Gail Kittleson

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About Gail Kittleson

When Gail's not steeped in World War II historical research, writing, or editing, you'll find her reading for fun, gardening, or enjoying her grandchildren in Northern Iowa. She delights in interacting with readers who fall in love with her characters.

Women of the Heartland, Gail's World War II series, highlights women of The Greatest Generation: In Times Like These, April 2016, With Each New Dawn, February, 2017 (Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, and Word Crafts Press, December, 2017.)

These heroines make do with what life hands them and face great odds with integrity. No easy outs or pat answers for their struggles - it's the thick of World war II. The same can be said of Dottie in In This Together, Gail's first historical novel (Wild Rose Press/Vintage Line), and of the women in her memoir, Catching Up With Daylight (WhiteFire Publishing.)

Gail Kittleson taught college expository writing and ESL before writing women’s historical fiction. From northern Iowa, she facilitates writing workshops and women’s retreats, and enjoys the Arizona Ponderosa forest in winter.

Victoria Christopher Murray

Marie Benedict

TaraShea Nesbit

J'nell Ciesielski

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Author Updates

Titles By Gail Kittleson

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Christmas Love Through the Ages Sep 5, 2021

by Paula Peckham, Gail Kittleson, Lena Nelson Dooley, Cleo Lampos, Lisa Bell

( 20 )

$5.99

Ready for the Christmas spirit? Light the Yule log, grab a snuggly blanket, and settle in for a
collection of stories celebrating the season. This collection of festive tales honors our beloved
traditions, reminds us of our moorings, and warms our hearts. Short stories and novellas take us
on a journey from 1868 to today. You'll travel from Bethlehem with angel Gabriel to an airport
in Colorado. Lena Nelson Dooley, Lisa Bell, Gail Kittleson, Cleo Lampos, and Paula Peckham
offer tales commemorating the wonderful season of hope and possibility. Welcome to Christmas
Love Through the Ages.
Listen, by Lisa Bell: If you were the angel Gabriel, how would you get people to remember Jesus at Christmastime?
A Father’s Gift, by Paula Peckham: A young man, anticipating the birth of his child, learns about love and sacrifice only a father can give.
The Rescued Christmas, by Lena Nelson Dooley: Can a young woman trust God to turn her worst nightmare into a blessing?
Turtle Creek Christmas, by Gail Kittleson: Finding a home means everything to an orphan girl, but discovering the joy of Christmas surpasses her wildest dreams.
A Divine Romance, by Lena Nelson Dooley: A friend leads Jolene to Colorado and then to Jesus.
A Bookmobile Noel, by Cleo Lampos: The difficulties of rural Illinois in the Great Depression are lessened by a novice librarian’s ingenuity.
Gold Mine Christmas, by Gail Kittleson: Though we seek earthly fortune, genuine treasure remains a matter of the heart.
Blessings on the 38th Parallel, by Cleo Lampos: Amid war-weary Korea in 1952, hope rekindles in the lives of a soldier and a MASH nurse.
A Christmas Hallelujah, by Paula Peckham: In the aftermath of a canceled Christmas Eve flight, strangers become friends when presented with the chance to show selfless love to a fellow journeyer.

Other Formats: Paperback

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

Land That I Love Aug 30, 2021

by Gail Kittleson

( 16 )

$5.99

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.

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Hardcover , Paperback

Until Then (Women of the Heartland Book 5) Jun 11, 2019

by Gail Kittleson

( 21 )

$6.99

March 3, 1943

Bethnal Green, London’s East End

Shortly after a quarter past eight, a siren split the air. Marian Williams lifted her sleeping daughter from her bed and darted down the stairs. Her mother and father-in-law, off on air warden duty, had left the front door unlocked.

She hugged her youngest child close. The blackout made the going difficult, but her husband’s instructions echoed in her brain: “Whatever you do, get down inside the station fast as you can.”

She hoped for a spot near the canteen, with access to milk. Uneven light shone over the paved steps. Then she tripped. Her knee hit the concrete, then something bashed her left side. Someone cried out. Another blow scraped her arm on the landing floor. Where was her baby? She attempted to get up, but an even heavier weight slammed her face down. A crushing burden descended, then all went black.

Riding in the backs of Army trucks across North Africa, throughout the Sicily campaign, up the boot of Italy, and northward through France into Germany, Dorothy Woebbeking served as a surgical nurse with the 11th Evacuation Hospital.

During World War II, US Army nurses worked and slept in tents through horrific weather, endured enemy fire, and even the disdain of their own superior officers, who believed women had no place in war. But Dorothy and her comrades persevered, and their skills and upbeat attitude made a huge difference in the lives of thousands of wounded soldiers.

Dorothy and Marian’s stories converge on a simple, hand stitched handkerchief.

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Kiss Me Once Again (A Women of the Heartland Story Book 1) Nov 25, 2018

by Gail Kittleson

( 14 )

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Glenora Keeps Her Heart Under Lock and Key

No one ever accused Glenora Carson of being a breathtaking beauty. Her talk, gangly figure and angular face are more solid midwestern stock than Hollywood glamour. But Joe liked her. He even told her, “You’re the one for me.” He gave her a locket with his picture inside, to remind her of him while he was away, serving his country on the U.S.S. Arizona.

After December 7, 1941, Glenora shelves her dreams of attending college on the scholarship she was offered by Iowa State University, locks her heart away, and focuses on holding down the home front by helping out the family business – Carson’s Garage. The grease-stained overalls didn’t do much to compliment her female figure, but they cover her female heart well enough.

That is, until Hank Anderson, a wounded warrior back from battle, walks into the garage and into Glenora’s life.

Is an old maid’s future Glenora’s fate, or will Cupid throw a wrench in her plans?

Other Formats: Paperback

With Each New Dawn Feb 16, 2022

by Gail Kittleson

( 73 )

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Late Winter, 1943

The world is at war with no end in sight

Addie 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.

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The Food That Held the World Together Oct 11, 2020

by Gail Kittleson, Cleo Lampos

( 19 )

$2.99

Because of wartime rationing, World War II folks faced fresh challenges to feed their families. The thought of running out of food or not being able to make ends meet led to great effort-many of these citizens had not so long ago survived the hunger of the Great Depression.

Many people are familiar with the concept of victory gardens, but does this seemingly quaint, archaic practice have more to teach us today? How did soldiers cope with their hunger on foreign soil? How did the food industry respond to wartime needs? What innovations developed as families sought ways to show their soldiers their love and concern?

Authors Gail Kittleson and Cleo Lampos found answers to these and many other questions while researching The Foods that Held the World Together.

Other Formats: Paperback

A World War II Holiday Scrapbook Oct 13, 2020

by Gail Kittleson, Cleo Lampos

( 8 )

$2.99

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.

Other Formats: Paperback

Catching Up with Daylight: A Journey to Wholeness Aug 13, 2013

by Gail Kittleson

( 12 )

$4.99

Many of us long for rest, as the author did while renovating an old house after her husband’s first deployment to Iraq. Yet a different hunger undergirded that desire: a hunger for wholeness.

No fast track exists to a closer walk with God, but the ancient Benedictine practice of Lectio Divina enhances and extends our times with our Creator. Allowing the Spirit to emphasize one word and ruminating on that word throughout the day empowers us to remain present for every moment, attentive to embrace all that God has for us.

As you take this journey with the author, you will become aware of those who have paved our way, and of those around us who need fresh courage. And you may even waken early one morning to discover the moon painted with a fresh hue.

Other Formats: Paperback

All for the Cause (Women of the Heartland Book 4) Apr 3, 2019

by Gail Kittleson

( 12 )

$5.99

Distant thunder rolled as Mr. Olsen poured coffee for his customers, and comments crackled like popcorn.
"Surrender?"
"Unconditional, he said. Who woulda thought..."
"Sure ain't lookin' good."
"Sure hate to think of 'em bein' prisoners."
"Ain't Howard Hannam's son over there?"
"Yeah, and my brother's boy. Sure hope MacArthur keeps his promise to rescue them fellas."
The news was grim in May 1942. The Philippines had fallen to the Imperial Japanese Army. Rommel is on the move in Northern Africa. The Russian Army is pushed back toward Stalingrad. In the sweltering jungles of Corregidor, PFC Stan Ford battles illness and injury as he and his comrades escape and evade a tenacious enemy. And in the Heartland, women mourn the loss of husbands, sons, and sweethearts.

While everyone else seems to be doing something to support the troops, Twila Brunner feels lost, and useless. But when she sees a newspaper article about a Prisoner of War camp being built in neighboring Algona, Iowa, she believes she has finally discovered a way to to give something for the Cause.

Other Formats: Hardcover , Paperback

A Purpose True (Women of the Heartland Book 3) Nov 16, 2017

by Gail Kittleson

( 10 )

$6.99

Though War Breeds Cruelty and Injustice, Grace Yet Prevails

Southern France - Spring, 1944

German panzer units crisscross the region, dealing ruthless reprisals against the French Resistance, and anyone suspected of supporting its efforts. Secret Operations Executive (SOE) agent Kate Isaacs is tasked with providing essential radio communications with the Allies, while her guide, Domingo Ibarra, a Basque shepherd-turned-Resistance fighter, dedicates himself to avenging the destruction of his home and family.

Thrown together by the vagaries of war, their shared mission, and common devotion to liberty, the last thing Kate and Domingo anticipate is the stirring of affection that threatens to blossom into love. But how can love survive in the midst of the enemy’s relentless cruelty toward innocent citizens?

Everything hinges on the success of the Allied Invasion - L’Invasion.

Secondhand Sunsets: A Novel of the Mogollon Rim Mar 1, 2021

by Gail Kittleson

( 3 )

$5.99

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.”

Other Formats: Hardcover , Paperback

Country Music's Hidden Gem: The Redd Stewart Story Jan 26, 2021

by Billy Stewart, Gail Kittleson

( 15 )

$5.99

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 Bublé, 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.

Other Formats: Hardcover , Paperback

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Titles By Gail Kittleson

Late Winter, 1943

The world is at war with no end in sight

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