To Love and Cherish (33 page)
Dear Reader,
The idea for this independent series was born when a reader attended one of our book signings for the Broadmoor series set in the Thousand Islands. She'd stated that now that we had written about the Thousand Islands, we should consider a series set on one of the islands along the southeastern coast of the United States. She mentioned both St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island as possibilities. We tucked away the idea, and when the time came to develop another series, we decided the rich history along the southeastern coastline would provide another unique setting for us.
As in most of our books, there are fictional characters and settings, as well as authentic people and places. While Jekyll Island is an amazing resort in the southeast, we decided we would enjoy creating our own island, just as we had in the Broadmoor series.
Bridal Veil Island is fictional, as are Bridal Fair and the Argosy River. However, we do make many references to Jekyll Island, so we wanted to point out that because our books are set prior to 1929, you'll notice that the spelling appears as “Jekyl” Island rather than “Jekyll” Island. It wasn't until the summer of 1929, at the instigation of club members, that the Georgia legislature passed a resolution to correct the spelling of Jekyl by adding a second “l.” The resolution noted that the island had been named by General Oglethorpe in honor of his friend, Sir Joseph Jekyll, and the correct spelling had been corrupted by omitting the last letter. Thereafter, Jekyll became the proper spelling for the island.
The city of Biscayne is also fictional, although loosely based upon Brunswick, Georgia. However, never doubt that the live oaks are very real and exceedingly breathtaking trees.
In the second book of the series,
To Love and Cherish
, you'll discover President McKinley makes a visit to both Jekyl Island and to Bridal Veil. The president did visit Jekyl Island, and it was, of course, the highlight of the season for those wintering on the island. Names of some well-known wealthy industrialists and entrepreneurs of the time period are sprinkled throughout the series, but the characters we hope you will come to know and love are the fictional ones that we have developed in our imaginations.
In the final book of the series,
To Honor and Trust
, we introduce you to some new characters who have unique positions on the island. You'll also experience some of the difficulties extreme weather caused prior to the 1913 winter season at Bridal Veil and in the City of Indianapolis, the home of our protagonist.
If you'd like to learn more about Jekyll Island, please visit their Web site http://www.jekyllislandhistory.com/ and consider a visit in the future. You'll fall in love with yet another part of our beautiful country.
We hope you'll enjoy this series.
~Tracie and Judy
No book is written without the help and support of many people. The entire Bethany House staff constantly amazes me with their creative talents and ability to make each book shine. Special thanks to editors Sharon Asmus and Charlene Patterson for their encouragement and assistance. It is a genuine privilege to work with such talented editors as well as every member of the Bethany House family.
Thanks to Mary Greb-Hall, Lorna Seilstad, and Mary Kay Woodford for their prayers, critiques, expertise, and friendship.
Thanks to Gretchen Greminger, curator of the Jekyll Island Museum, for her speedy replies and helpful responses to my questions.
And special thanks to you, dear readers, for your e-mails and letters of encouragement, your expressions of kindness and love, your prayers, and your eagerness to read each book.
Above all, thanks and praise to our Lord Jesus Christ for the opportunity to live my dream and share the wonder of His love through story.
~Judy
Judith Miller
is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her bestselling novels. Judy makes her home in Topeka, Kansas.
Tracie Peterson
is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than eighty novels. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Belgrade, Montana.
For more information on Tracie and Judith's books, including behind-the-scenes details and photos from the
Bridal Veil Island
series, check out the Writes of Passage blog at
writespassage.blogspot.com
.
Bells of Lowell
Daughter of the Loom
A Fragile Design
These Tangled Threads
Lights of Lowell
A Tapestry of Hope
A Love Woven True
The Pattern of Her Heart
The Broadmoor Legacy
A Daughter's Inheritance
An Unexpected Love
A Surrendered Heart
Bridal Veil Island
To Have and To Hold
To Love and Cherish
