My latest release is different from my usual western. Part of a multi-author project entitled The Rich Man Takes a Bride Series, each hero in our line up of books has some issues or a past that might not be all that appealing to a future bride. While doing the research for this book, I looked more at how a shipping company was run in the late 1800s, then realized that if my dad were alive back then, he might have worked for my character Asher Stone.
Dad was a merchant marine back in WWII and oh, the stories he would tell! But what I didn’t know, was that merchant marines were long considered the unsung heroes of American maritime history. In times of peace, they operated as a bustling commercial enterprise. But when conflicts erupt, the merchant marines’ sturdy vessels transformed dramatically into lifelines for military operations.
But what about the merchant ships in my story set in 1893? In short, merchant ships were the heart of global trade networks. They transported things raw materials, finely crafted manufactured goods and luxury items. Is it any wonder pirates were a problem?
A shipping company would find the most efficient shipping routes, and in doing so, create robust revenue streams. This 
bolstered national economies, ensuring that essential imports meet domestic needs and exports open doors to international markets.
In other words, merchant vessels were the backbone of America’s ascension on the world stage and were a reliable provider of shipping services spanning numerous economic sectors. And thus, this is why my character Cyrus Van Cleet, is filthy rich. It’s also why Asher Stone, became pretty well off himself. He was the perfect character to use in this book as my hero. Poor guy has been sitting on the virtual fiction shelf for years! I’m glad I was finally able to tell his story.
Most of the fillies belonging to Petticoats & Pistols have been writing for a long time. Some of us have multiple generations of characters at this point! Cyrus Van Cleet’s origin story is told in Polly and the Shipbuilder. He travels west and settles my little town of Clear Creek in The Trail to Clear Creek. He’s then in my Prairie Bride series, and my Prairie Groom
series and appears in multiple series in my more than 180 book backlist of books!
My townspeople don’t find out how rich he is until Her Prairie Viking, the fourth book in my Prairie Bride series when he decides to build a small, but elaborate hotel in the tiny town. It sticks out like a sore thumb, but everyone in town loves it. And he manages through correspondence to run his shipping company from afar. It helps that he has a brother, Reginald, who is back in Boston, also running the company. Unfortunately, Reginald isn’t the most savory of characters, so Cyrus chooses Asher Stone, who’s running the bank in my tiny town, to go manage things for him.
Asher has been a side character for years and he pops up now and then in conversation, and makes a few appearances here in there, but now finally has his own book! And, in case you’re wondering, Cyrus Van Cleet is still alive and kicking in my books. He’s old now, and so are his friends. And they can sure stir up their share of trouble!
Are there books you’ve read that have characters that live long into old age? Have you enjoyed getting to know them over
the years through the books they appear in? My readers enjoy Cyrus and his friends, so much, I had to come up with a way for them to keep living! Good thing I have time travelers in my repertoire of characters. Not to mention one that’s quite handy with elixirs that affect aging. It was the only way to keep my little gang of elderly trouble makers going.
What are some characters from books or movies that you’ve enjoyed watching grow story after story? I’m giving away one free e-copy of The Captain’s Rescue to one lucky commenter. Here’s a little more about the book:
Asher Stone was detail oriented and good with numbers. So when he left his little town of Clear Creek, Oregon years ago to manage the Van Cleet Shipping Company in Boston, Asher discovered he was good at other things too. Like spying, privateering, and posing as a pirate. But what’s a little extra work? After all, between three jobs, he’s managed to procure his own ship. But lately, thoughts of finding a wife and starting a family were crossing his mind. Unfortunately for him, he’s got a few obstacles in the way. For one, someone is spreading rumors that he’s a smuggler. And two, the one woman that catches his eye, accuses him of ruining her family during his privateering days. But she’s got it all wrong, and he aims to set the record straight with the pretty spitfire.
Elodie Carlson finally has the name of the man that ruined her family. Captain Asher Stone. And she’s determined to bring him to justice! But when she finally gets the chance to confront him, he denies any involvement. In fact, he’s just as determined to prove his innocence as she is to prove he’s guilty. And blast it! Wouldn’t you know his explanation as to what might have really happened makes sense? But to prove it they’ll have to work together to bring the real culprits to light, and see them arrested. Can she bear working with a man she’s not sure she can trust? Worse, can she work with a cowboy turned sea captain without losing her heart?
USA Today bestselling author Kit Morgan is the author of over 180 books of historical and contemporary western romance! Her stories are fun, sweet stories full of love, laughter, and just a little bit of mayhem! Kit creates her stories in her little log cabin in the woods in the Pacific Northwest. An avid reader and knitter, when not writing, she can be found with either a book or a pair of knitting needles in her hands! Oh, and the occasional smidge of chocolate!
Back in the day I really enjoyed Gilbert Morris’ series about the House of Winslow (space and aging books led our public library to weed those books out of the collection, I’m sorry to say). And I still like sharing Gordon Korman’s series about the kids (they start as 3rd graders) who get up to all sorts of mischievious adventures starting with “Swindle” (he’s written prolifically and everything of his I’ve read is great). Of course Laura Ingalls Wilder’s book series based on her family history falls into this category, too and was read/reread.
I’ve read some of Morris Gilbert’s books, Mary, and enjoyed them. Sheesh, I think that was back in the 90s!
I am a big fan of Janette Oaks love comes softly series, the way the characters grow as the series goes along, I’ve reread it so many times, they’re like old friends
I’ve met Janette. She’s such a nice gal! And yes, that’s a really good series!
Regina Scott has some book series that I like.
I love Regina Scott’s books. I was so excited when her publisher asked me to endorse one of her books.
I have short-term memory loss so unless I read the books back-to-back, I have a hard time remembering characters.
Dealing with short term memory loss can by trying, Rhonda. But reading books back to back is the way to go!
It’s intriguing how so much is woven together.
I know! I love a series that is stitched together like a patchwork quilt!
I love reading books where the characters continue to appear in the series and then later in other series that are connected. Can’t wait to read this book.
Me too! You really get to know the characters that way.
I like hearing how much work goes into a story. I cannot recall any titles right now.
Characters that carry into multiple series become like old friends.
I enjoyed reading your article. My Daddy was also a merchant marine during WWII and after. I agree, they were the unsung heroes.
Very true! And I’m sure your dad had some humdinger stories to tell!
I have read the Gilbert Morris series and then I gave them all to my granddaughter who enjoys history. I’ve also read Janette Oake’s series and watched as many of the movies of Love Comes Softly as I could find. I didn’t know about the Merchant Marines, except for the name.
I read Gilbert Morris’ books years ago, which lead me to Janette Oake’s books. I’ve enjoyed both authors.
I do enjoy all the stories in Clear Creek, and I loved it when some of the characters showed up in Fiddlers Gap. I look forward to this next book.
Yes, I do love to criss cross characters and have them visit other towns in my little universe!
My friend’s daughter is a recent graduate of the Merchant Marine Academy. She’s an officer and has traveled the world. Women belong at Sea.
I’ve loved reading series over the years where the characters grow up or resurface in different books.
Oh cool! I bet she has some stories to tell!
I loved reading Little House on the Prairie and reading how they all grew up and what they did. Great great series. Your book sounds like a great read. All your book covers of Beautiful! (not entering this ebook giveaway as I am not tech savvy, but thank you)
I never read the Little House on the Prairie books, Alicia, but I did watch the show. I’ve even met some of the actors.
Ohhh this book sounds so good! The Love Comes Softly series by Jeanette Oke is a series I enjoyed reading and being able to watch them all grow up.
Several people have mentioned her series in here. I’ve only read a few of the book in that series.
Good story line. I never wrote a series on purpose, but characters have shown up again and again by sheer determination of their own. I am in the process of writing an 8 book series and want to get the first one right with dates etc. I hope mine come out as well as yours. I am a nut about continuity…
Being a stickler for continuity is a good thing! I’m sure you’ve created a character and series bible. They are such a help down the road.
I enjoy reading books that the characters cross over into. Characters become friends, so of course I want to know how their lives went on, long after the end of a book. It’s always nice to read how the children have grown and have stories of their own- or how the original characters parents met and forged their lives that led to the way the current characters act. The generational stories give insight to the behavior of characters and help bring it more to life in my mind.
That’s so true, Danielle. I’ve been reading a series that showcased one generation, and now I’m reading their children’s stores. I love it!
Sounds like a very interesting story. I also like books where the characters crossover.
I love a good saga series with lots of family! I think most people do. It’s one reason like shows about families are so popular on television.
180 books!!!!! Holy smokes!!!!!!!!
I know it’s not a movie but a book and tv series, Little House on the Prairie. I was growing up with them so the show was the best thing ever to me.
I enjoy reading a series where you can see future things happening but I can’t think of one I’ve read that follows a person or couple into their senior years. I have read cross over books but hate it when I don’t realize that characters cross from book to book and am lost at points. lol Now I go to author pages to be sure I grab the first book and so on. lol
Yeah, I hear ya! I’m going to have to start giving out companion guides to my books soon!
no fav
It’s hard to pick a favorite!
The first series that come to mind are the Anne of Green Gables books and the Laura Ingalls Wilder books. Stephanie Laurens has multigenerational interrelated series involving the Cynster Family which takes place in Regency England.
I enjoy this type of writing. We get to know characters in a book and often don’t want to see them go. Being able to follow them and their families through the stages of their life.
I’ve read some of those by Stephanie! I do love series that cover an entire family.
I can’t say I have a favorite series but this one sounds like one I would love to read.
It’s so hard to pick a favorite series. Though I’m reading one now in a totally different genre that’s pretty darn good and in two series covers two generations.
Can’t say I ever found a series I liked well enough to follow into their later years
Yeah, I guess if the first few books don’t wow you, then one is less inclined to look for more books.
I, too, love writing multi-generational interrelated tales. Sounds like another winner for you! “Break a Leg!”