Lynn U. Watson: Spotlight on Frayed Promises

This week, Lynn U. Watson is shining a spotlight on her new release, Frayed Promises, inspired by her great-grandmother’s story of arriving in America from Germany, single and pregnant. Lynn is offering a free digital copy as a giveaway.

To enter, leave a comment below by Tuesday, April 15. Winner must be able to download the file through Book Funnel.

Welcome, Lynn! I’m excited for everyone to hear about your book and the inspiration behind it, as well as to virtually visit locations in your novel through photos and links you’ve provided. Let’s get started!

We just couldn’t stay in Germany! Tangled Promises begins the story there with characters making side trips to Paris and Monte Carlo, but still on the European side of the vast Atlantic. Frayed Promises brings you the reader (and the characters) to America.

My great-grandmother’s story sparked the imagining of what her life may have been. Like Clara in these books, she was the daughter of a Baron and in love with the carriage driver. Oh the societal pressures she faced. The formidable challenges she endured. She arrived in America a single woman, pregnant with my grandmother, and settled in Chicago. It is very unlikely the story I share in Frayed Promises holds much accuracy to what really happened, but a fiction author gets to write the story percolating in her imagination. 

In 1882 Chicago was rapidly rebuilding from the Chicago Fire eleven years earlier. I’ve collected the links for your virtual visit to places mentioned in Frayed Promises. 

Lincoln Park began in 1865 as a cemetery. It soon became a park. In 1868 a pair of swans were given by the commissioners of Central Park in New York City. The Lincoln Park zoo was born. One of the largest zoos in the world, it still boasts FREE admission. Take a virtual tour here.

Cable cars (think San Francisco) served Chicago for about 25 years. Their first run was in January of 1882, a few months before Clara arrives. You can learn more about them here.

Potter Palmer had The Palmer House built as a wedding gift for his wife, Bertha Honore’. Destroyed by the fire 13 days after it was completed in 1871, the luxury hotel was rebuilt and was the first hotel with electric lights and elevators. Here are couple of images of the interior. 

Schlessinger and Mayer department store on the corner of State and Madison became Carson Pirie Scott in 1904. The iconic building was designed by legendary architect Louis Sullivan. You can catch a glimpse of the ornate scrolled ironwork of the front entrance at this link.  

Read about the rich history of Second Presbyterian Church. The interior was restored after a devastating fire in 1900. Here’s a photo I snapped of the exterior.

Chicago was among the first cities to install call boxes along the streets. Police and fire could be summoned and telegrams sent from these “stations.” I spotted one at an antique market recently. Photo op! Kind of looks like a kids’ playhouse doesn’t it?   

For my great-grandmother and for Clara in the story, nobility’s rules applied. Women throughout history have been aware of means to bring back their time of month. I often wonder what advice my great-grandmother received and what choices she considered. I am grateful she chose life!

I’ve long been a prolife advocate. Her story offered me the opportunity to explore the abortion topic through fiction. I have dedicated Frayed Promises to Life Choices of Memphis, Inc. I love this ministry and their mission to serve the women of our community. They benefit from a portion of the royalties from the book. 

Clara was flawed, like all of us. She battled between her heart’s desire and her loyalty to family. The consequences of her choices devastated her dreams. Her faith was admittedly wobbly at times, but she trusted God for the courage she needed to face formidable challenges. She learned that He does give impossibilities beautiful endings.

Thanks so much for sharing the interesting history behind your story, Lynn. It’s so fascinating, and your book sounds wonderful. I wish you the best with this series and your future endeavors.

Join the conversation. What aspects of the history Lynn shared captured your attention most? Does her novel sound like a story you’d like to read? What questions or comments do you have for Lynn?

Be sure to comment below by Tuesday, April 15, for a chance to win a digital copy of Lynn’s novel. (Must be able to download using a Book Funnel link)

Frayed Promises by Lynn U. Watson

Click the book cover for purchase link

God gives impossibilities beautiful endings

Clara and Daniel Becker married secretly circumventing nobility’s rules. When denial no longer serves her, how does Clara hide the truth of their wedding night conception and their nuptials from her father, the Baron?

If Vati sends her away, Daniel promises to follow. But unexpected circumstances bring them face-to-face with the words of Proverbs 16:9. A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.

Her grandmother’s last warning spins like a tempest threatening to shipwreck their joy and fray every promise they have made.

A Life Affirming Story

NOTE: Inconvenient pregnancy, sanctity of life, and past abortion are a part of this story—handled with gentleness and grace.

The Promised Destiny Collection appeals to readers looking for not only mystery and romance, but for clean faith-filled stories where characters face formidable challenges and societal pressures with courage—putting hope and trust in God amidst their struggles. Similar to books by Tracie Peterson and Ann H. Gabhart.

Award-winning author, Lynn U. Watson is the great-great-granddaughter of a baron from Southwest Germany. From stories whispered down generations to the vibrant threads of her own life, Lynn’s journey is a testament to creativity and compassion.

Nurtured by her grandmother’s love of needlework, Lynn built a thriving custom clothing business, and with her husband, Steve, they created The Lynn’n Butterfly Collection (cross-stitch designs).

In 2007, Lynn became a certified reflexologist, opening Footsteps in Eden, a haven where she uses touch therapy and prayer to relax her clients. She combines her passions and heritage Stepping through Time Stitching Stories of Faith. Lynn, Steve, and their feline overlord, Jasmine, call Bartlett, Tennessee home.

Connect with Lynn: Website / Newsletter / BookBub / Goodreads / Instagram / Facebook / Facebook Readers Group

Please share Lynn’s spotlight on social media to help spread the word about her new release!

If you missed Heidi Main’s interview about The Farmer’s Marriage Bargain last week, FIND IT HERE.