About the Book

Book: When Heaven Thunders (West Virginia: Born of Rebellion’s Storm #2) Author: Kendy Pearson Genre: Christian Historical Fiction Release date: October 1, 2024 When the devil wears Blue and Gray, doing the right thing can be a thorny matter. His family is missing. Bushwhackers are sleeping in his bed. This war just got a heap more personal for Union Sergeant Fin Dabney. Fighting guerillas in your own neck of the woods comes at a high price. Neighbors, kin, and even Fin’s best friend are on the wrong end of a rifle. But not all battles are fought amid smoke and blood. When Fin faces a murderer from his past, flesh and spirit collide, but only one can prevail. Melinda Jane has waited a lifetime for Fin to declare his intentions. But now she has moved on to other interests—with disastrous results. Her choices have cost her Fin’s love and possibly her life. Why was it he could draw down on the enemy and look death in the eye, but he could not bring himself to deal plainly with Melinda Jane? He never told her how he feels. Now he may never get the chance.

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About the Author

Kendy Pearson is a worship leader, Bluegrass fiddler, and Civil War reenactment enthusiast. As a veteran high school teacher, she loves to discover a pocket of American history missing from the schoolbooks and turn that pocket inside out. Her novels lead fictitious characters through historical events and settings, engaging with period personalities. And she always includes a romantic thread to warm the heart. Every story is a journey through tragedy, secrets, regrets, and God’s undeniable grace. She has received multiple lit awards and enjoys public speaking and teaching writing workshops. When she’s not clicking away on the computer or scaling mountains of research, she relishes ice cream, snowy days, fireplaces, and maple trees. Kendy is the mother of four grown children and lives with her sweet hubby and two amusing miniature dachshunds.

More from Kendy

Research and writing are so much fun! I always have some kind of theme in mind for every book I write. In keeping with my brand, Heart of History, I am turning two history pockets inside out with this second story of the “West Virginia: Born of Rebellion’s Storm” series. When Heaven Thunders is the eldest Dabney sibling’s story and brings two factors to light that are not commonly known about the Civil War. First, Fin, the hero, faces various moral dilemmas just trying to carry out orders. He witnesses historically accurate atrocities and unfair tactics perpetrated by both Union and Confederate commanders and soldiers. Fin is in the thick of rooting out bushwhackers and guerillas who bring the battle to not just the soldiers, but to civilian homes and families, including his own. Fin is a moralist, working desperately to find a way to do the right thing even when all his choices seem so very wrong. Can you imagine meeting your best friend on the battlefield and he’s the enemy? I tried to wrap my mind around the idea of neighbor against neighbor and lawless vigilantes molesting plain folks in the name of a cause. “We are in a war, yes, but it needn’t strip a man of his humanity or God’s favor.” (Col. Joseph Lightburn, Fin’s commander) Secondly, Melinda Jane, the feisty family friend (who definitely wants to be more than Fin’s friend) represents another little-known pocket from history. I took a bit of my own heritage to heart for her background. For most of my life, I definitely resembled my kin of Irish ancestry. However, like Melinda Jane, I have Native American and African American genes also. We don’t think much about mixed race nowadays—it’s the fabric of our wonderful country! Unfortunately, many folks were not as accepting during the Civil War period. At that time, a variety of ethnicities were actually enslaved, which we seldom see represented in Civil War movies and stories. My second main character’s “secret” lends to her heart of gold and a compassionate nature that shines through everything she does. “Izzy taught me we’re all born into bondage. It matters not a whit what color a man’s skin is or the color of his horse or house—we’re all in shackles and only Master Jesus holds the key.” (Melinda Jane) Oh boy, did I enjoy working with Fin and Melinda Jane—and watching sparks fly! I hope they’ll make you smile as well. Blessings from the Heart of History, my friends! Kendy

Interview with the Author

Do you read books in this genre? If so, who do you like to read?

My favorite genre is indeed, what I write, which is Christian Historical Fiction. There are so many fine authors of this genre. A few favorites are Laura Frantz, Jocelyn Green, Tara Johnson, Lynn Austin, Lynnette Bonner, Stephenia McGee, Michelle Griep, and the list goes on!

What helps you to write? Do you eat snacks, listen to music?

I’m a musician, so listening to music is definitely out of the questions if I want my brain to work on writing. I prefer complete silence, but I enjoy looking out my office window. There is an expanse of meadow and giant oak and fir trees beyond the bird feeder I can watch as my mind labors with words and thoughts. It’s perfect! Oh, and my two mini dachshunds sleeping in their beds next to my desk—can’t forget Lily and Chester!

What is your favorite hymn and why?

I believe I have two favorite hymns. First is How Great Thou Art, which I can barely get through without tears. The second is Blessed Assurance, which my daughter remembers me singing often as I worked around the house when my children were growing up. Both songs have the same basic theme: In every day, every minute, God is mighty, good, present, and deserving of our praise.

What is one thing readers would be surprised to learn about you?

I think my readers would be surprised to learn that I truly enjoy DIY projects. In an early season of life, I refinished a different piece of furniture about every month. In the last two years, I sanded, stained, and finished all the new woodwork in our house. Right now, I just settle for making my own laundry soap and dryer sheets; vinegar from our apples; my own faux-Thieves cleaner; and try to keep up with canning. I do a LOT of canning (and dehydrating).

Share with me a few of your favorite things.

My favorite things include walking on the beach, the sound of happy chickens, roaring fires and snowy days. And of course, I’ll need a BIG cup of hot tea and an engaging Christian Historical Fiction Book!