As a writer of historical fiction, my stories are merely my interpretations of actual events; however, I strive to avoid revisionism by undertaking thorough research and by consulting the foremost experts.

My new book, The Silver Soldier (an adult novel about Paul Revere) was thoroughly critiqued and then endorsed by Mr. Patrick Leehey, the Research Director of the Paul Revere House. Leehey summed up my book, saying: "[The Silver Soldier is a] psychological compelling view of pre-Revolutionary Boston as seen through the eyes of the eldest son of the famed silversmith and revolutionary Paul Revere. The description of such iconic events as the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, and Revere's Midnight Ride are vivid and convincing."

Additionally, Avery Revere, the Great-great-great-great Granddaughter of Paul Revere, reviewed and endorsed my book saying, "Sappey's retelling of Paul Revere's story honors my ancestor and reaffirms the creativity, compassion and vision of one of America's most legendary rebels."

Before the publication of Letters from Vinnie (an epistolary novel about the Civil War sculptress Vinnie Ream), I sent the manuscript to Mr. David Madden, the former Director of the United States Civil War Center, Louisiana State University. Upon his verification of my research, he endorsed my work, writing:

"Maureen Sappéy’s . . . Civil War fiction for young people has a critical purpose: to incorporate historical fact into fictional stories, appealing to students and teachers from the perspectives of multiple disciplines, including literature and the social sciences. This cross-curricular approach leaves the young reader with a more complete understanding of the Civil War era. As an interdisciplinary institution, the United States Civil War Center commends her efforts."

Before publishing my other books of Civil War fiction, I sent the manuscripts to the research departments of different Civil War National Parks.

Eliciting critical reviews from experts is a responsible part of writing historical fiction—after all, books of this sort are often used as teaching tools.