From Ancestry Message Board to Arson Files: Uncovering Catherine Seeley’s True Motive

NOTE: This post has also been cross-posted to my author blog: https://deborahsholman.com/ I didn’t set out to write about a con artist. I wasn’t even researching criminals. I was trying to get the facts straight about my husband’s great-grandmother, known in the family as Catherine C. Fitzallen. I was scrolling through an Ancestry message board, […]

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IAJGS 2025 – August 10-14 -Part Two

Wednesday I spent two and a half hours in the Expo Hall at the Authors’ Table. Technically, I was only assigned a one-hour slot, but I figured I’d stay until I got hungry or someone else needed the table! I met some lovely people, including Daniel Horowitz, the Gala speaker for the next evening. (Not […]

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A Belated Note for VE Day: Uncle Emile, the Ritchie Boy Who Helped Save Us All

Note: I’m sharing this on both my genealogy blog and the site for Nothing Really Bad Will Happen, since it ties into the true family history that inspired the novel. May 8, 1945—Victory in Europe Day. For millions around the world, it was a moment of celebration: Nazi Germany had surrendered, the war in Europe […]

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RootsTech 2025 – Day 2 Recap

We woke to a gray snowy scene outside our window. Thankfully our hotel is just a minute walk away. Before I head to the first session let me tell you something…I’ve got a secret. Which I’ll be divulging tomorrow. For now, let’s just say I’ve had to embrace my second “career.” So, this session was […]

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Reflections on 2024: A Year of Storytelling, Family, and Milestones

As I look back on 2024, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences that have enriched my life. This year has been a tapestry of storytelling, family connections, and personal achievements. Each project and experience has been deeply connected to my passions, and I’m profoundly grateful for the journey this year has taken me […]

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