Romancing Mark Twain and a Give Away!

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The Fillies welcome back Miss E.E. Burke to talk about her big Laramie award and other interesting things.

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On Valentine’s Day in 2022, E.E. was featured by the Mark Twain House & Museum in the author spotlight, Romancing Mark Twain. Since then, E.E.’s novel Tom Sawyer Returns won the Laramie Grand Prize for Americana Fiction in the 2021 Chanticleer International Book Awards. This year, the outstanding historical novel has reached the finals for 2022 contests in Romance and Mystery.

Here are excerpts from the interview about her award-winning novel.

Q: Everyone has a story of how they were introduced to Mark Twain. What is yours and why do you adore these characters so much?

E.E. – I read The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn when I was in grade school and high school. (Didn’t we all?) The stories about Tom and Huck’s adventures resonated with me. I didn’t grow up in Missouri, but as I’m thinking back, I can see how the rural area in Florida where I was raised had similarities in its cultural background. The boys reminded me of other boys I knew, and of my “tomboy” self. They became woven into the fabric of my childhood like old friends. Years later, I longed to know what happened to them when they grew up. The author didn’t tell us, although he left a great deal of written literature that provided helpful guidance and cultural perspective. I had to envision the possibilities.


Q: How did you go about imagining these fictional children into fictional adults?

E.E. – It was extremely important to me to honor Twain’s characters as he had created them. Of course, he created them as children. I wanted them to retain their core personalities, the unique aspects of their character that made them so endearing, yet they had to grow up. They had to become men (and women) who lived their own history, with all the painful and beautiful experiences that go along with it, as well as the complications and complexities that make adult life so challenging.

In the original adventures, Becky is a product of her upbringing: a spoiled only child of an influential judge, pampered, the center of attention, the Victorian ideal of girlhood.

I asked myself—what attracted her to Tom in the first place? He’s not exactly the type to be voted as “most likely to succeed.” Her parents wouldn’t have approved of him as a suitor. Becky flouts social strictures when she takes up with the schoolyard scoundrel. This gave me the kernel of an idea. If Becky had to live through the hellish experience of the Civil War in Missouri, if she lost everything, stood to lose even her beloved father, and was forced to depend on herself, she would either collapse or become a stronger person. I voted for her strength.

Tom matures into a surprisingly complex character. He’s a wartime spy who has spent years risking his life for the sake of honor, loyalty, and, frankly, his obsession with being a hero. He is duty-bound and responsible, but deep inside he is also the eternal, willful boy. One who craves attention and affection, much like his creator, Mark Twain (Sam Clemens). Livy (Sam’s wife), had a nickname for him. Youth.

Q: I found the clever ways you entwined elements of the original stories really interesting. How did you come up with all the additional facts about the characters and story?

E.E. – Twain’s original stories essentially served as backstories for the adult characters in my books. Where he didn’t expound (i.e., secondary characters, family relationships, historical events) I came up with what I thought would be a feasible history. I used a variety of sources for this: Mark Twain’s autobiography, historical information, and my imagination.

I wondered, “what if” Twain’s creations were actual people who could be placed in history? I put them in the same general timeframe as the man, Sam Clemens, because he was writing about these characters as contemporaries. His fictionalized settings were based on real places and real events. All this helped me flesh out Twain’s future world.

While these books are rooted in Twain’s original novels, readers can still enjoy them even if they haven’t read the originals or don’t recall them. I just think you might enjoy these novels even more if you revisit Twain’s adventures.

Missouri, 1864
The country is at war, Missouri languishes under martial law, and a once-peaceful river town throngs with soldiers, spies, and sedition.


Caught in the middle is Becky Thatcher. Once a pampered only child, she has lost nearly everything, including her faith in love. When her father is jailed for treason and their very survival depends on her, the last person she wants to rely on is her faithless first beau, Tom Sawyer, who shows up unconscious at her doorstep after having gone missing for years.


Tom has no problem remembering the mistakes he made concerning Becky, but is she the reason he returned home? Upon awakening without crucial memories, the undercover spy can’t recall his mission and dares not to confide in anyone—not even his childhood sweetheart.
As an assassin closes in and a deadly scheme unfolds, Tom and Becky must work together to solve a mystery before their enemy separates them. Forever.

Inspired by America’s favorite storyteller, bestselling author E.E. Burke brings her vision to two unique historical novels with a colorful cast of characters, both familiar and new, in Tom Sawyer Returns and Taming Huck Finn.

You can purchase Tom Sawyer Returns at the following retailers: books2read.com/NewAdventure1



Today E.E. is giving away a copy of Tom Sawyer Returns to one lucky commenter who answers her question: Have you read Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer? If so, what kind of person did you think Tom would grow up to be?



E.E. Burke is a bestselling author whose lush novels set in the American West transport readers to a thrilling era filled with breathtaking adventure, taut suspense, and undeniable romance. Her books have won critical acclaim in numerous national and regional contests, including the Chanticleer International Book Awards, Readers’ Choice, and Kindle Best Book. Over the years, she’s been a disc jockey, a journalist, and an advertising executive, before finally getting around to living the dream–writing stories readers can get lost in.

Find out more about E.E. and her books or sign up for her exclusive historical newsletter, On the Journey, at her website: http://www.eeburke.com.

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50 thoughts on “Romancing Mark Twain and a Give Away!”

  2. Yes, I read both those books. I think Tom would have to be involved in something daring and adventurous, it’s just in his nature. Maybe he would go west and see what he could get into.

    • Yes indeed, Tom is neck-deep in trouble…both with Becky and with someone who is determined to get rid of him! It was great fun to explore the characters Mr. Twain created and grow them up. I hope you’ll check out Tom and Becky’s new adventure!

  3. Hello my sweet friend. Are you ready to cheer our Chiefs on to victory??? I read Tom & Huck as a kid, I don’t really remember much about them. Your book sounds delightful. Congrats on all your awards. Well Deserved.
    Love & hugs, Tonya.

    • Hugs dear lady! I’m preparing the chili dip and putting on my jersey! In the meantime, I’m out here promoting my Tom and Huck stories. Have you read either of them? If not, I hope you will check them out. I will say these two books (and these characters) are close to my heart! It took me years to write their stories the way I had envisioned them. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Go Chiefs!

  4. I am very familiar with Tom Sawyer and more than likely read about him when I was in school as I’ve always ben an avid reader. Being from Iowa most of my life, Missouri was just a short distance from us and I recall him white washing a fence. Glimpses of him in television westerns occasionally come to mind. By the way, your cover is beautiful.

    • Thank you, Judy! That cover is actually a period painting done by a current Missouri artist Gary R. Lucy. When I found it, I knew I’d found the perfect cover for this book. (Also, another of his paintings appears on Taming Huck Finn). Tom has graduated from whitewashing fences to whitewashing his past! LOL But it’s Becky who really gives Tom a run for his money in this book. She’s come into her own and is truly worth of a hero like Tom. Good luck in the drawing!

    • Good morning Melanie! You don’t have to read the original to enjoy this sequel. It stands on its own. But if you do read the original, you’ll meet these characters as children. I’d love to know what you think about how I treat their stories as adults. Be sure to email me! Thanks for coming by, and good luck with the drawing!

  6. I have read Tom Sawyer as well as Huckleberry Finn. I find the idea of imagining what they would be like as adults fascinating, and after reading your blog, my thoughts run along the same lines as yours. Tom might have been willful and prone to mischief, but he had a good heart, and I think that would persist.

    • Janice, you are right about Tom’s heart. He has a good one, and his intentions are good, too. But, that said, he is prone to getting into trouble, and he will never outgrown his hunger for adventure. Neither does Huck. Both of them work hard for–and deserve–their happy endings. Good Luck with the drawing!

  7. I’m acquainted with Tom and Huck, but can’t remember if I’ve actually read the book. Your book cover is gorgeous! Congratulations on your award! That is spectacular! Happy for you!

    • Kathy, thank you! I love my book covers for both these books. As I told another commenter, they are from paintings by a Missouri artist, Gary R. Lacy. He really captures the period and the river life of the era. I’m thrilled about the award, too, and excited that Tom is climbing in the Romance and Mystery contests as well. It’s been a long journey to get these stories written the way I envisioned them, so it’s extremely fulfilling to receive this kind of validation for the effort. Good luck with the drawing!

  8. I read Tom Sawyer and was captivated with the story. All the classics are wonderful and memorable. Tom would have grown up to be a successful businessman.

    • Ruth, I agree! In fact, Tom and Huck’s story was so captivating for me, I couldn’t let go of them. I had know what happened! Mr. Twain only hinted at what might’ve happened. Sadly, much of perspective later in life was tainted by great personal tragedy. I think Tom might’ve ended up in business at some point…after he was too old to be entangled in a new adventure. I hope you’ll check out the book and let me know if you think I’ve honored these characters as you might’ve imagined them grown up. I mostly wrote these books for people (like us) who adored the original characters.

  9. We read them both in elementary school and high school. Of course we also had the short version at home. We think Tom would definitely have become an adventurer. Exploring new countries and continents. Your book sounds like you have captured his spirit.

    • C.D., thank you for stopping by and commenting! I recall reading these classics in school, but I had already read them because my dad had copies of both books. I agree about Tom being an adventurer. I also think Tom is a romantic at heart, and he longs for someone to share his life with. How Becky evolves into the kind of woman who can handle him is what this book is about! If you read TSR, I’d love to know what you think about it. Good luck with the drawing.

  10. Elisabeth, welcome back to P&P!! We’re so excited to have you. I loved Tom Sawyer, both Mark Twain’s and yours. It’s been forever since I read MT’s, but I remember how vividly Tom, Becky, and the others sprang to life. They’re great characters and they need to find love. I think Tom grew up to be an honorable man. His head a bit in the clouds but one who’s courageous with strong beliefs. He’s the kind of hero we love to take into our hearts and root for. Great having you back, lady!

    • Thank you Linda! That is high praise coming from an author as talented as you are at creating and writing superb heroes! I also think Tom fits the image of a Western hero. And the man who created him considered himself a Westerner. It’s funny, considering he’s from Missouri, but back then that was considered West. As a boy, Tom pursues what he believes about honor. As a man, he learns what being honorable truly means.

  11. Reading Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn was an escape and enjoyable. It gave me an entirely different world to explore. I believe Tom would have been a photojournalist.

    • Sharon, what an interesting perspective! He would’ve found photojournalism fascinating, I’m sure! I loved recreating Twain’s world for these characters to inhabit, and to think about backstories that made sense for each of them. Thank you for commenting. Good luck with the drawing!

  12. Being born and raised in Missouri, I think it was required reading! Actually I loved those books and I’m sure Tom would never of been one to do nothing. He want to be in the middle of the action.

    • Hi Desiree! I’m delighted you are a Twain fan! And you are right! Tom is in the middle of the action from nearly the first page onward. Once he lands on Becky’s kitchen floor, the pace of trouble doesn’t slow down for either of them. Thanks for coming by and commenting. Good luck with the drawing.

  13. I adored Tom and Huck and am enchanted with your novel concept (both meanings of the word)! If I were writing a modern story, he would be the boy from the wrong side of the tracks with the delightfully devilish grin who became captain of the football team, dated all the most popular girls, and got a college scholarship. College, military, then back in town for a second-chance romance with the homecoming queen? Wait, that is essentially what you’ve written… Congratulations on the prizes!

    • Elissa, what a great concept for a modern twist on the story! While Tom bemoans his humble origins, he secretly relishes being from the wrong side of the tracks. However, he doesn’t feel he deserves a lady like Becky. But wait…what about her? Can she stand toe-to-toe with an adventurer? When I first starting thinking about them, that’s was a question on my mind. Thanks for coming by and commenting. Good luck in the drawing.

  14. I haven’t read anything by Mark Teain as of yet, but I’d like to, especially after reading the premise of your book. Thanks for sharing, and for the chance to win!

    • Megan, Wow! that’s a big compliment if the premise of my book spurs you to read the original! Tom’s boyhood is a great place to start. Or you could read my book and then read the originals. Either way, it works! Thanks for commenting. Good luck with the drawing.

    • Denise, Tom does indeed follow a life of adventure, and, as always, lands right the middle of whatever trouble is brewing. This time, it’s Becky who takes Tom along for the ride. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Best of luck in the drawing.

  16. I read the book when I was in high school. Don’t remember much about it-I was more interested in the boys in my class!

    • Joye, I’m with you. I was interested in those boys too. Prior to age 13, I was mostly interested in playing football with them. They got better looking as they got older. LOL Tom has matured into a very handsome, very sexy guy — no surprises there, right? Becky has matured into a woman who can hold her own with him. It was fun to write this romantic thriller about two characters I met as children. Thanks for coming by and commenting. Good luck with the drawing!

  17. Elisabeth, so glad to have you back here at P&P! You are very brave to take on these “older” characters now that they have grown up and write about them. What I really need to do is go back and read Mark Twain’s books to refresh my memory and then dive into your stories. It’s been so long since I read those classics, and a refresher would be great before I read yours–I love being able to learn “the rest of the story” as Paul Harvey used to say! Congratulations on a super achievement, my friend! Hugs!

    • Brave…or crazy! I did worry and wonder whether the books would be well accepted by Twain fans. It wasn’t until I got the call from the MTH&M that I took a breath of relief! If they liked it, I was good. More than good. Thrilled. Euphoric. Over the moon. To be acknowledged by Twain experts meant as much as a thousand prizes! (Of course, I’d take the prizes too…) Thank you for all your encouragement and interest in my career. We really do need to meet in person someday soon! I know it will be like meeting an old friend. 🙂

  18. Thank you to all the P&P “fillies” for allowing me to guest blog today. I’ve had a blast answering these great comments and predictions about Tom. I hope everyone gets a chance to read Tom Sawyer Returns, and the companion novel, Taming Huck Finn. Of all the books I’ve written, I’m proudest of these two. If you have time to watch the interview I did with the Mark Twain House & Museum, here is a link to YouTube where you can see it in its entirety. The museum director was stationed in Samuel Clemens’ bedroom and we get a little mini tour while we are there. It’s great fun! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1cIXyUyg4E

    • Jackie, I’m glad you enjoyed the original, and I hope you’ll try the new adventure. I think you’ll like how Tom and Becky turned out. Thank you for stopping by and commenting. Good luck in the drawing.

    • Sarah, I’m so glad you enjoyed the blog post. I think you would also enjoy the novel if you like adventurous romance with lots of page-turning suspense. Good luck in the drawing!

  21. I do not remember reading either books books in school. I don’t think they had required reading lists back then. Many on the current list aren’t even written back then. What I do know of the books and characters leads me to believe he would have grown up to be independent, capable, fair-minded, and one to go his own way no matter the consequences. He would tend to champion the underdog and those threatened and act on it. He would have a bit of a hero complex which would fuel his actions but at the same time not want any recognition for his actions. We have one much like that. I really need to read both books which, I have in my library for the kids. I look forward to reading your book to see how you have developed the characters. Thank you for the window into your writing process.

    • Patricia, thank you for your thoughtful response! I’m surprised you haven’t read the original books because you have a good sense of the kind of person Tom becomes. I hope you’ll get a chance to read Twain’s books and then pick up mine and see how I’ve taken these characters and this world and developed them. I’d love to know what you think about it. Thanks for stopping by! Good luck in the drawing.

  23. I read it in high school. I always thought that he would be hard working and love adventure. Thank you for sharing. God bless you.

    • Debbie, you’re right about Tom’s work ethic, which I must admit develops a great deal after his boyhood when he didn’t have much of a work ethic, except when came to play. 😉 Thank you for stopping by and commenting. Good luck in the drawing!

  26. I read these books many years ago so I am guessing that Tom would be doing a lot of different things and stay on the move all the time. He was always into something.

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