I Be Brave Book Review and Author Interview

I had the privilege of seeing early drafts of I Be Brave in our critique group and devoured an advance reader’s copy. I’m thrilled for this book to be launched into the world and to introduce it to you.

Here is the back cover blurb:

While war rages in Europe, a Kansas family faces battles of its own.

In the summer of 1940, as Hitler’s armies destroy Europe, guilt ravages thirteen-year-old Sissy’s heart after her younger brother dies—on her watch. Nothing she does can mend the rift between her and her mother. When an abused and abandoned boy follows Sissy to her farm in rural Kansas, she knows he can’t stay permanently with her broken family, and yet she tries to help him. Her actions stir up fierce controversy in the community and threaten the loss of her family’s farm, driving a deeper wedge between Sissy and her mother. Even though Sissy risks everything to save the boy, her courage can’t heal the hurt and bitterness which blaze hotter than the Kansas summer sun—unless there is forgiveness. But forgiveness is as elusive as victory in Europe.

Award-winning author of More Than Grit, Gretchen A. Carlson writes books that appeal to readers who love to root for the underdog and who desire to rise above fear.

My personal thoughts:

This novel packs the same emotional punch as More Than Grit. While I Be Brave stands alone on its own two feet, I do highly recommend you start with More than Grit, as many of the same characters appear in both books, and having insight into the happenings in the first book enhances the experience of book two. Watching Sissy grow and mature through various trials is such an incredible experience for readers of all ages.

Keep reading to learn more about the author, Gretchen A. Carlson. Through my questions, you’ll get a sneak peek into Gretchen’s author journey, along with her writing joys and challenges.

Congratulations on launching a second amazing book into the world with your Grit and Grace in the Heartland Series. Please tell our readers more about you and your author journey.

I’d call myself a late bloomer. Despite a background in journalism and education, I didn’t begin writing my first book until my mid-50s. Even though I’d dreamed of writing one, I was a busy teacher, mother, and pastor’s wife, so I never carved out time for writing—until my husband surprised me. Our budget was tight, but he squirreled away money for a year and surprised me with a gift to a writers’ conference. Following that, I became a serious student of writing and joined a critique group. When I finished my first draft of More Than Grit, I made spiral-bound copies for family, thinking the journey was over. However, after the manuscript won the young adult category for the American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award in 2018, I pursued book agents and publishers. I self-published, and I am not disappointed with that route. The seasons of life vary for all of us, but my writing journey shows it’s never too late to plant those dormant dreams and watch them blossom.

Where did you find your inspiration for More than Grit and I Be Brave?

Born in 1900, my grandmother was in her 80s when she told me how her farm family got electricity. I was stunned by the beautiful story of God working through people, and this incident inspired More Than Grit. Growing up, I heard many stories of the Great Depression, and both my books reflect that collection of memories. My special-needs nephew inspired I Be Brave. Too often, society marginalizes individuals with any form of disability. I Be Brave unwraps grief, how we see others, and the power of forgiveness.

Tell us more about your setting and time in history.

The setting for both books is rural Kansas and centers around a farm family struggling to make ends meet during the Great Depression. More Than Grit begins in September of 1939 which is when Germany invaded Poland and Hitler’s Nazi regime began to sweep through Europe. I Be Brave begins in June 1940 and continues the timeline of World War II. I enjoyed weaving major historical events and America’s divided politics into both books. The parallels between today’s news and this time period are fascinating. As I researched, I always cross-checked several websites. Through the Smithsonian archives, I listened to speeches by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on original radio broadcasts. For medical information, I interviewed a physician and an individual who had polio as a child.

Did you uncover any interesting facts from this historical time period?

Yes! It’s hard to keep the list short. First, the date of Thanksgiving became a huge controversy in 1939, resulting in different states choosing different dates. Second, President Franklin D. Roosevelt contracted polio when he was thirty-nine years old; however, because the press never photographed him in a wheelchair, many Americans outside of Washington D.C. circles didn’t know Roosevelt was paralyzed waist down.

What do you enjoy the most about writing historical fiction for young readers?

I like the challenge. Younger readers want characters they can relate to and a plot that moves fast. My target audience is middle grade and young teens because I’ve wanted to inspire younger readers to make a positive difference in their families and communities. However, many younger readers drift towards fantasy, not historical fiction. I’ve been delighted that my books are embraced by all ages and popular for adult book groups. Most readers (of all ages) like to root for the underdog.

Your Indie publishing success with More than Grit is inspiring! What is your secret for receiving over 600 reviews on Amazon?

I have no secrets, especially since I don’t have a large social media platform. I chose to make my books available on Kindle Unlimited, and I suspect most reviews have come from those readers. The Amazon reviews are wonderful, but I’m especially grateful for the critiques, reviews, and encouragement from other authors and writers (such as the team at Storyteller Squad). The best advice I can give is to find other writers and help each other.

Where can people find you online to follow along on your author journey?

I love to connect! Email me at: gretchencarlsonwriter@gmail.com

Readers can follow me without the fear of being flooded by lots of posts. You can find me on the following platforms:

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