visit the #HopeFilledFiction blog and comment on @DDuPreeWilliams’ spotlight on #GraveDecisions by 5/13 for a chance to win one of her novels. #giveaway #ChristianMystery
TweetJoin the conversation. Have you researched your own family history? Are you a fan of Genealogy Mysteries? Does Debra’s books sound like stories you’d enjoy? What comments or questions do you have for Debra?
Be sure to comment below by May 13 for a chance to win your choice of Book One or Book Two in Debra’s Charlotte Graves Mystery series.
Grave Decisions by Debra DuPree Williams
Click the book cover for purchase link
Settled comfortably into her new life at Rose Haven with her grandmother—while reconnecting with the love of her life—twenty-six-year-old Charlotte Graves is surprised when Grammy offers to give her the entire estate. As she wrestles with that decision, Charlotte’s past literally comes knocking on the door.
Things quickly go from bad to worse when the unexpected intruder makes claims to Rose Haven. Add someone she loves being accused of murder—plus a search for a secret treasure hidden inside the grand old estate—and Charlotte’s life becomes as sticky as the red Alabama clay.
Will she be able to learn the truth and keep the treasure and Rose Haven out of unscrupulous hands before someone gets hurt?
Debra DuPree Williams brings her love of family into the stories she shares. A true Southerner, she can’t help but weave her ancestors’ tales into all she writes.
She’s an award-winning author whose first novel, Grave Consequences, A Charlotte Graves Mystery, won third place in the Director’s Choice category at the 2021 Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. Her work has appeared in the Selah Award Finalist, Moments With Billy Graham, and in Michelle Medlock Adams’ deluxe edition of Love and Care for the One and Only You. Debra is a guest blogger on the Blue Ridge conference website and The Write Editing among others.
Debra is a wife, mama, and a grandmother. Debra and her amazing husband make their home in the majestic mountains of western North Carolina.
Connect with Debra: Website / Facebook / Facebook Author Page / X / Pinterest / Instagram / Amazon
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If you missed Denise Hunter’s interview last week about The Summer of You and Me, FIND IT HERE.
Deena Adams
As a Jesus girl for more than thirty years, Deena Adams understands how important hope is to daily life, which fuels her passion to inspire others through hope-filled fiction based on true to life stories. She is a multi-award-winning writer, an active ACFW member, and ACFW Virginia president. Connect with Deena through her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
18 Comments
Kathy Bailey
This is interesting, Debra. I also write small town and you are right, crime finds one everywhere. Or at least the authors of cozy mysteries!
Deena Adams
Thanks for your comment, Kathy! I appreciate the engagement.
Diana Hardt
Thanks for a really great post. It sounds really interesting.
Deena Adams
Thank you for stopping by and commenting, Diana!
Debbie Williams
Diana,
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoy reading. I had a lot of fun writing about Charlotte and delightful little Loblolly!
Teresa Warner
This is a new author for me in one of my favorite genres to read. Would love to get a print copy!
Debbie Williams
Theresa, thanks for stopping by today. I’m always happy to meet new readers! Welcome!
Deena Adams
Thanks so much for reading Debbie’s spotlight and joining the conversation, Teresa!
Starr Ayers
Thanks, Deena, for this great feature on Debra and Grave Decisions. I’m enjoying it now digitally but looking forward to the paperback on my steps today. I do so much better with a book “in my hands.”
Congratulations, Debra!!! I wish God’s richest blessings for you in this renewed journey. Starr 😘
Deena Adams
Thanks for chiming in, Starr. Great to see you here!
Debbie Williams
Starr, Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy this latest in the Charlotte Graves Mystery series. I had fun researching some of the people in it. Doesn’t hurt that they are family stories!
Thanks for dropping in!
Deena Adams
Thanks so much for reading Debra’s post and commenting, Sarah! We appreciate it! Best of luck in the giveaway.
Debbie Williams
Sarah, thank you so much. I appreciate you stopping by.
Debbie Williams
I am thrilled and honored to be featured here on Deena’s site. She has done so well since we first met back in 2019! At that time, she had been writing for only 3 months yet she won first place in her category in the Foundations awards. I knew she was going places. Congratulations, Deena on all your many accomplishments.
Deena Adams
I’m honored to have you on my blog this week, Debbie. Thank you for your kind words and congratulations. A couple of corrections…I had been writing about 6 months when I attended Blue Ridge in 2019, and I received second place in Foundations, not first. And congratulations again to you on your book launch!!
Debbie Williams
Deena, Sorry about the misinformation. It’s been a few years since that time, and I’m no spring chicken! But, that is still phenomenal!!
Deena Adams
No worries, Debbie! You just made me sound a little better than I am. LOL
SARAH TAYLOR
Thank You so much for the chance to win this book it sounds like such a great book!