Hi, guys! V. Joy Palmer here! Since we are all friends here, you guys can call me Joy. ;-) And one of my favorite things to do is talk with my friends at coffee shops, then head to the bookstores. Yes, plural. After all, books and yummy drinks are the perfect combination! So consider this our virtual coffee shop. I'll wait a second for you to get your warm drink and a fuzzy blanket before we chat with today's guest. <3
Today we are going to pry into the private life of CHAT with author Kimberly Burkhardt!
Kimberly Burkhardt writes Christian historical romances with a mix of faith, love, and adventure. She enjoys researching American history and draws inspiration from the people and places of the Old West. Kimberly makes her home in Nebraska with her family and can usually be found with a good book or a great cup of coffee in hand. When not writing, she loves spending time with her family, being outdoors, and visiting historical sites around the Midwest.
Connect with Kimberly on her website, Goodreads, Bookbub, Instagram, and Facebook!
Interview ~
This may be the most important question I ask -- no pressure or anything, LOL!
*drum roll*
What are you drinking in our virtual coffee house? Coffee? Tea? Hot chocolate? Something else altogether?
Coffee in the morning and tea at night.
Sounds perfect! If you could order anything in the world to eat (we can dream, can't we?), what would it be?
My mom’s pot roast, with mashed potatoes, gravy, and green beans. It might not sound fancy but it has always been one of my favorite meals and I don’t get it very often since I don’t live close to my parents.
Classic and delicious! Where is your favorite place to write, and why is that your favorite place?
Outdoors. I have a glider swing in my backyard that I enjoy sitting on when the weather allows it. My view looks out to a small grove of pine trees. Beyond that, is a small farm. The animal sounds provide a nice ambiance and help spark my creativity when it comes to writing about the Old West.
That's so cool! Do you have an odd habit that is only explained by your bookish, writer tendencies? Safe space. ;-)
I am not aware of any odd habits but I’m sure my
family would say otherwise.
LOL! Those habits never feel odd to us, right? What inspired you to write The Carpenter's Schoolmarm?
I first began writing The Carpenter’s Schoolmarm in high school. At the time, I didn’t yet know where the story would lead—only that there were a few key moments I wanted to include. Like most new writers, I based my characters after people I knew at the time. But as the years went on and I kept revising, both the story and the characters grew right along with me. A lot of my inspiration came from reading Christian historical romances and watching old westerns.
How fun! What led you to write in this genre?
I grew up watching Dr. Quinn, Bonanza, and Gunsmoke (thanks Mom and Dad) and I loved reading books by Lori Wick, Tracie Peterson, and Mary Connealy. Historical romance has been with me most of my life. It was only natural to want to write in this genre. Plus, I love learning about history in the 1800s.
We had similar childhoods! What message do you hope to convey to your readers?
The message I want to convey to readers with this story is that no matter how our lives are going or want to go, we must trust in God’s plan. I am still learning this lesion and reminding myself that even though I might not see what’s ahead, God has and I need to trust His guidance.
So, so true! Can you tell us a little about your next project(s)?
The second book in the Cooperton Brides series is with my editor and will be released March 2026. I am currently plotting the third book.
About The Blacksmith’s Songbird
She longs for freedom. He offers hope.
Beneath the glow of the gaslight lamps and smoky haze
of the Big Blue Saloon, nineteen-year-old, Laura Shining, feels like a songbird
trapped in a cage. She longs for freedom, a life away from the leering eyes of
the drunken cowhands and controlling saloon owners. As Laura dares to imagine a
life beyond the saloon, a surprising source of strength arises from a group of
faithful women in the town’s sewing circle. Through their wisdom and
friendship, Laura begins to see her true worth.
Josiah Crawford took the job as blacksmith in
Cooperton to help his family and to get away from the guilt of a friend’s
death. He enjoys forging iron and is content spending his days shaping steel.
It isn’t until a chance run-in with a spirited young singer that he begins to
question his decision to stay a bachelor. A growing friendship blossoms, and
Josiah soon feels himself wanting more than just a friendship.
When the saloon owner’s simmering jealousy turns
violent, Laura must rely on courage, friendship, and the love of a man who has
forged his way into her heart, to escape the saloon life.
Will she be able to break free from her cage and
finally sing the song that has been on her heart all along?
Yay! Do you have a favorite Bible verse or story that inspires you on a soul level?
At this time in my life, I have found John 16:33, to be a big part. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
So good! What are you currently reading? Inquiring minds -- mine! -- want to know. ;-)
Right now, I am reading Pretending to Wed by Melissa Jagears.
Fun! Thanks for answering all of my prying questions, Kimberly!
Giveaway ~
Kimberly is generously giving away an eBook copy of The Carpenter's Schoolmarm!
The Carpenter’s Schoolmarm
She’s running from her future. He’s hiding
from his past.
Forced into an arranged marriage by her father,
Samantha Baxter flees from the clutches of her fiancé and finds sanctuary in
the small town of Cooperton, Kansas, as the new schoolmarm. Although she
attracts the attention of some of the single men in town, Samantha remains
cautious, knowing any romantic relationship could put that man in danger of her
fiancé and his fury if he ever tracks her down.
Michael Brooks finally has enough money to purchase
the land where he will build his future home. He can put his criminal past
behind him and find peace in the solitary life of crafting furniture for the
people of Cooperton. That is, until he meets the new schoolmarm. She stirs a
dream inside him he didn’t know he wanted. A wife and family to call his
own.
Despite her efforts, Samantha finds herself drawn to Michael, unable to deny her growing love for the handsome carpenter. But when his past and her future collide, will the two be able to trust in each other and in God’s plan? Or will their secrets keep them apart?
See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!
