Civil War research is my bread and butter, but every now and then I run across something that throws me for a loop. Not long ago I ran across some research regarding regiments who carried furry (and sometimes feathery) companions into battle. Many troops claimed mascots, usually horses and dogs. Dogs like Sally, the mascot for the 10th Massachusetts Infantry. Sally would run the picket lines and would snarl and bark every time she spotted a gray coat. One of the best-known dog mascots was "Jack," the brown and white bull terrier mascot of the 102nd Pennsylvania Infantry. This unit…

I know. This isn't your world right now, buddy. You're into Mariokart and Legos. Captain America and sharks. But while your mind is busy soaking up the wonders of learning letters, numbers and who put their mouth on the water fountain at school, I'm praying for your future...more specifically, I'm praying for you and your future spouse.  It's important. The people you choose to surround yourself with now determines the person you'll become ten years down the road. The books you read, the music you listen to, the television you watch, the places you go...all of it has a powerful…

It seems like yesterday I was welcoming you into the world. I thought you would always be in diapers, watching Sesame Street and learning your alphabet. I blinked and suddenly we've traded Cheerios and sippy cups for makeup and iphones. And now, much to your father's dismay, your heads have begun to turn when a handsome boy gives you a wink and a smile. Boyfriends will come and go. You'll face heartbreak and joy, tears and laughter. As someone who is, ahem, a bit older than you, here is what I want you to know, so you'll have the happiest…

If my life were different, I would be different... If my job only paid better... If my husband treated me like he cared... If our house wasn't so small... If my health was good... If my kids would listen... Have you been there? It's a tempting way to live life. The "If onlys" provide us with a fantasy world of perfection. A land where all our troubles vanish and then, finally, we can be who we really want to be. Happy. Content. Joyful. There's just one problem. That fantasy land does not exist this side of eternity. Ever since the…

People often ask me what I like most about writing. That's a tough question. I love helping people break free from the lies they believe about themselves. I love the creativity that blooms when dreaming up new characters and plots, wounds and dramatic twists. Being a history nerd, there's something extra special about writing Civil War stories. I've discovered so many fascinating tidbits of information that have helped me see people, history, and human nature in a more robust way. Folks can be quirky, horrible, and still hilarious. Conflict can serve to bring out both the best and worst in…

Once upon a time, a sad girl lived in a dark, dreary land. As far as the eye could see, the land was gray. No colorful flowers danced in the breeze. There were no trees or sunshine, just bleak gray clouds and barren fields of dirt. There were many people but no one was happy. The mean ruler of the Land of Darkness kept all the people chained in irons, wrist to wrist and foot to foot. If anyone tried to escape, they would only fall, entangled in the shackles binding them. The sad girl always wondered what was just…