Thomas F. "Tim" Linehan Jr. was born and raised in rural Connecticut. He is a professional in the engineering, IT and project management field with 40 years of experience in major corporations. Linehan previously served as the president of the Bucks County Civil War Round Table and is a current member of the Central Delaware Civil War Round Table.

He began his writing career in the late 1980s, writing short stories for children. He is also a black belt martial artist, musician, sports car/motorsports enthusiast and student of history.

Linehan will visit Browseabout Books on Rehoboth Avenue in Rehoboth Beach from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 23, to sign copies of his historical novel, "Drums of Courage."

“I wanted to interest teens in reading and history,” says Linehan. “Novels about the Civil War are a great way to go. I needed a character that teens would identify with. Teenagers like to read about other teens. I created a drummer boy to promote reading and exploring history with a teenage viewpoint.”

"Drums of Courage" follows Cory Cromwell, a 13-year-old from Lansdale, Pa., who enlists with the 71st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regiment in the American Civil War. While the war is going on around him, this ordinary teen must also deal with many personal trials.

The story accurately describes the actual troop movements and battles of the 71st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regiment. As Cory is tested by fear of death and personal challenges, he finds his way. An unpretentious hero, this courageous teen builds his values and character before the readers’ eyes and earns the respect of all.