Addison Twp. resident Catherine Brakefield is publishing her fifth novel—one which will provide readers with a thought-provoking blend of faith, history and romance.

Her newest release, entitled “Swept into Destiny,” is the first of a four-part series and is set to be released May 16 through CrossRiver Media Group. The novel is a faith-based historical romance set in Tennessee in 1857, leading up through the Civil War.

As described on her website, the novel is about a young woman named　Maggie Gatlan whose father hires Irish labor to dredge out the snake-infested swampland leading her to clash with an Irish immigrant named Ben McConnell. As secession spreads across the southern states and the Civil War approaches, Maggie realizes she is in love with McConnell. When he joins the Union Army, “an unexpected chain of events leads her to question her loyalties… did she care more for Ben or for her beloved South?”

According to Brakefield, the final three novels in the “Swept into Destiny” series will span through other important events in American history, such as World War I, The Great Depression and World War II.

“I pray “Swept into Destiny” will entertain, encourage, and equip readers, knowing that with God’s (invisible) hand orchestrating our American history we cannot lose… We have to know the truth about our American growth. We have to know that we are a nation inspired by Christian people,” Brakefield said. “The South was left with nothing (after the Civil War) but they bound up their wounds, started fresh and they became the Bible Belt of this great nation.”

Brakefield’s grandmother, Ruby, helped inspire the Destiny series according to Brakefield.

During times of personal hardship for Ruby in the 1970s, Brakefield invited her to live at her family’s home in Addison Twp. She resided there for 12 years until her passing.

“I took her in and I thought I was doing a good deed but I was the one that got the reward, I tell you. She had a story-telling talent that would give Mark Twain’s “Tom Sawyer” competition. I just soaked up (Ruby’s) stories like a sponge… She told me about the old south, about the Civil War time… it was inspired by her and what she told me,” Brakefield said.

Brakefield is also the author of faith-based historical romances “The Wind of Destiny” and “Wilted Dandelions,” which received two awards. She has also written two pictorial history books: Images of America: The Lapeer Area, and Images of America: Eastern Lapeer County. 　

Brakefield will appear at the Addison Township Public Library (1400 Rochester Rd., in Lakeville) May 20 at 1 p.m. for a book signing. Another signing will be held May 27 at 1 p.m., at Celtic Cove Catholic Bookstore (1120 S Lapeer Rd, #150).

Brakefield’s books can be purchased at catherineulrichbrakefield.com or through Amazon.