Gail Kittleson

Sunshine Alley is a sweeping, multi-generational saga set against the historical backdrop of rural Texas, the American homefront, and the fractured battlefields of the War in the Pacific. The country is deep in the throes of the Great Depression when Kindred Fresh shows up on the doorstep at Miss Millicent's boarding house in Waco, Texas. Miss M, as she is known to all in this central Texas town, welcomes the desperate young woman into her home, treats her with compassion and dignity, helping Kin to not only survive, but to thrive. As the U.S. is drawn inexorably into World War Two, Kin finds purpose serving as both caretaker and nurse, while developing into a respected member of the community. But Kin harbors a dark secret that gnaws at her soul and steals her peace. Can she confront her past and risk tearing down the new life she has built? Or are some secrets best left forever buried in the past?

"Garrit, a solid name-you have found a strong husband, daughter." Mama's blessing, spoken after their wedding vows and as clear as the stars above, allowed Meta to release her cares at last.Born of solid German stock, Meta Tolzmann Rausch eyed the starry sphere above. Beside her, Garrit's steady breathing relayed a message-safe in the hands of Providence. Oh, to embrace that truth Already seven days to the western border of Iowa and then three more to meet the wagon train at Council Bluffs. And their trek had only begun.​​​​​​​Each day took them further away from home, with no return. As she floated between wakefulness and sleep, Garrit draped his arm around her. After long miles on the trail, his warmth soothed her aching muscles.This man, strong as the oxen who would pull their wagon on the trail and as determined as the Union Army-this man she had wed.

"Garrit, a solid name-you have found a strong husband, daughter." Mama's blessing, spoken after their wedding vows and as clear as the stars above, allowed Meta to release her cares at last.Born of solid German stock, Meta Tolzmann Rausch eyed the starry sphere above. Beside her, Garrit's steady breathing relayed a message-safe in the hands of Providence. Oh, to embrace that truth Already seven days to the western border of Iowa and then three more to meet the wagon train at Council Bluffs. And their trek had only begun.​​​​​​​Each day took them further away from home, with no return. As she floated between wakefulness and sleep, Garrit draped his arm around her. After long miles on the trail, his warmth soothed her aching muscles.This man, strong as the oxen who would pull their wagon on the trail and as determined as the Union Army-this man she had wed.

The Lavender Farm was Gabe's idea. He recalled the lavender fields from his childhood in his native Italy, before he had immigrated to America with his parents. "Oh, the fragrance on a morning mist-heaven come to earth," he had said. "I can't even describe it to you, Lyra. The scent always seemed to me like the first real breath of dawn."Now Gabe was on the battlefield with the 45th Infantry, fighting to free the old country from the fascist dictator, Mussolini, and it was up to his wife, Lyra, to breathe life into Gabe's vision - to coax the hardy lavender plants to take root in the rocky Arizona soil.And just when normal had re-established itself in her household, a knock came at the door. Her mother-in-law had gone to town that morning, so she grabbed baby Luca and clutched him to her chest as she opened the door."Telegram, Ma'am. If you would sign right here, please."Since Gabe left, Lyra had wished for time to flee faster, and now it had brought her to this juncture. Suspended between what was and what would be, she faltered. A thousand thoughts waged war inside her head. A long breath. Another. The old couch covering, once soft velvet, scratched at her palm. This could not wait forever. The tearing sounded too loud, as if her soul were being rent in two. She sucked in a breath and read. REGRET TO INFORM YOU...

The Lavender Farm was Gabe's idea. He recalled the lavender fields from his childhood in his native Italy, before he had immigrated to America with his parents. "Oh, the fragrance on a morning mist-heaven come to earth," he had said. "I can't even describe it to you, Lyra. The scent always seemed to me like the first real breath of dawn."Now Gabe was on the battlefield with the 45th Infantry, fighting to free the old country from the fascist dictator, Mussolini, and it was up to his wife, Lyra, to breathe life into Gabe's vision - to coax the hardy lavender plants to take root in the rocky Arizona soil.And just when normal had re-established itself in her household, a knock came at the door. Her mother-in-law had gone to town that morning, so she grabbed baby Luca and clutched him to her chest as she opened the door."Telegram, Ma'am. If you would sign right here, please."Since Gabe left, Lyra had wished for time to flee faster, and now it had brought her to this juncture. Suspended between what was and what would be, she faltered. A thousand thoughts waged war inside her head. A long breath. Another. The old couch covering, once soft velvet, scratched at her palm. This could not wait forever. The tearing sounded too loud, as if her soul were being rent in two. She sucked in a breath and read. REGRET TO INFORM YOU...

World War II stole her only son, and sickness took her husband. Her daughters and grandchildren live far away. Little is left for Dottie Kyle beyond cooking and cleaning at the local boarding house and a small town life that allows her to slip into a predictable routine.Loneliness is Dottie's constant companion.Then along came Al Jensen.

1943The world is at warand the outcome is anything but sureIn the heartland, communities like Caroline, Iowa, must bind together to support The Cause. As the war drags on, few families escape paying the untimate price.But the unity of this close-knit community is threatened by a violent death-a murder committed in the basement of the town's beloved Church Street United Brethren. Everyone, including the congregation's handsome new pastor, becomes a suspect.The underpinnings to the mystery delve deep into the town's past... and extend far beyond its borders.

1943The world is at warand the outcome is anything but sureIn the heartland, communities like Caroline, Iowa, must bind together to support The Cause. As the war drags on, few families escape paying the untimate price.But the unity of this close-knit community is threatened by a violent death-a murder committed in the basement of the town's beloved Church Street United Brethren. Everyone, including the congregation's handsome new pastor, becomes a suspect.The underpinnings to the mystery delve deep into the town's past... and extend far beyond its borders.

Late Winter, 1943The world is at war with no end in sightAddie Bledsoe and Kate Isaacs, best friends from Iowa, are embroiled in their own private battles. In England, Kate grieves the loss of her pilot husband even as she awaits the birth of their child. Addie makes the dangerous trek across the ocean to be with her friend in her hour of need, much to her abusive husband's ire.With Europe reeling under the heels of the Nazi Wehrmacht the two friends are once again called on separate journeys. Kate is recruited into Britain's Secret Operations Executive (SOE), resulting in a clandestine mission behind enemy lines in occupied France, while Addie wages a war of the heart in war-torn London.Somehow, these heroic Women of the Heartland must find a way to overcome the adversities of the war without, and the war within.

Late Winter, 1943The world is at war with no end in sightAddie Bledsoe and Kate Isaacs, best friends from Iowa, are embroiled in their own private battles. In England, Kate grieves the loss of her pilot husband even as she awaits the birth of their child. Addie makes the dangerous trek across the ocean to be with her friend in her hour of need, much to her abusive husband's ire.With Europe reeling under the heels of the Nazi Wehrmacht the two friends are once again called on separate journeys. Kate is recruited into Britain's Secret Operations Executive (SOE), resulting in a clandestine mission behind enemy lines in occupied France, while Addie wages a war of the heart in war-torn London.Somehow, these heroic Women of the Heartland must find a way to overcome the adversities of the war without, and the war within.

Set in the German Hill Country of Texas during World War II, Land That I Love is a sweeping literary novel of love and loss; friendship and animosity; fathers and sons; and coping during times of war and peace.Yet it is more than a love story. It is about the racism and bigotry that still exist in our world. As author Gail Kittleson's characters struggle with the problems of everyday life, they teach us that we survive hard times by being good neighbors despite our differences and that hatred can be conquered by love, understanding and forgiveness.

Set in the German Hill Country of Texas during World War II, Land That I Love is a sweeping literary novel of love and loss; friendship and animosity; fathers and sons; and coping during times of war and peace.Yet it is more than a love story. It is about the racism and bigotry that still exist in our world. As author Gail Kittleson's characters struggle with the problems of everyday life, they teach us that we survive hard times by being good neighbors despite our differences and that hatred can be conquered by love, understanding and forgiveness.

West.Heading west.Put the past behind you.Start over.In nose-biting pre-dawn cold, Ray's rap sounded. Out front waited a new wagon. Abby buttoned her wool coat and bonnet, doubled Papa's traveling blanket over her arm with her parasol, and crossed the threshold for the last time. Ray hoisted her trunk as she clambered into the buckboard.He was no gentleman-no surprise to that. Through hushed streets, past Annabelle's house, the silent empty clapboard church, and beyond the new train depot, memories flitted one by one. With each, her heaviness lifted, and out in the countryside west of town, each squeaky turn of the wheels breathed hope.In rhythm with the creaking wheels, words circled through her mind like poetry-Now we are wed... no longer alone... heading west.A fog immersed her. Not an endearing word from him, nor even a kindly touch of his hand.Her husband.***A sudden light spangled the heavens as if to show that sunshine still reigned.Abby sank to a fallen log-the glow rimmed the clouds in an ethereal aura. Crimson became rose, yellows transformed to gold, and periwinkle caressed deep purple."Could I have been befuddled all this time?"The scripture Fred read at supper filtered back.The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee."The day's warmth still hovered, and with it, a sense that all was well. The sky flamed for several more minutes. This beauty and my love for you are one.She hugged the message close. "Perhaps, after all, I am loved."

Redd Stewart's journey began as more than just another rags-to-riches story, but with an essential heritage of family love and music that would later shape him into one of the music world's greatest 'unsung heroes.'His life inspired others to do better, to be better, to love unconditionally, and to share with others the blessing of God-given talent. He was a man who never asked for personal praise, but whose individual contribution to the Country and Pop music industries is still alive throughout the world today.Many of the songs written by Redd have been performed and recorded by such entertainment legends as Patti Page, Hank Williams, Roy Rogers, Dean Martin, Michael Bubl , and the list goes on. He was heard to say in all humility, "I don't deserve any of this."Follow these pages of heartfelt thoughts about our subject as explored in detail by the musician, author, and loving son of this sincere man, revealed for the first time is the real-life love story that inspired the lyrics to the world's most famous Country music song; the beautiful Tennessee Waltz.

From the moment President Roosevelt announced the Pearl Harbor attack, every corner of the nation experienced change. In little towns all across this great land, families said good-bye to sons and daughters as they went off to a brutal war. Many believed that, with America's involvement, the war would be over by the next Christmas. Alas, this was not to be. Many families would not spend the holidays with their deployed loved ones until 1946 or '47. As the months passed, rationing made typical gift-giving difficult if not impossible. Holiday gifts reverted to the "homemade" sort, department store Santas got a feminine make-over, and in the midst of war, communities pulled together to celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace. These are their stories.