Coming soon from Waterbrook Multnomah

Here's a preview of Waterbrook Multnomah's August to October releases this year.

Which ones grab your attention? Click on the links for more....


The Bridge of Peace by Cindy Woodsmall

Love alone isn’t enough to overcome the obstacles between a man and a woman.

From New York Times best-selling author Cindy Woodsmall, comes an invitation into Amish country Lena Kauffman is a young Old Order Amish schoolteacher who has dealt all her life with attention raised by a noticeable birthmark on her cheek. Having learned to move past the stares and whispers, Lena channels her zest for living into her love of teaching. But tensions mount as she is challenged to work with a rebellious young man and deal with several crises at the schoolhouse that threaten her other students. Her lack of submission and the use of ideas that don’t line up with the Old Ways strengthen the school board’s case as they begin to believe that Lena is behind all the trouble.

One member of the school board, Grey Graber, feels trapped by his own stifling circumstances. His wife Elsie has shut him out of her life, and he doesn’t know how long he can continue to live as if nothing is wrong. As the two finally come to a place of working toward a better marriage, tragedy befalls their family.

Lena and Grey have been life-long friends but their relationship begins to crumble amidst unsettling deceptions, propelling each of them to finally face their own secrets. Can they both find a way past their losses and discover the strength to build a new bridge?

August, 2010



The Miracle of Mercy Land by River Jordan

What if you had the power to amend choices you made in the past? Would you do it even if it changed everything?

Mercy Land has made some unexpected choices for a young woman in the 1930s. The sheltered daughter of a traveling preacher, she chooses to leave her rural community to move to nearby Bay City on the warm, gulf-waters of southern Alabama. There she finds a job at the local paper and spends seven years making herself indispensable to old Doc Philips, the publisher and editor. Then she gets a frantic call at dawn—it’s the biggest news story of her life, and she can’t print a word of it.

Doc has come into possession of a curious book that maps the lives of everyone in Bay City—decisions they’ve made in the past, and how those choices affect the future. Mercy and Doc are consumed by the mystery locked between the pages—Doc because he hopes to right a very old wrong, and Mercy because she wants to fulfill the book’s strange purpose. But when a mysterious stranger shows up, Mercy begins to understand she may have to choose between love and loneliness . . . or good and evil . . . for the rest of her life.

September, 2010



Lady in Waiting by Susan Meissner

Love is a choice you make every day.

Content in her comfortable marriage of twenty-two years, Jane Lindsay never expected to watch her husband Brad pack his belongings and walk out the door of their Manhattan home. But when it happens, she feels powerless to stop him and the course of events that follow Brad’s departure. Jane finds an old ring in a box of relics from a British jumble sale and discovers a Latin inscription in the band along with just one other word: Jane. Feeling instant connection to the mysterious ring bearing her namesake, Jane begins a journey to learn more about the ring—and perhaps about herself.
~
In the sixteenth-century, Lucy Day becomes the dressmaker to Lady Jane Grey, an innocent young woman whose fate seems to be controlled by a dangerous political and religious climate, one threatening to deny her true love and pursuit of her own interests. As the stories of both Janes dovetail through the journey of one ring, it becomes clear that each woman has far more influence over their lives than they once imagined. It all comes down to the choices each makes despite the realities they face.

September, 2010



Judgement Day by Wanda L Dyson

Sensational journalism has never been so deadly.

The weekly cable news show Judgment Day with Suzanne Kidwell promises to expose businessmen, religious leaders, and politicians for the lies they tell. Suzanne positions herself as a champion of ethics and morality with a backbone of steel—until a revelation of her shoddy investigation tactics and creative fact embellishing put her in hot water with her employers, putting her credibility in question and threatening her professional ambitions..

Bitter and angry, Suzanne returns home one day to find an entrepreneur she is investigating, John Edward Sterling, unconscious on her living room floor. Before the night is over, Sterling is dead, she has his blood on her hands, and the police are arresting her for murder. She needs help to prove her innocence, but her only hope, private investigator Marcus Crisp, is also her ex-fiancé–the man she betrayed in college.

Marcus and his partner Alexandria Fisher-Hawthorne reluctantly agree to take the case, but they won’t cut Suzanne any slack. Exposing her lack of ethics and the lives she’s destroyed in her fight for ratings does little to make them think Suzanne is innocent. But as Marcus digs into the mire of secrets surrounding her enemies, he unveils an alliance well-worth killing for. Now all he has to do is keep Suzanne and Alex alive long enough to prove it.

September, 2010



Dragons of the Valley by Donita K Paul

War threatens the peaceful land of Chiril… can one painter-turned-reluctant-swordsman really help?

With an invasion of her country imminent, Tipper Schope is drawn into a mission to keep three important statues from falling into the enemy’s clutches. Her friend, the artist Bealomondore, helps her execute the plan, and along the way he learns to brandish a sword rather than a paintbrush.

As odd disappearances and a rash of volatile behavior sweep Chiril, no one is safe. A terrible danger has made his vicious presence known: The Grawl, a hunter unlike any creature encountered before.

To restore their country, Tipper, Bealomondore, and their party must hide the statues in the Valley of the Dragons and find a way to defeat the invading army. When it falls to the artistic Bealomondore to wield his sword as powerfully and naturally as a paintbrush, will he answer Wulder’s call for a champion?

September, 2010



Divine Appointments by Charlene Baumbich

With the big 5-0 fast approaching, Josie Brooks begins to question her structured, picture-perfect (mid)life.

Josie Brooks, at the age of 47, thought she was leading an enviable single life. A successful consultant, she calls her own shots, goes where the money is, and never needs to compromise. But her precisely managed world begins to falter during a Chicago contract when an economic downturn, a bleeding heart boss, and the loyalty and kindness between endangered employees ding her coat of armor.

Throw in hot flashes, a dose of loneliness, a peculiar longing for intimacy, an unquenchable thirst—not to mention a mysterious snowglobe with a serene landscape, complete with a flowing river and lush greenery that seems to be beckoning her in—and Josie’s buttoned-up sense of status quo is on the verge of coming completely undone. Maybe her solitary existence hasn’t been as fulfilling as she has convinced herself to believe.

It will take a few new friends, a mystical encounter, and an unexpected journey to set Josie on her own path to “right-sizing” and making the life changes that really matter. Filled with laugh-out loud moments and a gentle dash of inspiration, Divine Appointments is another heartwarming charmer from a master storyteller.

September, 2010



Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball by Donita K Paul

Can mysterious matchmaking booksellers bring two lonely hearts together in time for Christmas?

In a sleepy, snow-covered city, Cora Crowder is busy preparing for the holiday season. Searching for a perfect gift, a fortuitous trip to Warner, Werner, and Wizbotterdad’s (a most unusual bookshop) leads to an unexpected encounter with co-worker Simon Derrick. And the surprise discovery of a ticket for a truly one-of-a-kind Christmas Ball.

Every year, the matchmaking booksellers of the Sage Street bookshop host an enchanting, old-fashioned Christmas Ball for the romantic matches they’ve decided to bring together.

This year, will Simon and Cora discover a perfect chemistry in their opposite personalities and shared faith? Or will the matchmakers’ best laid plans end up ruining everything this holiday?

October, 2010



Tandem by Tracey Batemen

As obsession and loss become dark partners, how far must the people of Abbey Hills go to survive?

Six months ago, brutal murders shook the small Ozark town—murders that stopped after a house fire reportedly claimed the killer’s life. Lauryn McBride's family auction house has taken responsibility for the estate sale of one of the victims—the enigmatic Markus Chisom. Submerging herself in Chisom’s beautiful but strange world, Lauryn welcomes the reprieve from watching Alzheimer’s steal her father from her, piece by piece. She soon realizes that centuries-old secrets tie Abbey Hills to the Chisom estate and a mysterious evil will do anything to make sure those secrets stay hidden. Even the man who grew up loving her may not be able to protect Lauryn from the danger.

When Amede Dastillon receives an unexpected package from Abbey Hills, she hopes it might be the key in tracking down her beloved sister, long estranged from her family. Visiting Abbey Hills seems the logical next step in her search, but Amede is unusually affected by the town, and when mutilated carcasses begin turning up again in the small community, the local law enforcement isn’t sure if they are confronting a familiar evil or a new terror.

Two women brought together by questions that seem to have no answers. Can they overcome the loss and darkness threatening to devour them—or will their own demons condemn them to an emotional wasteland?

October, 2010

Character Spotlight ~ Tracey Bateman's Nina Parker

Today the spotlight shines on.............................Nina Parker


Tracey Bateman is a multi published author, well know for her Chick Lit and romance novels. With Thirsty, Tracey turns her hand to a novel of addiction, suspense and redemption.

I hope you enjoy this insight into Nina. Over to you, Tracey:~


Brief physical description

Nina Parker: Exotic, dark skinned, almost native American-looking, but white. Dark, long, completely straight hair. Dark brown eyes, beautiful, tiny, but curvy where it matters.

Actor/famous person

Demi Moore is probably the closest, but not exactly. I see her face softer than Demi, her eyes more gentle and vulnerable. Maybe a long-haired Demi Moore from Ghost.


Strengths and weaknesses

She is fiercely loyal, loves at any cost. But that's also her weakness because she takes every criticism, every raised-eyebrow look straight to her heart and it drives her forward to good things but also destructive behaviors. She has an addictive personality and a need for approval. Struggles as a recovering alcoholic.
 


Quirk (if any)

This might be my first heroine ever without a quirk. 
 


Your inspiration for the character


Myself and a compilation of people I know with a need to please and addictive personalities.


Background to the story

Nina lost her vet business and her family because of her alcoholism. She returns to Abbey Hills to pull it all together.

The background as far as writing the story...

I decided to draw from my family addictions and parallel it to the vampire's addiction to blood.

Tracey ~ thanks for sharing about Nina and the inspiration behind this book.



On Thursday, I will be spotlighting Juliana Brady & Josh McBride from Maggie Brendan's The Jewel of His Heart. Stay tuned!

Relz Reviewz Extras

Buy Tracey's books at Amazon or Koorong

Awaken My Heart by DiAnn Mills & Distant Heart by Tracey Bateman

Harper Collin's new inspirational line, Avon Inspire, has some well know authors to its credit. Here are my mini reviews of DiAnn Mills' and Tracey Bateman's latest offerings.

Enjoy :)


Awaken My Heart by DiAnn Mills

Synopsis:~


When mestizos kidnap Marianne Phillips, they hope that her wealthy Texas rancher father will trade land for her freedom. But rebel leader Armando Garcia is enchanted with this young woman whose faith is so strong---and arranges for her escape. How much will Marianne and Armando risk to give their love a chance?

My take:~

DiAnn Mills fashions a passionate tale of two mismatched hearts against the backdrop of oppression and injustice in the new Texas colony. Armando and Marianne represent the social divide, Armando the reluctant but devoted leader of the mestizo peasants and Marianne, the daughter of a wealthy landholder. I enjoyed how DiAnn ably portrayed Armando as the rebel leader torn between loyalty and love for his people and abhorrance at his men's kidnapping of Marianne. Matters of faith, love and justice give this romance something above the usual fare. Awaken My Heart is good read for your next quiet afternoon!



Distant Heart by Tracey Bateman

Synopsis:~

Antonia Rodden once dreamed of a new life and happy family out west. Now the former prostitute doubts that anybody will ever love her for anything but her looks. Wagon scout and part-time preacher Sam Two-Feathers proclaims One who forgives sins and looks beyond outward appearances. Can Sam practice---and Toni trust---what he preaches?

My take:~

Highly anticipating the story of Toni and Sam ever since reading of their hidden attraction in Defiant Heart, the first in Tracey's Westward Heart series, I was not disappointed. Distant Heart is an emotionally satisfing read as Toni and Sam struggle to believe they could ever be good enough for eachother. Toni's unsavoury past convinces her she is unworthy of the God fearing and gentle Sam Two-Feathers, while Sam believes his heritage prevents him from ever telling Toni of his love and devotion. The redemptive message in this tale is moving and with a touch of humour, Distant Heart will please lovers of well written historical romances and garner the genre some new fans as well.

Coming soon from Avon Inspire

Twice Loved by Lori Copeland

Willow Madison and her friends Copper and Audrey taught school in neighboring Texas towns until the Yankees rode in and burned them out. In the midst of fear and chaos, survivors banded together to fight for what remained of their homes. Then word reached the people that the terrible war was over.

Now penniless but still hopeful, Willow vows she will take care of her friends, and her ailing uncle, in Thunder Ridge, Texas, even if it means having to marry wealthy Silas Sterling, a man thirty years her senior. But standing in her way is sawmill owner Tucker Gray, with his enticing eyes and infuriating headstrong manner—the man Willow cannot get out of her head . . . or her heart. Even though her friends beg her not to give up her dream of happiness, Willow is determined to do the right thing for those who are dearest to her. But which path does God want Willow to take: a life of duty and commitment . . . or a life of everlasting love?

Available July, 2008



Dangerous Heart by Tracey Bateman

Growing up motherless with an outlaw father made Ginger Freeman hard and unforgiving—and for the past seven years she's been driven by a single goal: to make Grant Kelley pay for letting her brother die. Now that she's tracked the hated doctor to a westward-bound wagon train, her mission of vengeance is nearly completed. But the sense of family and community that suddenly surrounds her is unlike anything Ginger has ever experienced. And under the nurturing eye of Miss Sadie, the outlaw's daughter begins to lose her rough edges. Here, in the company of loving, new found friends, Ginger feels herself becoming part of something much bigger than revenge.

But catastrophe is in the wind when her pa and his gang arrive to infiltrate the wagon train. Will Ginger's new relationship with God tear her away from her family forever . . . and cost her everything she's now begun to hold dear?

Available October, 2008

Back to Life by Kristin Billerbeck

Lindsey realized when she married Ron, a man 17 years her senior, that the odds were he'd see heaven before her, but she never expected to be a widow at 35. There's too much of life left for her to just sit around in mourning. But she can't seem to kick start the rest of her life.

That is until she gets some help from Ron's first wife, Jane, who shows up unexpectedly at her door one day as the executor of her husbands estate. Jane is everything Lindsey's not independent, stubborn and a lot older. Plus she has one surprise after another including a son named Ron Jr. (she insists he's not really Ron's son). But an unlikely friendship develops as each woman begins to re evaluate what is really important, and owns up to the mistakes they've made in the past.

Told in the alternating voices of Jane and Lindsey, and with the return of many of the witty characters of The Trophy Wives Club, this book is a lighthearted, relatable read for when life goes in a direction you never planned. With faith and friends, there's always light at the end of the tunnel.

Available September, 2008

You Had Me at Goodbye by Tracey Bateman & US/Canadian Giveaway

Synopsis:~

ancy Ames had a plan for her future. A plan that did not involve Jack Quinn swooping in and stealing her dream job at Lane Publishing. Now jobless, Dancy must find a new career. A coffee barista? An English teacher? A literary agent? Hmm. Maybe she'll write a novel, featuring a relentless, job-stealing, caffeine-addicted Brit who falls in love with a beautiful coffee barista.

When her real-life nemesis slips into her writing, Dancy finds herself in desperate peril of having more than her job stolen. Could he actually steal her heart?

My take:~

Tracey Bateman's writing is as engaging as her characters. Dancy is fun, determined and compassionate as she butts heads with handsome Brit, Jack Quinn. Their repartee sparkles as Dancy's efforts to revitalise her career and life keep hitting bumps in the road. Her frosty silver spoon family and her newly acquired sibling add just the right amount of angst and compassion to the story. If you are looking for an entertaining and tantalising romance, don't go past You Had Me at Goodbye!

Releasing this month from Faithwords.

Giveaway conditions:~

1. You must have a US or Canadian mailing addy;

2. Post by midnight Wednesday 13th February; and

3. Tell me your favourite British actor and/or movie!

Defiant Heart by Tracey Bateman

Fannie Caldwell has been trapped in a life of servitude to an abusive master and for three years she has plotted to escape with her younger brother and sister. Blake Tanner's wagon train is Fannie's chance but convincing Blake to allow an unmarried women on the train proves to be an impossible task. Refusing to give in Fannie takes an incredible risk to protect her siblings but her past life threatens to endanger them all.

Tracey Bateman's first Westward Heart novel, kicking of the new Avon Inspire range is a lovely read. Fannie is down to earth and her desperate struggle to convince the most mule-headed man she has ever met, that she has a place in the wagon train is amusing and inspiring. Faith, hope and love meet together in this engaging story.

Readers of historical novels will enjoy Defiant Heart and Fannie and Blake's journey and look forward to the sequel ~ a story of the emotionally scarred Toni and Sam Two Feathers, secretly devoted to a woman beyond his reach.