New time-slip novel tells a story of forgiveness and redemption against a backdrop of slavery in 1860 Charleston, SC

FAITH NEWS SERVICE – If you can look your enemy in the eye and forgive him, you have the power to change the world.

Wallace Hayes grew up at Summerton Place, the plantation where his grandparents were once slaves and his father was born the illegitimate child of the wealthy landowner. Now the owner of what’s left of the once grand plantation, Wallace is determined to bring good from the tragic and painful events of the past.

Slavery happened here, rape and abuse and war. Two children born, Moses and Hope—one into slavery and one smuggled out, never to be seen again. But God had hold of every event, as He always promised He would. Repentance, forgiveness, and redemption follow, but some things that were set in place cannot be undone. In an effort to teach others the life-giving power of forgiveness and faith that his father taught him, Wallace shares the darkest secrets and the sweetest truths of his heritage with three special people—Hattie, who will write his story into a book, Ezra, who will carry his story out into the world, and Livy, who will continue his legacy for the next generation.

Author Patty Mullins Elson says the inspiration for the setting of this book came through a fascination with plantation life and several visits to Charleston, South Carolina. “When I visited Middleton Plantation,” Elson says, “I took the slave tour and was forever changed. I knew my story would be based around their voices so that my characters could learn from the lessons of the past even as they resolve their issues to clear the path for their own redemption.”

Dancing on Fields of Sorrow and Blessing is a three-generation saga that begins in slavery and ends in freedom as the descendants of those twins separated at birth reunite, and their story comes full circle. Forgiveness does indeed have the power to change the world, even if it’s just your little corner of it. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Patty Mullins Elson lives in Northern Virginia with her husband, Steve, and their college-aged twins, Alex and Ana. Patty is an avid outdoor enthusiast who loves to travel, hike, and practice her photography—preferably somewhere she can do all three at once. Give her a good adventure and a historical place to explore, and she’s in heaven. And if she’s not outside, then she’s somewhere cozy, writing or researching for her next book.

Follow Patty on Facebook @Patty Mullins-Elson – Author and on Instagram @vitaveravitabella.

For review copies and media interviews, contact: Pattyelson@bellsouth.net.