Sweet Waters by Julie Carobini & Open Giveaway

Tara Sweet, oldest daughter of Marilee and the late Robert Sweet, has gladly suffered with the reputation as the responsible (her sisters would say, bossy!) one of the family. When her fiancé dumps her and Marilee reveals her shock plans of a year long honeymoon with a much younger man, desperation fuels Tara's impulsive decision to move back to her childhood home in Otter Bay, California. Dragging her little sister Camille, along for the ride, Tara soon discovers that her precious childhood memories may not reflect the reality that was her family's previous life in Otter Bay.

Can Tara protect her sisters from the awful rumours and spiteful neighbours? And what of her sudden thoughts about church and God - does He really care?

Sweet Waters is as delightful as dipping your toes in lapping waves on a sunny day! Julie Carobini has excelled in creating an inviting beachside community without compromising the realities of human nature and the difficulties of small town living. Tara's painful rejection by her fiance and the revelation of devastating family secrets are tempered by gentle humour, feisty and honest sibling rivalry and make for a heart-warming and inspiring read. The interaction between Tara and her sisters is spot on, reminiscent of sisters everywhere and the burgeoning attraction Tara feels for firefighter Josh, a man burdened by his own frailties, totally captivating.

Sweet Waters is the perfect combination of playfulness, charm and enrichment. Julie Carobini has a winner on her hands and I am longing to return to Otter Bay for the next adventure!

Relz Reviewz Extras

Review of Chocolate Beach

Visit Julie's website and blog

Buy Julie's books at Amazon or Koorong

Giveaway

Those lovely B&H folk have enabled me to give away two copies of Julie's book to US readers and two copies to Aussie readers!

To enter, post a comment by Sunday 26th July (leaving contact details) and tell me about your favourite beach ;-) Don't forget the USA or AUS at the end of your post so I know which draw to enter you in.

On a Someday by Roxanne Henke

What is it About?

Claire Westin is a wife, mother and successful college professor who enjoys spending her time with best friend Julie. When Claire’s first book is published she does not even begin to imagine the exiting roller-coaster ride of changes it brings to her life.

Claire’s husband, Jim, has built up his grocery store business and expanded to own two. When he purchases an old Dodge Charger on a whim one day, it is a daily reminder of his grand plan for ‘someday’. Someday, he’d love to have the time to restore the old car to its former glory. Jim would love for their son, Drew, to work alongside him in the grocery business but he is determined to eke out his own journey in life doing something altogether different from his Dad.

As life speeds up, instead of slowing down, each must face the decisions they have made. Are they really living the life they truly want to live, or is life carrying them away?

What I thought:

‘On A Someday’ is yet another confirmation that Roxanne Henke’s books always have a place upon my bookshelf. Roxanne writes about real life challenges and struggles in a meaningful and realistic style. Roxanne delves deeply into the intricacies of family relationships and that emotional baggage we tend to take on, not realising that we have the power to triumph over the things we believe are holding us back. I found myself deeply invested in how Claire coped with her new career. I was equally frustrated for both Jim and Drew and all that holds each one back in pursuing what it is that they truly desire.

Roxanne realistically weaves a tale of family whose lives seem to run away with them. As I journeyed with the Westin’s, I found myself taking stock of my own life, determined not to become too busy for my own family. ‘On A Someday’ is one of those beacons in life, highlighting the potential for crises ahead on life’s road, and offering the opportunity to choose differently.

Guest reviewer:~ my friend Tracy from Beyond My Picket Fence

Relz Reviewz Extras

Visit Roxanne's website & diary

Buy Roxanne's books at Amazon or Koorong

Character Spotlight ~ Liz Johnson's Myles Parsons & Kenzie Thorn

Today the spotlight shines on Myles Parsons & Kenzie Thorn


Liz Johnson is a delightful person! I have had the pleasure of working with her as a result of her day job and was excited to learn she was not only an aspiring writer but now a published one :) Liz's debut novel is a great read and I recommend it to you.

Check out her lead characters:~


Brief physical description

Myles is tall with dark hair that’s often mussed and out of place. He has piercing blue eyes and broad shoulders, and he walks with a bit of a lip from an old knee injury.

Kenzie is a petite redhead with fair skin and a turned up little nose. Her wild curls drive her a little crazy, so she’s always flipping her hair over her shoulders. She’s kind of the opposite of Myles in stature, but her personality makes up for it. In my mind Kenzie always looked a lot like a young Debra Messing with her wild red curls and thin frame.

Myles was a lot harder to cast in my mind. But when my writing buddy suggested that Adam Baldwin from Chuck and Firefly might be a good fit, I knew he was perfect! Adam is strong and macho enough to play an FBI agent, yet he just seems like the type to really care about people.

Strengths and weaknesses

Myles works hard and believes in doing his job well. He’s smart and analytical. His strength of character gives him compassion for Kenzie. But he also struggles with being too focused on work. He’s been a bit of a workaholic to the point of not seeing an opportunity that’s right in front of him.

Kenzie also loves her job and really cares for the inmates that she teaches. She believes in the good in people and genuinely gives of herself to help them. But she has a bad habit of putting people on a pedestal and being crushed when they let her down.


Quirk (if any)

In The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn Myles is injured for most of the story. He’s always struggling with a mountain lion wound that keeps acting up. He’s perpetually injured, but fights through the pain to keep Kenzie safe.

Your inspiration for the character

There wasn’t one person or other specific inspiration for either character. Really they both came to life as I wrote the book.

Background to the story

Myles Parsons is just another inmate in Kenzie Thorn's GED course…until his abduction plan succeeds. Terrified, Kenzie doesn't want to believe his explanation. That he's Myles Borden, FBI agent— placed under cover because someone wants her dead.

Now that Myles has got her out of harm's way, his plans start to fall apart. He attempts to take Kenzie to a safe house—but the stubborn woman won't go! He struggles to protect her even as she takes care of him. He tries to keep his distance…and finds himself falling in love.

Woo hoo, Liz ~ I'm so excited to have you at Relz Reviewz! Thanks for joining in the fun.

As promised, I have another Steeple Hill romantic suspense leading lady to spotlight on Thursday ~ Naomi Grant from Camy Tang's debut suspense novel, Deadly Intent.

Relz Reviewz Extras

Review of The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn
Visit Liz's website and blog
Buy Liz's book at Amazon or Koorong

Sneak peek at Ginger Garrett's In the Arms of Immortals

I loved the first book in Ginger's Chronicles of the Scribe series and can't wait to read this one, releasing in September from David C Cook - enjoy the sneak peek!

The Black Death—Revisited

In Book Two of the Chronicles of the Scribe series, popular author Ginger Garrett takes readers back in time to “the greatest natural disaster to ever strike humanity”

Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX—In another heart-stopping historical fiction thriller from the author of In the Shadow of the Lions, critically acclaimed author Ginger Garrett paints a captivating portrait of a time when terror ruled and faith was hard to come by. In the Arms of Immortals (David C Cook, September 2009) travels a richly imagined journey into a key moment of history…the arrival of the Black Death in Europe.

This story of unseen battle, loving presence, and eventual redemption begins when a strange ship docks in a medieval Sicilian harbor. That night an old man falls ill… then the baker’s wife… then a street urchin. By morning half the townspeople are dead and more are dying—horribly. And no one has a clue what is happening or how to stop it. Not the local priest. Not the rich baron or his powerful knight. And not the three women at the heart of this book: the baron’s proud daughter, Panthea, the outcast healer, Gio, and Mariskka, an unwilling visitor from another time.

Though the Church fights to stand between the plague and the people, the sickness is too powerful for a Church that will not allow medicine to be studied outside its walls. The Church holds a monopoly on healing and on God, but when neither rescues the people, the people lose hope in both, and the conflict between Science and Faith begins its long burn. In a time when the faithful have no answers and the faithless terrorize the countryside, only the bravest will dare hold on to a silent God.

The Chronicles of the Scribe Series are thrilling tales of an angelic presence called “the Scribe, the first writer”—dictated to a series of twentieth-century strugglers, but lived out in the pages of history. Each of Garrett’s novels in the series targets a different significant moment of the past—both its mundane reality and supernatural significance—with a special emphasis on women’s experience. Tautly suspenseful and deeply moving, In the Arms of Immortals will deftly lift readers into its fascinating narrative of angels and demons, mortality and immortality.

Press release from The B & B Media Group

Winter Warm Up Winners & more

Well, it has taken me almost two hours to collate and number everyone's entries (including all the addtional entries for following me, etc) and then using the random number genearator to select the winner! I am thrilled to announce the winners of the Aussie Winter Warm Up are:~

The Inheritance ~ WendyB

Beloved Captive & Daisy Chain ~ Naomi

Where the Heart Leads ~ southeastcountrywife

Sweetwater Gap ~ Heather

Wounded ~ Nolene

Kiss Me If You Dare ~ Leola

Against All Odds ~ HeatherH

Stepping Into Sunlight ~ LouiseV

Certain Jeopardy ~ Allison

A Flickering Light & It Happens Every Spring ~ JennyB

The Centurian's Wife ~ Chloe-Anne

Gatekeepers ~ Danielle

Havah ~ Angela

Michal & Double Minds~ Tracy

Farraday Road ~ Laetitia

Dark Pursuit ~ ad

Finding Father Christmas ~ Jaana

More winners.....

Deadlock ~ Davo

And still more....winning a copy of each Scrapping Plans and Perfect Piece....

Aussie winners ~ alihsee & Jen

US winners ~ abi & carmen7351

PLEASE NOTE:~ winners will receive an email shortly and must respond by email with their mailing address within 7 days to claim their book/s. If I do not hear from you within 7 days I will draw another name to win that book.

Sneak peek at B&H Fiction for 2010

B&H Pure Enjoyment fiction line continues to produce high quality, entertaining fiction from all genres. I am really looking forward to these release early next year and you can be sure I will have some great giveaways as well :)

I've already heard great things about Robin's book and I am certainly intrigued by James' and Bob's stories ~ any take your fancy?

Click on the links for more :)

Rooms by James L. Rubart

On a rainy spring day in Seattle, young software tycoon Micah Taylor receives a cryptic, twenty-five-year-old letter from a great uncle he never knew. It claims a home awaits him on the Oregon coast that will turn his world inside out. Suspecting a prank, Micah arrives at Cannon Beach to discover a stunning brand new nine-thousand square foot house. And after meeting Sarah Sabin at a nearby ice cream shop, he has two reasons to visit the beach every weekend.

When bizarre things start happening in the rooms of the home, Micah suspects they have some connection to his enigmatic new friend, Rick, the town mechanic. But Rick will only say the house is spiritual. This unnerves Micah because his faith slipped away like the tide years ago, and he wants to keep it that way. But as he slowly discovers, the home isn’t just spiritual, it’s a physical manifestation of his soul, which God uses to heal Micah’s darkest wounds and lead him into an astonishing new destiny.


Releasing April, 2010



Enemies Among Us by Bob Hamer

Matt Hogan loves being an undercover FBI agent almost as much as he loves his wife, Caitlin. But when the daring—some would say reckless—G-Man totals two vehicles in his Beverly Hills pursuit of a fleeing Arab drug runner, he incurs the wrath of the Bureau’s hierarchy. To avoid almost-certain suspension, he accepts a new assignment to track terrorist cell groups while posing as a volunteer at World Angel Clinic, a Christian ministry reaching out to injured Third World children. What Matt doesn’t know is that the ripples of danger from this case will threaten not only his and Caitlin’s life and happiness, but also the safety and security of the entire nation.

Releasing March, 2010



Deliver us From Evil by Robin Carroll

A beautiful yet tough woman working in a beautiful yet tough setting, Brannon Callahan is a search and rescue helicopter pilot for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Strong faith and a decorated history of service have kept her one step ahead of on-the-job dangers, but there’s no precedent for what’s about to happen. After a blizzard takes down a small plane carrying U.S. Marshal Roark Holland (already haunted by a recent tragedy), Brannon must save him in more ways than one and safeguard the donor heart he’s transporting to a government witness on the edge of death. Otherwise the largest child trafficking ring in history—with shocking links from Thailand to Tennessee—will slip further away into darkness along the Appalachian Trail.


Releasing February, 2010

Maire by Linda Windsor

Maire, Gleannmara's warrior queen, finds her fierce heart is gentled when she takes a reformed mercenary -- a Christian, no less -- as hostage during a raid. At first she wonders what kind of God would make a fine warrior like Rowan of Emerys such a coward. But as she comes to know Rowan and witnesses the force of his beliefs, she learns that meekness and humility to the one true God are stronger than any blade of steel. And in the process, Maire discovers the transforming power of love and faith.

My take:~

Love medieval romance, great storytelling and intriguing characters? Look no further than Linda Windsor's Fires of Gleannmara series, re-released for more readers to discover. Commencing with Maire, Linda enthralls with cultural and historical detail that is second to none. Rowan and Maire are fabulous characters, sparks fly from the first time their swords meet and their lives are entwined in ways neither anticipated. Riveting and dramatic, Maire will leave you sighing with delight and remain on your keeper shelf for years to come.

Relz Reviewz Extras

Visit Linda's website
Buy Linda's books at Amazon & Koorong
(NB. Maire is at a bargain price you won't want to miss!)

Friendship Friday ~ What do you value in your close friendships with women?

Amy Wallace


I value two-way honesty and loyalty. The friendships I treasure are ones in which my friends are honest with me and allow me to be honest with them. For example, here's how my best friend handles my calling her to complain: she'll listen, then calmly say, "Amy, you're sinning. If you'd like to go deal with God and then call me back, I'd be happy to help." I need that. I love her honesty and her willingness to point me to God. Her loyalty too because she won't let me keep on sinning. I know she wants the best for me and I do for her. Another of my dearest friends calls me and we share our struggles and frustrations, but we always pray. I can trust her to be honest, loyal in keeping our discussion between us, and always point me to our heavenly Father.

Ransomed Dreams ~ Healing Promises ~ Enduring Justice



Karen Ball

Because those friendships [Christian] are based on a mutual faith in God, they hold a combined sense of safety and accountability. I can be gut wrenchingly honest and know that the response will be full of grace and truth. And that, even in the darkest of times, we will find things to laugh about. Shared pain and shared laughter build a solid foundation for growth and joy, and that's what I've found in my closest friends.

Shattered Justice ~ Kaleidoscope Eyes ~ What Lies Within

Character Spotlight ~ Jamie Carie's Scarlett from Love's First Light

Today the spotlight shines on.......... Scarlett of Carcassone


Jamie Carie's passionate and dramatic storytelling is once again of full display in her newest release, Love's First Light. Set in Carcassone, France with the French Revolution still claiming its victims, this daring tale of Scarlett and Christophe is beautiful and very sigh~worthy! Come back for my review and fabulous giveaway next week!

For now, enjoy this look behind the characters of Scarlett & Christophe. Thanks Jamie:~

Brief physical description

Scarlett is a French beauty for sure. When she was born she had red lips and her mother (who is a bit muddle-headed in the story:) wants to name her Cherry. Scarlett is very thankful that her father said, “no, she will be called Scarlett.” Also, this is the first time I’ve opened with a pregnant heroine – that was fun!

Actor/famous person

When I watched the movie “Amazing Grace” I was blown away by the cinematography and gorgeous costumes. I think Scarlett resembles Barbara Spooner played by Romola Garai except Scarlett has dark brown hair. As you know, Rel, the woman on the cover is stunning. I think B&H had a better idea of what she could look like than I did!

And Christophé? I imagined him to look dark and mysterious, like Milo Ventimiglia as Peter Petrelli when his hair was longer.

Strengths and weaknesses

After Scarlett’s husband dies, she has to move home from Paris to Carcassonne to have her baby and live with her mother and sister. Scarlett is definitely the person who holds the family together (her father died years ago). She is like so many women I know – a great manager of life’s day to day ups and downs, with a loving, sacrificing heart towards her family. There’s just one catch. As solid as Scarlett is, she has a giant weakness for falling head over heels in love at first sight. She did it with her first husband and regretted it, and now, here she goes doing it again with Christophé (a gorgeous French count/scientist who is running from the government!).

Quirk (if any)

Christophé is one of those scientific genesis that forgets to eat and sleep when in the middle of an experiment or mathematical calculations.

Your inspiration for the character

I love the movie, “A Beautiful Mind” and wanted to do something with a scientific genius. Then, somehow, I ended up in the French Revolution, which added depth and layers to the characters and their dependence on God.

Science is an escape for Christophé. He has to learn to lean more on real people and his Heavenly Father.

Scarlett came about more naturally as the story progressed. I really didn’t know her at first, except that she was pregnant with Christophé’s enemy’s child which brought up the question . . . could Christophe ever forgive enough to love her?

Thanks so much, Jamie ~ another fabulous story in one of history's most fascinating times! Thanks again for sharing with my readers.

Jamie is heading out on a book tour soon so be sure to check her website for details when you can meet her in person!

Next week the spotlight is shining on some Love Inspired Suspense character, starting with debut author, Liz Johnson's Kenzie Thorn and Myles Parsons from The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn ~ stay tuned!

Relz Reviewz Extras

Reviews of Wind Dancer, Snow Angel and The Duchess and the Dragon

Character spotlights on Isabelle Renoir, Elizabeth Smith & Serena Winters

Interview with Jamie

Visit Jamie's website and blog

Buy Jamie's books at Amazon and Koorong

Coming in 2009/2010 from Zondervan

Check out these late 2009/early 2010 releases from Zondervan.

Click on the links for more :)

Shades of Blue by Karen Kingsbury

Brad Cutler, twenty-eight, is a rising star at his New York ad agency, about to marry the girl of his dreams. Anyone would agree he has it all … a great career, a beautiful and loving fiancée, and a fairy tale life ahead of him—when memories of a high school girlfriend begin to torment him. Lost innocence and one very difficult choice flood his conscience, and he is no longer sure what the future will bring except for this: He must find his old love and make amends.

Haunted by the past and confused about the future, he turns to God seeking forgiveness and redemption. Three people must work through the repercussions of a decision made long ago before any of them can look toward a new future.

Releasing October, 2009

Becca by the Book by Laura Jensen Walker

Adventurous and fun-loving Becca Daniels loves the rush of new experiences and is constantly pushing the envelope—trying everything from extreme sports, to wild hair colors, to skydiving. So when a broken leg grounds her temporarily, Becca doesn’t take the interruption well. Grumpy, restless, and at loose ends, Becca bristles one day when some of her Getaway Girls Book Club friends tease her about being commitment-phobic. To prove them wrong, Becca impulsively promises to accept a date with the next guy who asks her out; and to date him for three months or twenty-five dates—whichever comes first. Unfortunately, the first invitation comes from Ben—too “churchy” and definitely not Becca’s type.

Determined to win the bet, however, the two embark on a hilarious series of dates that plunge the outspoken, purple-haired Becca into a sea of church potlucks and prayer meetings. Ultimately, the dating experiment opens Becca’s eyes to a new perspective on her life’s purpose and a new understanding of who’s directing her path—an epiphany that could lead to her biggest adventure yet.

Releasing January, 2010

Countdown in Cairo by Noel Hynd

When federal agent Alexandra LaDuca travels to Egypt to investigate the possible sighting of a former mentor, she is thrown into the deadliest game of double cross in her career. An American woman working alone, she must rely on her wits, her training, and her skill with lethal weapons not just to succeed, but also to survive.

A CIA agent whom she believed to be dead appears to be alive; and why is he dressing like an Arab and speaking Russian? Tough, savvy, and cool under fire, Alex pushes herself to the limits as she puts her life on the line once again for her faith and her country—all while working with a mysterious new partner who may or may not be trustworthy.

This fast-paced contemporary espionage thriller is exactly what Noel Hynd fans have been waiting for, the third and final installment of the Russian Trilogy. It will keep everyone turning pages and guessing from beginning to end.

Releasing, January, 2010

Take Three by Karen Kingsbury

Chase Ryan and Keith Ellison set out to change the world with their films—and they are finally seeing their dreams come true. The dedicated producers are deep in negotiations with America’s top young movie star to play the lead in their next inspirational production. But the actor is linked to a studio whose brass will take any measures to see that their mega-million-dollar star doesn’t take the part.

In the meantime, the friends tackle another project that puts them and their assistant, Kendall Adams, on location in Arizona; far from their homes and the people who matter most to them. Chase finds himself on one side of fame—and temptation—with his wife and two daughters on the other. Back in Indiana, a crisis hits Keith’s daughter, Andi, and Keith feels helpless to respond.

Will the producers keep the passion they had at the start of their filmmaking—and will there be enough passion left over for their families? Or has their quest to change American culture become nothing more than a quest for fame?

Releasing, March/April 2010

Exciting news from B&H Fiction Pure Enjoyment & Tosca Lee

I love the books Karen Ball and her team at B&H Fiction select and now they are teaming with an author I admire for her tenacity, boldness and exceptional writing skills, Tosca Lee, author of Havah: The Story of Eve. I can't wait :)

Check out this press release from B&H Fiction:~

Nashville, Tenn., July 8, 2009 - Award-winning author Tosca Lee will release her highly-anticipated third novel in 2011 under the B&H Fiction Pure Enjoyment line. Written from the point of view of the most reviled man in Christendom--Judas--Tosca will again give readers a powerful and enlightening glimpse into the spiritual realm.

"We are thrilled to have Tosca writing for us," said Karen Ball, executive editor for fiction at B&H Publishing Group. "She's a true craftsman. Combine that with her remarkable ability to see inside those we most despise--a demon, Eve, and now Judas--and you get powerful stories of truth and grace that intrigue and challenge readers."


Her two previous books, Demon: A Memoir and Havah: The Story of Eve, created quite a stir in Christian fiction. Demon: A Memoir was a 2008 Christy Award Finalist, 2008 ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Silver Award Winner and 2008 ACFW Book of the Year, Speculative, Second Place. It earned rave reviews across the faith spectrum, including the distinction of, "The most creative, mind-twisting novel of this summer," from Infuzemag.com.

Havah, her sophomore novel, let readers inside the heart and mind of the world's first woman from her creation to Adam's death. Havah is a 2009 ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Bronze Award Winner and ChristianFictionReviews.com Top Pick for 2008. In a starred review, Publishers Weekly called it, "Passionate and riveting... Lee's superior storytelling will have readers weeping for all that Havah forfeited by a single damning choice." Historical Novels Review called it, "...a fascinating novel about human relationships at the dawn of time."

Tosca Lee-- Mrs. Nebraska-America 1996, Mrs. Nebraska-United States 1998 and first runner-up to Mrs. United States--has a deep passion for story. "I was a serious pianist from a young age, and used to practice an hour and a half every day. But when I was in the midst of a great book, I'd sneak it into the piano room and read a page between playing each piece-or as much as I could until my mom said, 'I'm not hearing any music!'"

Lee started writing after obtaining her degree in English and Literature from Smith College in Massachusetts. For more information regarding Tosca Lee, please visit http://www.toscalee.com/. For more on upcoming titles in the B&H Fiction Pure Enjoyment line, log-on to http://www.pureenjoyment.com/. Tosca's current titles are available at booksellers everywhere and on-line.

Character Spotlight ~ Rebeca Seitz's Sinclair Sisters & fabulous giveaways

Today the spotlight shines on Tandy, Kendra, Joy & Meg





















Rebeca Seitz's Sisters, Ink novels tell the stories of four adopted sisters, their personal journeys and relationships and their mutual love of scrapbooking, cultivated by their beloved mother who has passed away from cancer. Real and raw, Rebeca draws the reader into each of the sisters' lives and develops their unique personalities which make for both entertaining and heart rending reading.

Enjoy this look into the lives if the Sinclair sisters. Thanks Rebeca:~

Brief physical description

Tandy: Redheaded Irish-American, fair skin that tends to freckle in the sunlight, a bit on the short side. Strong, athletic body.

Kendra: African American with long, spiral hair that she tends to toss over her shoulder or tie back in colorful headbands. Long, artist’s fingers.

Joy: Chinese-American with gorgeous, shiny black hair she wears in a shoulder-length cut. Has unique blue eyes and porcelain skin. Very short.

Meg: All-American looking girl. Blonde hair, blue eyes, skin that is fair in winter and tan in summer. Strong jawline, firm in appearance and character.

Actor/famous person

Tandy: The redhead from Army Wives ~ Brigid Brannagh

Kendra: Hmm, the woman in my head isn’t an actress. I can’t think of one that would fit her.

Rel:~ I chose Gabrielle Union

Joy: Shoot – again, I can’t think of a petite, slender Chinese actress.

Rel:~ Me again, choosing Marie Matiko

Meg: The blonde woman who played the D.A. on Law & Order: SVU a few years back ~ Stephanie March

Strengths and weaknesses

Tandy: Intelligent, witty, very quick on her feet and dedicated to her goals. Can also be stubborn, resistant to change, and take things too personally

Kendra: Creative, artistic, eclectic, life of the party, and loyal. Can also be flighty, unfocused, and completely lacking in self-awareness

Joy: Elegant, sophisticated, mannerly, and proper. Can also be off-putting, withdrawn, and judgmental

Meg: Fun, steadfast, constant, and family-oriented. Can also be a bit neurotic and stays very insular in Stars Hill.

Quirk (if any)

Tandy: great country line dancer, has uncanny ability to remember lyrics after hearing them once

Kendra: wears big jewelry that clunks a lot, loves jazz, has great, smoky voice for singing the blues

Joy: zany in her commitment to having a “visitor-ready” house at all times

Meg: falls back on humor in difficult circumstances

Your inspiration for the character

Tandy: Tandy’s a lot like I was in my early twenties

Kendra: Kendra is the woman I wanted to be in my early twenties

Joy: She reminds me a lot of my sister-in-law

Meg: She’s definitely based on my sister

Background to the story

All four sisters were adopted by Marian and Jack Sinclair at young ages. Marian was a scrapbooker and taught the girls to scrapbook as well. They spent many hours seated at Momma’s (Marian’s) scrapping table, talking through life and capturing the stories of their individual life paths. Prior to the first book in the series, Momma has passed away due to breast cancer and Daddy (Jack) is left to keep the farm up and preach every Sunday. His character is a combination of my own daddy and granddaddy. And, while my mother is very much alive, the Christian attributes of Marian come from my own mother. Mom jokes that she better watch her step because, given that I have her as a dead character in this series, there’s no telling what I’ll do to her in my next book!

Thank you so much, Rebeca ~ it has been a lot of fun getting to know these girls :)

Relz Reviewz Extras

Reviews of Sisters, Ink and Coming Unglued

Interview with Rebeca

Visit Rebeca's website

Buy Rebeca's books at Amazon or Koorong

Open Giveaway

Thanks to the wonderful folk at B&H Fiction, I have four sets of Scrapping Plans and Perfect Piece to giveaway - two to US readers and two to Aussie readers. To be clear, each of the four winners will receive a copy of Scrapping Plans and Perfect Piece.

To enter, post a comment on or before Sunday 12th July, 2009 (leaving contact details) and a USA or AUS at the end of you post.

How Sweet It Is by Alica J Wisler

Leaving behind a broken romance and her job as a chef in Atlanta, Deena Livingston reluctantly agrees to teach cooking to middle schoolers in North Carolina. But how can she convince the kids that home cooking is better than fast food?

Will a Dr. Seuss-quoting plumber, a handsome social worker, and eight rambunctious youngsters change Deena's outlook on life?

My take:~

Alice Wisler's sophomore novel is a delightfully surprising tale full of depth and authenticity as a young woman searches for the courage to face her fears and her future.

With a scarred body and wounded heart, Deena's journey to healing is both challenging and moving. Beautifully drawn by Alice's skilful writing, tender characterisation and emotional intuitiveness, How Sweet It Is has a lasting impact as Deena and her recalcitrant students move towards forgiveness and grace.

Relz Reviewz Extras

Visit Alice's website and blog
Buy Alice's books at Amazon or Koorong

Friendship Friday ~ What do you value in your close friendships with women?

Tosca Lee

Authenticity. With my dear girlfriends, I can admit my highest ambitions and my secret sins, share my greatest successes and mourn my greatest lows. I can worry over relationships, discuss money, share things God is teaching me, contemplate the merits of botox, and talk out loud about my consistent battle with Irritable Bowel.

You can’t do all that with just anyone, you know. :D

Demon: A Memoir ~ Havah: The Story of Eve



Elizabeth White

This is a wonderful question. Besides my mom and my three younger sisters, who are perhaps closest to me for obvious reasons, I have one "best" friend.. I met Tammy in a college fiction writing class twenty-two years ago. We pray and read the Bible together regularly and pray for one another consistently. We review and critique one another's writing; we pursue a variety of creative outlets like music and arts and crafts. We go to different churches, but we teach one another, rebuke and encourage one another. She's struggled with singleness, cancer and the loss of both parents; I've struggled with the loss of publishers, finishing grad school, a horrible job, and a wayward child. I literally don't know what I would've done without her spiritual wisdom and feminine compassion. I would not be the writer I am today without her input and prayer support. I also have other women friends who fill in gaps and challenge me to grow as a Christian and as an artist. Other pastor's wives, fellow teachers, fellow musicians and writers...these women have kept me grounded and humble, as well as encouraged and mentored me. God has truly blessed me, and the more I think about it, the more absolutely in awe I stand!

Fireworks ~ Fair Game ~ Controlling Interest ~ Tour de Force