Saturday, 7 April 2012
Coming in September/October from Tyndale House
Friday, 30 March 2012
Character Spotlight ~ Susan May Warren's Lilly

Relz Reviewz Extras
Character spotlight on Jinx Worth
Reviews of Heiress, Nightingale & Sons of Thunder
Visit Susie's website and blog
Buy Susie's books at Amazon or Koorong
Friday, 24 February 2012
The Shadow of Your Smile by Susan May Warren
Relz Reviewz Extras
Reviews of My Foolish Heart, Hook, Line & Sinker, Waiting for Morning, Nothing But Trouble, Double Trouble and Licensed for Trouble
Character spotlight on PJ, Boone & Jeremy
Visit Susie's website and blog
Buy Susie's books at Amazon or Koorong
Wednesday, 14 December 2011
Baby, It's Cold Outside by Susan May Warren
Relz Reviewz Extras
Character spotlight on Jinx Worth
Reviews of Heiress, Nightingale & Sons of Thunder
Visit Susie's website and blog
Buy Susie's books at Amazon or Koorong
Saturday, 26 November 2011
Heiress by Susan May Warren
As seen at TitleTrakk.com
With thanks to Litfuse for my review copy
Relz Reviewz Extras
Character spotlight on Jinx Worth
Reviews of Nightingale & Sons of Thunder
Visit Susie's website and blog
Buy Susie's books at Amazon or Koorong
Monday, 17 October 2011
Hook, Line & Sinker by Susan May Warren
The annual Deep Haven fishing contest draws professional and amateur anglers from across the country, but this year, Ross Springer is determined to win the top cash prize. In fact, he has no choice. It’s his last chance to leave a lasting legacy at Bethel College. He just never imagined his fundraising scheme would hook Abigail Cushman, the grad student who reminds him of all they’d had—and lost—every time she glances his way.
Abigail Cushman may not know the difference between a bass and a trout, but how hard can it be to catch a fish? She’s a quick learner, and she’s certain her smarts can net her a win over Ross Springer, the handsome charmer she’s tried to forget since grief tore them apart.
In the ultimate showdown between brains and heart, will Ross and Abby reel in more than they bargained for?
My take:~
I'm delighted to say I thoroughly enjoyed the second of Susan May Warren's e-book prequels, Hook, Line & Sinker! Returning readers to her beloved Deep Haven, Susie tells a heart warming story of misconceptions, guilt and hidden love as estranged childhood friends, Abigail and Ross, oppose each other in a fishing contest. Fun and sweet, the story took me back to my own University days when I was involved with a campus Christian group and met my future husband! If you haven't read Susie's Deep Haven novels, this novella will certainly entice you to dive in and if you have, you just may be dusting them off your shelves for a reread.
With thanks to Tyndale for my review copy
Relz Reviewz Extras
Reviews of Waiting for Morning, Nothing But Trouble, Double Trouble and Licensed for Trouble
Character spotlight on PJ, Boone & Jeremy ~ see how Susie pictures her characters
Visit Susie's website and blog
Buy Susie's books at Amazon or Koorong
Wednesday, 5 October 2011
Waiting for Dawn by Susan May Warren
Synopsis:~
In this prequel to Flee the Night—the first book in Susan May Warren’s critically acclaimed Team Hope series—Lacey Galloway leads a rather predictable life as a contractor for the Department of Defense. But news that Sergeant First Class Jim Micah is missing in action leads her on a dangerous trek overseas to rescue the man who secretly captured her heart.
Although her DOD connections quickly cut through the red tape, she also enlists the help of her ex-boyfriend and Micah’s best friend, Lieutenant John Montgomery. As they hatch a covert plan to find and rescue Micah, Lacey’s feelings are once again torn between the two men.
My take:~
Having had the pleasure of reading Susan May Warren's Team Hope series more than once, I was excited to hear about her e-book only prequel, Waiting for Dawn. I adore Susie's writing but this one wasn't one of my favourites, I'm afraid. Micah constantly dwells on his feelings for Lacey while on mission and John Montgomery ignores military protocol without a second thought. I found the emphasis on both of these responses distracting and a little inauthentic for career military men. Also, the ease with which Lacey enters Iraq and a war zone to rescue Micah raised my eyebrows more than once! Discovering more about Micah, Lacey and John was intriguing and filled out more of their back story which I enjoyed. Regardless of my thoughts on this novella, it has made me want to dive back into the series and read them with new eyes. I love the idea of the prequel, especially for much loved books, so I will shortly be reading Hook, Line & Sinker, another e-book novella which Susan has written for her Deep Haven series, and I hope it grabs me more than this one.
With thanks to Tyndale for my review copy
Relz Reviewz Extras
Reviews of Nothing But Trouble, Double Trouble and Licensed for Trouble
Character spotlight on PJ, Boone & Jeremy ~ see how Susie pictures her characters
Visit Susie's website and blog
Buy Susie's books at Amazon or Koorong
Tuesday, 30 August 2011
Character Spotlight ~ Susan May Warren's Jinx Worth
Susan May Warren pens the first in her Daughters of Fortune historical series with Heiress. Enjoy meeting Jinx!
Over to you, Susan:~

Jinx is curvy and shorter, with long black hair, a smug smile and someone who thinks she just might know everything. She wants to be at the top of the social class of NYC at the turn of the century, and she’ll do anything to make that happen. However, the cost may be more than she can bear.
Actor/famous person
Meet Jinx: Lea Michele
Strengths and weaknesses
Jinx knows what she wants and how to get it. She belongs to the social elite, knows how to plan parties, run a household and advance her husband’s career. What she doesn’t expect is her heart falling for another man. Her strength is her determination and drive, her weakness is her desire to be loved.

Quirk (if any)
Jinx is fiercely independent during a time when women were fixtures in the household. She learns to drive a car early on, and even teaches her husband’s brother how to drive. She also joins the suffragettes and marches on Washington.
Your inspiration for the character
I wanted a character that could resemble Jacob, of the biblical Jacob and Esau story (someone who could compliment her older sister, Esme). Jinx is headstrong, a little diabolical, but also broken by her choices and decisions, afraid to face God and her sister with her sins.

I love history, and especially the turbulent times of the early 20th century – the gilded age, the roaring twenties, the depression era thirties and World War two. This is the first book in the Daughters of Fortune series about a family and their generations through this turbulent time. Heiress asks the question: If you could buy anything, would you sacrifice it all for love?
Thanks for sharing, Susie :) Always lovely to have you visit!
Relz Reviewz Extras
Reviews of Nightingale & Sons of Thunder
Visit Susie's website and blog
Buy Susie's books at Amazon or Koorong
Saturday, 6 August 2011
Coming in 2012 from Tyndale House
Here's a sneak peek at some of Tyndale's early 2012 releases and I love you to join in the conversation!
Cover wise, I can't go past The Search Committee! I love the sheep and their symbolism ~ it is quirky and different. Chris Fabry's, too, given it is a male dominated cover. Not sure when I last saw that on a CF cover ;-) Susie's cover looks awfully similar to another book...can you guess?
Love Susie and Chris' books so really looking forward to them and keen to see what former police officer, Janice Cantore has to offer given her experience on the force. Cathy Gohlke's is one of a handful of books you will see in 2012 surrounding the Titanic.
Don't be shy ~ what do you think?
The Shadow of Your Smile by Susan May Warren
A beautiful blanket of snow may cover the quaint town of Deep Haven each winter, but it can’t quite hide the wreckage of Noelle and Eli Hueston’s marriage. After twenty-five years, they’re contemplating divorce . . . just as soon as their youngest son graduates from high school. But then an accident erases part of Noelle's memory. Though her other injuries are minor, she doesn’t remember Eli, their children, or the tragedy that has ripped their family apart. What’s more, Noelle is shocked that her life has turned out nothing like she dreamed it would. As she tries to regain her memory and slowly steps into her role as a wife and mother, Eli helps her readjust to daily life with sometimes-hilarious, sometimes-heartwarming results. But can she fall in love again with a man she can’t remember? Will their secrets destroy them . . . or has erasing the past given them a chance for a future?
January, 2012
Accused by Janice Cantore
Detective Carly Edwards hates working in juvenile—where the brass put her after an officer-involved shooting—and longs to be back on patrol. So when a troubled youth, Londy Atkins, is arrested for the murder of the mayor and Carly is summoned to the crime scene, she's eager for some action. Carly presses Londy for a confession but he swears his innocence, and despite her better judgment, Carly is inclined to believe him. Yet homicide is convinced of his guilt and is determined to convict him.
Carly's ex-husband and fellow police officer, Nick, appears to be on her side. He's determined to show Carly that he's a changed man and win her back, but she isn't convinced he won't betray her again.
As the investigation progresses, Carly suspects a cover-up and strikes out on her own, uncertain whom she can trust. But when danger mounts, she begins to wonder if she made the right choice.
February, 2012
Not In The Heart by Chris Fabry
Truman Wiley used to report news stories from around the world, but now the most troubling headlines are his own. He’s out of work, out of touch with his family, out of his home. But nothing dogs him more than his son’s failing heart.
With mounting hospital bills and Truman’s penchant for gambling his savings, the situation seems hopeless . . . until his estranged wife throws him a lifeline—the chance to write the story of a death row inmate, a man convicted of murder who wants to donate his heart to Truman’s son.
As the execution clock ticks down, Truman uncovers disturbing evidence that points to a different killer. For his son to live, must an innocent man die? Truman’s investigation draws him down a path that will change his life, his family, and the destinies of two men forever.
February, 2012
Promise Me This by Cathy Gohlke
Michael Dunnagan was never supposed to sail on the Titanic, nor would he have survived if not for the courage of Owen Allen. Determined to carry out his promise to care for Owen’s relatives in America and his younger sister, Annie, in England, Michael works hard to strengthen the family’s New Jersey garden and landscaping business.
Annie Allen doesn’t care what Michael promised Owen. She only knows that her brother is gone—like their mother and father—and the grief is enough to swallow her whole. As Annie struggles to navigate life without Owen, Michael reaches out to her through letters. In time, as Annie begins to lay aside her anger that Michael lived when Owen did not, a tentative friendship takes root and blossoms into something neither expected. Just as Michael saves enough money to bring Annie to America, WWI erupts in Europe. When Annie’s letters mysteriously stop, Michael risks everything to fulfill his promise—and find the woman he’s grown to love—before she’s lost forever.
February, 2012
The Search Committee by Tim Owens
A mismatched team of seven hit the road in an Econoline church van on a mission to find a new pastor. They don't agree on much other than the stops at Hardee's for coffee and a biscuit. But they stick to the call, trying to slip undetected into worship services across the Southeast—all in hopes of stealing a preacher for their congregation.
Each member is wrestling to balance their own busy life and personal struggles. And they're trying to keep their issues to themselves. Forced to spend countless hours together, these very different personalities from different generations begin to bond. And their lives are profoundly changed as they love and support each other through the difficulties in each of their lives.
February, 2012
Tuesday, 7 June 2011
Coming soon from Summerside Press
I love previewing books and cover art and here are some of the latest from Summerside Press from their Love Finds You, new American Tapestries and When I Fall in Love series. Heiress and From This Day Forward are part of their historical line.
Love to hear your thoughts, as always!Heiress by Susan May Warren
The beautiful heiress daughters of newspaper magnate August Price have been given everything their hearts desire. But what if they want only to be loved—without an enormous price tag attached?
When one daughter pursues a desirable marriage, she secures for herself a comfortable and glamorous life. But among the duties of privilege, will she also find the happily-ever-after she seeks? Her sister rejects the trappings of wealth, choosing instead to build a new life on the still-untamed frontier. Will she find happiness in independence or discover that she's left her heart behind in New York's glittering society?
Set in the opulent world of the Gilded Age, each woman discovers that being an heiress just might cost her everything-including the chance for true love.

Two women with nothing in common except the need for a friend and a fresh start. When Amish-born Lydia Ann Raber and Southern belle Caroline DeMarco discover a shared history of loss, the unlikely duo decides to open a gift shop in beautiful Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Lydia Ann is surprised to find herself drawn to handsome woodworker Simon Zook. When God offers her a second chance at love and family, will she take it? Or will the secret Simon harbors cause her even more heartbreak?
For Caroline, love comes in the way of newspaper reporter Michael Landis. Their low-key romance is a dream come true for Caroline, a fugitive from an infamous past. Is Michael to blame when the paparazzi start hovering once again, or can Caroline trust him with her heart?
July, 2011
Love Finds Yo

Ellie Heinrichs dreams becoming a famous Broadway actress. Instead, Ellie is cast as a rural heroine in Branson’s outdoor drama, The Shepherd of the Hills. In a grudging attempt to get in touch with her character, Ellie translates her great-grandmother’s diary and is soon swept up in a tale of love and loss, wisdom and faith.
As Ellie grows close to Will Howard, her director and a descendant of the original shepherd of the hills, she finds her grandmother’s experiences merging with her own. And when the past offers a chance to repeat itself, Ellie must decide whether to pursue her dream at all costs…
August, 2011

Angel Ramirez is tired of living a lie. But can she live like a lady?
On the run from a dangerous outlaw, Angel works her way across several states disguised as a boy and working as a varmint tracker and horse wrangler. After taking a job on a Wyoming ranch owned by a bachelor and his widowed sister, she finally reveals her true identity and must fight to prove her worth as a ranch hand while somehow discovering her role as woman.
Hiring a woman doesn’t sit well with Travis Morgan, and the dark-haired beauty is causing a ruckus among his cowboys. Just as Angel decides she’ll never be able to please her boss, an unexpected surprise arrives from across the ocean and makes trouble on the ranch. Will Angel leave with the person who’s come so far to claim her?
August, 2011
From This Day Fo

Penniless, pregnant, and newly widowed immigrant Rachel Gordon doesn’t believe her situation could get any worse...until she meets her new neighbors.
Shortly after the War of 1812, Rachel and her husband set out from England for a plantation in South Carolina, which he had purchased sight unseen. However, while en route, Tom Gordon fell overboard and drowned, leaving Rachel, frightened and alone, to make a home for her and her newborn.
Can a battle-scarred American physician who comes to her rescue also heal her wounded heart?
September, 2011
The Wedding Kiss by Hannah Alexander

A kiss can be life-changing.
When Keara and Elam Jensen share their first kiss on their wedding day, a marriage of convenience becomes much less convenient! It also becomes more than they expected when God shows them what He really has in store for their lives. Will their mysteriously injured visitor ruin their future, or will her influence—and her personal battle—draw them into deadly danger?
Visit Eureka Springs, Arkansas, in 1901, and discover for yourself what excitement and romance await along the White River Hollow.
September, 2011

Baby, It's Cold Outside by Susan May Warren
Dottie Morgan has no desire to share her home—or her heart—over the Christmas holidays. After all, her Christmas spirit froze over when she lost her son in World War II.
But when a blizzard of the decade traps Dottie in her home with four near strangers, she just might discover that opening her door might also open her heart to a Christmas miracle…and a new reason to celebrate Christmas.
September, 2011
Monday, 6 June 2011
My Foolish Heart by Susan May Warren
Unknown to her tiny town of Deep Haven, Isadora Presley spends her nights as Miss Foolish Heart, the star host of a syndicated talk radio show. Millions tune in to hear her advice on dating and falling in love, unaware that she’s never really done either. Issy’s ratings soar when it seems she’s falling in love on-air with a caller. A caller she doesn’t realize lives right next door.
Caleb Knight served a tour of duty in Iraq and paid a steep price. The last thing he wants is pity, so he hides his disability and moves to Deep Haven to land his dream job as the high school football coach. When his beautiful neighbor catches his eye, in a moment of desperation he seeks advice from My Foolish Heart, the show that airs before his favorite sports broadcast.
Before he knows it, Caleb finds himself drawn to the host—and more confused than ever. Is his perfect love the woman on the radio . . . or the one next door?
My take:~
Susan May Warren always produces the goods and while I don't think My Foolish Heart is the best book she has ever written, it provides all the great things her stories entail ~ engaging characters, an adorable town, conflict, attraction and overcoming the odds. Caleb's struggle with his disability and Issy's PTSD enables Susan to delve into the heartache that comes from physical and mental trauma and the hard road towards wholeness from a spiritual and emotional perspective. My Foolish Heart combines tender romance with deep human struggles and is a delightful read. I hope Susan returns to Deep Haven again!
With thanks to Litfuse for my review copy
Relz Reviewz Extras
Reviews of Nightingale & Sons of Thunder
WIN A NIGHT ON THE TOWN.........

Read what the reviewers are saying here.
To celebrate this charming novel about a dating expert who's never had a date, Susan has put together a romantic night on the town for one lucky couple. One grand prize winner will receive a Miss Foolish Heart prize package worth over $200!
The winner of the Romantic Night on the Town Prize Pack will receive:
* A $100 Visa Gift Card (For Dinner)
* A $100 Gift Certificate to a Hyatt/Marriott Hotel
* The entire Deep Haven series
To enter just click one of the icons below. But, hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on June 16th. The winner will be announced that evening during Susan’s Miss Foolish Heart Party on Facebook! Susan will be chatting with guests, hosting a book club chat about My Foolish Heart, testing your Deep Haven trivia skills, and giving away tons of great stuff! (Gift certificates, books, donuts, and more!)
Don't miss the fun and BRING YOUR FRIENDS!
Wednesday, 25 May 2011
Missions of Mercy Blog Tour
Point of No Return
An American boy and a warlord's engaged daughter have disappeared-together-in an Eastern European border country. Only one man can find them in time to prevent an international meltdown-Chet Stryker. But Chet is taken aback when he realizes the boy is the nephew of Mae Lund, Chet's former flame. When Mae insists on rescuing her relative herself, Chet knows he has to protect her from the enemy on their trail.
Yet can he protect himself from falling for Mae again?
My take:~
I loved Susan May Warren's Mission: Russia series so it was great to see the conclusion to Mae's story, whom we first meet in that original series. Susan creates good dialogue between Chet and Mae as the tension between them escalates. There is plenty of action and I enjoyed the back story, especially Chet's. That said, the minimal word count of the Love Inspired format makes everything feel a bit rushed, even with an author of Susan's calibre. Point of No Return is still a solid, entertaining read. Mission: Out of Control
Brody "Wick" Wickham is a former Green Beret turned security agent-with a 100 percent mission success rate. No way is his new assignment changing that. Even if it's protecting a diva American rock star while she's on tour in Europe. Except Veronica "Vonya" Wagner isn't just a beautiful celebrity used to having her way-she's the daughter of a U.S. Senator. And she's hiding a dangerous secret.
When Wick discovers what's at stake, how far over the line will he go to keep them both alive?
My take:~
Mission: Out of Control combines the usual elements in a romantic suspense: action, conflict, danger and romance. Add in a fabulous location, a female rock star and a hardened Green Beret and you have a powder keg of emotion and sparks. I loved that most of the book is set in Prague where Wick resides, a city I have travelled to and adored. It was fun to visit again in the story. I did struggle with Vonya's character. She is in her late twenties but for much of the book she comes across as significantly younger which I found distracting and did detract from my enjoyment of the story. I love Susan's writing but I felt this one wasn't up to her usual exceptional standard.
Undercover Pursuit
The only way to get security agent Luke Dekker to a wedding?
An undercover mission as groomsman. He'll bust the groom, a drug cartel heir, before anyone can say "I do." Then Luke can escape all this love and romance nonsense-and the too pretty bridesmaid/agent assigned as his "fiancee" for the weekend. Until Luke discovers that sweet, vulnerable Scarlett Hanson isn't his contact. Isn't an agent. Isn't trained for the high-stakes mission now trapping them both. And worse, Luke's falling for her-which is not part of the assignment.
My take:~
Undercover Pursuit is a fun, albeit unlikely story, of a case of mistaken identity, pseudo bridesmaids and an agent suddenly torn between his mission and keeping an innocent woman safe. Scarlett and Luke are great characters who end up in a boatload of trouble, where danger and heartbreak abound. With plenty of suspense, attraction and peril that doesn't let up, Undercover Pursuit will keep you turning pages in this quick and satisfying read.
With thanks to Litfuse for my review copies
Relz Reviewz Extras
Enter Susie's Missions of Mercy Flip HD camera giveaway