A country girl, born and raised on a farm in the Outer Bluegrass region of Kentucky, Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of many novels, including historical novels, mysteries, non-fiction, and books for young adult readers. She and her husband live on a farm a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Ann enjoys discovering the everyday wonders of nature while hiking in her farm's fields and woods with her grandchildren and her dogs, Frankie and Marley.
A Decades-Long Career
Ann takes us back to her early days writing, and describes how she came to publish her first novel and discover this was something she would continue doing her whole life long. She includes a few details from the story that she says she's never shared in an interview before.
Kentucky Hot Springs
As a native of Kentucky, Ann loves finding new and interesting history to explore in her home state. Her latest novel, The Pursuit of Elena Bradford, takes us to Graham Springs, a natural hot spring known as "The Saratoga of the West" during the mid-1800s. She shares some of her research about the founder of this spa-like vacation destination tucked in rural Kentucky.
Complex Characters
Elena Bradford, heroine of Ann's latest book, is torn between two men -- and the duty she owes to her family. Ann discusses the backstory and motivations of her characters, setting the stage for a people-driven story in a lush and luxurious historical setting.
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Nothing would please her family more than her securing an admirable match, but true love and loyalty are harder to come by than she imagined.
At twenty-two, Elena Bradford has never met a man who made her consider marriage. But when her father dies and leaves the family deeply in debt, Elena becomes their only hope. Her mother uses their last funds to take Elena and her younger sister to Graham Springs, Kentucky, where people find healing by drinking the mineral spring water and healthy recreation through the many daily activities--including dances almost every evening.
As her mother schemes to find Elena a wealthy husband, Elena finds herself drawn to two men her mother would never consider. Charming artist Kirby Frazier spends his days drawing and painting the guests, but his real mission is to find a wealthy bride to finance his dream to go west.