An Ocean Away by Lisa Harris

Despite her American heritage, Lizzie MacTavish is a child of the African bush, raised along the Zambezi river by her missionary parents and determined to carry on their dream of reaching the Rhodesian villagers with the love of Jesus.  Immersed in their language and culture, Lizzie is at home amongst her beloved African people and can't imagine being anywhere else.

Adventurer Andrew Styles is on a mission of a different kind.  Commissioned by Lizzie's Uncle and Aunt to return Lizzie to New York to claim the inheritance left by her grandfather, Andrew is stymied by Lizzie's adamant refusal to return.  Frustrated and intrigued in equal measure to Lizzie's dedication to the people she lives with, Andrew soon finds himself in the role of protector as a village kidnapping spirals out of control as tribal divisions run deep.

Forced to flee as the danger escalates, Lizzie and Andrew return to New York to unravel the conditions of her grandfather's will.  Out of her depth in society, Lizzie soon discovers that the danger has followed her across the ocean and Andrew may be her only hope of finding her way home.

Lisa Harris skillfully blends adventure, romance and suspense in An Ocean Away set in 1920s Rhodesia and New York.  The Dark Continent comes alive with its wide savannahs, caring people and the occasional rampaging hippo!  There is an appealing authenticity to Lisa's characters as both Lizzie and Andrew reveal their weaknesses, fears and secrets.  The story encompasses many threads without confusion from tribal wars, missionary life, high society, greed, spiritual revelations and much more.  As Andrew confronts his past and Lizzie contemplates her future, the romantic element is played out with refreshing depth and insight.  The primitiveness of Africa and the exclusivity of New York high society play out through the eyes of these characters, revealing the good and the bad of both.  The suspense is woven throughout the story with enough clues and red herrings to keep the reader guessing for the most part.  Lisa's familiarity and love for Africa shines and no doubt her own experiences as a missionary add to the intensity of this engaging tale.

As seen at TitleTrakk

With thanks to Summerside Press for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras
Character spotlight on Paige & Nick (Blood Covenant)
Review of Blood Ransom
Character spotlight on Natalie & Chad (Blood Ransom)
Interview with Lisa
Visit Lisa's website and blog
Buy Lisa's books at Amazon or Koorong

Character Spotlight ~ Lisa Harris' Paige Ryan & Nick Gilbert

Paige & Nick

Lisa Harris is back with her second suspense novel set in Africa, this time in a refugee camp. Be sure to get your hands on a copy and enjoy this insight into her doctor and pilot.

Over to you, Lisa:~


Brief physical description

Dr. Paige Ryan has straight, shoulder length dark brown hair and gray/blue eyes. She's slender and strong. Think of Angelina Jolie with a bit softer, more innocent look.

My pilot, Nick Gilbert, has dark brown hair that he wears short, often with a baseball cap. He's tanned and muscular, former military. Think of Matthew Fox.

Strengths and weaknesses

Paige is extremely goal oriented, focused, and intense. These can be strengths, but it becomes hard when you are in a situation you can’t control.

Nick is laid back, but able to react quickly to situations. One of his weaknesses comes from guilt he holds over a deadly situation in his past he wasn’t able to stop.

Quirk (if any)

Paige likes to make lists and has made one for a hundred things she wants to do before she dies including eating sushi in Japan, learning to play the piano, and making soap.

Your inspiration for the character

I wanted real characters that readers could relate to in some way, not just super heroes going in to save the day. Because of that, I suppose, Paige is a lot like me. In the beginning, she felt too small to do what God was calling her to do, which I can certainly relate to at times. In the end, though, she realizes that it is through our weaknesses that we can be made strong because of Christ’s power.

Background to the story

When I started writing the series, I wanted each book to be an adventure set against the backdrop of current issues that are facing the continent of Africa. Blood Covenant follows this pattern and takes place primarily in a refugee camp where hundreds of people have recently fled due to political upheaval in the country.

After spending the last three months serving with Volunteers for Hope International, my heroine, Dr. Paige Ryan, is ready to head home when she is called in to help deal with the humanitarian crisis and lead an emergency medical team. While she expected to have to face the challenging situation head-on, she didn’t expect that her own life would be completely changed in the process.

Always a pleasure to have you visit, Lisa! Thanks for sharing.

Relz Reviewz Extras

Review of Blood Ransom

Character spotlight on Natalie & Chad

Interview with Lisa

Visit Lisa's website and blog

Buy Lisa's books at Amazon or Koorong

Coming in 2011 from Summerside Press

After returning early from our camping holiday due to rain, I know no better way than to start back at Relz Reviewz by sharing some new books!

Summerside Press (now in the Guideposts stable) continues to expand its range of novels in its various series. Enjoy this look at what is coming up this year. I'm certainly looking forward to reviewing many of them.

How about you? Any going to make your wishlist?

Signature Series

The Blackberry Bush by David Housholder

Who are You, and what are you doing here?

Two babies—Kati and Josh—are born on opposite sides of the world at the very moment the Berlin Wall falls. You’d think such a potent freedom metaphor would become the soundtrack for their lives, but nothing could be further from the truth. Despite his flawless image, Josh, an artistic and gifted California skateboarder, struggles to find his true role in the world, and his growing aggression eventually breaks him.

Kati, a German with a penchant for classic Swiss watches and attic treasure-hunting, is crushed with disappointment for never being “enough” for anyone—most especially her mother. Craving liberation, Kati and Josh seem destined to claim their birthright of freedom together. After all, don’t the “chance” encounters transform your life…or are they really chance?

June, 2011

When I Fall in Love Series

Love Letters in the Sand by Diann Hunt

The tide of World War II washed away her happily-ever-after dreams and left heartbreak in its wake, but Eva Hilton dares to consider another chance at love.

However, the jilted teacher’s past catches up with her when battle-scarred Paul Sommerfeld re-enters her life in 1957. Together they attempt to navigate the shifting sands of their relationship as painful truths come to light. Will Eva ultimately discover that, though the tide washed away their once-upon-a-time love letters in the sand, she and Paul have a love that will be forever written upon their hearts?

June, 2011

Unforgettable by Trish Perry

Rachel Stanhope tries to see the good in everyone. But Josh Reegan tests even her good graces when they meet outside her Arlington, Virginia, dance studio in 1951. He’s attractive, yet his cynicism and cockiness are hard to tolerate.

A journalist and former World War II Air Force pilot, Josh considers ballroom dancing a frivolous waste of time. Although Rachel’s confident nature is a refreshing challenge, he wouldn’t tangle with her if his newspaper hadn’t assigned him to cover her studio’s competition in New York City.

Between the melodrama of ballroom antics and the real drama of political corruption, Rachel and Josh have their hands full. The last thing either of them expects is mutual need and support. But once they stop dancing around the truth, the results are unforgettable.

March, 2011

Historical Romance

Under A Desert Sky by DiAnn Mills

When Eva Fortier’s grandfather is murdered, her attorney urges her to leave New York and take refuge in the high desert area of New Mexico.

Leaving her life of wealth behind, Eva attempts to make sense of the tragedies in her life. Navajo David Benally has his hands full taking care of his people’s medical needs. But when his father asks him to help fulfill a vow made to Eva’s father, he has no choice but to oblige. He views Eva as a spoiled rich girl...until he sees her strength in the midst of life threatening danger.

June, 2011

An Ocean Away by Lisa Harris

Dateline: 1921—Northern Rhodesia and New York, New York.

Lizzie MacTavis is determined to remain with the people with whom God called her to work along the banks of the rugged Zambezi River in southern Africa.

Andrew Styles, an anthropologist and explorer, has been commissioned to bring Lizzie back to New York City at any cost. With a fortune at stake, Lizzie is caught between two worlds when she is finally forced to return to the United States and discovers her life is in danger. Will Andrew turn out to be Lizzie’s nemesis or hero?

March, 2011

Love Finds You Series

Love Finds You in Tombstone, Arizona by Miralee Ferrell

Love and second chances aren’t easy to come by in a town named Tombstone.

When Christy Grey receives an urgent summons to Tombstone, Arizona, she reluctantly leaves her new life in California. The trip goes from bad to worse when three masked men hold up Christy’s stage. She finally arrives in Tombstone to find her mother ill and her brother trapped in a life of gambling. Desperate for money to support her family, will Christy bow to pressure from the local saloon owners and return to the life she thought she’d given up for good?

Nevada Keene has problems of his own. He’s been dodging bullets for years and wants nothing more than to settle down and get married. But he’s on the run from outlaws bent on revenge, and the one woman who captures his interest recognizes him from the stagecoach holdup. Will Christy turn Nevada in to the authorities, or will the outlaws on his trail catch him first?

February, 2011

Love Finds You in Camelot, Tennessee by Janice Hanna

Steve Garrison is the newly elected mayor of the tiny town of Camelot, Tennessee.

When his childhood friend Amy Hart comes up with a plan to revive the town’s economy, he jumps on board. The townspeople will perform the musical “Camelot” in the city’s park, drawing in nightly crowds. While excitement is high, talent is lacking. Amy casts several of the parts but is stumped when it comes to the role of King Arthur.

In desperation, she turns to Steve. Will he pull the sword from the stone and save the day? Steve reluctantly agrees—on one condition. In exchange for his willingness to wear tights, Amy must play the role of Guinevere. And when a handsome newcomer cast as Lancelot takes an interest in Amy, the stage is set for a little tension—and perhaps love.

February, 2011

Love Finds You in Prince Edward Island, Canada by Susan Page Davis

In the summer of 1860, Prince Edward Island is astir.

Its citizens eagerly anticipate the arrival of the first member of the British royal family to visit the island. Molly Orland is too poor to be invited to the ball, but she and several other local young women are thrilled when they’re hired as extra staff at the lieutenant governor’s house, where the young Prince of Wales will be a guest.

Peter Stark has arrived a few days in advance of the royal party to make sure arrangements are suitable for the prince. He is attracted to the beauty of the island—and to a young local girl named Molly, whom he’s determined to shield from the notorious antics of the playboy prince. When Peter and Molly discover a long-buried secret that could bring shame to his royal employer, will he remain a loyal servant—or help Molly’s family get the justice they deserve?

April, 2011

Love Finds You in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts by Melody Carlson

Artist Waverly Brennan wants a fresh start.

She gets her chance when her ever-quirky mother calls to say she’s purchased a gallery in Martha’s Vineyard and would love Waverly’s help setting it up. Enticed by visions of running a classy art gallery, Waverly is in. But after she burns her bridges in Chicago, Waverly arrives in Vineyard Haven only to discover that her mother’s “gallery” isn’t quite what she had envisioned.

Stuck on the island for the summer, Waverly attempts to make the best of it. She starts painting again and soon finds other motivations to stick around—such as Blake Erikson and his charming daughter. As she falls more in love with the island, Waverly begins to wonder if it all looks too good to be true.

Will she give the charming town—and Blake—a chance?

April, 2011

Love Finds You in Groom, Texas by Janice Hanna

The year is 1914, and Jake O’Farrell has gained an unusual reputation among the locals.

He’s played the roles of groomsman and best man in all four of his older brothers’ weddings, but he’s never been able to find the right woman to capture his heart. And with the upcoming wedding of his best friend, Jake will become the last single man in the town of Groom.

Anne Denning has made the difficult decision to move with her sisters to Dallas, but just outside of Amarillo, a train derailment forces them and the other passengers to seek shelter in nearby Groom. Mrs. O’Farrell, hopeful that at least one of the Denning sisters will catch her youngest son’s eye, invites the girls to stay at her home until the train is ready to pull out. Anne has no clue of the blissful chaos that lies ahead!

June, 2011

Love Finds You in Amana, Iowa by Melanie Dobson

As the rest of the nation is embroiled in Civil War, the Amana Colonies remain peaceful.

Amalie Wiese arrives in the newly built village of Amana in 1863 only to find that her betrothed, Friedrich, has left to fight with the Union army. Amalie tries to overcome her worries as she sets up a communal kitchen. She hopes that working alongside Friedrich’s best friend will provide some comfort, but Matthias is abrupt and cold.

Little does Amalie know that Matthias has been in love with her since childhood but will not betray Friedrich by pursuing her friendship. When Matthias himself leaves for the battlefront to deliver supplies to the soldiers, war wages in Amalie’s own heart. Will love claim victory?

June, 2011

Coming in early 2011 from Zondervan

Zondervan have their newest 2011 releases on their website but Amazon hasn't posted them yet so pre order links will have to come later. Each of these books are sequels (although they are also standalone novels) to 2010 releases.

I'm especially looking forward to Lisa and DiAnn's stories and I'm sure Kingsbury and Blackstock fans won't be disappointed.

Which ones appeal to you? Looks like cover models are still popular in these kinds of novels!


The Fire in Ember by DiAnn Mills

John Timmons’ life is planned and orderly. He cares for his mother and four younger brothers, and their future depends on him to keep their Colorado ranch profitable. Ember Farrar (Bert) has run away from her lawbreaking family in search of a new life. But, when she attempts to return a horse that her brother had stolen, ranch hands believe she is a thief and a boy and they plan to hang her. John, who is also a deputy marshal, breaks up the hanging. After paying for the stolen horse, he takes the boy home to work off the debt. Later he learns Bert is a girl who refuses to tell him who she is and why she possessed a stolen horse. When ranchers report stolen cattle, Bert is a natural suspect.

John is touched by Bert’s sweet spirit and natural gift of music. Surely she’s not a cattle thief. Bert fears for their lives when she is forced to either help her brothers steal or put the Timmons in danger. When John thinks Bert has betrayed him, he ignores God and turns revengeful. Will John learn who Bert truly is? Will their lives ever return back to normal?

January, 2011



Heart of Lies by Jill Marie Landis

Raised in a tribe of street urchins, Maddie Grande was taught to be a thief and beggar on the streets of New Orleans. But Maddie doesn’t know her real name or where she came from. Raised by Dexter Grande, Maddie and her twin “brothers” have recently left New Orleans and moved to the bayou. The twins are rarely there, but Maddie has come to love the swamp. She has learned to fish and trap and sell pelts at the local mercantile. Maddie longs to change her life but knows that her brothers will never give up their lawless ways. When they kidnap the daughter of a wealthy carpetbagger, the twins force Maddie to hide the precocious eight-year-old while they return to New Orleans to wait for notice of a reward.

Pinkerton agent Tom Abbott is assigned to the kidnapping case in which Maddie has become an accomplice. In a journey that takes them to Baton Rouge, a mutual attraction becomes evident, but Tom and Maddie cannot trust each other. Will Maddie and Tom listen to their hearts or will they choose honor over love? Will Maddie ever discover who she is? Will her real family ever find her?

February, 2011




Blood Covenant by Lisa Harris

When fighting erupts between government forces and renegade Ghost Soldiers deep within the Republic of Dhambizao, thousands are forced to leave their homes. Dr. Paige Ryan is sent to lead a team to set up a refugee transit site. Nick Gilbert joins the team to help fly supplies in and out of the area. With the refugee camp already experiencing overcrowding, raids, and uprisings, a group of American mountain climbers is attacked by the Ghost Soldiers. Paige’s medical team rescues survivors and takes them into the camp. When it’s discovered that one of the trekkers is carrying an infectious disease, the harrowing conditions of the camp are forgotten. In desperate need of vaccines and the Ghost Soldiers blocking the only road out until their demands for amnesty are met, it won’t be long before the disease is out of control . . . and there is nowhere to run. With her second book in the Mission Hope Series, Lisa Harris creates vivid detail, giving you the feeling that you are stepping into the scenes of the book. But even more vivid than the details and action are the memorable characters that carry the story and keep the pages turning.

February, 2011



Vicious Cycle by Terri Blackstock

When fifteen-year-old Lance Covington finds an abandoned baby in the backseat of a car, he knows she’s the newborn daughter of a meth addict he’s been trying to help. But when police arrest him for kidnapping, Lance is thrust into a criminal world of baby trafficking and drug abuse. His mother, Barbara, looks for help from Kent Harlan—the man whom she secretly, reluctantly loves and who once helped rescue her daughter from a mess of her own. Kent flies to her aid and begins the impossible work of getting Lance out of trouble, protecting a baby who has no home, and finding help for a teenage mother hiding behind her lies.

In this latest novel of suspense and family loyalty, bestselling author Terri Blackstock offers a harrowing look at drug addiction, human trafficking, and the devastating choices that can change lives forever.

February, 2011



Leaving by Karen Kingsbury

The Bailey Flanigan series begins with Bailey leaving Bloomington for the adventure of a lifetime. She has won an audition for the ensemble of a Broadway musical in New York City.

She’s determined to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but is she really ready to leave family and friends for the loneliness of the city? And what of Cody? His disappearance has her worried about their future and praying that their love can survive. In order to be closer to his mother in jail, Cody takes a coaching job in a small community outside Indianapolis. New friends, distance, and circumstances expose cracks in his relationship with Bailey Flanigan.

Love, loneliness, big opportunities, and even bigger decisions highlight the first book in the new Bailey Flanigan series that features members of the popular Baxter family and finally completes the Bailey Flanigan/Cody Coleman story.

March, 2011

Getting to know Lisa Harris & giveaway

Lisa Harris packs a lot into her life! Wife, mother, missionary, writer and no doubt a whole lot more :)

Lisa has more than twenty books and novellas to her credit but with Blood Ransom she combines her love of Africa and her passion for its people with fast paced action and a touch of romance.

Enjoy learning more about Lisa and be sure to add her books to your collection!

If you could have chosen your own name, what would it be?

Since I’ve always considered my name to be quite plain, I would definitely choose something very literary and flowery. Something like Lauren Alexander or Catherine Montgomery.

Your first pet’s name?

A cat named Sasha. (At least that is the first one I can remember. J)

Your best friend’s name in primary (elementary) school?

One of my best friends from elementary school (was it really that long ago?) was Julie. It’s been fun to use face book to find some of these—not so old—friends!

Did you have a special toy that went everywhere with you when you were young? Please describe.

Not a toy, but a soft yellow blanket with ribbon edging. My mother once told me that I would even hang on to one of the corners while it was on the line drying. Eventually, there was nothing left of it beside a few torn remnants that eventually had to be thrown away.

If you could meet a famous person, who would it be?

I’d love to sit down and talk with Elizabeth Elliot. I find her story, and that of Jim Elliot, so inspiring.

If you were stranded on a desert island what one object would you want with you? (Besides your Bible of course)

Is there wireless? I suppose not. And no electricity either? (Hmmm…Sounds a bit like where I live at times J) And I suppose an object doesn’t translate to a person, but I would want my hubby (who is the object of my affection, right?)Then possibly, between the two of us, we could find a way off!

What's your favourite ice cream flavour?

Chocolate mint, with big chunks of chocolate. Yum!

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I always wanted to be a mother and a writer. As for motherhood, I struggled for years with infertility, so because of that I think it helps me to appreciate them more than I would otherwise. (most days! J)

And I’ve always loved gothic romances and had my heart set on writing novels set in England with the stormy sea in the backdrop and a forbidden romance. I still love that genre, though am very happy with the way my writing as gone.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

There are so many places I still want to visit, even though I’ve been blessed to travel extensively. I would love to take a cruise to the Arctic. I’m not really sure why, because I prefer the sun to the cold, but the whole idea fascinates me. I’d love to be able to photograph the wildlife.

Besides God, who has influenced you the most?

My mother was always the strong spiritual influence in my life and has always encouraged me both in my faith and personally.

What's your favourite book?

Randy Alcorn’s Heaven is a book I’ve read several times and love because it’s such an important reminder to keep our prize--heaven--in front of us.

What part of your daily routine do you enjoy most?

Probably the end of the day when the house is finally quiet and my hubby and I curl up to talk and catch up on our day.

What's your favourite movie?

I’m not sure if I could pick a favorite, but I love Ever After. To me it’s the perfect Cinderella story.

Where's the most interesting place you have been?

A couple years ago we went swimming with the pink dolphins and fishing for piranha in the Amazon. It was different from the African bush, and I enjoyed learning about the forests, waterways, and animals that live there. My kids still talk about that trip and beg for us to take them back.

What's your most fervent prayer?

That my kids stay strong in their faith no matter what lies ahead.

What's the bravest thing you've ever done?

I suppose eating some of the things that have been offered to me out in the African bush. Sometimes you just don’t ask!

What gift have you received that you will always treasure?

My children. They truly were a gift from God.

What is your favourite Bible verse (or "one" of your favourites) and what does it mean to you?

I love Colossians 3:23 where it says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” That is where I want my heart to be, though it can be so hard sometimes!

What was your most embarrassing moment in High School?

Now, is this a memory I really want to dredge up? J Especially since I’ve been able to connect with a lot of my high school friends on Face Book. I’m really being honest when I say I don’t remember one. Really.

Your most rewarding moment as a missionary?

When I go out to the village and see the joy on people’s faces as they praise and worship God…it makes it all worthwhile! This is something I’ve noticed in particular lately because they talk about this newfound joy they have and you can see it in their expressions!

What do you love most about living in Mozambique? The least?

What I love: I love living near the sea, going out to the village and the simplicity of life that helps to remember that things are not important. It’s family and relationships and character that count.

What I like the least: The poverty, sickness, and pain I see.

Share your favourite African meal

I just made a family favorite for dinner the other night. Pap, which is corn meal cooked into a thick porridge and is actually is eat all over Africa and called by many names. I’ve eaten it in a half a dozen countries and love it served with a spicy sauce. This week I made it with curried cabbage.

Of course, I also can’t forget about the South African braai where the food is always fantastic and the company even better. Lots of meat, sosaties (a meat kebab on a stick), pap with sauce, boerewors (traditional farmer’s sausage), and milk tart ( a kind of custard pie) for desert.

Could you ask each of your children to share one thing they love about you?

Jayden 8: I love her because she is very lovable.

Mariah 11: She takes us to the beach on our day off where we eat pizza and swim.

Gabriel 12: She let me have my own room, and she makes us nice food.

How do you balance your writing with your mission work, parenting and other obligations and activities?

It’s not easy, but I know the same is true for every busy woman. I’m in a phase of my life where the kids and their schooling have to take priority. This means that I’m not as actively involved in ministry as I was when they were smaller and in school, and my writing time isn’t as much as it used to be either.

I also try to be very pro-active with how I spend my time, because if I don’t time quickly gets eaten up by the non-essential. I try to be organized (try being the key word here), use lists and set daily goals.

Blood Ransom

Why romantic suspense set in Africa?

Because it combines everything I enjoy! I love reading and writing romantic suspense. Being able to set a series in Africa was like icing on the cake. Africa, to me, is the perfect setting for adventure with its extremes in climate, land, people, and cultures.

How much of your own African experiences are in the story?

As far as what I put my characters through… not much really, thankfully! I’m not sure I’d want to experience what they did. J But sights and smells and people that I encounter everyday are definitely woven throughout the story.

Please describe each of your characters with one word

Natalie-passionate

Chad-realist

Joseph-searching

Stephen-lost

What was your favourite scene to write?

I tried to think of one that stood out in particular, and realized that overall, because I see my stories like a movie, I love the fast-paced action scenes that keep the story going. They are tough, but so much fun to write.

You are obviously passionate about the issues of slavery and child soldiers which occur in a number of African countries. How can those in the West make a difference?

I am passionate, because these are people who need hope, BUT they don’t have a voice. I find that incredible compared to all the freedoms we enjoy.

As to how we can make a difference: First of all, people need to become aware, but we can’t stop there. We need to get engaged in our world.

The bottom line is that we can’t save every orphaned child, or rescue every woman locked in the bond of slavery, but we can make a difference by touching the lives around us.

We can support an orphan in Africa, get involved with the modern-day abolitionist movement where people are working the front lines, become a foster parent, or a big brother, or take a meal to a shut in and sit and talk with them. No matter who we are, there are people around us in our own neighborhoods and communities who need the help and hope of Jesus Christ! All it takes is lives touching lives.

What do you hope readers take away from this story?

First of all, I really want them to simply enjoy Natalie and Chad’s story. I want them to laugh and cry with the characters, and experience their journey. But I also want them to see that God can use ordinary people, like you and me, to do extraordinary things!

What is in your writing pipeline? A sneak peek, please?

I just turned in book two in this serious, Blood Covenant, that is due to be released next May. I found it an incredible challenge to write as it is set primarily in a refugee camp and yet is also a fast-paced suspense.

Right now, I’m working on a slightly different paced project, a historical romantic suspense for Summerside Press’s new line. This book, Dark Continent is set both in Northern Rhodesia and New York in the early 1920’s. It’s turning out to be research intense, but also a lot of fun.

Thanks so much for having me on your blog, Rel!!! It’s been a joy!

Thank you, Lisa :) It has been great getting to know a little more about you, your love of people and your writing! Looking forward to your future books!

Relz Reviewz Extras

Review of Blood Ransom

Character spotlight on Natalie & Chad

Visit Lisa's website and blog

Buy Lisa's books at Amazon or Koorong

Giveaway

I have two copies of Blood Ransom to give away. One to a US reader (thanks to Lisa) and one to an Aussie reader.

To enter, post a comment on or before Sunday 11th April, 2010 telling me your favourite African animal! Add a USA or AUS to your post, please.

Character Spotlight ~ Lisa Harris' Natalie Sinclair & Chad Talcott

Natalie Sinclair & Chad Talcott

Lisa Harris' first novel in her Mission Hope series, Blood Ransom, is sure to get your heart pumping and your conscience active!

Enjoy learning more about her characters in this fast paced and relevant story...

Brief physical description

Natalie Sinclair has shoulder-length dark hair, toffee brown eyes, and a slender, strong build.

Chad Talcott has dark, slightly curly hair. Blue eyes, tan, and is a black belt.

Actor/famous person

NATALIE: I chose Penelope Cruz, because I think the girl on the cover could almost pass for her. Beside that I loved her in Sahara, and if they ever make this book into a movie … J

CHAD: Now this was harder. Since I’m really not up on who’s who in Hollywood, finding that perfect match ended up being a bit illusive. If you google actors with curly hair, they seem to be few and far between, especially considering Chad is more the clean cut kind of guy who doesn’t let his locks get too out of hand. The closest I could come up with in how I imagine Chad was this photo of Adrian Grenier. It’s close, but not quite there. Maybe a dark haired Matthew McConaughey would work, but then we’re back to Sahara. J

Strengths and weaknesses

Natalie’s extremely patient and caring, but also determined and opinionated which means she might just step into a dangerous situation without thinking through the consequences.

Chad’s more the strong, quiet type. Not as impulsive as Natalie which helps him become an anchor in her life during the book. Thinks with his head more than his heart, but cares deeply for those he’s helping at the hospital.

Quirk (if any)

Chad has black belt in karate that comes in handy at one point in the book.

Your inspiration for the character

I wanted a heroine who was strong, passionate, and yet willing to ask for help when she needed it. I wanted her to act, even when it was only God’s power and grace that would get her through an impossible situation.

As for my hero, I wanted someone who had a past to work through, yet still could see the positive side of life. Something that became necessary as the world begins to spin out of control.

Background to the story

Deep in the heart of Africa, two American lives are about to change forever.

Natalie Sinclair is working to eradicate the diseases decimating whole villages in the Republic of Dhambizao, when she meets Dr. Chad Talcott, a surgeon on sabbatical from a lucrative medical practice now volunteering at a small clinic.

Meanwhile, things are unraveling in Dhambizao. Joseph Komboli returns to his village to discover rebel soldiers abducting his family and friends. Those that were too old or weak to work lay motionless in the African soil. When Chad and Natalie decide to help Joseph expose this modern-day slave trade—and a high-ranking political figure involved in it—disaster nips at their heels.

Thanks so much, Lisa, for this look behind the scenes :)
Can't wait for the sequel!



On Monday, the spotlight returns to Melody Carlson and her latest characters, Sunshine Westcott and Max Lowenstein from Love Finds You in Pendleton, Oregon.

Relz Reviewz Extras

Review of Blood Ransom

Visit Lisa's website and blog

Buy Lisa's books at Amazon or Koorong

Look for my exclusive interview with Lisa soon, find out if you would try sosaties and enter to win a copy of Blood Ransom!