Heather Tabers: Spotlight on Their Burden to Bear and a Giveaway
I’m happy to introduce you to Heather Tabers, who’s sharing a poignant post about her Historical Romance debut, Their Burden to Bear. If you enjoy military history, combined with romance, you’ll want to check it out!
For a chance to win a paperback of Heather’s book leave a comment below by November 25! (US only)
As the wife of a wounded warrior, it’s not uncommon for me to stumble across unusual military-related documentaries—my husband’s favorites. But one evening, as we watched a short piece about the Marine Corps funeral detail, I never could have imagined that it would spark the idea for my debut novel.
The Marine Corps Body Bearers are an elite unit that performs military funerals at Arlington National Cemetery. As I watched these Marines undergo grueling physical training and carry out their duties with solemn precision, I found myself wondering how such a unit began. That single question sent me down a rabbit hole of research that changed the way I view Veterans Day—and the men who first bore our nation’s grief.
The original Body Bearers were hand-selected by General Pershing (from all branches of the military) three years after the end of the Great War to carry the casket of America’s first Unknown Soldier. These men were nominated by their commanders for their valiant acts of heroism during their time overseas and were honored to be selected from among the thousands of applicants.
I must admit that, despite visiting Arlington a number of times, I never gave much thought to how the original Unknown Soldier was selected or how he was transported back to the United States. I didn’t know that one grave was chosen at random in three different American cemeteries across France, that the bodies were exhumed and examined once more for traces of identity, and then placed in identical caskets. I had never heard of US Army Sergeant Edward Younger, a wounded warrior from the Great War, who was placed before the three flag-draped caskets, given a spray of white roses, and tasked with placing them on the casket of his choice. A powerful rose ceremony like no other.
I also wasn’t aware of the long voyage the Unknown Soldier made on the USS Olympia under a flag-lined canopy beneath the imposing gun of the ship. I didn’t consider the men chosen by General Pershing to walk down the slippery gangplank in the pelting rain, bearing the weight of their nation’s grief upon their shoulders as they carried the Unknown Soldier to a waiting caisson, beginning the American leg of his long road home.
On November 11th, 1921—what was then Armistice Day—the Unknown Soldier was laid to rest in a ceremony that united a grieving country and gave every family who had lost someone in the Great War a place to mourn.
That story stirred something in me. It reminded me why I write—to honor the past. It is my prayer that Their Burden to Bear will not only entertain readers with its swoony romance and nail-biting suspense but also awaken a deeper appreciation for those who carried the weight of our freedom.
May we remember their sacrifices.
May we honor their courage.
May we never forget.
Thank you so much for this post, Heather. My husband and I toured D.C. in 2019 and were so moved by the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I applaud you for writing a debut that honors those who’ve fought and died for our country. I’m looking forward to reading it!
Visit the #HopeFilledFiction blog and comment on Heather Taber’s spotlight on her #HistoricalRomance debut by 11/25 for a chance to win a copy! #giveaway #TheirBurdenToBear
TweetJoin the conversation. Have you visited The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier? Did you know any of the history Heather shared about this iconic memorial? What comments or questions do you have for Heather?
Be sure to comment below by November 25 for a chance to win a paperback of Heather’s book! (US only)
Their Burden to Bear by Heather Tabers
Click the book cover for purchase link
In the shadow of a grieving nation, two broken souls are bound by duty, drawn together by circumstance, and tested by a love neither expected.
Washington, D.C., 1921. As America prepares to honor the first Unknown Soldier, Elsie St. Clair longs for freedom from her father’s cruel control and the chance to build a life of her own. Instead, she is forced into the spotlight of the upcoming ceremonies when she’s chosen to serve as companion to Gunnery Sergeant Phillip Pierce—a decorated Marine tasked with bearing the Unknown Soldier to his final rest.
Phillip is a war hero, but the medals pinned to his chest weigh heavy with loss and unspoken pain. To Elsie, his quiet strength and battle-hardened scars stir a hope she thought long dead: the hope of being truly seen and loved. Yet danger shadows their every step—from subtle whispers in the capital to the schemes of a jealous rival determined to come between them.
When Phillip offers Elsie a marriage of convenience, it seems a practical way to shield her from harm and keep his own heart untouched. But as they raise her orphaned nephew together, friendship blossoms into a tender bond neither can deny. Still, secrets from the past threaten to shatter the fragile peace they’ve found, forcing them to decide if they will cling to silence—or risk everything for the kind of love that bears all things.
Heather Tabers writes Historical Romance, Children’s Fiction, and encouragement for weary souls. She resides in sunny Central Florida with her husband and hero, Robert, whom many of her heroes are inspired by. She’s a hope-filled romantic who believes in second chances and redemptive love. Her own love story proves that life can be messy and beautiful at the same time, which is why she enjoys writing stories that show the goodness of God’s grace.
Connect with Heather: Website / Newsletter / Facebook / Instagram
Please share Heather’s post on social media to help spread the word about her debut novel!
If you missed Angela D. Shelton’s interview about the Every Captive Freed anthology, 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 author, an active ACFW member, and a six-year ACFW Virginia board member. Connect with Deena through her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
37 Comments
Deena Adams
Congratulations to Terri Wangard, the winner of Heather’s book! Please check your email and follow the instructions to claim your prize. Thanks to all who read and comment on Heather’s post! I hope you’ll engage on future posts for more chances to win and encourage authors!
Cherie J
No, I have not visited yet. After Heather’s post, my interest is piqued and I want to go now even more.
Deena Adams
I hope you get the chance to visit soon, Cherie!
Kelly V.
I haven’t visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, but as a kid I visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. My dad was in Vietnam, and my parents had friends whose names were on the wall.
Deena Adams
Hi, Kelly. I’m so thankful for your dad and others like him who fought for our country. We are a blessed nation in so many ways! I hope you get a chance to visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and that you get to read Heather’ book!
Connie Saunders
I was a le to visit The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on my Senior Trip but I know I would have a greater appreciation if I could see it again. I wasn’t aware of this group of bearers until now.
Deena Adams
I hope you get to visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier again soon, Connie! And maybe you can visit vicariously through Heather’s book. 🙂
Kathleen D. Bailey
Heather, this is fascinating. I always believed that you can’t undertand World War II, or much of the modern world, without understanding World War I.
Deena Adams
Thanks for your comment, Kathleen!
Heather Marie Tabers
I couldn’t agree more! I hope you’ll give Their Burden to Bear a read. 🙂
Diana Hardt
It sounds like a really interesting book. Thank you for sharing.
Deena Adams
You’re welcome Diana. Thanks for reading the post and commenting!
Heather Marie Tabers
Thanks, Diana! I hope you’ll give it a read!
Paty Hinojosa
Wow! That’s so beautiful Heather! I didn’t know the story behind the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I think it’s a deeply moving and symbolical way of honoring thousands of our men who sacrificed their lives for our dignity and freedom.
I’d love to read your debut novel. I love reading novels about the Great War or WWII. It touches my heart so much. Thanks so much for this giveaway! I think you’re blessed to be married to a wounded hero. Please give him a hug from me with hearfelt gratitude.
Deena Adams
Thank you for your heartfelt comment, Paty. I’m sure your words are an encouragement to Heather!
Heather Marie Tabers
Thank you for those encouraging words, Paty. I’d love to hear your thoughts if you read the novel. And I’m more than happy to hug my hero for you! <3
Elly
This book has been on my radar lately, I can’t wait to read it!
Deena Adams
Same here, Elly!
Danielle Hull
I have been following Heather on social media and anticipating the release of her book! We don’t have much military service in our family, so this sounds especially fascinating to me.
Deena Adams
Hi, Danielle. My husband served in the Navy for 20 years and my son served for 9. They are the only military members in our family on both sides. Heather’s book sounds so good, right?!
Heather Marie Tabers
Hi Danielle! 🙂 Good to see you over here on the blog, too. Thanks for your support and encouragement. Let me know your thoughts if you read the book. 🙂
SARAH TAYLOR
Thank you for sharing this post I have never been to the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier! And Heather is a new to me Author Thank you so much for the print book giveaway It sounds like such an amazing book! Have a Blessed Day .
Heather Tabers
Hi Sarah! This was my debut novel, and I’d love for you to give it a read. Visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is quite an impactful event. I hope you get the chance someday.
Deena Adams
Thanks so much for joining the conversation, Sarah. Best of luck in the giveaway!
Terri Wangard
I studied the Tomb’s history for one of my books. The lengths they went to to maintain anonymity is amazing. I wish I’d known all that when I visited Arlington years earlier.
Heather Tabers
I wish I had known this before I visited, as well. I told my husband he has to take me back now. haha What is the name of your book? I’d love to read it.
Terri
The Storm Breaks Forth. I needed to know about the Tomb for the epilogue.
Heather Marie Tabers
Great! I’ll add that to my TBR list.
Deena Adams
Thanks for sharing, Terri. I’ll be sure to look for your book!
Vickie
I did not know the history behind the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It gives me even more respect. Thank you Heather for bringing this kind of story to light.
Heather Marie Tabers
It touched me deeply while I researched, and I knew this story needed to be told. I’d be honored if you’d give it a read.
Deena Adams
It’s fascinating, isn’t it, Vickie? Thanks so much for reading Heather’s post and commenting!
Heather Tabers
Thank you so much for having me on the blog! I enjoyed sharing with your readers.
Deena Adams
It’s my pleasure, Heather! I appreciate you sharing about your book. 🙂
Crystal Stewart
Never visited the tomb of unknown soldier
How did you choose your title, book cover and characters for your books and how did you get into writing and why do yo you keep writing?
Heather Tabers
Hi Crystal! The title actually came quite early on while I was researching the Body Bearers. It was the idea of bearing more than the physical weight of the Unknown that actually sparked most of my ideas for the story. As the wife of a wounded warrior, I know these men bear physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wounds that most of us will never see. I wanted to honor them while also showing that we ALL have burdens to bear and none of us were meant to bear them alone. I leaned heavily into my own marriage and experiences to bring Phillip and Elsie’s story to life. In fact, a few of their conversations are almost word-for-word conversations that I’ve had with my own husband.
As for the cover, I made it myself. After looking at several historical romance covers, this is just what came to mind. I wanted the Tomb of the Unknown to be front and center. The field of poppies is also quite significant to the story so I wanted that on the cover, as well. Phillip, my Marine, is loosely based upon one of the actual Body Bearers. I read about Ernest Janson, the only Marine chosen to be a Body Bearer, and he had an “interesting” set of circumstances in his bio. It got me thinking about why and how that came to be. And thus, Phillip’s story came to life.
I’ve been writing as long as I can remember. I decided to write my first novel in 2020 and signed with an agent in 2023, but earlier this year I felt God telling me to go indie, so here I am! 🙂 My next historical romance series comes out in January and my children’s chapter book series comes out next Tuesday! I’d love for you to check them out. And if you read Their Burden to Bear, please reach out and let me know what you think!
Deena Adams
Crystal, I hope you’ll get the chance to visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier one day!