Interview with Sherry Shindelar & a Giveaway
I’m happy to welcome Sherry Shindelar to the Hope-Filled Fiction blog as a first-time guest! Sherry writes Historical Romance that revolves around the Civil War, which is one of my favorite time periods to read.
If it’s one of yours, too, be sure to comment below by April 7 for a chance to win a copy of Sherry’s newest release, Texas Reclaimed! (US only; choice of paperback or eBook)
Welcome, Sherry! Let’s jump right in. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was six, I wanted to go be a teacher on an Indian reservation. However, by the time I was nine, I knew I wanted to be a writer. I fell in love with stories when I was a child. I’d swing for hours on my swing set, pumping my legs back and forth, dreaming up stories in my head. Even then, I had a flair for romance, creating new love interests and episodes for Star Trek’s Captain Kirk.
That’s so cool. Is Texas Reclaimed inspired by true events or personal history?
The hero, Ben Cooper, is fictional, but he’s inspired by the lives of real Civil War soldiers. A few years ago, I had the idea for writing about a Civil War soldier who struggled with addiction. I’d read about how too many of them became addicted to medications, like opium and laudanum, which were used frequently during the war to treat illnesses and wounds.
My heart went out to them. They’d followed their doctor’s orders and ended up enslaved to their “medicine.” I’d also read about how William Wilberforce, the man who helped end the slave trade in Great Britain, was addicted to laudanum.
I felt that this was a topic I had to write about. I wanted to show the struggle of recovery, but I also wanted to show the hope and the victory.
I love stories that shine a spotlight on life issues. What is the setting of your current novel? Is it a real location or fictional? Tell us about it.
The novel is set in Weatherford, Parker County, TX in 1866. I discovered that it was a very dangerous place to live in the 1850’s and 60’s. There were lots of Comanche raids, and most of the men left the area for several years to fight in the Civil War. The line of settlement retreated more than one hundred miles in some areas.
I’m always impressed with the amount of time and effort historical fiction authors devote to research. How do you tackle research for your novels?
One of my first steps is to contact the library in the area and ask the research librarian for ideas on historical sources. I love primary sources from the era, especially journals, diaries, etc. I also look for general sources on the internet, such as books on ranching or the Civil War in Texas, etc. In addition, I contact museums in the region for further information.
When possible, I travel to the area. Two years ago, I took a research trip to West Texas and Oklahoma, and I loved it. I visited every Western and Native American museum I could find. I traveled to a couple frontier forts, saw life-size models of a couple of Wild West towns, stayed in Palo Duro Canyon a few days, and more. The information that I garnered from the trip has helped me through three books.
I bet your research trips are so much fun! Which character in Texas Reclaimed was easiest for you to write and why?
It might be surprising, but in this book, the hero, Ben McKenzie, was the easiest for me to write. My heart hurt for the thousands of Civil War veterans enslaved to the medicine (opium and/or laudanum) prescribed by doctors during the war for illnesses and wounds. The medicine that saved their lives snared too many of them in the chains of addiction.
About ten years ago, I had a relative who struggled with addiction. That inspired me to research this disease. By the time I wrote Ben McKenzie’s story, I had developed a deep understanding of what his struggle would have been like.
Knowing someone personally who struggles with the same problem as your character must give greater motivation for your research. How many unpublished and unfinished manuscripts do you have? Any plans to pursue publication for any of them?
I have a Civil War novel set in the Shenandoah Valley in 1863. I’ve written the novel twice, first in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, and then again in 2019-2020. I know the characters in the story inside and out. I plan to revise the story and publish it after I finish with my Texas series. I have a short story connected to the book, and I send it out to my newsletter subscribers. Readers love it.
Sounds great! Do you have critique partners or a critique group? What are the pros and cons of participating in such a group?
I love my critique group! I’ve been with them since February 2020. A couple people have come and gone over the years, but they’re still the same, essential group. They’ve been a tremendous blessing.
I love the accountability. If I don’t turn in my weekly chapter or scene, my group will know. No executions at dawn if I miss a week, but it helps keep me on track. Each weekend is a mini-deadline, and I often stay up late on Sunday evening finishing my submission for the week.
One challenge is that critiquing takes time. But this is an opportunity to serve, helping my fellow writers, as they help me. Overall, I one hundred percent recommend that writers work to find a good, small critique group, with members that are committed to writing and committed to the group.
What’s next from you?
I’m busy working on Book #4 in my Lone Star Redemption series, starring Evelyn, who is a female newspaper reporter at a time when almost all reporters were male, and Jake, who is an Indian agent trying to keep peace between the Comanche and the settlers. Evelyn writes an article that gets Jake’s brother killed.
Meanwhile, I have a novella coming out June 30. It is part of a collection called Freed by the Frontier, and it is a prequel to my first book, Texas Forsaken. It is Eyes-Like-Sky and Dancing Eagle’s love story.
Thanks so much for sharing about your books on my blog, Sherry. Civil War era readers are going to love your work! May God continue to bless you as you write stories for His glory.
Visit the #HopeFilledFiction blog and comment on Sherry Shindelar’s author interview by 4/7 for a chance to win her new #CivilWar release, Texas Reclaimed! #giveaway
TweetJoin the conversation. Do you enjoy Civil War Romance novels? Have you read any of Sherry’s? Which is your favorite? What questions or comments do you have for Sherry?
Be sure to comment below by April 7 for a chance to win her hew release! US only – choice of paperback or eBook.
Texas Reclaimed by Sherry Shindelar
Click the book cover for purchase link
Can love blossom between a woman haunted by her family’s past and a man with a war-scarred heart?
Cora Scott is determined to hold onto her family’s Texas ranch and provide a stable home for her young half brother, Charlie, despite the mounting challenges of post-Civil War frontier life. But when a scheming creditor threatens to seize their land, she must accept help from Ben McKenzie, a former Yankee soldier sent by her late brother. Though Ben’s generosity and strength draw her, the man’s private struggle she stumbles upon—too reminiscent of her father’s alcoholism—makes her question whether she can trust her heart to him.
Ben McKenzie arrives in Texas intent on fulfilling his promise to his dying friend to protect Cora and Charlie. While using his inheritance to save their ranch, he battles not only the loss of their cattle but also his dependency on laudanum—a medicine that turned into a curse after his imprisonment at Andersonville. As his feelings for Cora deepen, he must choose between his promise to his father to take over their Philadelphia newspaper and his growing dream of a life with Cora in Texas.
When a Comanche warrior begins courting Cora, and Ben’s responsibilities in Philadelphia threaten to tear them apart, they must decide if their love is strong enough to overcome their fears and forge a future together on the Texas frontier.
Originally from Tennessee, Sherry loves to take her readers into the past. A romantic at heart, she is an avid student of the Civil War and the Old West.
When she isn’t busy writing, she is an English professor, working to pass on her love of writing to her students.
Sherry is an award-winning writer: 2025 Maggie winner, 2023 ACFW Genesis finalist, 2023 & 2021 Maggie finalist, and 2022 Crown finalist. She currently resides in Minnesota with her husband of forty-one years. She has three grown children and three grandchildren.
Connect with Sherry: Website / Instagram / Facebook / Goodreads / BookBub
Please share Sherry’s interview on social media to help spread the word about her books!
If you missed my spotlight on Robin W. Pearson last week, 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.
61 Comments
Deena Adams
Congratulations to CHRISTI CHIRPICH, the winner of Sherry’s book! I’ll send you an email later today with instructions for claiming your prize! Thanks to all who read and commented on Sherry’s interview!
Sylvia Rodriguez
I live historical fiction & can’t wait to read her books, they sound really good!
Deena Adams
Thanks for your comment, Sylvia!
Nancy Robins
I love anything Civil War.
Deena Adams
I’m with you, Nancy!
Sherry Shindelar
Nancy, I love reading and writing about the Civil War. I have shelves of Civil War research books and diaries. You might want to consider my book, Texas Forsaken, which starts on the eve of the Civil War, and then my second book, Texas Divided, takes place in the middle of the Civil War in Texas. (I had no clue that the Yankees ever invaded Texas until I started my research for this book.
Shelley Beachy
Historical fiction is my favorite. I’m always looking for books set in the Civil War time frame, so I’m super excited about Texas, Reclaimed. The cover is eye catching and the synopsis is intriguing. I have added it to the top of my TBR list.
Deena Adams
I’m so glad you found Sherry’s book interesting, Shelley! Thanks for stopping by!
Sherry Shindelar
Thank you, Shelley! I hope you enjoy the book! The Civil War is one of my favorite eras, too.
Danielle Hull
I love historical fiction and have read a few books set around that time. I have Sherry’s books on my TBR list, but I haven’t read any yet. Her beautiful covers caught my attention!
Deena Adams
Hi, Danielle. I agree about the covers of Sherry’s books. They’re amazing!
Sherry Shindelar
Thank you, Danielle! I love what my publisher does with my covers. I’m excited to know that they grabbed your attention. I hope you enjoy the books! (If you get a chance after you read one, please leave a review.)
Sam
I enjoy historical romances, but I don’t think I have actually specifically read a Civil War set one yet. Haven’t read any by Sherry yet either. Sounds like a goodie though. Thanks for the chance!
Deena Adams
You’re welcome, Sam! Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Sherry Shindelar
Thank you for stopping by! Texas Reclaimed gives you a taste of the devastation left in lives after the war and the new horizons of the Western frontier which expanded greatly after the war.
Cherie J
I do enjoy Civil War romances. I haven’t tried any of Sherry’s books.
Deena Adams
I hope you’ll get a chance to try Sherry’s books soon, Cherie!
Kati Mills
I have never read any of Sherry’s books. Yet. But I am very interested in the whole Texas Redemption series. I love Texas, I love history, and now that I know about the series, it goes on my wishlist. 😊
Deena Adams
Yay, Kati! I’m so happy to introduce you to a new-to-you author. 🙂
Sherry Shindelar
Thank you for stopping by, Kati! I’d love to have you has a new reader:) I suggest you consider starting with Texas Forsaken, which is a mixture of a Western and the beginning of the Civil War.
Vickie Waters
This book sounds fascinating. My husband is very interested in the Civil War, and through him, I have taken an interest and love to learn about what life was like during that time period. There are so many layers to this story, I would definitely love to read it.
Deena Adams
Best of luck in the giveaway, Vickie! The Civil War is definitely an interesting time in our nation’s history.
Sherry Shindelar
I’m excited to meet another Civil War fan! I fell in love with the timer period when I lived in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia years ago. I have shelves of Civil War research books and diaries, etc. I hope you get a chance to check out Texas Reclaimed;)
Josie
I have read all three of Sherry’s books and look forward to more! I have liked all three of them but I think my favorite is Texas Foresaken. I enjoy exploring how culture differences interact and finding resolutions.
Deena Adams
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, Josie!
Cyndi Newlan
Such a sad and devastating time in our history and the effects from the “medicine” they used, but the hope is always there for so many. The civil war era does fascinate me.
Deena Adams
I agree with you, Cyndi. Thanks so much for joining the conversation!
Sherry Shindelar
Yes, it seemed so unfair to me that so many soldiers became “enslaved” to the medicine that was supposed to cure them. That’s why I wanted to write about it and offer a message of hope.
Kelly V.
I find the Civil War time period fascinating and would love to read her book. Thank you for the opportunity!
Bridgette Shippy
I would like to read Texas Reclaimed, and any others in this series.
Deena Adams
Thanks for your comment, Bridgette!
Sherry Shindelar
Bridgette, I’d love to have you check out my stories:) If you get a chance, I suggest that you start with Texas Forsaken, a Western set on the eve of the Civil War. Thank you for stopping by!
Deena Adams
You’re so welcome, Kelly!
Sherry Shindelar
Thank you, Kelly!
SARAH TAYLOR
Sherry’s book sounds amazing Thank you for the chance to win one of her books Have a Blessed Day
Deena Adams
I agree, Sarah, and you’re welcome!
Sherry Shindelar
Thank you for stopping by, Sarah!
Diana Hardt
It sounds like a really interesting book. Thank you for sharing.
Deena Adams
My pleasure, Diana. Thanks for reading the post and commenting!
Sherry Shindelar
Thank you for stopping by Diana! Happy Reading:)
Elly
I have not read any of Ms. Shindelar’s books, but have them on my TBR! Definitely enjoy the Civil War time period.
Deena Adams
Hi, Elly. The Civil War era is my favorite historical time period to read. I hope we both get to read Sherry’s books soon!
Sherry Shindelar
Elly, I’m excited to hear that you have my books! Each one covers a different aspect of the Civil War. Texas Forsaken is a Western set on the eve of the Civil War, Texas Divided is in the middle of the Civil War in Texas, and Texas Reclaimed follows the impact of the war. Happy Reading!
Kera bell
I have lived in Oklahoma my whole life. But the other state that I’ve been to the most is Texas. I would like to go to every state.. but I’ve only been to like about 10 states. I would like to read this book..
Deena Adams
Hi, Kera. Our daughter and her family live in Dallas, so we get to visit Texas at least once a year. They have a lot more roads and concrete than we do in Virginia! Thanks for your comment.
Christi Chirpich
I do enjoy Civil War romance novels. Unfortunately, I haven’t read any of Sherry’s. This one sounds like a great read. Thank you for the opportunity to be entered in the giveaway. Blessings, Christi
Deena Adams
You’re welcome, Christi. Thanks so much for reading Sherry’s interview and commenting!
Sherry Shindelar
I love Oklahoma! I traveled there as part of a research trip to Texas. I visited the National Cowboy Museum in Oklahoma City and then visited Fort Sill and Lawton.
Karen Cerny
Living in Georgia one would think I’m a fan of Civil War books. However, my first love was historical novels set in WWI and WWII and the 1950s. But this book sounds unique and I’m drawn to learning more about that part of Texas during the Civil War. The addiction part drew me in as well – I’m a retired nurse. Thank you, Deena, for sharing Sherry’s work with us.
Deena Adams
You’re very welcome, Karen. What part of Georgia do you live in? I grew up in the northwestern part, near Chattanooga.
Alea Shinn
I haven’t read any of her books, but I love historical romance.
Deena Adams
I hope you get a chance to read Sherry’s books, Alea! Thanks for stopping by.
Sherry Shindelar
Thank you for stopping by, Karen! I grew up in Tennessee:) This book shows the impact of the Civil War, but it is more of a Western. I was thankful that my publisher allowed me to write about addiction, a topic not usually found in historical romances. I hope you get a chance to check out the book:)
Sylvia Rodriguez
I can’t wait to read this latest book as it sounds so interesting. I love historical fiction and learning about things in history.
Deena Adams
Thanks for your comment, Sylvia. I didn’t used to enjoy learning about history, but as I’ve gotten older I’m much more intrigued and love learning about the past, especially through fiction stories.
Sherry Shindelar
Thank you, Sylvia! I hope you get a chance to read the book. I love history! I have shelves of research books and diaries, etc.
Gina Hayward
The Civil War is so intriguing! I really need to read more books around that time period. This one sounds fabulous and I love the cover!! I have read a few books now that reference laudanum and I could see how that could be addicting. As a pharmacist, that’s of special interest to me. Thanks for showcasing this book!
Deena Adams
I agree with you, Gina – on all accounts! Thanks so much for reading Sherry’s interview and commenting!
Brenda Murphree
I have never read anything from Sherry but I can just tell by the cover that I would like it. It sounds mighty interesting and I love to read about the Civil War. I would love to win!
Deena Adams
Hi, Brenda. The cover makes me want to read it too! Best of luck in the giveaway!
Sherry Shindelar
It’s cool that you’re a pharmacist. Laudenum contains opium, and it was used to cure many illnesses during the time period. And I can understand the Civil War medical doctors. They were trying to use whatever they had available in order to save lives. i hope you get a chance to read the book:)