Shannon McNear loves losing herself in local history. She’s a military wife, mom of eight, mother-in-law of three, grammie of two, and a member of ACFW and RWA. Her first novella, Defending Truth in A Pioneer Christmas Collection, was a 2014 RITA finalist. When she’s not sewing, researching, or leaking story from her fingertips, she enjoys being outdoors, basking in the beauty of the northern prairies.
In this interview, Shannon talks about the second book in a Daughters of the Lost Colony Series titled Mary. This historical “what if” story will keep readers at the edge of their seats.
FF: What inspired you to write this book?
The concept was suggested by my editor, but the story itself took hold of my imagination and would not let go. The more research I did into the Lost Colony, the more convinced I was that I should not refuse the opportunity to write this series.
FF: Tell us something interesting you learned while researching this time period.
Did you know that King Henry VIII wrote songs?…and that at least one of them hit the historical Tudor English version of the Top 40? (I suppose they were obligated—he was the king, after all.) It’s titled “Pastime With Good Company,” and I used the version by the New World Renaissance Band as part of my writing playlist for Elinor.
FF: What about this part of history is so fascinating to you?
I knew very little about the reign of Queen Elizabeth and her influence on exploration—or about the period of time before Shakespeare was really popular, or before the King James Version of the Bible came about. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that human nature never changes, nor politics, and so it’s been interesting to see how that held true during this era.
FF: While researching, did you come across anything that blessed you personally?
It was so cool to read various primary sources and find those who I believe had a real relationship with the Lord and weren’t just “religious” out of obligation.
FF: What’s an overall theme of the book that you hope readers get to experience as they read it?
The reality of the spiritual—that God is Spirit, that He isn’t bound by space or time or even cultural—and that the battle over our souls is a very real and present thing.
FF: What is a main area of growth for the characters in this story?
Basic but ever-essential trust in God, in every aspect of life.
FF: What character did you relate to in Mary, and why?
I related to many aspects of all of them, but one of the strongest and possibly most immediate was Manteo, in dealing with a teen daughter. I also related deeply to Georgie, as he grappled with loss and abandonment issues.
FF: Tell us a little bit about the series in general. What makes it stand out to readers?
Not only does it highlight a little-known sliver of history, but I’ve been given freedom to write what would properly be called speculative history. There are some strong archaeological hints on what happened to the Roanoke Colony, but no one really knows. I also get to write it from a strongly Christian worldview, and to portray various historical figures (as well as fictional characters) with genuine faith in the midst of genuine struggles. Human nature is not whitewashed, but neither is all religious belief brushed aside as a mere vehicle for political ambition.
Mary
Daughters of the Lost Colony Series #2
Shannon McNear
Barbour Fiction
Genres: Mystery & Suspense, Romance, Historical
Release Date: September 30, 2022
ISBN-10: 1636093868
ISBN-13: 978-1636093864
Book Summary:
Worlds Collide Along the Shores of the Outer Banks
Immerse yourself in the “what if” questions related to the Lost Colony of Roanoke. What if an English boy and a native girl met in the wilderness? The push-and-pull between two very different worlds begins as one seeks simple friendship and the other struggles to trust. And can it—dare they—allow it to be more?
Sparks fly between Mushaniq, free-spirited daughter of Manteo, and Georgie Howe, whose father was brutally murdered by undiscovered native warriors before they’d been on Roanoac Island a full week. As Georgie struggles to make sense of his life and to accept that not all they call “savage” are guilty of his father’s death, Mushaniq grapples with her own questions about who Manteo has become. As tentative friendship becomes more, forged in the fire of calamity and attack upon their community, both must decide whether the One True God is indeed who He claims to be and whether He is worthy of their trust.
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