Getting to know Olivia Newport

It is my delight and privilege to introduce you to Olivia Newport, one of four 
delightful debutantes whose books are officially releasing this May.  

Look for a series of upcoming interviews, character spotlights, giveaways and 
reviews on my blog highlighting Olivia, Dani Pettrey, Katie Ganshert and Beth Vogt 
along with some spectacular news regarding the....

Debutantes' Story Soiree - coming May 15th. 

Four books. Four authors. One EPIC event! Stay tuned for more info!!

 

 Olivia Newport

Please share a little about yourself

Wikia.com

I live in stunning Colorado at the foot of the Rockies with my husband and two twentysomething children who are all welcome distractions from the people stomping through my head into my books. Though we have Illinois roots, we love the beauty and temperate climate of Colorado.

What appeals to you most about writing fiction?

I’ve spent more decades than I’m going to specify devouring fiction. This has conditioned me to see story in every experience or setting I encounter. Writing fiction gives me the chance to process all that in a way that hopefully will connect with readers. In some ways I’ve been training for the release of my first novel for years.

How did you celebrate when news of your contract broke?

That’s a good question! I honestly don’t remember. I hope it was something fun!

Name five things you can’t live without (no need to take this too seriously!)

Avocado, sugar snap peas, the redeeming marvel of small children, a Brazilian hammock, and bacon-wrapped dates

Favourite book ~ Favourite movie ~ Favourite TV show

I don’t usually settle on favorites—there are so many great stories out there. Right now I am enamored of PBS’s Downton Abbey, partly because the world it creates overlaps with the world of The Pursuit of Lucy Banning. Does that count as a TV show and a movie?

Where is the most interesting place you have been?

I once stood on the balcony of a palace in Nepal that dated to the 1600s and stared at the Himalayas. Quite close up, I might add.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A writer. Always. And that’s the truth. I just wasn’t brave enough to try for many, many years, so I pretended I was an editor.

What are two things people might be surprised to know about you?

I will chomp into a fresh red pepper like it’s an apple, and don’t try to stop me.

I love audiobooks! That way I can redeem the time I spend doing necessary but uninteresting (to me) tasks.

The Pursuit of Lucy Banning

What/whom inspired you to write The Pursuit of Lucy Banning?

My friend Stephen Reginald decided to train as a docent in the Glessner House Museum, which is right in his neighborhood in Chicago. He immediately saw the potential for a story setting and challenged me to write, while he supported the effort with onsite research. I was smitten immediately.

Share a little about your main characters

Lucy Banning is a young woman whose wealthy family expects her to live a life befitting her status. Lucy has other ideas. While it’s true she does some sneaking around, her heart is always in the right place. Will Edwards, an unlikely architect, is grateful for friendship and opportunity—and the possibility of love. Against the backdrop of the 1893 world’s fair, Lucy and Will find each other.

Describe The Pursuit of Lucy Banning in five adjectives

• layered

• faithful

• incarnational

• compelling

• enriching

A favourite paragraph or scene from The Pursuit of Lucy Banning

I think I’d have to post a spoiler alert to answer that question. I’ll just say that I still find myself sighing with satisfaction late in the book when Lucy takes charge during a crisis and other people finally see what she is capable of accomplishing when she is allowed to put her compassion to work.

What kind of readers do you think will enjoy your story?

Fans of historical fiction will find the story richly faithful to the era. Curious readers will discover a neighborhood brimming with Chicago history.

Connect with Olivia

Author Website & Blog: www.olivianewport.com

Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OliviaNewport

Author Twitter: http://twitter.com/OliviaNewport 

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/olivianewport 

Preorder Olivia's books: Amazon or Koorong

 

 

Relz Reviewz Extras

Visit Olivia's website and blog

Buy Olivia's books at Amazon or Koorong 

Love's Sacred Song by Mesu Andrews

Synopsis:~

Standing in the massive shadow of his famous father, young king Solomon wavers between fear and bravado, wisdom and folly. In the uncertain world of alliances and treachery, Solomon longs for peace and a love that is true and pure--a love that can be his cornerstone.

A shepherdess in the northern city of Shunem, Arielah remembers the first time she laid eyes on Solomon in Jerusalem when she was just seven years old. Since then she has known that it was her destiny to become his bride. When her father, a leader of their tribe, secures a promise from King Solomon to marry Arielah as a treaty bride to help unite the kingdom, it seems her dreams may come true.

My take:~

Mesu Andrews tackles the challenging and intriguing life of King Solomon in her second novel, Love's Sacred Song, with great talent and insight.  Bringing the intrigue of court life, the spitefulness of his harem and his love for his Shulammite bride to life, Mesu paints a fascinating portrait of Solomon and what might have been.  Solomon, Arielah, Jehoshaphat and Benaiah are stand out characters whose strengths and weaknesses reflect the struggles we face today.  This is a beautiful story that engages heart and mind as Solomon's political wisdom wars with his vulnerability to women. I can't wait to see which Biblical story Mesu tackles next!

With thanks to Revell for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras
RBC Book Club interview with Mesu ~ Part 1 & Part 2
Q&A with Mesu
Visit Mesu's website
Buy Mesu's books at Amazon or Koorong

Author Alert ~ Olivia Newport

 Olivia Newport

I'm delighted to introduce you to Olivia Newport, wife, mother and now author who can't wait to share her stories with you!  Olivia's debut historical romance , The Pursuit of Lucy Banning, releases in May from Revell with her second novel, Accidentally Amish, hitting shelves in October from Barbour.

Be sure to LIKE Olivia's Facebook page to stay up to date on these intriguing stories.

 
Here's the lowdown on The Pursuit of Lucy Banning!

Lucy Banning may live on the exclusive Prairie Avenue among Chicago’s rich and famous, but her heart lies elsewhere. Expected to marry an up-and-coming banker, the son of family friends, Lucy fears she will be forced to abandon what matters to her most—her work at the orphanage and the classes she is secretly taking at the newly opened University of Chicago.

When she meets Will Edwards, an unconventional young architect working on plans for the 1893 World’s Fair, Lucy imagines a life lived on her own terms. A new young maid brings her own secret to the Banning household, and Lucy must choose between deeply held values.

Can Lucy find love and live out of her compassionate heart?

Visit Olivia's website to sign up for her newsletter so you don't miss a thing :)

Olivia has provided one of her favourite excerpts, especially for my readers ~ enjoy!

“Leo, might that be overly duplicitous?” Lucy’s pulse beat faster at the thought.

“You could ask Mother to go with you,” Leo teased.

“Don’t you dare,” Lucy snapped.

“Or Daniel.” Leo’s green eyes lit.

“Daniel has a wonderful eye for art,” Lucy said, surprising even herself.

“He just doesn’t find it practical,” Leo said. “He won’t go without protest. You’ll never get out of the house on your own in the evening. If you genuinely want to look at these paintings, you’re better off with Will.”

“That’s all true. However, a chaperone would be safer than your shenanigans,” Lucy said. “Perhaps Aunt Violet?”

“Yes, possibly, if you feel you must have a chaperone. But Will is quite keen to go, you know.”

“Do I get a vote in these arrangements?” Will asked.

Leo grinned and raised an eyebrow.

Will turned to Lucy. “Miss Banning, my friend has asked me to escort his sister and it would be my pleasure to do so. May I call for you at seven on Monday evening? We will of course enjoy the company of your aunt.”

And check out Olivia's first Valley of Choice story, Accidentally Amish, an Amish story with a twist!

 

Annie Friesen, a software creator, needs to protect her intellectual property from her scheming partner. After escaping the hustle and bustle of Colorado Springs, she runs straight into the hospitality of an Amish family in San Luis Valley. When, after a little digging, Annie discovers her own ancestral connection to the plain people, her worlds collide. It appears she’ll have to stay awhile, especially when she finds herself attracted to Rufus Beiler.

A cabinetmaker by trade, Rufus is having troubles of his own. Because of a competitor’s false accusations, his business is in jeopardy. And so is his family when his sister, Ruth, leaves the Amish community.

Now Annie, an outsider, begins meddling in affairs that don’t concern her. When Rufus tells her she can’t continue to hide among the Amish and it’s time for her to go home, Annie is torn. What will she choose—loneliness and the high-tech modern culture of Colorado Springs, or Rufus and the simplicity of the San Luis Valley Amish?

Connect with Olivia

Author Website & Blog: www.olivianewport.com

Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OliviaNewport

Author Twitter: http://twitter.com/OliviaNewport 

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/olivianewport 

Preorder Olivia's books: Amazon or Koorong

Words Spoken True by Ann H Gabhart

Synopsis:~

Adriane Darcy was practically raised in her father's newspaper offices. She can't imagine life without the clatter of the press and the push to be first to write the news that matters. Their Tribune is the leading paper in Louisville in 1855. Then Blake Garrett, a brash young editor from the North with a controversial new style of reporting, takes over failing competitor the Herald, and the battle for readers gets fierce.

When Adriane and Blake meet at a benefit tea, their surprising mutual attraction is hard to ignore. Still, Blake is the enemy, and Adriane is engaged to the son of a powerful businessman who holds the keys to the Tribune's future. Blake will stop at almost nothing to get the story--and the girl. Can he do both before it's too late?

My take:~ 

I've always enjoyed Ann Gabhart's books but Words Spoken True tops them all.  With a unique and determined heroine, danger aplenty and sparks galore, Ann has written a delightful romance with the intriguing backdrop of the golden era of newspaper journalism.  Historically fascinating, Ann explores the heyday of newspapers and their significant influence on the political climate of the day, the intrigue and often cut throat nature of editors is brought to the fore.  Adriane and Blake offer lots of romantic tension as their competitive natures collide with their palpable attraction.  While the villain is easily recognisable, the story unfolds well and the pacing keeps interest from page to page.  Ann has ramped up the ante in this book and I look forward to reading more of her stories in this style.  Those who enjoy Deeanne Gist and Karen Witemeyer will find plenty to love in Words Spoken True.

Available February 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

With thanks to Revell for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras
Reviews of Angel Sister, The Outsider, The Believer and The Seeker
Visit Ann's website and blog
Buy Ann's books at Amazon or Koorong

Coming in late 2012 from Revell Books

Some more lovely books for you to add to your wishlists from Revell Books!

Can't wait for Laura and Sarah's books along with Julie, Lynette and Steven's :)

Your cover thoughts?

With Every Letter by Sarah Sundin

Lt. Mellie Blake is a nurse serving in the 802nd Medical Squadron, Air Evacuation, Transport. As part of a morale building program, she reluctantly enters into an anonymous correspondence with Lt. Tom MacGilliver, an officer in the 908th Engineer Aviation Battalion in North Africa. As their letters crisscross the Atlantic, Tom and Mellie develop a unique friendship despite not knowing the other's true identity. When both are transferred to Algeria, the two are poised to meet face to face for the first time. Will they overcome their fears and reveal who they are, or will their future be held hostage to their past? And can they learn to trust God and embrace the gift of love he offers them?

Combining excellent research and attention to detail with a flair for romance, Sarah Sundin brings to life the perilous challenges of WWII aviation, nursing, and true love.

September, 2012

The Reunion by Dan Walsh

There are people in this world we pass right by without giving a second thought. They are almost invisible. Yet some of them have amazing stories to tell, if we'd only take the time to listen . . .

Aaron Miller was an old, worn-out Vietnam vet, a handyman in a trailer park. Forty years prior, he saved the lives of three young men in the field only to come home from the war and lose everything. But God is a master at finding and redeeming the lost things of life. Aaron is about to be found.

Expert storyteller Dan Walsh pens a new tale filled with the things his fans have come to love--forgiveness, redemption, love, and that certain bittersweet quality that few authors ever truly master. Fans old and new will find themselves drawn into this latest story about how God cares for everyone.

September, 2012

Love's Reckoning by Laura Frantz

On a bitter December day in 1785, Silas Ballantyne arrives at the door of master blacksmith Liege Lee in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Just months from becoming a master blacksmith himself, Silas is determined to finish his apprenticeship and move west. But Liege soon discovers that Silas is a prodigious worker and craftsman and endeavors to keep him in Lancaster. Silas becomes interested in both of Liege's daughters, the gentle and faith-filled Eden and the clever and high-spirited Elspeth. When he chooses one, will the other's jealousy destroy their love?

In this sweeping family saga set in western Pennsylvania, one man's choices in love and work, in friends and enemies, set the stage for generations to come. Love's Reckoning is the first entry in The Ballantyne Legacy, a rich, multi-layered historical quartet from talented writer Laura Frantz, beginning in the late 1700s and following the Ballantyne family through the end of the Civil War.

September, 2012 

 

Christmas Roses by Amanda Cabot

Celia Anderson doesn't need anything for Christmas except a few more boarders, which are hard to come by in this small mining town. She certainly doesn't have a husband on her Christmas wish list. But when a wandering carpenter finds lodging at her boarding house, she admits that she might remarry if she found the right man--the kind of man who would bring her roses for Christmas. It would take a miracle to get roses during a harsh Wyoming winter. But Christmas, after all, is the time for miracles . . .

Amanda Cabot invites readers to cozy up with a romantic, heartwarming tale of the greatest gift of all--love.

September, 2012

The Christmas Pony by Melody Carlson

Eight-year-old Lucy Turnbull knew better than to wish for a pony that Christmas in 1937. Her mother had assured her in no uncertain terms that asking for a pony was the same as asking for the moon. Besides, the only extra mouths they needed at their boarding house were the paying kind. But when an interesting pair of strangers comes to town, Lucy starts to believe her Christmas wishes might just come true after all.

The queen of the Christmas novel, Melody Carlson pens another magical tale of expectation and excitement as one little girl dreams big and the impossible becomes possible.

September, 2012 

When A Heart Stops by Lynette Eason

Spunky and outgoing, nothing much bothers medical examiner Serena Hopkins--except for the thought of falling in love again. But when a serial killer is picking off her former classmates, Serena's life becomes intertwined with her old high school crush, FBI agent Dominic Allen. Is the secret she's keeping putting her next on the killer's hit list? Can she trust Dominic with the truth before it's too late?

Intense, emotional, and fast-paced, When a Heart Stops will have readers up late as they race to the finish to find out what happens.

October, 2012 

Twice Promised by Maggie Brendan

Seeing how successful her older sister's "mail order marriage" has been and longing to strike out on her own, Greta Olsen answers an ad for a mail order bride in Black Hawk, Colorado. But when she meets Jess Gifford, owner of a thriving mercantile, she begins to harbor doubts. He didn't place the ad to begin with and his business in a busy mining town leaves him little time or energy for love. To compound her troubles, she was not the only bride to answer the ad! Will either bride strike the match she hopes for?

Filled with amusing and awkward situations that will keep the reader interested and guessing, Twice Promised is another sweet romance from Maggie Brendan.

October, 2012

A Promise to Love by Serena B Miller

Ingrid Larsen, a young Swedish immigrant, arrives in Michigan in 1871 to search for her brother who has disappeared into the woods to work the dangerous lumber camps. Destitute and barely hanging on to hope, she encounters a newly-widowed farmer who is struggling to raise five children on his own. Marriage would solve both of their problems, and so Ingrid proposes to a man she barely knows. She will fight to protect her new family--but the hardest battle of all will be winning the heart of her new husband.

Readers who loved The Measure of Katie Calloway will be pleased to find more of Miller's emotive and descriptive writing here--and to discover that love is more than words.

October, 2012

A Love Surrendered by Julie Lessman

Orphaned in Iowa, Annie Kennedy moves to Boston to stay with her spinster aunt. She longs for romance to fill the void left by her parents' death. But when she falls hard for Steven O'Connor, the man who broke an engagement to her sister, Annie is worried. Will he break her heart too when he discovers who she really is?

With heart-pounding romance, intense family drama, and emotional twists and turns, A Love Surrendered is everything Julie Lessman's many fans have been waiting for.

October, 2012

A Flight of Fancy by Laurie Alice Eakes

Cassandra Bainbridge has twice set aside her scholarly pursuits--once for the London Season and once for her wedding preparations. Love seems a wonderful alternative to study, until disaster strikes. When an accident brings an end to her betrothal, she heads for the country to recover from both her injuries and her broken heart. There she pursues her love for ballooning and envisions a future for herself as a daring aeronaut. But when her former fiance.

Filled with the mystique of London society and the charming beauty of the English countryside, A Flight of Fancy explores what it means to find the true source of happiness and love amid the distractions of life. Readers will love the next installment in this rousing Regency series from accomplished author Laurie Alice Eakes.

October, 2012

Placebo by Steven James

While covertly investigating a controversial neurological research program, exposé filmmaker Jevin Banks is drawn into a far-reaching conspiracy involving one of the world's largest pharmaceutical firms. After giving up his career as an escape artist and illusionist in the wake of his wife and sons' tragic death, Jevin is seeking not only answers about the questionable mind-to-mind communication program, but also answers to why his family suffered as they did.

Rooted in ground-breaking science and inspired by actual research, Placebo explores the far reaches of science, consciousness, and faith. Readers will love this taut, intelligent, and emotionally gripping new thriller from master storyteller Steven James.

November, 2012

When the Smoke Clears by Lynette Eason

Synopsis:~

As a member of the North Cascades Smokejumpers, Alexia Allen always takes care of the equipment that keeps her safe. So when she nearly dies in a fire due to equipment failure, she knows something is up. Ordered to take time off while the investigation continues, Alexia makes a last-minute decision to recuperate at her mother's home and attend her high school reunion. Yet trouble seems to be following her, and within hours of arriving home she's involved with murder, arson--and a handsome detective. 

But the conflicts ahead are nothing compared to the ghosts of her past. As she strives to remember and forgive her family history, she must also decide if the secret she's been guarding for the last ten years must finally come to light. 

Chock-full of the suspense and romantic tension readers have come to expect from Lynette Eason, When the Smoke Clears is the explosive first book in the Deadly Reunions series. 

My take:~

Lynette Eason returns with the first in her Deadly Reunions series, When the Smoke Clears, another romantic suspense that she is well known for.  While I really enjoy Lynette's writing, a couple of things bothered me with this story.  Thanks to the cover art I was anticipating some thrilling scenes about a female smokejumper but these did not eventuate, to my disappointment.  While the back cover copy indicates Alexia is on leave, at some point I imagined we would see Alexia in her element, even more so when learning her back story and what had drawn her to such a risky career in the first place.  The other frustration was the over kill (pun intended!) when it came to the attempts on Alexia's life, that at one point seemed to be occurring every few pages, and kept pulling me from the story.  That said, all is not lost!  Lynette's strong writing is evident on all other aspects of the tale, from the underlying mystery, the attraction between Alexia and Hunter, and good characterisation.  Hunter's brother Chad provides extra conflict and interesting family dynamics and I like that threads of intrigue are not tied up leaving them to flow through the series.  The high expectations I have for Lynette's stories was not quite met with this one, but I would still recommend it and will look forward to the second in the series, When A Heart Stops, releasing this October.

Available February 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

With thanks to Revell for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras
Reviews of A Killer Among Us, Too Close to Home & Don't Look Back
Visit Lynette's website and blog
Buy Lynette's books at Amazon or Koorong

Summer of Promise by Amanda Cabot

Synopsis:~

Though she had planned to spend the summer in Vermont with her sweetheart, Abigail Harding cannot dismiss her concerns over her older sister. Charlotte's letters have been uncharacteristically melancholy, and her claims that nothing is wrong ring false, so Abigail heads West to Wyoming. The endless prairie seems monotonous, but when her stagecoach is attacked, Wyoming promises to be anything but boring. Luckily, the heroics of another passenger, Lieutenant Ethan Bowles, save the day.

When circumstances--and perhaps a bit of matchmaking--put Abigail and Ethan together, there's certainly attraction. But Abigail is planning to marry another man and return to life in Vermont as soon as she is finished attending to her sister. And Ethan loves his life in the Army and the wilds of Wyoming. When summer ends, will Abigail go back East? Or will she fall in love with this rugged land herself?

My take:~

Amanda Cabot's Westward Winds series commences with Summer of Promise, an historical romance with a twist of suspense and an interesting premise which includes the hero's job pursuing army deserters. A solid plot and traditional romance will have many readers engaged in the story, however it meandered a bit for me and it was a struggle to maintain my interest in the characters' journeys. Amanda researches her novels well and I enjoyed the detailed aspects of army life, the reasons for desertion and the plight of soldiers' wives confined to a fort far away from the comforts of home.  The aspects of mystery and suspense lacked the higher level intrigue and fast pacing that I enjoy but readers who like just a smidgen of those in their romance novels will probably enjoy the lighter balance.  Summer of Promise wasn't my cup of tea but it just may be yours!

Available January 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

With thanks to Revell for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras
Reviews of Tomorrow's Garden, Scattered Petals & Paper Roses
Character spotlight on Priscilla & Zach
Character spotlight on Sarah & Clay
Interview with Amanda
Visit Amanda's website
Buy Amanda's book at Amazon or Koorong

Character Spotlight ~ Goyer & Yorkey's Colette Perriard

Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey return with their second WWII suspense novel, Chasing Mona Lisa, from Revell.

Synopsis

It is August 1944 and Paris is on the cusp of liberation. As the soldiers of the Third Reich flee the Allied advance, they ravage the country, stealing countless pieces of art. Reichsmarschall Hermann Goering will stop at nothing to claim the most valuable one of all, the Mona Lisa, as a post-war bargaining chip to get him to South America. Can Swiss OSS agents Gabi Mueller and Eric Hofstadler rescue DaVinci's masterpiece before it falls into German hands? 

With nonstop action, Chasing Mona Lisa is sure to get readers' adrenaline pumping as they join the chase to save the most famous painting in the world. From war-ravaged Paris to a posh country chateau, the race is on--and the runners are playing for keeps.

Enjoy meeting Colette!

Brief physical description

Colette Perriard is petite with light brown hair. She dresses in fashionable pastel colors in her role as a curator for the greatest museum in the world, the Louvre in Paris.

Actor/famous person

Natalie Portman with light brown hair.

Strengths and weaknesses

Colette knows the world of fine art. She views herself as the protector of the Mona Lisa during the time of the Nazi occupation of France. This is both a strength and a weakness. She is fearful that those she cares most will be hurt by the Nazis, and she sometimes is forced to make compromises to protect those she loves.

Your inspiration for the character

Our inspiration for Colette came from the real curators who risked their lives to save priceless art from falling into the hands of people like Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring, who either purchased or confiscated 1,800 pieces of famous art during the war. Colette did her part to walk a tightrope with these ruthless occupiers. We read about these women (and men) in books such as The Rape of Europa.

Background to the story

Colette is a curator at the Louvre Museum during the German occupation of Paris. She is romantically involved with Bernard Rousseau, yet she isn't fully aware of his involvement with the French Resistance. As Paris is being liberated August 1944, the Germans attempt to escape with as much priceless art as possible—including the Mona Lisa. The duty falls on Colette to make sure that doesn't happen, and she receives the help from two Swiss OSS agents, Gabi Mueller and Eric Hofstadler. 

Relz Reviewz Extras
Review of The Swiss Courier
Visit Tricia's website
Visit Mike's website
Interview with Tricia
Buy Tricia's books at Amazon or Koorong

Where Wildflowers Bloom by Ann Shorey

Synopsis:~

The War Between the States stole a father and brother from Faith Lindberg-- as well as Royal Baxter, the man she wanted to marry. With only her grandfather left, she dreams of leaving Noble Springs, Missouri, and traveling west to the Oregon Territory to start a new life, away from the memories that haunt her. But first she must convince her grandfather to sell the family's mercantile and leave a town their family has called home for generations.

When Royal Baxter suddenly returns to town, Faith allows herself to hope that her dreams might come true. Does he truly love her? Or could another man claim her heart? Will she find that following her dreams may not mean leaving home after all?

My take:~

An Ann Shorey story always provides readers with a sweet romance,interesting characters and a fascinating historical setting and Where Wildflowers Bloom is no exception. Set in the aftermath of the Civil War, Ann's characters' lives epitomise the struggles of the day. Faith Lindberg is trying to maintain her grandfather's store against community opposition, after losing her father and brother in the war, Curt Saxon fights demons in his mind following the trauma of the battlefield and Royal Baxter is desperate to make a future for himself. Steeped in the historical era, Ann deals with issues that we face today, from post traumatic stress disorder to age related dementia.  I enjoyed Ann's character development, especially Curt and Rosemary, along with understanding the prejudice against a woman wanting to take on a commercial responsibility.  I had a moment of frustration due to the ease with which a transfer of affection occurs - it's a little bugbear of mine that pops up often in romance novels.  That said, Where Wildflowers Bloom delivers everything readers of traditional, sweet romances desire.

Available January, 2012  at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

With thanks to Revell for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras

Reviews of The Edge of Light, The Promise of Morning & The Dawn of a Dream
Character spotlight on Ellie & Matthew
Character spotlight on Molly
Visit Ann's website and blog
Buy Ann's book at Amazon or Koorong

Character Spotlight ~ Roman Troyer & Julia Lapp

Suzanne Woods Fisher begins her Stoney Ridge Seasons series with The Keeper, now available from Revell Books.

Synopsis

Julia Lapp has planned on marrying Paul Fisher since she was a girl. Now twenty-one, she looks forward to their wedding with giddy anticipation. When Paul tells her he wants to postpone the wedding--again--she knows who is to blame. Perpetual bachelor and spreader of cold feet, Roman Troyer, the Bee Man.

Roamin' Roman travels through the Amish communities of Ohio and Pennsylvania with his hives full of bees, renting them out to farmers in need of pollinators. He relishes his nomadic life, which keeps him from thinking about all he has lost. He especially enjoys bringing his bees to Stoney Ridge each year. But with Julia on a mission to punish him for inspiring Paul's cold feet, the Lapp farm is looking decidedly less pleasant. Can Julia secure the future she's always dreamed of? Or does God have something else in mind?

Enjoy meeting the mysterious Roman and feisty Julia!

Brief physical description

Roman Troyer—the Bee Man. Rome is 25, dashingly handsome (and well aware of that fact). One interesting characteristic: he has gray hair.

Julia Lapp—The oldest daughter in the Lapp family, Julia is 21, attractive—and she knows it, too.

Actor/famous person

Think: Richard Gere—young and handsome with a headful of salt and pepper colored hair.

Think: Sandra Bullock in “The Proposal”

Strengths and weaknesses

Roman Troyer is a mysterious character. He is a migratory beekeeper and roams from community to community with his bees. Although he is thoroughly Amish, he is a solitary person and intensely private.

Julia Lapp takes herself seriously. She has to! Quite a lot of responsibility rests on her shoulders. She takes comfort in her plans for the future--until the Bee Man arrives in town and messes everything up.

Quirk (if any)

Rome: Women are drawn to Rome—except for Julia Lapp. He can’t understand why she isn’t crazy about him.

Julia: She doesn’t mean to be funny, but she is.

Credit: stock.xchang

Your inspiration for the character

On my very first visit to Lancaster County, I came across an Amish farm with a red wind mill. I stopped in, visited with the family, and a friendship developed. In the back of my mind, I always wanted to create a story about an Amish family that doesn’t quite fit your perception of the Amish. I mean, what kind of family has a red wind mill? Interested? Meet them in “The Keeper.”

Background to the story

Roman Troyer is an Amish migratory bee keeper who guards his bees—and his heart—carefully.

Julia Lapp has life planned out—she is going to marry Paul Fisher, he will move to Windmill Farm and fill the gaps that her father’s illness has created. Along comes the Bee Man—who convinces Paul to postpone the wedding. Julia is livid! And determined to woo Paul back.

Relz Reviewz Extras
Reviews of The Choice and The Waiting
Visit Suzanne's website and blog
Buy Suzanne's books at Amazon or Koorong