Nancy Lee Badger Presents Author Betty Bolte

Author Betty Bolte is my guest this week with another fascinating historical novel. Please welcome her and take a moment to leave a comment below. Take it away, Betty!

Thanks, Nancy. Becoming Lady Washington (Mystic Owl Publishing) is an historical fiction novel about the life of Martha Washington, from courtship by her first husband, Daniel Custis, through her marriage to George Washington and the ensuing war and presidential years. I spent years researching her life and the society in which she grew up and matured into America’s very first First Lady. This book released on June 2, 2020, her 289th birthday.

Book Blurb

Martha “Patsy” Custis manages an immense eighteenth-century plantation in the Virginia colony. But as a young widow she’s hard pressed to balance her business and to care for her two young children. Her experience and education have sustained her thus far but when her life veers in an unexpected direction, she realizes she has so much more to learn. When Colonel George Washington takes an interest in her, she’s convinced he’ll be a loving husband and father for her children.

But when trouble in the form of British oppression, taxes, and royal arrogance leads to revolt and revolution, George must choose between duty to country and Martha. Compelled to take matters into her own hands, Martha must decide whether to remain where she belongs or go with her husband… no matter what the dangerous future may hold.

Excerpt from Becoming Lady Washington

“George, you mentioned your home, Mount Vernon. Tell us more about it.” I sipped hot and sweet tea, the pleasant warmth spreading down my throat to my stomach.

“Ah, the true love of George’s life. Am I right?” Burwell tapped the table as he peered at George.

“My home is very dear to me, I will admit.” George laid his knife on his plate, lifted his fork to stab a bite of fish. He shifted his gaze to smile at me. “Mount Vernon was named for my brother’s commander when he served in Cartagena, but my father built the original small house which has been replaced over the years. It sits on a lovely hill along the Potomac River, which is part of the boundary between Virginia and Maryland. Just a few miles downriver from Alexandria.”

I’d heard of the property from Daniel but did not know much about it, since we had never had opportunity or need to travel in that direction. I tried to picture the place from George’s description. “How large a plantation is it?”

“Several thousand acres with a smallish mansion-house.” He slipped the bite into his mouth and washed it down with a sip of tea. “I’m in the process of expanding the house, and plan to also expand the acreage after I am released from my duties with the militia this fall.”

“You’re resigning your command?” I was surprised. He had spoken last night of the adventures and respect he enjoyed as colonel of the Virginia militia. “What will you do?”

“It is time to settle down to being a plantation master. I am tired of public service and desire only to find a genteel wife to grace my home, have my children, and provide companionship while I put my plans into place.”

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More About the Author

Award-winning author Betty Bolté is known for authentic and accurately researched historical fiction with heart and supernatural romance novels. A lifetime reader and writer, she’s worked as a secretary, freelance word processor, technical writer/editor, and author. She’s been published in essays, newspaper articles/columns, magazine articles, and nonfiction books but now enjoys crafting entertaining and informative fiction, especially stories that bring American history to life. She earned a Master’s Degree in English in 2008, emphasizing the study of literature and storytelling, and has judged numerous writing contests for both fiction and nonfiction. She lives in northern Alabama with her loving husband of more than 30 years. Her cat, Calliope, serves as her muse and writing partner, and her dog, Zola, makes sure she goes outside frequently. Get to know her HERE:

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