Texas author Natalie Bright and German author Manuela Schneider co-authored historical fiction: Book Two in A NEW FATHERLAND series.
By Natalie Bright
Peace Treaties and Shattered Hopes follows the story of the Aldesverein, the Society for the Protection of German Immigrants in Texas. Formed in 1842, twenty-one German nobleman sponsored a mass emigration to Texas with ambition to create a maritime trade network of goods.
The idea for an economically viable “Little Germany” resulted in the founding of New Braunfels (1845) and Fredericksburg (1846). Dishonest land agents, severe disease and starvation, and the Comanche in an untamed wilderness only made the German people more determined.
Set in 1840s Texas, the story follows several families drawn by the promise of land and freedom. These German settlers venture into the New World—only to find themselves ensnared in deception, power struggles, and life-threatening danger.
Published by EK-2 in both English and German, the book is based on extensive research to find real letters written to family remaining in the Fatherland and first-hand accounts. The reality is not always pleasant, but we wrote the story “true” about these astonishing people.
The idea to co-write came about over lunch at the 2024 Women Writing the West conference in Denver. Never underestimate the ideas and connections you’ll discover through the WWW organization.
The German influence can still be seen today in the towns they settled over 175 years ago which can be found in every state. Polka bands, craft beer, distinct architecture, Bratwurst, public education, Oktoberfest, the town square, churches, and so much more. Kindergarten is a German word meaning “children garden”. If you ever have a chance to visit the Texas Hill Country, I highly recommend the trip.
A NEW FATHERLAND: Peace Treaties and Shattered Hopes is available on Amazon in eBook, print, and audiobook formats.
We will be talking about our collaboration on July 16th, The Dusty Trails and Tall Tales Podcast. And you can listen to our interview with the wonderful Bobbi Jean and Jim Bell on Rendezvous with a Writer. (They always ask the best questions.) Episode #169
…writes for both kids and adults, the majority of her articles and novels combine her passion for the American West and are inspired by the farming community of Dimmitt, Texas where she grew up. Natalie lives and writes from a cattle ranch in the Texas Panhandle.
As someone born and raised in Germany, author Manuela Schneider’s love of American Native and Western history might be surprising to some. But her fascination with pioneer life, cowboy heroes, and treacherous outlaws have been her constant companion for as long as she can remember. Manuela is also an award winning screenwriter, actress and songwriter.
Blog 