It’s Published!
Have you ordered your copy of A Very Bookish 4th of July yet?
If you’ve been waiting to order a paperback (like I have) you can get that done today. Make sure you get your order placed so you’ll have these fun 4th of July stories to read this Independence Day. Or around then anyway.
A Very Bookish 4th of July by Sarah Holman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’m so glad this collection is finally out!
I felt like Sarah’s story was the red one– some struggles, but fun and with patriotic things popping up to mix with Around the World in 80 Days.
Kelsey’s story felt like a lighter blue with a few stars mixed in – problems, and difficulties, but a patriotic flavor with summer mixed in and a finish that kept it from being too sad.
Abi’s story was the darker blue – struggles, problems, not as much focus on the patriotic side of things until the very end.
My story was the white – Lots of sunshine, summer, flags flying, and patriotic vibes.
Combine all the stories and you have a red, white, and blue collection!
Here are the authors who have written a story for this collection, a short interview with each one and 3 fun things about each story. Ready?
Abigayle Claire
What is your favorite Fourth of July tradition?
Shooting fireworks off a dock after dark and seeing others shoot them off all around the lake. Seeing them fill the sky and reflect off the water is always a magical and sobering way to end a long day of celebrating.
What is one thing you love about the USA?
I love that people have a large amount of say in where their life goes and that our country is founded on truths designed to protect that freedom and opportunity.
What do you hope readers take away from your story in this collection?
I hope readers see that you can come from any background and make something of yourself, especially if you surround yourself with others who push you forward and cheer you on.
Fun Facts
- The side characters Meg and Johnny are (accidentally) named after actors who played in the Anne of Green Gables movies.
- It’s set in Boston during WWII, but the main character was born in England.
- I had to research everything from fashion and food to public transportation and job advertisements.
What is your favorite Fourth of July tradition?
Like many Americans, I have to say fireworks, especially the ones that you watch with family or friends on picnic blankets or lawn chairs. Popcorn is a bonus! But I also relish listening to patriotic songs and hymns.
What is one thing you love about the USA?
That we were founded by people who wanted to please God, and that this heritage is still around today. Even though it’s clouded by secularism, there are still many families and communities that preserve it—and what’s more, we still have the freedom to preserve it.
What do you hope readers take away from your story in this collection?
I hope they feel closer to their communities and feel inspired to get to know people who may be very different from them. Also, that they remember to appreciate America’s history and everyone who contributed to it.
Kelsey Bryant
Fun Facts
- Originally, Chandler was going to be in her thirties with three children. But the story worked better with her in her twenties with only one daughter.
- I’ve visited South Dakota several times, including the Ingalls sites described in the novella.
- The idea for the story came exclusively from the Independence Day celebration in Little Town on the Prairie. I’ve always loved the idea of an old-fashioned Fourth of July!
What is your favorite Fourth of July tradition?
I love that our family normally grills burgers, has fun outside, and watches fireworks on TV.
What is one thing you love about the USA?
I love how people care and help each other. While the news reports all the negative things going on, I watched neighbors check in and bring groceries to elderly people they didn’t know during the pandemic. I’ve watched people from all over work to rebuild houses devastated by floods and fires. Sometimes, I’ve even been the recipient of kind words and gestures from people I don’t know, but who just see I need it.
What do you hope readers take away from your story in this collection?
That we have a lot to be grateful for in America. We can thank God and still see good in our nation and others, even when times are tough.
Sarah Holman
Fun Facts
- Lillian and Stella’s relationship is based on my relationship with my sister Rose (I would be Lillian)
- Of all the locations/cities I mention in the story, I have only been to one: Philadelphia.
- I wrote good part of it during some of the coldest days Texas has ever had. Which made it hard to think about hot weather.
Rebekah Morris
What is your favorite Fourth of July tradition?
Over the years my family has done some different things on the 4th of July, but I would say my favorite thing has been the church get togethers to celebrate Independence Day ending with a spectacular fireworks display that rivals my city’s fireworks. And listening to as many patriotic songs and music as I can fit in during the days before the 4th.
What is one thing you love about the USA?
Just one? I would say Freedom. Freedom to live and worship God as we see fit not how some king or ruler dictates. Freedom to defend our families. Freedom to write and publish stories that honor God without fear. Freedom to move, to live where we want, to get together with friends, to meet new people, to live and be the person God has created me to be.
What do you hope readers take away from your story in this collection?
That the freedom we celebrate and take for granted here in this country is not free. It came with a price, and many are still paying that price to ensure we continue to have that freedom. But I also want to remind my readers that even though the price for freedom is high, it is worth celebrating.
Fun Facts
- I included 3 of my favorite summer foods: Ice cream, watermelon, and egg-salad sandwiches.
- I got the idea for an egg-toss from participating in one many years ago on the 4th of July.
- I love patriotic songs and included as many of them as I could in my story. (And yes, I can sing them all including all 4 verses of the Star-Spangled Banner.)
Are you excited to get this book? Did you pre-order the kindle book? If so, have you read it yet? What did you think of it? Do you have a favorite story?
This was a fun post!! 😀 Congratulations on the new release!!
Thanks, Lauren. It’s very exciting to have it out! 😀
Hmm, all four verses of the Star-Spangled Banner? The original four verses, or the one that was added later to replace the “controversial” verse? (Big controversy I found in the YouTube comment section while I was searching for a good version to add to my 4th of July playlist :D) Regardless, that’s very impressive. I want to do the same.
CutePolarBear
The four original verses. I’ve never heard any others. If someone decided to try and replace one of them, it’s not really a part of the Star-Spangled Banner. 😉
Fun post, and congratulations! 🙂
Thanks. 😀