In His Eyes(100)
“It is beautiful, Ella.”
She smiled and snuggled against him. It was beautiful. Peace flowed through her. Someday she would see that place again. Someday the tiny glimpses she’d been blessed with would be permanent.
And when that time came, she would dance with him again.
Dear Reader, I hope you enjoyed Ella and Westley’s story. I’d love for you to take a few moments and leave a review online. It means the world to an author to get feedback from readers, and having readers share about my books helps me keep putting stories out.
If you would like to really step into the story, be sure to visit Belmont Plantation in Greenville, Mississippi. It’s a beautiful place to step back in time and relax. And if you stop by, be sure to send me a picture! I’d love to see you in “Ella’s” home.
Happy Reading!
Stephenia
1. Ella feels like she doesn’t have many options in life and her society, and therefore she often tries to make her own solutions. Do you think that women today have the same issues? How do you think things have changed?
2. Westley struggles with his physical wounds as well as the ones in his soul. Have you or a loved one had a physical injury that affected personal perception? Westley feels his limp makes him less of a man. Do you think people with physical conditions feel the same? Why or why not?
3. Ella struggles with feeling worthless. Why do you think that is? Have you ever had circumstances or something in your past that made you feel that way? How do you think we can overcome or correct this feeling?
4. Ella learns that she has forgotten who she really is. Do you think that Christians can sometimes forget who they are in Christ? Do you think that aligning our identity with Him changes the way we see ourselves?
5. Ella has dreams where she goes to a special place of beauty and light. Do you think that God still speaks to His children in similar ways? Have you ever had an experience or dream that made you feel closer to Him?
6. Westley and Ella learn that they cannot love each other the way they want to until they understand Who to love first. Do you think that as people grow closer to God they grow closer to one another? How does putting God first affect our relationships with those around us?
7. It’s your turn. Where do you see Ella and Westley’s story going from here? What challenges do you think they will face in the future, and what joys might they discover together?
The Hillman farm was used as a hospital after the battle at Sayler’s (sometimes written as Sailor’s) creek, and Union officers were kept in the bedrooms. It stands to reason that General Sheridan’s men would have been kept there, and perhaps someone would have taken pity on Major Remington. The character of Mrs. Preston is not based on any actual people associated with the Hillman farm.
The town of Parsonville and the Inn where Ella works are fictional. However, Greenville, Mississippi is located just out from Belmont Plantation and did suffer destruction during the war. The use of a bank as a makeshift offices and jail cell are elements of my own imagination.
According to my research, there were Union officers in Memphis that traded cotton and other items with smugglers who then took those items down into Mississippi. I found no evidence of a smuggling ring similar to the one I used in the book, but something similar could have been a possibility.
The real Belmont Plantation was built in 1857 by the Worthington family. It was purchased in 1853 by Samuel Worthington and two years later he sold it to his brother, Dr. William W. Worthington. Belmont has been restored and now functions as a bed and breakfast and is one of the few antebellum homes remaining on the Mississippi River. If you ever get the opportunity to visit the Mississippi Delta, you simply must stop by Belmont for a heaping dose of Southern hospitality.
First, to my Heavenly Father. This book was a journey we took together, and a story that He helped me with each step of the way.
A huge thank you to Joshua Cain, Camille Collins, and Sandra Stillman at Belmont Plantation. I was so thrilled to get to set my story in this beautiful mansion. We were treated with the utmost Southern hospitality on each of our visits, and I loved learning all I could about “Ella’s” home. I couldn’t have found a better location for the setting of the story. Thank you all.
I’d like to say a special thank you to Andrea Boeshaar for reading the rough draft of this novel. You helped me strengthen the writing, checked my historical facts, and pointed out areas that needed work. Your input was critical to the outcome of the story.
Doc Hensley, my writing has only grown stronger under your guidance. Thank you for your suggestions and edits on my work. Anything I missed is entirely my fault. I’m grateful for your encouragement and look forward to our next project.
Rich Stevens, Kevin Robichaux, and Larry McCluney, I greatly appreciate your help on the historical and military aspects of the story. If I missed anything or stretched history a bit too far, the fault lies with me.
The cover art is one of my favorite aspects of the process. It is so much fun. Taylor, you were such a great sport on our long day of cover shots and video production. My heart skipped a beat when you stepped out in that dress. You truly brought Ella off the page, and you made a stunning model! It was a joy to work with you. And Ravven, you always do such great work on my covers. I love seeing how you make the images in my head come to life. Thank you for another beauty!