The Resilient Legacy of Author Lisa Howard

Before the Pages

We often wonder about the history inside the books on our shelves, but rarely about the history of the person who wrote them. Today, we're pleased to welcome Lisa Mueller-Howard, co-author of the powerful book, Katy: The Little Rose from Ukraine, to our author feature series.

Lisa, who writes alongside her sister Joan, brings a lifetime of writing experience and a deep reverence for her Mennonite roots to the Roses of the Valley series. Inspired by the incredible 1874 migration of their ancestors from Russia to the Dakota Territory, their historical fiction captures the adventures of little Katy Mueller. Lisa’s perspective is deeply shaped by her background in journalism and her dedication to preserving the stories of the pioneers who founded her community.

From "Little Women" to Russian Roots: A Family Photo Spark

For Lisa, the journey to becoming a published novelist began with a single, evocative image: a photograph of her great-great-grandfather’s family, where her great-grandfather sat surrounded by his six sisters. Initially, Lisa and her sister Joan planned to write a series based on their mother’s "Naughty Junior" stories. However, Lisa’s deep dive into genealogy, and her fascination with those six sisters, shifted their focus toward a narrative reminiscent of Little Women, but set against a much more perilous backdrop.

The turning point came when they realized the two oldest sisters were actually born in Russia. This revelation sparked a quest to understand how young girls and their cousins navigated an adventure across Europe, a steamship journey across the Atlantic, and a train ride into the unknown Dakota Territory.

"One of the most surprising facts we uncovered has been all the people in our hometown we are related to because of our great-grandfather's six sisters. It's been amazing to connect with so many of them... they are thrilled that we are bringing the stories of our community's pioneers to life."

Lisa describes her reading tastes as a mix of murder mysteries, autobiographies, and historical texts, all of which inform the detective work required to write accurate historical fiction. By weaving true stories from the Heritage Hall Museum and Archives into their novels, Lisa and Joan ensure that the fortitude, faith, and survival of the first settlers on the South Dakota prairie are never forgotten.

The Journey from Sports Journalism to Historical Fiction

While many know her as a novelist today, Lisa’s writing roots go back to high school and college, where she wrote sports stories for community and state athletic publications. This early experience with deadlines and reporting provided a foundation for the discipline required to complete a book. Even during her years writing poetry in her 20s, the desire to tell a larger story remained a bucket list item.

Writing as a duo has proven to be the ultimate remedy for the challenges of a busy life. Working full-time as a Program Director and Coach for Rock Steady Boxing—an intense exercise program for those living with Parkinson's disease—Lisa has to be highly disciplined with her time.

"Writing with my sister has been fun and rewarding. If one of us has a writer's block, the other one is probably off and running with a story line that will motivate and inspire the other one, and things always fall into place."

Their partnership has led to the successful release of Katy: The Little Rose from Ukraine and its sequel, Katy of Rose Valley: A New Beginning. Lisa credits the smooth process to the collaborative nature of the Masthof team, noting their patience as she and Joan navigated the learning curve of the publishing world for the first time.

Life Beyond the Pages: Godwinks and Grandchildren

When she isn't coaching or writing, Lisa is a "history geek" who loves to travel with her husband, boat, hike, and stay active. However, some of her favorite moments come from the classroom. Their books are now part of the local Christian school curriculum, and Lisa delights in hearing which characters resonate most with the students.

Recently, Lisa experienced what she calls a "Godwink," a moment of divine coincidence. Their hometown school in South Dakota became book buddies with students from Dock Mennonite Academy in Souderton, Pennsylvania. As it turns out, Souderton is the very place where Lisa and Joan’s mother grew up, creating a beautiful, full-circle connection between their family’s past and the readers of today.

Ultimately, Lisa hopes readers see the extraordinary work ethic and faith of their ancestors. "I want to know who my ancestors are. I want to remember them. I want to tell their stories," she says, echoing the sentiment that drives her to keep the Mueller legacy alive for future generations.

Lisa Howard’s journey, shaped by a commitment to ancestral memory and community heritage, is a powerful testament to the value of honoring those who paved the way. Her novel, Katy: The Little Rose from Ukraine, is more than historical fiction; it's a window into the extraordinary courage required to cross oceans for the sake of faith and family.

Ready to dive into the adventures and "Godwinks" that shaped Lisa Howard’s family legacy?

Katy: The Little Rose from Ukraine is available now, inviting readers to witness the amazing fortitude of ancestors who relied on God and one another to survive the brutal beauty of the prairie.

Connect with Lisa Howard

Find more of the Mueller Sisters' work and connect with Lisa directly:

• Website: mueller-sisters.com

• Facebook: Mueller Sisters' Writing Adventure

• Instagram: @muellersisterswritingadventure