Available at these fine retailers
Witness to Tribulation
When twenty-four-year-old Emily Tomaso inherits her grandmother’s homestead in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, she believes she’s been given a chance to start over. Burdened by grief, strained family relationships, and long-held secrets that have shadowed her since childhood, Emily hopes that a new home in a historic town will offer a fresh beginning. But the moment she crosses the threshold of her ancestral home, she realizes that the past is never truly gone.
Within the stone walls of the homestead, Emily discovers an old Civil War diary that draws her into a world where history refuses to remain silent. The diary’s pages reveal the struggles, sacrifices, and resilience of those who came before her, connecting Emily to the lives and stories of a bygone era. As she explores the house and the surrounding Gettysburg landscape—steeped in blood, sacrifice, and the echoes of war—Emily begins to encounter visions and hear voices that challenge her understanding of life, loss, and love. The homestead transforms into a spiritual crossroads, a place where the veil between the living and the dead is unexpectedly thin, guiding Emily on a journey of reflection, discovery, and emotional growth.
As she navigates this intersection of past and present, Emily forms unexpected friendships, unearths long-buried family secrets, and confronts the emotional wounds that have shaped her life. Each revelation brings both discomfort and insight, forcing her to face truths she has long avoided. Yet, through these challenges, Emily learns that the scars of war, grief, and family tribulation— though deep—cannot overshadow the human capacity for healing and resilience.
Witness to Tribulation is a richly layered tale, blending historical intrigue, suspense, and a subtle touch of the supernatural. It explores the ways in which the past shapes the present and how understanding and compassion can bridge generational divides. Through Emily’s journey, readers witness the enduring power of family, the strength found in confronting the past, and the courage required to embrace the future with hope, love, and acceptance.
Publishing Digital, Print and Audiobooks for authors of all genres.
Media Contact Available at ShopBooksDirect.com
Or email the author directly here.
Follow on social media:
Latest news
Saratoga National Historical Park
I stepped inside the John Neilson farmhouse with “Witness to Tribulation” at the Saratoga National [...]
24
Jul
Jul
Literary Titan Award
My first award @LiteraryTitan. Hope more will follow! #WitnesstoTribulation #LiterartTitan #LizFinnegan
23
Jul
Jul
John Neilson Farmhouse
I’m standing with “Witness to Tribulation” on the porch of the John Neilson farmhouse, which [...]
22
Jul
Jul
The Olde Bryan Inn
The Olde Bryan Inn (@theoldebryaninn) in #SaratogaSprings, NY displays hundreds of pewter tankards, which were [...]
20
Jul
Jul
Olde Bryan Inn
#SaratogaSprings, NY is well known for its healing mineral waters and of course the famous [...]
16
Jul
Jul
Civil War Forum Presentation
I had a great time presenting my novel, “Witness to Tribulation”, in Manhattan to the [...]
14
Jul
Jul
Historical Society Book Signings
It’s been a great year so far with book signings and presentations for the Historical [...]
12
Jul
Jul
Reviews
Reader Review:
“Witness to Tribulation reminds us that some stories—and souls—never truly fade away.”
Reader Review:
“Past and present merge in this evocative journey of love, loss, and redemption.”
Reader Review:
“A hauntingly beautiful story where history and heartache intertwine.”
Podcast: The Author Corner with Stephanie Larkin
award-winning author & journalist
Woman’s History Award
The Town of Islip celebrates National Women’s History Month every March by honoring outstanding local women and organizations who have made impactful contributions to their communities. Liz Finnegan was recognized at a formal ceremony for her contributions and whose personal excellence, achievements, and unwavering dedication to the community have made a difference in the lives of so many.
American Legion
Awarded to author, Liz Finnengan, in recognition of exceptional leadership and dedication in restoring and preserving a historic landmark, ensuring its legacy and community significance endure for future generations.
Book Signings and appearences
Don’t miss the opportunity to meet award-winning author Liz Finnegan at upcoming speaking engagements, events and book signings. Readers are invited to hear firsthand about the creative journey behind the books, ask questions, and receive personalized signed copies.
Check back for upcoming dates and events.
Events
Presentation to Civil War Forum of Metropolitan NY – June 15, 2026
Speaker for the evening will be Long Islander Liz Finnegan, who had two other distinctly different careers before finally turning to her dream of writing and producing her first novel, dedicated to the events of Gettysburg. The battle has an extensive history of occult and paranormal happenings associated with it, and upon visiting the streets of the city of Gettysburg for the first time, especially late in the evening, you are almost as likely to encounter a sampling of such experiences as you are to come face to face with the actual history of the great battle and its iconic figures.
Letter from the author
You never know where life’s journey will lead you. That’s been my motto for most of my adult life. I started my professional career as a registered nurse working in Intensive Care and Coronary Care. I went back to college part time and graduated with a degree in Community Mental Health from St. Joseph’s College (renamed St. Joseph’s University). That degree led me to work at a mental health clinic.
I left my position in that field in 1983 after my first son was born. A few years later my second son came along. While raising two boys I worked per diem and wrote, something I always loved to do. I’d often share what I wrote with family who were very supportive and encouraged me to further pursue my writing. And I did just that.
In the late 1990’s I submitted a Point of View article to a local newspaper. That led me to become an almost weekly contributor of POV articles that were focused on a variety of subjects and opinions. I soon began working as a reporter for the two local newspapers and had the best time ever meeting people and hearing stories from the individuals who made up ours and many neighboring hamlets.
In 1995, just a little bit before I became involved with the newspapers, I began writing my first novel, Witness to Tribulation. Well, I wasn’t sure it was something that I would publish, but I had a great time combining my two favorite subjects: writing and history. Having a husband who is a historian certainly contributed to that. He was the person who took me to Gettysburg and opened a whole new appreciation for what took place there.
While honing my skills as a journalist, the book was put in abeyance. Oh, I’d look at the novel from time to time, add, change, remove as I learned more about the history, but it remained on a floppy disk for more than two decades while my career advanced to editor of two newspapers.
After my retirement, and after yet another birthday, I decided to look at my manuscript again and realized it was time to get this book in print. Thanks to Red Penguin Books, that dream became a reality in October 2025.
My journey isn’t over yet. I have a few more books to write. This time though, I won’t – and can’t wait almost 25 years to get it done.
Liz has been married to her husband, Robert, for 45 years and they have two grown sons and grandchildren. She and her husband currently reside in Long Island, New York.