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Author J.v.L. Bell writes historical fiction and non-fiction based in Colorado. Her historical mystery series includes The Lucky Hat Mine set in Idaho Springs in 1863, Denver City Justice set in 1864 Denver, and Murder at Buckskin Joe set in 1865 South Park. Her non-fiction biography of Elizabeth Byers, Denver Pioneer is about the wife of Rocky Mountain News editor, William Byers, who lived in Denver from 1859 until her death 60 years later. It is aimed at 5th graders.

Sandra Dallas’ review of Lucky Hat Mine in the Denver Post: “filled with period detail and real life pioneers, a spirited…tale.”

“Bell’s extensive research is apparent as she blends fiction into the facts … wrapped up to create an entertaining read that is sure to refuel and inspire your creativity.” – Rhonda Cratty, Quilter and Reader

“What the author chiefly delivers in Denver City Justice is an amusing, suspenseful, well-written story that will tug at your heartstrings and tickle your funny bone.”         – Colorado Book Review

Author J.v.L. Bell loves to attend book groups, present at historical societies and other adult organizations, or visit your classroom. For adults she presents on the history she researched while writing her novels. She has two presentations that can be modified into 25 minute to 1 hour presentations: Colorado’s Colorful History, Pike Peak or Bust: Colorado’s Women ’59ers, or Elizabeth Byers’ Story. She is also willing to come to your classroom in costume and impersonate Elizabeth Byers to teach students about life in Colorado during the Gold Rush.

Recording the Lucky Hat Mine at Coupe Studios in Boulder, Colorado with narrator Nancy Wu

Audio Engineer Tess VanLaanen Records The Lucky Hat Mine at Coupe Studio

Audio Engineer Tess VanLaanen Records The Lucky Hat Mine at Coupe Studio

Nancy Wu Records The Lucky Hat Mine at Coupe Studios

Nancy Wu Records The Lucky Hat Mine at Coupe Studios

Narrator Nancy Wu, Audio Engineer Tess VanLaanen, and Author J.v.L. Bell after finishing the recording of the Lucky Hat Mine

Narrator Nancy Wu, Audio Engineer Tess VanLaanen, and Author J.v.L. Bell after finishing the recording of the Lucky Hat Mine

A Book is Born! First Printing at the Hansen Publishing Group

Unbound Copies

Unbound Books

Cover Art

Cover Art

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Flatirons with Longs Peak in Background, May, 2015
Flatiorns from Eldorado Canyon, October 15, 2014
Longs Peak as seen from the Plains, April 2015
The Great Sand Dunes, June 15, 2014
Upper Colorado River, July 2007
Dinosaur National Monument, July 2007
Green River entering Gates of LeDore, July 2007
Columbine Cabins near Steamboat, February 2004
Yampa River thru Dinosaur National Park, May 2003
Yampa River in Dinosaur National Monument, May 2003
Ruby Horsethief Canyons on the Colorado, Fall 2003
Never Summer Range, December 2003
Spring Gulch near Lyons, November 2000
Mount Windom, Fall 2015
Mount Elbert, July 2015
Mount Massive as seen when climbing Mt. Elbert, July 2015
Mount Eolus from Sunlight Peak, Fall 2015
Mount Wilson, Fall 2015
Mount Wilson
Blue Mesa Reservoir
Heil Ranch near Boulder, Spring 2016
Garden of the Gods, Summer 2014