Hotly-anticipated standalone in award-winning
historical fiction series takes readers to Western Frontier
A thrilling adventure for fans of the show “1883”
BLOOMINGTON, IL – In Spring 1874, the American economy is
descending into a depression, following the collapse of Jay Cooke’s financial
empire. Amid the chain of bank and business failures set off by Cooke’s
bankruptcy, Jubilee Walker struggles to keep Warner and Walker Outfitters
solvent.
When Jubil solicits support from the highest levels of government, he sets off a chain of events that puts not only him but the ones he loves most in grave danger. What is the nature of the secret Jubil’s nemesis is hiding? And how far will he go to protect it?
Book four in the Jubilee Walker series is loosely based on historical events.
“The Montana Gold Mine”
Tim Piper | January 15, 2025 | Sunshine Parade Publishing |
Historical Fiction | Coming of Age Hardcover | B0DKB9PZR4 | $19.99 | Paperback | 9798999308409 | $13.99
Ebook | B0CYVH4D7X| $4.99
TIM PIPER is retired from a long career in Information Technology and has been a lifelong hobbyist musician. In his earlier days he was an avid hiker and backcountry camper, but his adventures these days are less strenuous and more comfortable. He began his education at Illinois State University as an English major, but life circumstances put him on a more pragmatic path, and he graduated with a BS in Business Admin, a degree he finds appropriately named. He lives in Bloomington, Illinois.
Learn more at www.timpiper-author.com or follow him on
Facebook.
An Interview with Tim Piper about
“The Jubilee Walker” series:
How did you incorporate the true-life adventures of Major
Powell into your fictional story?
The story adheres closely to the historical record of
Powell’s 1867, 1868, and 1869 exploring expeditions and the people who
participated in them. The events of those expeditions serve as the context for
the formative years of my protagonist, Jubilee Walker, as he makes his way into
adulthood in post–Civil War America.
Describe the trip to the Rockies that inspired your
novel.
During one of my early trips to Rocky Mountain National
Park, I hiked the Longs Peak Trail. After the hike, I purchased a book on the
history of the mountain and learned the first person to summit it was Major
John Wesley Powell. Researching Powell, I was surprised to learn he had close
connections to my hometown, Bloomington, Illinois. Much of Powell’s life struck
me as something out of an adventure novel, but I did not find any fiction that
had dramatized it. I carried the idea with me for years until finally deciding
to make an effort to write the novel I wanted to read.
Why do you feel that Major Powell deserves more
recognition?
Over Powell’s lifetime, his adventures, scientific
expeditions, and geographic surveys of America’s developing western frontier
led him to conclusions about land and water use that were far ahead of his
time. Though he was very influential in scientific and academic circles, his
recommendations were never fully adopted by politicians. The impact of failing
to address his concerns was made evident by the Dust Bowl of the 1930s, and can
still be felt today in terms of water use policy in the western states. He was
one of the first to espouse conservation policy that still struggles to protect
our natural resources against America’s drive to exploit them.
Where do you find your writing purpose and inspiration
from?
Though I have always had an artistic nature and enjoyed
music and writing as hobbies, I chose the more expedient path of making a
living in the business world rather than the risky world of the arts. After I
retired, my wife was taken ill and passed away, and I was lost for what to do
with myself. I tried following my hobby of music but could no longer find joy
in it. But writing provided me with a means to block out my internal dialogue
and pass the days doing something constructive. These days, I follow my
curiosity to research topics that appeal to me, and then weave those into
fictional stories that I would like to read myself.
What kinds of research did you do for the story?
Major John Wesley Powell taught at Illinois Wesleyan
University in my hometown of Bloomington, Illinois. I contacted the archive
librarian at IWU’s Ames Library, and was allowed access to their John Wesley
Powell Special Collection. These materials, along with other resources
suggested by the librarian led me to a wealth of information about Powell.
Other books and online newspaper articles provided insights into life during
post–Civil War America.
What are some key takeaways you hope people will have
from your book?
The protagonist, Jubilee Walker, is a young man who knows
more about what he doesn’t want to do with his life than what he does want. He
makes most of his decisions by following his passions and doing what his heart
tells him is right. His good-natured personality, enthusiasm, reliability, and
calm demeanor in the face of difficult circumstances win him the support and
friendship of most people he meets. Jubil’s philosophy of following his passion
and heart is a worthwhile message for anyone.
Could the books in the series be read as standalones, or
does the reader benefit from reading the books in order?
Yes, the books can be read as standalone though the reader's
experience is enhanced by reading them in sequence. Each episode is more
meaningful as you watch the protagonist, Jubilee Walker, grow with each life
experience.
How have you grown as a writer since beginning the
series?
Though it might seem each book in the series would get
easier to write, I've found the opposite to be true. The lives of the
characters get more complex and their motivations change, making plotting more
difficult. The risk of repeating yourself in some way grows, and your internal
critic gets more demanding as your ability to see your own weaknesses as a
writer grows.
What has surprised you most about this series and the
process of writing and promoting it?
By far the most surprising aspect of the process has been
the positive acceptance of my work. I will be forever grateful that the books
have been received with far more approval than I ever imagined.
This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned
