Blue Skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin

Synopsis:~

Lt. Raymond Novak prefers the pulpit to the cockpit, but at least his stateside job training B-17 pilots allows him the luxury of a personal life. As he courts Helen Carlisle, a young war widow and mother who conceals her pain under a frenzy of volunteer work, the sparks of their romance set a fire that flings them both into peril. After Ray leaves to fly a combat mission at the peak of the air war over Europe, Helen takes a job in a dangerous munitions yard and confronts an even graver menace in her own home. Will they find the courage to face their challenges? And can their young love survive until blue skies return?

My take:~

Sarah Sundin completes her Wings of Glory trilogy with the stellar Blue Skies Tomorrow, the story of the eldest Novak brother, Ray and young war widow, Helen Carlisle. A talented researcher, Sarah's attention to historical detail is second to none which makes her books educational as well as entertaining! Tackling issues often avoided in Christian Fiction, Sarah addresses spousal abuse, dysfunctional families, racial discrimination and more while weaving a tender love story alongside a fearful man's heroic adventure. The World War II era comes alive as do the characters, with all their flaws and insecurities, and the strength that comes from deep held faith and convictions. Blue Skies Tomorrow will engage, evoke heartfelt emotions and deeply satisfy.

Available August 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

With thanks to Revell for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras
Character spotlight on Ray & Helen
RBC Book Club interview with Sarah ~ Part 1 & Part 2
Character spotlight on Jack & Ruth
Review of A Distant Melody
Character spotlight on Allie & Walt
Visit Sarah's website and blog
Buy Sarah's books from Amazon or Koorong

Character Spotlight ~ Sarah Sundin's Ray Novak & Helen Carlisle

 Ray & Helen

Sarah Sundin's World War II novels are drawing readers back to a time where men and women made sacrifices many in today's society can't begin to imagine.  Meet Ray and Helen!

Over to you, Sarah:~

Brief physical description

Helen Carlisle: 22 years old, wavy blond hair, golden-brown eyes. Pretty in a girl-next-door kind of way.

Lt. Raymond Novak: 31 years old, straight black hair, gray eyes, and handsome.

Actor/famous person

Helen reminds me of a combination of the two women in these posters.

Ray—well, this is fun. Revell’s cover art department got about as much description as you did in the previous question, and the man they used as the cover model for Ray looks exactly like the Ray in my mind. Exactly.

Strengths and weaknesses

Helen is energetic, organized, dedicated, and determined. Her town’s charitable organizations would fall apart without her at the helm. Her weaknesses are using busyness to avoid pain, and sometimes putting work above relationships.

Ray is thoughtful, kind, an excellent peacemaker, and a born pastor. However, his love of peace means he sometimes avoids saying the hard things, and he wonders if he has the courage to be a man of action in addition to being a man of words.

Quirk (if any)

Helen turns to work whenever there’s stress or pain in her life. Due to childhood polio, she has a slight “foot drop” which gets worse when she’s tired or stressed, making her limp—which she despises.

Ray always carries a little notebook with him to jot down ideas. He tends to get lost daydreaming.

Your inspiration for the character

For Helen, I was inspired by several “superwomen” in my community. You know the type—the PTA president who organizes the band fundraiser, coaches all her kids’ soccer teams, and runs the church soup kitchen. I’ve never figured out how they do it, so it was fun to pretend to be in one of those energetic and organized heads.

Ray wasn’t inspired by anyone. I knew he was the most gentle of the Novak brothers, and the thought of giving him the biggest, most harrowing adventure simply delighted me.

Background to the story

Blue Skies Tomorrow arose from my need for happy endings. In my first novel, A Distant Melody, Helen and Ray were side characters. Helen was widowed at only twenty-one, and Ray was dumped by his fiancée. I mentally introduced Helen and Ray, and the mutual attraction was strong. This novel allowed me to complete the story of the US Eighth Air Force in World War II to victory in Europe, and to cover the Port Chicago Explosion, which occurred close to Antioch, California, where Helen and the Novaks live.

Lovely to have you visit again, Sarah :)  Glad to have spotlights on all the Novak men now!

Relz Reviewz Extras
RBC Book Club interview with Sarah ~ Part 1 & Part 2
Character spotlight on Jack & Ruth
Review of A Distant Melody
Character spotlight on Allie & Walt
Visit Sarah's website and blog
Buy Sarah's books from Amazon or Koorong

RBC Book Club interview with Sarah Sundin ~ Part 2

Be sure to read Part 1 of my book club's interview with Sarah Sundin and then come back here for Part 2.

Sarah's second Wings of Glory novel, A Memory Between Us, was our March selection. Look for her debut novel, A Distant Melody and the final story in the trilogy, Blue Skies Tomorrow, releasing this August.

RBC:~ I have often wondered how authors come up with their ideas or concepts for books. What sparks the idea and how do you grow the plot for your books?

Sarah:~ The spark of an idea can be anything. The idea for the very first book I wrote (never to be published) came from a dream. Some of my ideas have come from “what if” questions raised in other books I was writing, movies I’ve seen, people I’ve met, news stories I’ve read, or historical incidents—often a combination of these. For me, characters are the next link. The story spark leads to character ideas, and those eventually lead to plot. Each writer—and each story is unique. The early phase of story development is very nebulous. I kind of play with the idea and characters in my head and see what comes up. If the idea won’t let me go, I know I’m on to something.

I enjoyed the novel especially the reference to Psalm 23 verse 4. Was that the premise for writing this novel or how did you frame that verse into your writing?

That’s one of the weird things about being a writer. When I read the Bible or listen to sermons, I often find myself thinking, “Oh! That’s exactly what Ruth needs to hear.” I’m sure my pastor thinks I’m very spiritual when I scribble notes in the sermon, but often it’s a story idea. Shh. Don’t tell him. I believe Psalm 23 sparked one of those moments for me. It was exactly what Ruth needed.

Were you able to share your research with other members of your family? Was it an opportunity for them to share?

Sadly, my great-uncle died in 2000 before I started writing this series. I would have loved his input, and I think he’d get a kick out of it. His daughters are thrilled that I was inspired by his stories.

When you started writing did you envisage a trilogy?

I have two unpublished “starter” novels. May they rest in peace. My first published novel, A Distant Melody, was originally meant to be a standalone, but while doing research, I became enamored with the Eighth Air Force and wanted to tell the full story to V-E Day. Since my hero had two pilot brothers, I decided to write a trilogy, with each book focusing on one brother.

About this time, the character of Lt. Ruth Doherty came to me. When I mentally put Ruth in the same room with Jack, sparks flew!

What was it like doing the research? Was there a lot of information available or was it a challenge?

I enjoy research, but I have to be careful not to get sucked into the research black hole. I need enough research to make the story accurate and realistic, but at some point, I have to stop and actually write the story. There was a lot of information about B-17s and the Eighth Air Force, but I had to wade through it all. However, researching Army nursing and Army hospitals was more difficult and frustrating. There’s much less information.

Both Jack and Ruth had a reasonable amount of internal dialogue happening that was not always apparent to each other or their friends and colleagues. Did you find it difficult to keep true to where they were at without slipping up when each thought was then revealed?

Oh, this is my favourite part of writing! It even has a name—“subtext”—all those things we think but don’t say, the hidden meanings. A lot of it comes out in the rough draft, but I tune it up in editing, and make sure the characters reveal things at just the right time.

Do you prefer to write fiction set in different time periods?

I wrote two contemporary novels (badly) before starting the Wings of Glory series. My next series is also set during World War II, and I have a vague idea for another series set during the war. I could see myself writing a contemporary story again at some point, but as for other time periods, not for a while. I’ve got a great basic body of research for WWII, and the thought of researching another era is exhausting. However, I’ll never say never. A super story idea could take me anywhere.

Why did you choose World War II?

Besides the cute clothes and men in uniform? First of all, there are so many dramatic stories and settings—a novelist’s dream. This was a time when ordinary men had to do extraordinary things, and when women first explored non-traditional roles—while remaining ladies. Plus, I’ve always been fond of that generation, my grandparents’ generation. As a pharmacy resident at a veterans’ hospital, I had the honor of caring for many of these men. As a rule, they were cheerful, kind, and chivalrous, with the solid strength of someone who has been tested—and passed. What more could you want in a hero?

I enjoyed being taken back to 1944 and was wondering how you did your research into England during this time

The best part was visiting England. Thanks to my husband’s frequent flyer miles, I've had three opportunities. In addition to seeing London, we went to Bury St. Edmunds and walked through the ruined abbey. I took lots of notes and absorbed everything I could. Even being there in person couldn't substitute for good old research though. I read lots of books about England during the war, and found some great websites, especially for the town of Bury St. Edmunds and the airfield there.

Often in crises, relationships are formed but don’t last after the crisis has ended. Can you tell us what you think about that?

I’ve noticed that too. I was surprised when reading oral histories from the war describing great friendships forged in the fire—where they had lost touch with each other after the war. Perhaps when peace and prosperity returned, the friendship itself became a reminder of the trauma and was too painful. Sometimes we just have friendships for a season of life, and when that season is over, the friendships pass. It makes me sad, though.

When relationships are formed in extreme circumstances do they have a different quality to those formed in ‘normal’ life?

Absolutely. So many of those friendships did survive the war, despite great geographical distances. When someone’s been there with you in a great crisis, you know they can be trusted. There’s a scene in the last Lord of the Rings movie, The Return of the King, that epitomizes this. The four hobbits have returned to the Shire after their astounding adventures and visit the local pub. All around them, life goes on as always, unchanged. But the adventurers sit by themselves and exchange a long look. They’ve been tested. They’ve each been proven. They’ve changed and they’re better for it. And no one else will ever truly understand them the way these friends do.

Please share something of your faith journey.

I was raised going to church every Sunday, learning my Bible stories, and memorizing my verses—but what I learned that only good little girls went to heaven. So I did my very best at being a good little girl. When I was ten, we switched to a different church. The first time we went was for a performance of their high school choir. Those kids glowed with the love of Jesus. When they presented the gospel message, I finally understood. It wasn’t about me being good, but about Jesus dying for me. I accepted Christ that day and grew through my school years.

However, when I went away to college, I decided to take a “vacation” from God and have some “fun.” It took me four stupid years to realize “fun” was miserable. I turned back to God in slow, faltering steps. Now I truly saw why I needed a Savior. Since then it’s been a long climbing journey. Like Ruth, I had to learn to shove off shame over my past so God could use me. I’ve discovered a deep love for God’s Word and developed the gift of teaching He gave me. He gave me the assignment to write, and I’ve learned so much through obeying Him. And I know He has a long way to go with me.

I hear you have sold a new series to Revell, Wings of the Nightingale ~ congratulations! Can you share a little about what we can look forward to?

I’m really excited about this series, and thrilled that Revell offered me another contract. Wings of the Nightingale rose directly out of A Memory Between Us. The research into flight nursing for Ruth’s story fascinated me. Five hundred women served as the world’s first flight nurses, a truly pioneering job for women at the time. I couldn’t cover it as deeply as I wanted in Ruth’s story, but the research prodded the idea of a trilogy about three friends who are flight nurses. I had a few ideas for romances flitting through my head, and they fit the setting well. The Wings of the Nightingale series will cover the Mediterranean Theater, from North Africa, through Sicily and Italy, and into southern France. It’s a lot of fun so far.

Thank you so very much, Sarah :) I hope we haven’t overwhelmed you!

You’re welcome :)

Relz Reviewz Extras

RBC Book Club interview with Sarah ~ Part 1

Review of A Distant Melody

Character spotlight on Allie & Walt

Visit Sarah's website and blog

Buy Sarah's books from Amazon or Koorong

RBC Book Club interview with Sarah Sundin ~ Part 1

Sarah Sundin's A Memory Between Us was my book club's March selection and we had the pleasure of a lengthy Q&A with Sarah via email. Sarah was very generous answering each of our questions about her book, writing, research and faith.

Our discussion about the book was interesting as we chatted about the time period, the characters, prejudices and how we would cope living in wartime conditions.

Both Sarah and I hope you enjoy Part 1 of our interview :)

RBC:~ I noticed on your bio that you teach lessons from the 40's woman and your novel reflects a passion for this era. How does this influence your life, faith and relationships around you?

SARAH:~ The more I study this era and what the men and women faced, the more impressed I am with them. They were dedicated to home, family, and community. They worked hard and were people of integrity. They persevered through difficult times. Their example makes me evaluate my own life and see where I fall short.

I did enjoy your novel and the challenges facing each of the characters. I had a soft spot for May who epitomises perseverance and hope despite hardship and wondered how you developed her character?

When I was young, I think I read too many books about poor little orphan girls. May arose from the simple story need for a friend for Ruth, someone for Ruth to interact with and to help Ruth grow. Both women faced great hardship, but Ruth chose to pull away from people while May chose to reach out. Ruth lost her faith, but May kept hers. But the fact that May was orphaned, hurt, and rejected gave her clout with Ruth. What surprised me while writing the story was how their friendship became balanced, and how Ruth was able to help May also.

There is a lot of detail in this story – can you talk about how you approach your research?

Historical inaccuracies in fiction annoy me, so I tried to make my stories as accurate as possible. I have to confess, I have over two hundred books and websites in my bibliography. Yes, that’s sick. I started with basic texts on World War II, then got more detailed. Bibliographies are a great resource—when a book is mentioned in multiple bibliographies, it warrants attention. My local library has found some obscure books for me.

How long have you been interested in that period of history / the military / did anything in particular start your interest?

I’ve always had a moderate interest in World War II. When I had the idea for A Distant Melody, the first book in the series, I knew it had to happen during World War II. Then my husband and I watched a documentary on the US Eighth Air Force, and I was hooked. Since my great-uncle was a B-17 pilot with the Eighth, I had access to his stories and letters. I started my basic research and became enthralled with the era.

How long was this story plotting away in your head before you decided to get serious and write a novel about it?

I had the basic idea for this story in 2002, while I was writing A Distant Melody. This story grabbed me, and I took a few months to dash off about a hundred pages and do some preliminary research. Then I set it aside, finished and polished A Distant Melody, completed the research, then sat down to write the rough draft in 2004.

What was your process for writing this novel?

Since I didn’t have a publishing contract at the time, I had the luxury of time. I spent a full year doing research and my “pre-writing”—outlining, character analyses, etc. Then I wrote the rough draft, then edited it thoroughly. It took quite a while to sell the series, so it went through many edits. I’ve lost count.

Your descriptions of the planes are impressively detailed. Could you tell us about the research you did for this story?

There are a lot of excellent books and websites about the Eighth Air Force, including wonderful oral histories. Since I’ve never flown a plane, I first read a “How to Fly a Plane” book to get the basics. I also used a copy of the actual B-17 pilot’s manual and the Army Air Force training film, and ran the flying scenes past a pilot friend. Two organizations tour the United States with beautifully restored B-17s, and you can walk through them for a nominal fee. Wow! When you crawl through the narrow passageways, duck through the doorways, and poke your head into the top turret—and then imagine doing it as a full-grown man with heavy high-altitude flying gear in subzero temperatures under fighter attack—it gives you a new level of appreciation for what the airmen went through.

What advice would you give someone who wants to get into writing?

Be teachable and soak up all the good instruction you can. Read books on writing craft, and then read your favorite authors and analyze how they did it.

Join a local writers’ group or an on-line critique group.

Don’t submit to agents and editors until you’re ready. That means a complete manuscript, positive feedback from experienced writers, and enough knowledge of the publishing industry to know how to submit properly. You want your first impression to be stellar.

Lastly, when you’re ready, submit and keep submitting. Keep polishing your craft, and keep praying for the Lord’s guidance.

What made you want to get into writing?

I didn’t. Although I always read voraciously, I never considered a writing career. Instead I chose a practical career in pharmacy which allowed me to work on-call and stay home with our three children. Then in 2000, I had a dream with such intriguing characters that I felt compelled to write their story. That first novel will never be published, nor should it, but it got me started.

What was your favourite scene(s) to write?

I have so many in this book. Any time I put Jack and Ruth in the same room, the banter flew. I just transcribed their dialogue. I think one of my favorite scenes is when Jack & Ruth visit the ruined abbey in Bury St. Edmund. In that scene I got to write fun banter, a sweet tender part, a deeply romantic part, a painful flashback, and a hysterical rant! That was a good writing day.

Which character did you connect with most as you wrote the story?

It has to be Ruth. She fascinated me. On the surface she is so strong she doesn’t need another human being—and she has a great sense of humor. But underneath she has deep hurts and shame. It was fun for me to tease out what made her the way she is and to watch her change and grow.

Ruth is a complex character. What or who was your inspiration as you told her story?

Just my own strange imagination, I’m afraid. She’s not based on any real person or incident. However, as a little girl, I was fascinated by stories of orphans in peril, so maybe that’s where it started. Ruth came from an idea about a poor girl who makes a shameful decision to feed her family. I wondered what kind of girl would make such a decision, what consequences she would face, and what she’d be like when she grew up. And there was Ruth—strong, confident, clever, independent, prickly—but vulnerable inside.

How have your great-uncle’s wartime experiences impacted on you personally, and your extended family?

I grew up listening to my grandfather relating his brother’s wartime stories as well as his own (he was a medic in the US Navy). We all took pride in his background. The more I’ve researched, the more I admire what he went through.

What does a typical writing day look like for you?

My children are 12, 15, and 18, with the oldest one away at college, so I do most of my writing during the school day. First I run through e-mails and social media sites for about an hour, and then I settle down to write until the kids come home from school. I do more on-line work while they’re doing homework. Thanks to the laptop, I do a lot of work on the go. Also I do things like this interview on the laptop in front of the TV while my family watches their shows.

Do you plan out the entire story before you start writing?

I do. I’m definitely an outline-oriented writer. I fill out lots of character and plot charts, and have each chapter loosely outlined before I start the rough draft. However, often the story will still surprise me, especially the characters. Then I modify my outline if necessary.

If A Memory Between Us was made into a movie which actors would you like to see in the various roles?

I’d cast Maureen O’Hara as Ruth, and a young Clark Gable as Jack—more from It Happened One Night than Gone With the Wind, but without Gable’s dimples and ears.

What do you find the enjoyable aspect to writing and the most challenging?

I love so many aspects of writing—research, planning, writing the rough draft, even editing. I’m not as fond of publicity, but it’s a necessary evil.

Are you working on a project at the moment?

Several. I’m still doing publicity for A Distant Melody and A Memory Between Us. I’m working on my publisher’s final edits for the third book in the series, Blue Skies Tomorrow, I’m about halfway through the rough draft of the first book in my next series, plus I’m planning out the next two books in that series. The author’s life is a juggling act.

I hope you have enjoyed this interview with Sarah ~ look for Part Two later this week!

Relz Reviewz Extras

Review of A Distant Melody

Character spotlight on Allie & Walt

Visit Sarah's website and blog

Buy Sarah's books from Amazon or Koorong

More from Revell in 2011

A little something to tide you over until I'm back on deck!

EJ is making a slow but steady recovery ~ I can't thank you enough for your kind words and prayers for our family.

The Blessed by Ann H Gabhart

It is 1844 and Lacey Bishop's life is a tangled mess. Estranged from her own family, at age 16 she went to work for a preacher and his wife. When his wife died, the preacher convinced Lacey that the only decent thing to do was to marry him. That way she could continue to act as mother to the little girl who was left on his doorstop. But Lacey never expected he would decide to take them all off to a Shaker village. There she's still married but living in a community that believes marriage is a sin. And to make matters worse, she finds herself drawn to Isaac Kingston, a man who came to the Shakers after his young bride died. But of course any notion of love between them is only a forbidden dream. How will Lacey ever find true happiness?

Readers will find themselves engrossed in this heartrending tale of commitment and forgiveness, the latest from popular author Ann H. Gabhart.

July 2011

Blue Skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin

Lt. Raymond Novak prefers the pulpit to the cockpit, but at least his stateside job training B-17 pilots allows him the luxury of a personal life. As he courts Helen Carlisle, a young war widow and mother who conceals her pain under a frenzy of volunteer work, the sparks of their romance set a fire that flings them both into peril. After Ray leaves to fly a combat mission at the peak of the air war over Europe, Helen takes a job in a dangerous munitions yard and confronts an even graver menace in her own home. Will they find the courage to face their challenges? And can their young love survive until blue skies return?

Filled with daring and romance, Blue Skies Tomorrow will capture readers' hearts.

August, 2011

Character Spotlight ~ Sarah Sundin's Major Jack Novak & Lieutenant Ruth Doherty

Jack & Ruth

Sarah Sundin's debut novel A Distant Melody immersed readers in the 1940s and the drama of World War II. A Memory Between Us takes us back to a time of fear, desperation, courage and hope.

Enjoy this insight into Jack & Ruth. Over to you, Sarah:~

Brief physical description

Maj. Jack Novak is too good-looking for his own good. He’s tall and broad-shouldered, has blue eyes, wavy black hair, and a mustache. He’s never failed to achieve any goal he’s put his mind to.

Lt. Ruth Doherty is beautiful, which has never caused her anything but trouble. She has auburn hair and blue eyes.

Actor/famous person

Maureen O’Hara reminds me of Ruth, as does the woman in the poster below — especially appropriate because Ruth is an Army nurse. Jack looks a bit like a young Clark Gable—more from It Happened One Night than Gone With the Wind, but without Gable’s dimples and ears.

Strengths and weaknesses

Jack is driven, outgoing, and a natural leader. People are drawn to him because of his looks and personality, but admire him because of his character. However, pride is a problem for him. He’s never really failed, so he trusts himself more than he trusts God. He also tends to manipulate people.

Ruth is fiercely loyal to her family—an orphan, she feels responsible for her six younger siblings. She’s sharp, resourceful, independent, and determined. However, she’s burdened by shame and keeps people at arm’s length.

Quirk (if any)

Jack is not a quirky sort of man, but he does have a phobia that he’s careful not to let anyone know about.

Ruth has a strong aversion to sausage. There’s a good reason for that, and this aversion pops up in some interesting ways in the book to show what’s going on with Ruth.

Your inspiration for the character

My inspiration for Ruth Doherty came from an idea I had about a poor girl who makes a shameful decision to feed her family. I wondered what kind of girl would make such a decision, what consequences she would face, and what she’d be like when she grew up. And there was Ruth—strong, confident, clever, independent, prickly—but vulnerable inside.

Jack’s career is based on that of my great-uncle, Roderick Stewart (the original Rod Stewart), who was in the squadron of B-17s entering Pearl Harbor during the attack, then served as a squadron commander with the 94th Bomb Group based in England. However, everything else about Jack, especially his personality, is his own. He was originally just meant to be the annoyingly perfect older brother for Walt (the hero of Wings of Glory Book 1, A Distant Melody), but when the character for Ruth came to me, Jack kind of raised his hand and said, “She’s mine.” When they met, sparks flew, and I knew I had a book.

Background to the story

Major Jack Novak has never failed to meet a challenge—until he meets army nurse Lieutenant Ruth Doherty. When Jack lands in the army hospital after a plane crash, he makes winning Ruth's heart a top-priority mission. But he has his work cut out for him. Not only is Ruth focused on her work in order to support her orphaned siblings back home, she also is determined not to give her heart to any man.

As the danger and tension of World War II rise to a fever pitch, Jack and Ruth will need each other more than ever. Can Jack break down her defenses? Or are they destined to go their separate ways?

From the English countryside to the perilous skies over France, A Memory Between Us takes you on a journey through love, forgiveness, and sacrifice.

Thanks for sharing Jack & Ruth with us, Sarah :) Looking forward to reading their story!

On Monday the spotlight shines on Don Reid's J.D. & Karlie Wickham from One Lane Bridge

Relz Reviewz Extras

Review of A Distant Melody

Character spotlight on Allie & Walt

Visit Sarah's website and blog

Enter Sarah's fabulous contest

Buy Sarah's books from Amazon or Koorong

A Distant Melody by Sarah Sundin

Allie Miller comes from privilege yet lacks the acceptance of her wealthy family. Attempting to gain their approval, Allie agrees to marry the man of her parent's choosing even though she does not love him. When she attends a dear friend's wedding, Allie meets Walter Novak, a pilot about to ship out for his first assignment against the Nazi war machine, and in him she finds a kindred spirit.

Walt has always been awkward around women but with Allie he can be himself. Their friendship established, Allie and Walt agree to write as he leaves for Europe, yet Allie has kept her engagement to herself and Walt starts keeping secrets of his own. When truth comes to light, what price will they pay for their dishonesty?

Sarah Sundin is a debut author? Pinch me, please! A Distant Melody reads like the work of an experienced and talented writer, capturing my attention from the first page until the final word. Historical accuracy, complex characterisation and an intriguing plot reveal Sarah's natural talent for story and her love of history. Refreshing in so many ways, not the least being Allie and Walt's struggle with their homely appearance and their families' expectations of their futures. Dealing with issues of integrity and honesty in matters of faith and the heart, against the backdrop of World War II, A Distant Melody is an exceptional novel from an author who can mix it with the best of them. Jack Novak's story in A Memory Between can't come soon enough!

As seen at TitleTrakk.com


With thanks to Revell & Litfuse Publicity for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras

Character spotlight on Allie & Walt

Visit Sarah's website and blog

Enter Sarah's fabulous contest

Visit the blog tour for other bloggers thoughts

Buy Sarah's books from Amazon or Koorong

Character Spotlight ~ Sarah Sundin's Allie Miller & Walter Novak

Allie Miller & Walter Novak

Sarah Sundin's debut novel takes you back to the 1940s ~ a time of war, deprivation, fear and opportunity, when boys became men overnight and women entered the workforce like never before. Enjoy this insight into Sarah's characters and read the book to immerse yourself in another place and time!

Over to you, Sarah:~

Brief physical description

Allie Miller—22 years old, medium height, slim, curly brown hair, large green eyes, not considered attractive.

Lt. Walter Novak—24 years old, tall and solidly built, curly black hair, hazel eyes, an odd nose (the “Novak nose”), also not considered attractive.

Actor/famous person

That is so difficult with less than gorgeous characters! I think I drove the cover art department at Revell mad with this.

Rel: I picked these pictures out!

Strengths and weaknesses

Allie

Strengths—loyal, compassionate, wants to serve the Lord.

Weaknesses—shy, low self-esteem, overly concerned with what other people think.

Walt

Strengths—courageous, good-humored, thoughtful.

Weaknesses—shy, has a tendency to lie

Quirk (if any)

Allie is sensitive about her wealth.

Walt has always been tongue-tied around single women because he feels he doesn’t measure up.

Your inspiration for the character

Allie

I visited a particularly gorgeous friend after her daughter was born. The first words I heard the mom say were, “Thank goodness she’s pretty.” My thought? What if she wasn’t pretty? That thought expanded—what would happen to a plain-looking daughter of a woman who thought beauty was a virtue? Would she think she could never find true love?

Walt

Walt came about primarily as Allie’s counterpart. I gave him two brothers and no sisters so he’d be clueless about women.

Background to the story

During World War II, Lt. Walter Novak flies a B-17 bomber in battles over Nazi-occupied Europe, while Allie Miller serves in the Red Cross against the wishes of her wealthy parents and controlling fiancé in California. Walt and Allie meet at a wedding and begin a correspondence.

As letters fly between Walt's muddy bomber base in England and Allie's mansion in an orange grove, their friendship binds them together. But can they untangle the secrets, commitments, and expectations that keep them apart.

Sarah ~ thanks for these characters. They are unique in many ways :) Looking forward to Jack's story!

On Monday, the spotlight shines on Danika Morales & Alex Price from DiAnn Mills' Sworn to Protect

Relz Reviewz Extras

Visit Sarah's website and blog

Enter Sarah's fabulous contest

Buy Sarah's books from Amazon or Koorong

Coming in October/November 2010 from Revell

Hold onto your hats, everyone...Julie Lessman is back with her highly anticipated new series with A Hope Undaunted, sassy cover and all ;-)

Revell have a stunning lineup once again from historical romance to contemporary suspense. I love a number of these covers and am so looking forward to Julie, Lynette and Sarah's books as well as the others.

I'd love to know your thoughts on covers, storylines, which ones appeal to you and more!


A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman

The 1920s are drawing to a close, and feisty Katie O'Connor is the epitome of the new woman--smart and sassy with goals for her future that include the perfect husband and a challenging career in law. Her boyfriend Jake fits all of her criteria for a husband--good-looking, well-connected, wealthy, and head-over-heels in love with her. But when she is forced to spend the summer of 1929 with Luke McGee, the bane of her childhood existence, Katie comes face to face with a choice.

Will she follow her well-laid plans to marry Jake? Or will she fall for the man she swore to despise forever?

A Hope Undaunted is the engrossing first book in the Winds of Change series from popular author Julie Lessman. Readers will thrill at the highly charged romance in this passionate story.

September, 2010


A Memory Between Us by Sarah Sundin

Major Jack Novak has never failed to meet a challenge--until he meets army nurse Lieutenant Ruth Doherty. When Jack lands in the army hospital after a plane crash, he makes winning Ruth's heart a top priority mission. But he has his work cut out for him. Not only is Ruth focused on her work in order to support her orphaned siblings back home, she carries a shameful secret that keeps her from giving her heart to any man. Can Jack break down her defenses? Or are they destined to go their separate ways?

A Memory Between Us is the second book in the Wings of Glory series, which follows the three Novak brothers, B-17 bomber pilots with the US Eighth Air Force stationed in England during World War II.

September, 2010



Making Waves by Lorna Seilstad

When spunky Marguerite Westing discovers that her family will summer at Lake Manawa in 1895, she couldn't be more thrilled. It is the perfect way to escape her agonizingly boring suitor, Roger Gordon. It's also where she stumbles upon two new loves: sailing, and sailing instructor Trip Andrews. But this summer of fun turns to turmoil as her father's gambling problems threaten to ruin the family forever.

Will free-spirited Marguerite marry Roger to save her father's name and fortune? Or will she follow her heart--even if it means abandoning the family she loves?

Author Lorna Seilstad's fresh and entertaining voice will whisk readers away to a breezy lakeside summer holiday. Full of sharp wit and blossoming romance, Making Waves is the first book in the Lake Manawa Summers series.

September, 2010


The House on Malcolm Street by Leisha Kelly

It is the autumn of 1920 and Leah Breckenridge is desperate to find a way to provide for her young daughter. After losing her husband and infant son in an accident, she is angry at God and fearful about the future. Finding refuge in a boardinghouse run by her late husband's aunt, Leah's heart begins the slow process of mending. Is it the people who surround her--or perhaps this very house--that reach into her heart with healing?

Delightful, realistic characters and skilled writing make The House on Malcolm Street a treasure. Leisha Kelly's fans and new readers alike will find this simple story about the complexities of life an engrossing read.

September, 2010





The Waiting by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Jorie King has been waiting for Benjamin Zook to return home to Lancaster County so they can marry. When news arrives that Ben has been killed, Jorie finds comfort in the friendship of his brother Caleb. That friendship ripens into love, and it seems that they are meant to be together. But when Ben surfaces at a nearby hospital, their worlds are turned upside down once more.

Will Jorie return to her first love? Or will she trust God to lead her into the arms of a different man?

A multifaceted story about complex people living the simple life, The Waiting is the second book in the Lancaster County Secrets series. Readers will find themselves transported into the world of the Amish and deeply invested in these wonderful characters.

October, 2010




Emily's Chance by Sharon Gillenwater

Emily Rose may be in the tiny West Texas town of Callahan Crossing for the moment, but it's just a rung on her ladder to success. Her work at the Callahan Crossing historical society will look good on her ever-growing resume as she attempts to break into the prestigious world of a big city museum curator. Little does she know cowboy and contractor Chance Callahan has decided that he can convince her to stay--both with the town and with him. As he helps Emily restore the town's history after a devastating fire, he also helps her uncover her own hidden worth and the value of love.

The second book in The Callahans of Texas series, Emily's Chance is a heartwarming story of letting love take the lead. Readers will come away wishing they lived in Callahan Crossing.

October, 2010




Don't Look Back by Lynette Eason

Twelve years ago, forensic anthropologist Jamie Cash survived a brutal kidnapping, torture, and rape. After years of therapy, she has made a life for herself--though one that is haunted by memories of her terrifying past. She finally lets herself get close to a man, FBI agent Dakota Richards, when signs start appearing that point to one frightening fact--her attacker is back and ready to finish the job he started all those year ago.

Can she escape his grasp a second time? And will she ever be able to let down her guard enough to find true love?

Filled with heart-stopping suspense, gritty realism, and a touch of romance, Don't Look Back is the second book in the Women of Justice series. Readers will be hooked from the beginning, finding that once you are in Lynette Eason's world, you're trapped until you turn the very last page.

October, 2010



Christmas at Harringtons by Melody Carlson

Christmas is approaching, and Lena Markham finds herself penniless, friendless, and nearly hopeless. She is trying to restart her life after false accusations landed her in prison, but job opportunities are practically nonexistent.

When a secondhand red coat unexpectedly lands her a job as Mrs. Santa at a department store, Lena finally thinks her luck is changing. But can she keep her past a secret?

This tender story about fresh starts will charm readers as all of Melody Carlson's Christmas offerings do. Full of redemption and true holiday spirit, Christmas at Harrington's will be readers' newest Christmas tradition.

October, 2010