My passion for exploring human stories, both past and present, is what guides my research, writing, and production of multimedia projects.

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Books & Writing

My books are historical fiction based on North American stories that have proven a connection point between the past, present and future. In the life stories I’ve explored, I’ve been most surprised by the many shared emotions and common experiences that bring me closer to meeting the real people who inspired my books. These people are often those whose stories now linger in the shadow of history – the details of how they felt and experienced situations are lost, but through extensive research much can be discovered and using various resources and this begins to deepen my understanding, from their perspective. All of what I have learned is then woven together into powerful renditions of plausible, most often probable, stories. My commitment to quality research, not judging history by my standards or modern understanding, and seeking multiple perspectives are what guide my writing. After all, my tagline and guiding principle is, “Discover the humanity in the history,” and often the human experience is complex – at once upsetting, heartening, and even triumphant if only that they survived unimaginable circumstances. I am often connected to those who inspire my books, so to hold myself to a high standard is my way of honouring them, and the lives they lead.

Inspired by True Events

Explore the Book Links below for Historical Information, Links, Videos and More!

CLICK to Learn More About A Walk with Mary

“I just finished reading “A Walk With Mary” What a beautiful story… I felt I was right there on every page. I cried when the babies were born and when there was a death. I sort of feel like the invisible aunt that watched over the lives of everyone…wonderful… I absolutely loved it!!! Rating: 5 out of 5 hearts ” – B. Outhouse

CLICK to Learn More About Shadows in the Tree

“Shadows in the Tree is an inviting and riveting story…DeBruin most skillfully explores the emotional toll on women and their families as they leave behind all they knew and face a dangerous and unknown future…I heartily recommend this book to anyone wanting to examine the human experience of many a Loyalist refugee.” – Review by Grietje R. McBride, UE, B Sc., Loyalist Gazette

CLICK to Learn More About Daughter of Conflict

“I have just finished reading Daughter of Conflict and my first thought on closing it was “Wow”. Thank you so much for writing such a powerful and emotion-inspiring book! I have read many accounts of the early history of Canadian settlers, including your own ancestors, but never one told from a very personal perspective such as this. It recounts in a very visceral way the struggles, fear and experience of the conflicts between the French, English and First Nation peoples in their search for acceptance, dominance, understanding and retention of culture and identity. I wasn’t able to put it down and I will need to re-read it to comprehend fully all the details and characters, whose lives you so vividly portray. Sincere congratulations on this book. I can only wish for more!” – L. Halliday

Common Asked Questions

How historically accurate are your books?

Here is a great definition of historical fiction: “Historical fiction transports readers to another time and place, either real or imagined. Writing historical fiction requires a balance of research and creativity, and while it often includes real people and events, the genre offers a fiction writer many opportunities to tell a wholly unique story.” – MasterClass.com

Why historical fiction?

The truth is, many stories are lost to history for a variety of reasons, using extensive research, married with historically plausible scenarios, I can bring these stories from the shadows of history.

What do you research to begin to understand the person?

I use a wide-range of research from broad papers on historical events to individual accounts. Using a combination of historical documents such as official papers and reports, peer-reviewed papers, and other historical documents

• Community makeup
• Politics – local to global, as global politics often (and still do) influence local politics
• Language
• Religion
• Culture – practices, culture conflicts e.g., Indigenous, and colonial settlers

 

Current Writing Projects: 4th Historical Fiction and 1st Non-Fiction

History Podcast

Visit our website FACETnating History 

• Listen directly on website or your favourite podcast streaming service
• Keep exploring on our Show Notes for each episode – information, audio, video links