Lessman Hero tally & winners......

 

Composing Amelia ~ Catia

Julie Lessman book of choice ~ Ann LM

Congratulations and enjoy your book :)





And for those keeping count on those Lessman heroes, here's how the final count turned out:

Luke "Cluny" ~ 30
Collin ~ 26
Mitch ~ 15
Brady ~ 13
Sean ~ 7
Patrick ~ 4
Undecided ~ 20

What did you think of the results?

Character Spotlight ~ Alison Strobel's Amelia & Marcus Sheffield

Character Spotlight ~

Amelia & Marcus

Alison Strobel never shys away from the tough issues in her novels and Composing Amelia is no exception.  Enjoy meeting Amelia and Marcus.


Over to you, Alison:~

Brief physical description ~ Amelia

About 5' 7 and 150 pounds, with a typical Irish complexion and long, curlyish red hair. I can't remember what color her eyes are! I want to say green, though. :)

Actor/famous person

I actually pictured my sister-in-law, Kelli, when I envisioned Amelia. The main difference between them is that Kelli is far more laid back and even-keeled. Amelia has a bit more fire in her, emotionally.


Strengths and weaknesses

She's an encourager, and she's assertive and determined. A very hard worker.  Unfortunately, she can be a little selfish, a little myopic, and a little melodramatic.

Quirk (if any)

She's not that quirky, really. She *does* occasionally play compositions on her knees as though she's playing them on a piano.

Your inspiration for the character

Tori Amos, who I mention a few times in the book, was who I envisioned when I pictured Amelia playing--that kind of passion and abandon. Tori is more introverted, however, whereas Amelia is more extroverted and socially bold.  Actually, now that I think about it, I think I envisioned her physically, too--so Amelia is really a combination of Tori and Kelli. :)


Brief physical description ~ Marcus

About 5'11, 180, brown hair, blue eyes (I think!), with a very open and friendly face. The kind of person whose default expression encourages people to talk to him.

Actor/famous person

I pictured Matt Damon, but but a more engaging face. Damon always strikes me as being a little more serious and introverted.

Strengths and weaknesses

Marcus is outgoing, engaging, and loves to help people. He also tends to be a bit blind to his own faults, especially as they pertain to his role in conflict.

Quirk (if any)

No quirks for Marcus!

Your inspiration for the character

I wanted someone who was pretty straight-up normal, someone who would be a good foil for the artistic Amelia. I knew I had to make him interesting enough that Amelia would fall in love with him, but not so interesting that he'd overshadow Amelia in the story.

Background to the story

In 1996 my best friend developed bipolar disease. The following couple of years were a major struggle, both for her and for me. She had virtually no support from her family, who were in complete denial over it all, and none of her other friends were as close to it as me because she and I were roommates, so I bore most of the support role. There was very little out there in the way of resources for Christians struggling with mental illness, or for their support system, and even though writing wasn't even on my radar as a career at the time I thought, "Someday I'm going to write a book about Christians and mental illness." I really expected it to be non-fiction, but God had other plans. :)

Thanks Alison ~ lovely to have you back!

Relz Reviewz Extras
RBC Book Club YouTube interview with Alison
Visit Alison's website and blog
Buy Alison's books at Amazon or Koorong

RBC Book Club with Alison Strobel & The Weight of Shadows

I've just closed the door on the last of my book club members after a great discussion of Alison Strobel's The Weight of Shadows. Alison chose to answer our questions via YouTube videos which I am delighted to post here for you all. Bear in mind, if you haven't read the book there are SPOILERS contained in Alison's answers.

With plenty to discuss about domestic violence, living with guilt, bitterness and betrayal, coping with death and dysfunctional families, The Weight of Shadows is a great book club pick and a challenging read.

A big thanks to you, Alison for the effort and time taken to answer our questions in these videos. It was the next best thing to having you in the room with us. And yes, book us in for Skype next year when the time difference might be more manageable :)

Coming soon from Zondervan

Check these new titles coming soon from Zondervan.

Love Alison's cover.


A Place of Peace by Amy Clipston

Miriam Lapp, who left the Amish community in Pennsylvania three years ago, is heartbroken when her sister calls to reveal that her mother has died suddenly. Traveling home to Pennsylvania, she is forced to face the heartache from her past, including her rift from her family and the break up of her engagement with Timothy Kauffman. Her past emotional wounds are reopened when her family rejects her once again and she finds out that Timothy is in a relationship with someone else. Miriam discovers that the rumors that broke them up three years ago were all lies. However, when Timothy proposes to his girlfriend and Miriam’s father disowns her, Miriam returns to Indiana with her heart in shambles.

When Miriam’s father has a stroke, Miriam returns to Pennsylvania, and her world begins to fall apart, leaving her to question her place in the Amish community and her faith in God.

December, 2010




The Heart of Memory by Alison Strobel

When beloved Christian writer and speaker Savannah Trover becomes gravely ill, she has to face the sham that her faith has become. Days before her heart transplant, she vows to change her ways and she renews her relationship with Christ. But when she awakens from the surgery, Savannah discovers that her faith has left her completely. Savannah’s husband, Shaun, is concerned about his wife's odd behavior—and even more concerned about the secret he’s keeping from her. If she doesn't bring down their ministry, then he might, losing his family in the process.

A stranger may hold the answer to Savannah's recovery, but is Savannah strong enough to return to her old way of life? Can Shaun right his wrongs before word gets out? And do either one of them remember how to be who they once were—or who they want to be?

In this latest relational drama from Alison Strobel, readers will explore the difference between emotional faith and life-giving truth as Savannah wonders if she can ever trust her heart again.

March, 2011

Book Trailer for Alison Strobel's The Weight of Shadows

In November last year I selected Alison Strobel's The Weight of Shadows for my book club this year, sight unseen! I rarely choose a book for "my girls" without reading it first but Alison's just grabbed me. As you can see from the trailer, it is not going to be an easy read or discussion but we don't want that for our book club selections.

What do you look for in a Book Club selection?

Do check out Alison's special Book Club contest for those of you in the US ~ it is a little ripper!

Coming in April 2010 from Alison Strobel & Zondervan

I am really keen to read this book by Alison Strobel that tackles an often hidden yet devastating issue. It won't be an easy read but I am sure it will be worth it. And the title is fabulous - so full of meaning.

What do you think? Do you prefer your fiction to be light and entertaining or does something with grit and discomfort appeal?

Personally, I enjoy both depending on my mood and what I am experiencing in my life. I love being challenged by a complex or thought provoking story and yet, if life is tough, there is nothing better than reading a story that is funny or romantic or sweet! I think that makes me pretty easy to please!

How about you?

The Weight of Shadows by Alison Strobel

After a difficult childhood, Kim has built a successful life for herself, but she'd leave it all if it meant being rid of the guilt she harbors over a tragic mistake she made years ago. When she meets Rick, she finds everything she needs—including a way to pay for her sins every time he hits her.

Kim and Rick’s new neighbor, Joshua, knows more than Kim realizes about Rick’s abusive behavior, but Joshua has battles of his own to fight. Soon to intersect Kim’s and Rick’s lives is Debbie, who has saved countless women from abuse through the shelter she runs but might be as desperate for love as the women she serves. Meanwhile, as Rick’s wrath extends to their baby, Kim must decide if her penance is more important than protecting that innocent life—and if she should dare leave Rick when he has the power to bring her hidden crime to light.

A gripping, gritty novel, The Weight of Shadows explores how the risks we take for those we love can touch the lives of others forever.

Releasing April, 2010 from Zondervan