I’m pleased to have Author Jo Grafford with me to share her news. When she mentioned her new release had a focus on the Lost Colony, I was on board. I’ve always been fascinated with those vanished people and learned one of the names on the original roster was a Churchman, my maiden name. My English ancestor who came over in the 1600’s was a Churchman.
Back to Jo–her biggest focus, apart from the release of her début novel, Breaking Ties, is donating 50% of the November proceeds to help fund an archaeological dig of what is hoped to be the Lost Colony fort site at Scotch Hall Preserve in Windsor, NC. She’s calling this fundraiser ‘A Thanksgiving Wish.’ Jo is also hosting a Rafflecopter contest and will reward her guests and readers with the opportunity to win $50, $25, and $15 gift cards from Amazon.com or BarnesandNoble.com. All winners will be announced Thanksgiving Day at www.JoGrafford.com. You may re-visit her website any and all days between November 1-27 for more chances to win by answering daily Lost Colony trivia questions and more.
The Rafflecopter giveaway link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/a94fd40/
Blurb for Breaking Ties:
A cursed island, a chilling conspiracy, and an unforgettable love story. The 115 colonists on Roanoke Island couldn’t GPS, skype or twitter their ultimate destination back to their families and friends in 16th Century England. But modern laser technology has finally uncovered a clue – hidden beneath a patch on an ancient map at the British museum – that leads us to their whereabouts. Considered “lost” for centuries, these brave pioneers finally reveal the rest of their story in Book One of the Lost Colony Series.
Rose Payne’s world is left in tatters after a disastrous betrothal, making her an easy target for recruiters to the Colonies. Using every cent she has, Rose sails for the New World and a fresh start, vowing to never again fall for a wealthy man. Returning from a diplomatic tour in London, Chief Manteo is bewitched by the fiery-haired ship’s clerk and determined to overcome her distrust. He contrives a daring plan to win her heart – one that forces her, honor bound, to serve as a slave to his tribe – a plan he prays will protect her from a chilling conspiracy involving murder, blood money, and a betrayal of their fledgling colony so terrifying it can only be revealed in Breaking Ties.
About the author: Jo Grafford is from St. Louis, Missouri. An award-winning author at Astraea Press, Jo writes historical fiction to spotlight unsung heroes and unsolved mysteries. She published her first poem in junior high, edited her high school newspaper while typesetting for a local news journal, and has been writing ever since. She holds an M.B.A. and has served as a banker, a junior college finance instructor, and a high school business teacher. She is a PRO member of Romance Writers of America and From the Heart Romance Writers RWA Chapter. The mother of three children and the wife of a soldier, she serves as a literacy volunteer for elementary school students.
Contact Info & Links:
Email: Jo@JoGrafford.com
Twitter: @jografford
Buy links:
One Writer's Way 
That’s amazing Beth! How very cool to be able to trace a little of your heritage so far back.
Great post Jo and Beth, have a good day.
Best – Nikki
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Thanks and for stopping by.
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This sounds like an intriguing book. I look forward to reading it. Good for you for encouraging the archaeological excavation of the Lost Colony. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if they uncovered the story?
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It would indeed. 🙂
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Thanks for stopping by, Nikki and Caroline! I am hoping **fingers crossed** that the Lost Colony will at last be uncovered at Scotch Hall Preserve. It “adds” up in so many ways true to historical accountings. These colonists said to John White – the last man to see them alive – that they intended to relocate from the hostile island and press fifty miles into the mainland. Scotch Hall matches that description, located approximately fifty miles from Roanoke Island where the Roanoke and Chowan Rivers converge. Defensible and near water, an excellent place to build a new city. Exciting stuff!!
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Totally awesome!
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Thank you for hosting me today, Beth!
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Lovely to have you. 🙂
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