Sixty Acres and a Bride by Regina Jennings

Destitute and grieving, Louise Garner and her beautiful Mexican daughter in law, Rosa, return to Texas and the ranch she called home only to discover that an insurmountable amount of back taxes are due if they wish to retain the property.

Determined to do what she can to assist her disbelieving mother in law, Rosa soon discovers that the vivaciousness and directness that comes naturally to her culture is not always appreciated by the citizens of Caldwell County, Texas.  Scrambling not to offend her mother in law, Rosa despairs as she tries to understand and mimic the customs of the ladies who look upon her with suspicion and even derision.

Weston Garner, a wealthy rancher and nephew to Louise, notices Rosa's beauty and effervescent personality but is disinterested in pursuing any initial attraction he might feel.  Riding himself hard with regret over his wife's death, Weston does not intend to place a woman at risk again.  As Rosa tires of humiliating herself in front of Louise's reserved and somewhat aloof nephew and lives in fear of a neighbour with unsavoury intentions, Louise prompts her to take action in a way that surprises her and changes her life forever.

Regina Jennings' Sixty Acres and a Bride is an excellent debut novel and aside from taking a few chapters to settle into a good rhythm, it is hard to imagine this is Regina's first published work.  Loosely based on the Biblical story of Naomi, Ruth and Boaz, rather than a retelling of the story, there is much for historical romance readers to enjoy.  Weston and Rosa are both heartfelt characters, driven by the joy and torment of their pasts and what they imagine for their futures.  Cultural differences, deeply held fears and plenty of misunderstandings make this an emotional and engaging story of faith, family, love and healing.  Regina's talent with words tells of Rosa and Weston's incandescent attraction with authenticity and respect.  Readers of Rosslyn Elliott, Elizabeth Camden and Kathleen Morgan will want to look up Sixty Acres and a Bride.

With thanks to Bethany for my review copy

As seen at TitleTrakk.com

Relz Reviewz Extras
Character Spotlight on Rosa & Weston
Visit Regina's website and blog
Buy Regina's books at Amazon and Koorong

Character Spotlight ~ Dani Pettrey's Cole McKenna & Bailey Craig

Dani Pettrey's debut romantic suspense, Submerged, the first in her Alaskan Courage series is available now from Bethany House and it's fabulous!

Synopsis

 A sabotaged plane. Two dead deep-water divers. 

 Yancey, Alaska was a quiet town...until the truth of what was hidden in the depths off the coast began to appear. 

Bailey Craig vowed never to set foot in Yancey again. She has a past, and a reputation--and Yancey's a small town. She's returned to bury a loved one killed in the plane crash and is determined not to stay even an hour more than necessary. But then dark evidence emerges and Bailey's own expertise becomes invaluable for the case. Cole McKenna can handle the deep-sea dives and helping the police recover evidence. He can even handle the fact that a murderer has settled in his town and doesn't appear to be moving on. But dealing with the reality of Bailey's reappearance is a tougher challenge. She broke his heart, but she is not the same girl who left Yancey. He let her down, but he's not the same guy she left behind. 

Can they move beyond the hurts of their pasts and find a future together?

Enjoy meeting Cole & Bailey!

Brief physical description

Bailey is 28 years old. She’s 5’7 and graceful in build. She has blue eyes and amber hair.

Cole is 29 years old. He’s 6 foot tall with a lean athletic build. He was modeled after a surfer so picture a surfer’s fit and sculpted physique and you’ll have Cole. He has green eyes and sandy blond hair.

Actor/famous person

Bailey: Think Katherine Heigl

Cole: Think Bruce Irons

Strengths and weaknesses

Bailey is intelligent, a hard worker, she loves learning and she has an incredibly tender heart beneath the stoic exterior she tries to exude.

Cole is dedicated, protective, loving and comfortable in his own skin. His weakness: Bailey Craig :)

Quirk (if any)

Bailey: She bites her bottom lip when deep in thought or when she’s nervous.

Cole: He’s more at home beneath the water than above it.

Your inspiration for the character

Bailey: Bailey made a lot of mistakes growing up and so did I. In some ways, Bailey and I share a similar background, in other ways we are completely different. I wanted to show how lost someone could be to give up such a loving relationship (like she had with Cole) for a string of meaningless ones. I also wanted to show how God can take the raw and broken pains of our past and make us whole in Him.

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Cole: This really ties in with the background to the story, but I watched a movie about cave divers and I was fascinated. It got me thinking what type of person would pursue something so dangerous and highly skilled for a living, and Cole McKenna was born. I fashioned him, at least physically, after surfer Bruce Irons.

Background to the story

It all started with the cave diving movie. Once I had Cole and his siblings, I wanted the perfect setting for all their adventures. I settled on Alaska because it’s gorgeous, ripe for adventure and there’s an inherent risk of danger if you aren’t properly prepared for the extreme conditions. From there, Cole and Bailey’s story unfolded.

Relz Reviewz Extras

Interview with Dani

Author Alert @ Relz Reviewz

Visit Dani's website and blog

Buy Dani's book at Amazon or Koorong

Siri Mitchell ~ FamilyFiction Plus

Siri Mitchell featured in my News & Notes column in the March issue of FamilyFiction's digital magazine.  I'm delighted to share Siri's complete response to my question about her latest release, The Messenger, with my readers.  Enjoy!

Siri Mitchell

Rel:  What was the most challenging aspect of writing about the time period in The Messenger?

Siri:  Just one? Can I sneak in a second? Or a third?

The most challenging aspect was trying to get the information I needed. The Revolutionary War is one of the first major historical events studied by elementary school students in the United States. It’s the conflict upon which the country was founded, so the materials available on the topic are voluminous. It’s easy to find the when and where about almost any date during the period, but the how and the why are much more difficult. I wrote the book around an escape of patriot soldiers from a British prison that took place in May 1778. I was able to find out the date that it happened, how many prisoners escaped, and a mention of the patriot lines participating in a diversionary skirmish but the link between the Continental Army (who had to have planned the escape) and the prisoners has been lost to time. I spent several weeks in a fruitless search for more details. I finally decided that if I couldn’t turn anything up, no one else would probably be able to either. At that point, I gave my novelist self permission to ‘make stuff up’! 

Another challenge was trying to approach this period with depth and a fresh eye. When American students study this war in history classes, there are Good Guys and Bad Guys. But the war was much more complicated than that. The Good Guys sometimes did bad things and the Bad Guys sometimes did good things. It’s a shame the war is studied at such an early age, because the complexities are too difficult to navigate in elementary school. Another problem is that most Americans think they know everything about this period…or at least everything that’s important. I took it as a challenge to investigate the ambiguity of being an outsider during a partisan conflict and being a pacifist during a time of war. A third facet of this particular challenge was trying to maintain suspense throughout the story. I’ve never written such a strong thread of intrigue before and the outcome of the war has been known for several centuries now. I’m hoping the story will feel so immediate that readers forget what they’ve learned in history class and just give themselves up to the story.

My third challenge transcended time and place. I think this is a way in which historical fiction can really illuminate modern culture. In this book I wanted to tackle the question of how to know God’s will and how to hear him speak. If God seems to be saying something contrary to popular opinion, how would a person know that it’s truly God and not just wishful thinking? How can a person truly recognize God’s voice?

I had many challenges in writing this book, but I had lots of fun as well!

Relz Reviewz Extras
Exclusive RBC Book Club Interview with Siri
Review of A Heart Most Worthy, A Constant Heart and She Walks in Beauty
Character spotlight on She Walks in Beauty's Clara Carter, Love's Pursuit's characters and A Constant Heart's Marget & Lytham
Visit Siri's website
Buy Siri's books at Amazon or Koorong

Character Spotlight ~ Regina Jennings' Rosa & Weston

Regina Jennings debut novel is a 19th Century take on the story of Ruth and Boaz.  Sixty Acres and a Bride is available now from Bethany House.

Synopsis

With nothing to their names, young widow Rosa Garner and her mother-in-law return to Texas and the family ranch. Only now the county is demanding back taxes and the women have only four months to pay. 

Though facing eviction, Rosa can't keep herself from falling in love with the countryside and the wonderful extended family who want only her best. Learning the American customs is not easy, however, and this beautiful young widow can't help but catch wandering eyes. Where some offer help with dangerous strings attached, only one man seems honorable. But when Weston Garner, still grieving his own lost love, is unprepared to give his heart, to what lengths will Rosa go to save her future?

Enjoy meeting Rosa & Weston!

Brief physical description

Rosa is all about color and movement. It’s hard to get a good description of her physical features because she doesn’t sit still, but the men certainly notice the diminutive señora.

As a young man Weston had the whole TDH package going (tall, dark and handsome) and while events have wiped away his confidence, maturity certainly hasn’t harmed his appearance.

Actor/famous person

Rosa - Jaci Velasquez

Weston - Jim Caviezel

Strengths and weaknesses

Rosa’s strength is her determination. She is willing to work hard for no recognition, but she won’t be victimized, either. Her weakness is that she’s always keeping score. She can’t accept help.

Weston values responsibility. That’s good when it comes to looking out for his family, but it’s a weakness when he holds himself accountable for choices that others have made.

Quirk (if any)

Having grown up near silver mines Rosa is fearful of being trapped. She gets nervous thinking about small places like the root cellar, closets or a hulking, masculine four-poster bed.

Weston’s sister enjoys tormenting him over his prudish behaviour. He’ll even shut down one of her poetry readings if he thinks the discussion is inappropriate.

Your inspiration for the character

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Rosa – Every year my husband and I spend a week in Mexico working with a seminary and church planters. The enthusiasm is contagious. You don’t just get a handshake. You are bear-hugged and cheek-kissed. Laughs are louder, tears are freer, and singing is at full volume. I couldn’t help but think how cold our welcomes must feel to our Mexican friends. Then I took it a step further. What if a passionate, sincere Mexican woman found herself in 19th century America when manners were even more subdued?

Weston came about as the perfect foil for Rosa. He sees everything in black and white. According to Weston there’s only one way to do things, and Rosa challenges his thinking. He has to re-evaluate which customs of theirs are really a matter of right and wrong and which are only preference.

Background to the story

With nothing to their names, young widow Rosa Garner and her mother-in-law Louise return to their Texas family ranch to find that they only have three months to pay the back taxes.

Louise’s nephew Weston has also returned home from the cattle trail looking for a fresh start after his own personal tragedy. He is ready to lead the family, but he is unprepared for Rosa. When her situation becomes desperate Rosa must decide to what lengths she will go save her future.

Relz Reviewz Extras

Visit Regina's website and blog

Buy Regina's book at Amazon or Koorong

Character Spotlight ~ Julie Klassen's Margaret & Nathaniel

Julie Klassen writes exceptional Regency romance novels and her latest story, The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, is available now from Bethany House.

Synopsis

Pampered Margaret Macy flees London in disguise to escape pressure to marry a dishonorable man. With no money and nowhere else to go, she takes a position as a housemaid in the home of Nathaniel Upchurch, a suitor she once rejected in hopes of winning his dashing brother. Praying no one will recognize her, Margaret fumbles through the first real work of her life. If she can last until her next birthday, she will gain an inheritance from a spinster aunt--and sweet independence. But can she remain hidden as a servant even when prying eyes visit Fairbourne Hall? 

Observing both brothers as an "invisible" servant, Margaret learns she may have misjudged Nathaniel. Is it too late to rekindle his admiration? And when one of the family is nearly killed, Margaret alone discovers who was responsible. Should she come forward, even at the risk of her reputation and perhaps her life? And can she avoid an obvious trap meant to force her from hiding? 

On her journey from wellborn lady to servant to uncertain future, Margaret must learn to look past appearances and find the true meaning of "serve one another in love." 

Enjoy meeting Nathaniel & Margaret!

Brief physical description

Margaret Macy is a blond and blue-eyed well-born lady, but she spends much of the novel wearing a dark wig and disguised as a housemaid named Nora.

Actor/famous person

I modelled my main character after actress Romola Garai, who portrayed the title role in a recent adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma. She has appeared in movies as a blond, brunette, and red-head--and looks good no matter what her hair color.

Strengths and weaknesses

Margaret is a bit spoiled and tends to judge (people and situations) by appearances and often incorrectly at first. However, she is devoted to her brother and sister and determined to do whatever it takes to protect their futures. And, though she has never done a lick of work in her life, when she is hired as a housemaid she does her best to carry out her duties.

Quirk (if any)

Margaret has difficulty sleeping--which leads to a few interesting late-night rendezvous. :)

Your inspiration for the character

My novels are set in the early 1800s (Regency England) when live-in servants were common, so I’ve wanted to write a book like this for quite some time. I’ve also been inspired by programs like Upstairs, Downstairs and Downton Abbey, which portray the life of servants as well as the people they serve.

Background to the story

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall is about a well-born lady who disguises herself as a housemaid to avoid marriage to a dishonourable man. But she never planned on actually working as a servant. And certainly not in the home of two former suitors! As she fumbles through the first real work of her life, she is soon entangled in intrigues both below-stairs and above.

Nathaniel Upchurch

Brief physical description

Nathaniel Upchurch has a tall, athletic build, dark hair, long nose, stern mouth, and piercing bluish green eyes.

Actor/famous person

I modelled my hero after actor Richard Armitage of North and South fame. 

Strengths and weaknesses

Nathaniel Upchurch has a bad temper, but is responsible, protective, and still in love with Margaret though she spurned him years before.

Quirk (if any)

Fences regularly with his steward for exercise.

Your inspiration for the character

I was inspired by the character of John Thornton in Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South, who shoulders heavy responsibilities for his family. Like Thornton, Nathaniel Upchurch has a stern and haughty exterior, which masks a protective and passionate soul.

Relz Reviewz Extras
Reviews of The Maid of Fairbourne Hall,  The Silent Governess, The Apothecary's Daughter & Lady of Milkweed Manor
Character spotlight on Olivia and Lord Bradley
Character spotlight on Mariah & Matthew

Character spotlight on Lilly
Visit Julie's website
Buy Julie's books at Amazon or Koorong

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen

When her scheming stepfather determines to wed her to his conniving nephew Margaret Macy knows she must take desperate measures in order to avoid a matrimonial disaster.  Disguising herself as a housemaid and deserting London for the country town of Maidstone, Margaret discovers her privileged life has left her completely unprepared for manual work and the ignominies of being a servant.  Shocked to discover she has been employed at Fairbourne Hall, the home of the Upchurch brothers - Nathaniel whom she rejected and Lewis who had found her wanting.

Nathaniel Upchurch has too long remained in his flamboyant and handsome brother's shadow.  As he returns from the family's Barbados sugar plantation to balance the books at home, Nate spurns the woman who painfully rejected his suit but his heart refuses to follow his head.  When she disappears Nate is left to ponder what might have been.

As Margaret tries to hide her fumbling ignorance of household chores and remain unrecognised, her stepfather is on the prowl, spreading rumours and scheming ways to flush her out from hiding.  Sharing life with people she would have barely noticed in her former life, Margaret learns that kindness and loyalty cannot be bought and first impressions should not be lasting.

Julie Klassen has penned another exceptional Regency era historical romance with  the beautifully rendered The Maid of Fairbourne Hall.  Classic prose, multi faceted characters and an entertaining upstairs downstairs plot make this story a joy to read.  Heralded as a contemporary Jane Austen, Klassen writes with insight, wit and depth.  From fascinating historical details that make the Hall and its inhabitants come alive, to the engaging characters of Margaret, Nate, Hudson and Joan and the mysterious villain, this novel is enthralling in every aspect.  Nate is enjoyably reminiscent of the brooding yet vulnerable John Thornton of Elizabeth Gaskell's North & South while Margaret's eye opening transformation from self focused debutante to humble servant is unmissable.  Simply put, The Maid of Fairbourne Hall is a delightful pleasure, a story to savour more than once.  Klassen's star continues to shine brightly indeed!

As seen at TitleTrakk.com

With thanks to Bethany for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras
Reviews of The Silent Governess, The Apothecary's Daughter & Lady of Milkweed Manor
Character spotlight on Olivia and Lord Bradley
Character spotlight on Mariah & Matthew

Character spotlight on Lilly
Visit Julie's website
Buy Julie's books at Amazon or Koorong

Dee Henderson News

Just heard some interesting news many of you will be interested in!  I often receive questions about romantic suspense author Dee Henderson and whether she will be writing another book ~ the answer is yes!

Bethany House will be releasing Dee's first new novel in six years in October, 2012!  

That's all I know at this stage but I'm sure, given the tight time frame, we will all know more soon :)  Here's hoping it is a fabulous story ~ I'm looking forward to it!

For those who adored her books, do you think she can top her O'Malley series?

The Captive Heart by Dale Cramer

Synopsis:~

Bandit troubles intensify as Caleb Bender's family tries to settle into their new life in 1920s Paradise Valley.

When El Pantera kidnaps Rachel and leaves her brother, Aaron, for dead, Jake Weaver and the Mexican native Domingo pursue the bandit leader to his mountain stronghold in a hopeless rescue attempt. Jake and Domingo manage to escape with Rachel, with the bandits hot on their trail. In a desperate attempt to avoid recapture, Domingo puts himself squarely in harm's way, giving Jake and Rachel time to get away. This is not the quiet life Caleb Bender envisioned when he led his family out of Ohio.

What is a father to make of his daughter's obvious affection for a man outside the fold? And how will a pacifist Amishman like Caleb respond to the events that threaten his family and their way of life?

My take:~

Dale Cramer's literary craftsmanship is both beautiful and engaging, taking my breath away in the continuation of Caleb Bender's story, The Captive Heart. Drawing from the personal history of his own family, Dale uses skilful prose to write a masterpiece of forbidden love, family ties, tragedy and, ultimately, hope. Depicting the forbidding Mexican frontier in all its danger and beauty, Dale offers readers insight into the constraints placed on a people deeply committed to pacifism surrounded by men bent on evil and selfish ambition. Caleb's integrity, Miriam's heart and Domingo's honour will make you weep and fill you with joy as they seek to love and protect their families and community the only way they know how. Jacob and Rachel's relationship grows but is challenged by a secret Rachel can't disclose as El Pantera seeks retribution. Suspense, action, danger and romance abound with an ending that will satisfy yet leave you desperate for more. For those like myself who are not usually into Amish tales, don't let the bonnet put you off ~ Dale's storytelling is of the highest calibre and should not be missed!

With thanks to Bethany House for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras
Reviews of Paradise Valley and Summer of Light
Interview with Dale ~ 2007 & 2011
Visit Dale's website and blog
Buy Dale's books at Amazon and Koorong

Character Spotlight ~ Patti Lacy's Kai Chang & Gloria Powell

Character Spotlight ~
Kai & Gloria 

Patti Lacy has written a deeply personal story in Reclaiming Lily ~ enjoy meeting Kai & Gloria.

Over to you, Patti:~

Brief physical description
 
Kai Chang, M.D.—a petite yet sturdy woman with a strongly sculpted face and straight black hair styled in a chic yet professional way. Kai’s luminous dark eyes have experienced suffering and unbelievable sorrow for one only thirty-five. Actress Sylvia Chang nails my mind’s-eye image of Kai.

Gloria Powell—a tall, thin woman who carries herself with an air of fragility tinged with insecurity. Gloria has the pale skin and blue eyes of Mia Farrow. You can see Bethany House’s vision of Gloria on the cover of Reclaiming Lily!

Strengths and weaknesses

Kai Chang—a compassionate, intelligent woman who burned kerosene oil by the liters to ace the tests she needed to gain entrance to the ivy-covered gates of Harvard and its med school. Driven to conquer the deadly polycystic kidney disease lurking in Chang genes, Kai passes her medical boards and is licensed as a renal specialist. Despite her successful career, her attentive boyfriend, her American citizenship, Kai cannot escape the iron grip of fate and guilt that has hounded her ever since she left her youngest sister on orphanage steps. Kai must reclaim Lily and get her tested for PKD…no matter what.

Gloria Powell—Gloria has battled insecurity ever since her father’s lurid affair and the ensuing divorce of her parents. Then Andrew Powell, a fellow Baylor University student, gives Gloria all she ever wanted when he gets on one knee right in the campus quad and asks for her hand in marriage. Ecstatic in married student housing, the two plan for a family as Gloria majors in education. Soon she has a classroom full of children…but none of her own. China flings open its orphanage doors, and the Powells find Joy, the child of their heart. Then teenaged angst whirls into their family, as do shoplifting charges, Goth clothes…and a supposed Chinese sister bringing ominous news. Can Gloria’s faith and psyche withstand yet another barrage?

Quirk

Gloria digs at her palms when nervous.

Inspiration for character

Kai Chang—a real-life doctor who acted, with her brave sisters, to save their family during China’s Cultural Revolution.

Gloria Powell—those pastors’ wives who must wear so many crowns as they serve the Lord, their family, and their husband’s congregation.

Background to the story

Because both of my brothers are adopted, I’ve always been fascinated with the questions that swirl around that process. Where’s that other family? Why did they place one of God’s greatest gifts into the arms of other folks? As the daughter of missionary/teachers to China, I was drawn into the “Lost Girls of China” phenomena that has gained worldwide attention since the doors of China's orphanages have been flung open. My seed of my character Lily/Joy germinated by a combination of those two interests.

Then in 2009, my mother contacted a Dr. Chang for a medical procedure...and discovered a "God" connection since my mother had taught English as a missionary in Kai's city years before. After the procedure, my mother awoke from anesthesia to find Dr. Kai in tears, saying, "You have cancer. But you will become my American mother, and I will help you through this."

Soon Dr. Kai became a part of my family as well...and shared the story of how she and her sisters saved her parents following their return from a Cultural Revolution era prison. I now had the multicultural and historical links that I love to include in stories.

A friend's battle with PKD (polycystic kidney disease) provided the Jodi-Piccoult-like crisis that gave me enough material to write a story. Reclaiming Lily was born!

My adoption information is taken directly from the files and life of a friend who shared her daughter's journey to China. I also read over 20 books (most of which sag my shelf) about China, its history, its people, with a focus on its lost daughters, including The Waiting Child by Cindy Champnella.

Thanks so much for sharing this, Patti ~ so looking forward to reading the story :)

Relz Reviewz Extras
Character spotlight on Sally Stevens (What the Bayou Saw)
Character spotlight on Mary Freeman (An Irishwoman's Tale)
Visit Patti's website & blog
Buy Patti's books at Amazon or Koorong

Character Spotlight ~ Deeanne Gist's Georgie Gail & Luke Palmer

Character Spotlight ~

Georgie & Luke

Deeanne Gist returns with another historical romance novel with Love in the Line!  Enjoy meeting Georgie and Luke!

Over to you, Deeanne:~

Brief physical description

If I could cast a celebrity into the role of Georgie Gail, I would choose Rachel McAdams. Her green eyes, blonde hair, ready smile, and the teeny mole just below her lower lip would fit the bill perfectly.

Paul Walker’s square jaw, blue eyes and great smile would make him the perfect candidate for taking on the role of my Texas Ranger, Luke Palmer.

Strengths and weaknesses

Georgie Gail is a telephone operator who wants to protect those who can’t protect themselves. This protective instinct compels her to lead a campaign to boycott merchants in town who sell hats decorated with innocent songbirds. But taking on a lucrative, popular industry could cost her job and her independence.

Luke Palmer is a Texas Ranger who sees everything in black and white. His frustration mounts when the townspeople thwart his efforts at locating a gang of train robbers because they idolize the villain.

Quirk (if any)

In Georgie’s youth, she tried to be the son her father always wanted. As a result, she learned to ride bareback, jump high hurdles with her horse, raft across a raging river, and various other unladylike endeavours.

Luke has spent a lifetime trying to be the best at everything he does. He works hard and excels at riding, shooting on sight, and acting quickly in the face of danger.

Your inspiration for the character

When compiling my characters, I always study biographies of people from the time period. In Georgie’s case, I based her character on a mixture of suffragettes. For Luke, I combined the histories of three different Texas Rangers.

Background to the story

Georgie was four when she was first told life was better for boys. She determined then to prove that statement wrong and learned to read by age five. At seven, she read an article in the paper: What Girls Are Good For. It stated girls should stay out of the workplace and instead focus on cleaning, sewing, and keeping a nice home. It said a woman’s mission in life was to be a helpmate to a man, not to compete with him.

A follow-up article written by Nellie Bly urged readers to consider the plight of widows and unmarried girls who were not blessed with great beauty, talent or wealth. Those women needed the opportunity to earn a living, but current attitudes restricted the types of jobs available to them.

Credit

That day Georgie vowed she would do all she could to be more like a man so she could earn her own living and never be dependent on anyone other than herself.

When Luke Palmer was ten, one of the worst hurricanes to ever hit the United States touched land at his Gulf Coast town of Indianola. The Category 4 hurricane started a fire which had been ignited by lamps burning in houses blown down by the wind. Luke’s house was one of them.

The fire destroyed all but two of the town’s buildings and killed a large number of citizens, including Luke’s father. The storm damaged telegraph wires and two-and-a-half miles of railroad track, making communication with Indianola very difficult, complicating rescue efforts and giving Luke a deep-seated mistrust of modern communication systems.

Fast forward sixteen years. Luke is assigned to sell and repair telephones as a cover. His horror over having to foist unreliable equipment onto a trusting public grates. But worst of all, is the tempestuous switchboard operator he’s assigned to work with.

Loved having you visit, Dee!

Relz Reviewz Extras
Reviews of Maid to Match, Beguiled, A Bride in the Bargain, Courting Trouble, Deep in the Heart of Trouble and A Bride Most Begrudging
Interview with Deeanne

Visit Deeanne's website and blog
Buy the books from Amazon and Koorong

News & Notes

Mother and daughter writing team, Kim and Kayla Woodhouse, have a fabulous new website thanks to the stellar talent of Kelli Standish and her amazing team at PulsePoint Design.  

Be sure to check out Kim and Kayla's blog, videos, books and more on the new site.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Patti Lacy has combined with the fine folk at Litfuse Publicity Group to launch her latest novel, Reclaiming Lily, now available from Bethany House.  Celebrations include a Kindle giveaway, Facebook party and blog tour.  

For more details and your chance to win, click here.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The delightful Jody Hedlund asked me to answer a few questions on her blog regarding blogging, reviewing and writers and it was my privilege to do so :)  Jody has an excellent blog offering great advice and tips, especially for writers.  Be sure to look into Jody's brilliant historical fiction novels while you are there, The Preacher's Bride and The Doctor's Lady.

If you want to learn a bit about reviewing or if you are a writer, what are some important things to consider if you are seeking reviews, check out Jody's blog posts:

Book Reviewers: An Author's Best Friend ~ Part 1

Book Reviewers: Wrong and Right Ways to Solicit Reviews ~ Part 1

Out of Control by Mary Connealy

Synopsis:~

Julia Gilliland has always been interested in the natural world around her. She particularly enjoys her outings to the cavern near her father's homestead, where she explores for fossils and formations, and plans to write a book about her discoveries. The cave seems plenty safe--until the day a mysterious intruder steals the rope she uses to find her way out. Rafe Kincaid has spent years keeping his family's cattle ranch going, all without help from his two younger brothers, who fled the ranch--and Rafe's controlling ways--as soon as they were able. He's haunted by one terrible day at the cave on a far-flung corner of the Kincaid property, a day that changed his life forever. Ready to put the past behind him, he plans to visit the cave one final time. He sure doesn't expect to find a young woman trapped in one of the tunnels--or to be forced to kiss her! Rafe is more intrigued by Julia than any woman he's ever known, but how can he overlook her fascination with the cave he despises? And when his developing relationship with Julia threatens his chance at reconciliation with his brothers, will he be forced to choose between the family bonds that could restore his trust and the love that could heal his heart?

My take:~

Mary Connealy is well known for her historical romantic comedies and her latest, Out of Control, is the first in her new Kincaid Brides series. As I have come to expect from Mary, there is humour, sticky situations, contrary characters and plenty of attraction but while it is a cute story, it didn't sweep me off my feet, so to speak! I had some trouble warming to the main characters, Rafe and Julia, and was more taken with Rafe's brother, Ethan whose story is hinted at in this book. Julia is a somewhat abrasive character and Rafe is quite ornery. No doubt that was Mary's intention but it did detract a little from the story for me. That said, Mary's writing is strong and the fossil and cave exploration angle was a unique one for this time period. There's plenty of action and danger on many fronts and I'm sure Mary's fans will be thrilled with this story.   I'm still interested to read the remaining books in the series, especially Ethan's which is up next in, In Too Deep.

With thanks to Bethany for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras
Visit Mary's website and blog
Review of Doctor in Petticoats
Buy Mary's books at Amazon or Koorong

The Doctor's Lady by Jody Hedlund

Synopsis:~

Priscilla White knows she'll never be a wife or mother and feels God's call to the mission field in India. Dr. Eli Ernest is back from Oregon Country only long enough to raise awareness of missions to the natives before heading out West once more. But then Priscilla and Eli both receive news from the mission board: No longer will they send unmarried men and women into the field. Left scrambling for options, the two realize the other might be the answer to their needs.

Priscilla and Eli agree to a partnership, a marriage in name only that will allow them to follow God's leading into the mission field. But as they journey west, this decision will be tested by the hardships of the trip and by the unexpected turnings of their hearts.

My take:~ 

After receiving high praise for her debut novel, The Preacher's Bride, Jody Hedlund ensures she retains readers' favour with her second novel, The Doctor's Lady.  Once again Jody has been inspired by real life people to develop her multi layered characters, Priscilla and Eli.  Fashioned on the lives of pioneering missionary couple Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, Jody deftly draws readers into the emotion and tension surrounding Eli and Priscilla's wedding and their subsequent arduous trip across the Continental Divide into Oregon.  Rich in characterisation and historical detail, Jody's prose flows naturally and is a pleasure to read.  Easily immersed into the adventure, heartache and frustrations of their journey, readers will fall in love with Eli's tenderness and Priscilla's determination.  Jody easily measures up to gifted historical writers like Tamera Alexander, Laura Frantz and Julie Lessman so be sure to look her up.

With thanks to Bethany for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras
Q&A with Jody
Enter my signed giveway of The Doctor's Lady thanks to Jody
Character spotlight on Eli & Priscilla
View the trailer for The Doctor's Lady
Review of The Preacher's Bride
Visit Jody's website and blog
Enter Jody's 'Be a trailblazer' contest
Buy Jody's book at Amazon or Koorong

Character Spotlight ~ Jody Hedlund's Eli Ernest & Priscilla White

 Character Spotlight ~ 

Eli & Priscilla

Jody Hedlund's debut novel, The Preacher's Bride, was a winner and I am confidant her second story will be just as captivating.  Enjoy meeting this pioneering couple!


Over to you, Jody:~

Brief physical description

Dr. Eli Ernest: He’s a tall, broad-shouldered man with blue eyes the color of a winter sky. Due to his long months traveling west during an exploratory trip, he has a tanned, weathered face and dusty brown hair that is over-long with sun-bleached streaks. He also has a mysterious scar that cuts a thin white path from the corner of his left eye to his cheek.

Priscilla White: She is known for her beauty and poise. She’s of medium height, blond hair, grey-blue eyes that are large and soft, unspoiled skin, “text-book” perfect form, and lady-like in every sense of the word. (This description is taken from an observer of the real Narcissa Whitman who is the inspiration behind the book.)

Actor/famous person

Dr. Eli Ernest needs to be played by Kevin Costner whose rugged, scruffy look in Dances With Wolves is exactly the way I envisioned Dr. Ernest.

Priscilla White needs to be played by Gwyneth Paltrow. Priscilla is a beautiful and elegant lady with Gwyneth’s looks in Emma.

Strengths and weaknesses

Dr. Eli Ernest: Eli is a man full of passion and unafraid of danger, and yet he’s willing to learn and grow through the challenges he faces. His biggest weakness is that he’s too independent, wanting to accomplish too much in his own strength without having to rely upon others during the journey west. He comes to understand his need for the people God brings into his life.

Priscilla White: She’s not physically strong and she’s a bit naïve, and yet she’s determined and courageous. Her biggest weakness is her pride. At the beginning of the story she believes she is the perfect missionary candidate because of her piety, education, and upbringing. But during the dangerous trip, she begins to understand that when God chooses to use someone, he looks much deeper than a person’s outward qualifications.

Quirk (if any)

Priscilla has a special cameo pin that plays an important role throughout the book. And as I mentioned, Eli has a mysterious scar on his face as well as on his hands.

Both the cameo and the scar play roles in each of the characters’ growth throughout the book.

Your inspiration for the character

This book is inspired by the true-life story of Narcissa Whitman, the first white woman to brave the dangers of the overland trail and travel west. In early 1836, she married Dr. Whitman and then the next day left her childhood home and would never return for the purpose of starting a mission among the Nez Perce natives.

It was my hope in this story to bring Narcissa Whitman to life. This heroic woman has often been ignored and at times even disparaged. In reality, she exuded incredible courage to attempt a trip many proclaimed foolishly dangerous. It was called an “unheard-of-journey for females.” Because of her willingness to brave the unknown, she led the way for the many women who would follow in her footsteps in what would later become known as the Oregon Trail.

Background to the story

Priscilla White bears the painful knowledge that she’ll never be able to be a mother. Having felt God’s call to missionary work, she determines to remain single, put her pain behind her, and answer God’s call.

Dr. Eli Ernest wants to start a medical clinic and mission in unsettled Oregon Country. He’s not interested in taking a wife because of the dangers of life in the west and the fact that no white woman has ever attempted the overland crossing.

But then Priscilla and Eli both receive news from the mission board: No longer will they send unmarried men and women into the field. Left scrambling for options, the two realize the other might be the answer to their needs.

Priscilla and Eli agree to a partnership, a marriage in name only that will allow them to follow God’s leading into the mission field. But as they journey west, this decision will be tested by the hardships of the trip and by the unexpected turnings of their hearts.

Thanks for the fabulous spotlight, Jody ~ now my copy has arrived, I can't wait to dive in!

Relz Reviewz Extras
View the trailer for The Doctor's Lady
Review of The Preacher's Bride
Visit Jody's website and blog
Enter Jody's 'Be a trailblazer' contest
Buy Jody's book at Amazon or Koorong