A Song of Deliverance

The Singing Silver Mine #1

by Donna Wichelman

Born into the Irish system of landholding that favors the moneyed class, Anna Sullivan has no dowry and no chance of marrying the man she loves. Poor and heartbroken, she flees Ireland to tend to Uncle Liam’s house in Colorado and take on her deceased aunt’s sewing business.

But when Anna arrives in Georgetown, she discovers a mine disaster at the Singing Silver Mine has killed her uncle. Orphaned and destitute again, she gathers her faith, courage, and ingenuity to establish a life in the community. Only one person stands in her way—the mine’s owner.

A wealthy, grief-stricken widower of European nobility, Stefan Maier threw his energies into making his mark as a silver mining baron in Colorado when his wife and child died at sea, emigrating to America. Now, everyone blames him for the mine disaster that killed nine men. But how does he convince the lovely and opinionated Irish woman of his innocence?

Will Anna’s heart soften towards Stefan? Will Stefan prove himself worthy of Anna’s affections? Each will have to risk everything to attain what they want and need most—love.

388 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2024

About the author

Weaving history and faith into stories of intrigue and redemption grew out of Donna’s love of travel, history, and literature as a young adult while attending the United World College of the Atlantic—an international college in Wales, U.K. She enjoys exploring the peoples and cultures of the world and developing plots that show how God’s love abounds even in the profoundly difficult circumstances of our lives. Her stories reflect the hunger in all of us for love, forgiveness, and belonging in a world that often withholds second chances.

Donna received her master’s degree in mass communication/journalism from San Jose State University and became a communications professional before writing full-time. Her short stories and articles have appeared in inspirational publications. She has two indie-published Christian romantic suspense novels in her Waldensian Series—Light Out of Darkness and Undaunted Valor, and her Gilded Age historical romance, A Song of Deliverance, is set to be released in December 2024.

Donna and her husband of forty years participate in ministry at their local church in Colorado. They love spending time with their grandchildren and bike, kayak, and travel whenever possible.

Reviews

[Carrie Schmidt]

From the moment I first met Anna Sullivan on the pages of A Song of Deliverance, I was solidly in her corner. She’s winsome and layered, and you want so badly for things to turn out well for her despite the devastating change to her plans that she encounters almost immediately upon arrival in Georgetown, Colorado. It’s not long before we see her true mettle surfacing, and I loved her even more for it. Watching her find her footing and succeed as a seamstress reinforces why I found it easy to cheer her on, but it’s in her championing of others that she really shines. I loved that she is a friend to the marginalized – not only because she knows what it’s like to be counted among them (both in Ireland and as an Irish immigrant) but because she genuinely cares about people.

Stefan Maier is a complex hero from the moment we – and Anna – meet him, and he continues to be so throughout the novel. In fact, he appears to be a bit of an anti-hero at first with his brusque behavior, aristocratic arrogance, and business practices that toe a fine line of ethics. And yet, the author also shows us his softer side… the side that has seen loss and feels remorse and cares with increasing strength for Anna… and in so doing I was very quickly in Stefan’s corner as well. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I wanted to purse whomp him a couple of times but don’t we all want to do that at some point to Mr. Darcy too? That makes neither of these heroes any less swoony but instead it makes their path to true heroism and redemption all the more appreciated. And how could I not root for Stefan when he looks out for Anna from the very beginning?

Bottom Line: In A Song of Deliverance, Donna Wichelman takes us to historic Georgetown, Colorado, and introduces us to a lode of heartfelt characters who take us through a range of compelling emotions. I grieved with Anna and the others who suffered devastating loss; I relished her new friendships with Laurel, Cecelia, and Georgia; I held my breath through the tense mining issues and the mild suspense elements; and I smiled more than once over a sweet scene or sacred moment. History is woven seamlessly throughout the story without bogging it down, and the author’s warm writing voice keeps you engaged from beginning to end. I look forward to where the series goes from here.

(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read via Kindle Unlimited.)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Lisa]

This was the first book I’ve read by Donna Wichelman, but it won’t be the last. I thought the mining town in Colorado was a splendid setting for this historical novel. And as the great, great, great granddaughter of an Irish immigrant, I loved the heroine had made her way to America. Anna was a kind soul that, at first, hid her tenderness behind a tough exterior. Once she softened, though, she made it her mission to help people. At first Stefan appeared to be a tough nut to crack, but over time he became more and more lovable. If you like western, historical romances, you will enjoy this story.

[Reader]

I so enjoyed this journey to old Georgetown! Colorado mountain town magic is made of silver mines, heating a little house with a wood stove, crisp morning walks, snow on pines… This tale weaves broken dreams with the romantic yearnings of a young immigrant. As mortal danger threatens Anna’s path to a new life, the author adds plenty of Interest with legal twists and historic turns. I could identify with young Anna as she was determined to carve out her own life in this world of grave challenges. This historical romance took me to an earlier time, a place of courteous, refined conventions which both protected and confined Anne. It is a great read for cold winter weekend.

[Angie Hyche]

So much to love! This story, set in an 1870’s Colorado mining town, is a compelling blend of history, suspense, and romance. I thoroughly enjoyed following Anna O’Sullivan’s journey from Dingle, Ireland to Georgetown, Colorado, where Anna is forced to start her life over in a new country with nothing but the belongings in her suitcase and her faith. You’ll find inspiration in Anna’s story as she trusts in God’s plan, despite her fears and a multitude of obstacles.

[Teresa Wells]

Old mining towns have always held such fascination for me. When I visited Colorado years ago, I wondered what it would have been like during the rough, scrappy mining days of the 1800's. A Song of Deliverance answers that question and more! I love heroine Anna Sullivan, fresh from Ireland, who's come to Georgetown in hopes of an easier life with extended family. Everything she counted on vanishes when tragedy strikes the Singing Silver Mine. But Anna's character and faith have been built through hardship, and she vows to find a way to thrive in her new hometown.

I love the strong main character, because I think there were probably many real-life Annas who did what they could to make a good life for themselves. Anna represents the pioneer spirit that helped make Colorado a notable place. The author's research into the daily lives of Georgetown citizens make this story ring true. The historical notes at the back of the book are especially interesting.

[Laura DeNooyer-Moore]

Reading this novel brought to mind my visit to the old mining town of Silverton, Colorado a year ago. The novel’s setting is closer to Denver, but the imagery drew me in the same way. That plus the author’s descriptions of the mine and equipment had me wondering if she’d been a miner at one time!

Despite the immersion into this town’s community, business, culture, and traditions, there were no extraneous historical details that bogged down the story. In following the characters’ ups and downs, I learned about the impact of mining and a disaster that could turn an entire town upside down.

This is a tale of determination and perseverance as Irish immigrant Anna Sullivan arrives in Georgetown, Colorado only to find everything she had counted on was suddenly taken away. Both Anna and the hero Stefan—and several other characters—were authentic and three-dimensional. I worried about their plights. I cared about them. At times, though, I couldn’t figure out if Stefan was a good guy or not. He seemed to operate with integrity, but then was plagued by guilt for his greed. Perhaps he’s like most of us—a mix of good and bad tendencies, flawed even in our best efforts. But he was definitely feeling the pull to the good. A strong faith thread runs through both hero and heroine’s character arcs.

Sometimes I wondered how feasible it was for Anna as an immigrant to have the impact she did, but later, the author’s notes at the end gave this notion plausibility. The town was comprised of immigrants in all stations of life. Some became very successful despite original obstacles. Anna had the pluck to move forward and thus catch the eye of one of the wealthiest and most influential men there. They had much to overcome for their relationship to move forward, but that’s part of what kept the pages turning.

Overall, this is a well-written, entertaining, and eye-opening read. I recommend it to fans of romantic historical fiction. All opinions are honest and my own.

[Audra]

I’m such a sap for historical accuracy and A Song of Deliverance certainly brings it on! The sights, the smells, the architecture – and even the weather come alive as Anna and Stephan navigate their way through disaster and love. I could feel Anna’s frustrations when she arrives at the mining town and finds nothing as she’d imagined, including the death of her dear uncle. Instincts war with logic as Anna reaches deep within and relies on her faith to find the truth she seeks.

Stephan has his hands full as he searches for the truth of the mine disaster. The people of the town are looking for comfort and answers as winter wraps around a community filled with grief. Like Anna, Stephan reaches deeply to his faith to find the support and direction he needs.

As the truth unfolds, many lives are touched by God’s love and graciousness, and a little Christmas Market love and encouragement never hurts either.

I love the author’s style of writing and look forward to additional books in this series. Highly recommended.

[Linda]

The opening scene during which the main characters meet is wonderful and sets the tone for the entire story as the two constantly misunderstand and misjudge each other based on the baggage they carry. Poor Anna has seen too much tragedy in her young life, and as an Irish woman been treated as less than human by British royalty and members of the peerage. It’s no wonder she’s got a chip on her shoulder and doesn’t trust “nobility.” Stefan has his issues which are made worse when an accident in his mine kills several of the employees. He is blamed for the accident and must prove his innocence. The problem is there are too many possibilities for who could be responsible. It was fun trying to solve the mystery beside him, and the suspense creates lots of tension without being too much. Meanwhile, Anna and Stefan fight their growing feelings. I learned a lot about the mining industry and business in general during the late 1800s. A well-written story with lots of twists and turns.

[Beth Westcott]

If you read historical romance, don't miss this one. Joining Irish immigrant Anna Sullivan on her memorable stagecoach ride to Georgetown, Colorado Territory in October of 1872, I was immediately drawn into the story, and I wanted to know more. A suspicious mine accident at the Singing Silver Mine leaves Anna without family and home. The mine's owner, wealthy Englishman Stefan Maier, finds an unlikely ally in Anna when he is determined to prove that he's not at fault for the deaths of the miners. History, intrigue, and romance in one novel. The characters are authentic and well-developed. I enjoyed Donna's notes about Irish immigration to the U.S. and the opening of successful mining operations in the American West. It's a wonderful love story and worth reading.

[Lynn Watson]

The Colorado mining town is a melting pot of cultures and classes, to be sure. The reader is immediately immersed in all of it. German, Irish, British, freed slave woman, native American, and more -- from affluence and poverty and everything in between. Donna sets the reader right there in the middle of it all. The story line kept me guessing how the troubles would finally be solved and the hero and heroine embracing the love they both craved.
Themes of overcoming unworthiness, abandonment, integrity, forgiveness, love without boundaries. . . and I know I'm missing a bunch of others.
Well done, Donna Wichelman! Highly recommend this read.

[Denise Troutman]

This is a very well written historical novel of mining in the 1870’s in Colorado. The community was a melting pot of people from different countries, different stations in life and wealth. It was a truly interesting novel, trying to find out who was responsible for the deaths of nine miners. I loved the main characters who had come from different worlds, but were so attracted to each other. The mystery kept you turning pages and it ended beautifully. I’ll definitely want to read this one again!

[Jane Choate]

If you like romance, history, and a touch of suspense, pick up Donna Wichelman's A SONG OF DELIVERANCE and enjoy Anna and Stefan's story. Wichelman does not disappoint and will bring you hours of pleasure as you traverse this love journey with characters whose strength is equaled only by their faith. Set in 1870s Colorado, this story is a rich tapestry of history woven with love and determination.

[Janell York]

What a great book! I loved the town and its people right away. Anna, the protagonist, is brave, intelligent, and likable. I found myself rooting for her from the start. The endearing friendships, love interest, and historical events made this book an informative and entertaining read. This is the first book in Donna Wichelman’s series. I look forward to finding out where she will take us next.

[Virginia Henry]

I loved this glimpse into the world of mining in the 1800’s, in Georgetown, Colorado. The author obviously did a lot of research to bring this world to life. The characters were believable, and the difficulties that Anna experienced were extreme but it was so good to see how she more than survived. This author is one to keep an eye on for future books, in my estimation.

[Amy Anguish]

What a neat setting and interesting time period for this story! The author does a great job of weaving real history into her fictional romance. It was easy to fall in love with the characters and town. Can't wait to see where she goes next.

[Amanda Shaw]

Book was a fun easy read filled with lovely characters. The sweetness of the romance along side the growth shown in each of the characters was well done. Looking forward to the next book!

[Barbara Keigher]

I enjoyed this, and the verses applied.
It was sweet, and clean.

[Pamela Baker]

A good romance with a bit of mystery that explores themes of prejudice and God's love.

[Atieno]

"You had already assumed my character. I just didn't correct it. "
This book had so many moral lessons. I love it.