Wish You Were Here by Beth K Vogt & US Giveaway

Synopsis:~

Kissing the wrong guy days before her scheduled wedding leads Allison to become a runaway bride. But can it also lead to happily ever after?

 

Allison Denman is supposed to get married in five days, but everything is all wrong. The huge wedding. The frothy dress. And the groom. 

Still, kissing the groom’s brother, Daniel, in an unguarded moment is decidedly not the right thing to do. How could she have made such a mistake? It seems Allison’s life is nothing but mistakes at this point. Daniel’s adventures—chronicled through a collection of postcards—have always appealed to Allison’s well-hidden desire for something more. But how can betraying her fiancé’s trust lead to a true happily ever after? 

Can Allison find her way out of this mess? Recognizing she doesn’t have all the answers won’t be easy because she’s used to being in control. To find her way again, she will have to believe that God has a plan for her—one outside her carefully defined comfort zone—and find the strength to let Him lead. 

My take:~

Beth K Vogt's debut novel will tickle your funny bone just as easily as it will thrum your emotions as Allison Denman takes an uncomfortable journey to discover what truly matters in her life and faith.  Beth's writing style is engaging and fresh, her characters very true to life, struggling with rejection, bruised emotions, guilt and confusion.  Witty and poignant, Allison, Seth and Daniel's story generates both laughter and compassion as they muddle their way through their complex responses to the choices they make and as well as those made for them.  I adored Daniel, became frustrated a time or two with Allison and Seth and became totally invested in the outcome.  While the romantic outcome was anticipated, it comes at a cost that in most stories is hidden or played down and it was refreshing that Beth did not shy away from those emotions.  Beth's voice is nothing short of delightful and I am already highly anticipating her next story.

With thanks to Howard for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras

Interview with Beth

Beth's Author Alert

Visit Beth's website 

Buy Beth's books at Amazon or CBD

Learn about the Debutantes' Story Soiree Book Launch

The Chair by James L Rubart with giveaways

Synopsis:~

If someone gave you a chair and said it was made by Jesus Christ, would you believe them? 

When an elderly lady shows up in Corin Roscoe's antiques store and gives him a chair she claims was crafted by Jesus, he scoffs. But when a young boy is miraculously healed two days after sitting in the chair, he stops laughing and starts wondering . . . could this chair heal the person whose life Corin destroyed twelve years ago? 

As word spreads of the boy's healing, a mega-church pastor is determined to manipulate Corin into turning over the chair. And that mysterious woman who gave him the piece flits in and out of his life like a shadow, insinuating it's Corin's destiny to guard the chair above everything else. But why?

My take:~

I really enjoy Jim Rubart's novels and have no excuse for the lengthy delay in reading his 2011 release, The Chair!  It is another character driven novel with supernatural elements that will stimulate and challenge your thinking.  Corin is an intriguing character, driven by blinding fears yet unafraid to push his body and mind to the edge of all things sane.  Corin's struggle with his past and present reflects what most of us battle, underlying fears, regret and guilt warring with our desire to hope for healing and wholeness.  Jim uses the chair itself to underscore his spiritual message and thankfully resists the pull to tie up all the loose ends.  While ROOMS remains my favourite of Jim's books The Chair is a worthy addition to any book collection.

With thanks to B&H Publishing for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras
View the trailer
Review of ROOMS
Character spotlight on Micah Taylor
Interview with Jim
Visit Jim's website and blog
Buy Rooms at Amazon or Koorong

Cuts Like A Knife by M K Gilroy with giveaway

Synopsis:~

The Killer ...

Chicago has a new resident; a heartless killer on a decade-long crime spree.  When a successful young woman is found dead in her fashionable town home, a red flag goes up in Washington, D.C. The FBI knows an elusive "organized killer" is at work again.  The problem is the Feds have only one tenuous lead to assist local police in the manhunt ... a most unlikely place the killer likes to find his victims.

The Detective ...

Conner, turning thirty, single, light as a feather but tougher than nails—growing up in a cop’s home and taking every hand-to-hand combat course that the Chicago Police Department offers does that—and the coach of her niece’s 7-year-old soccer team, the Snowflakes, becomes a lead detective in her first major homicide case. She’s a good girl—loves her mom, goes to church, only yells when she’s really mad—who just can’t stop fighting with her partner, police department brass, and most of all, her TV news anchor sister, Klarissa, who can turn a single bite of chicken into a 30-minute ordeal of starting, stopping, and starting again. Her mom, sisters, and various suitors all think she’s wonderful—except for her anger and bonding issues.

The Climax ...

From the opening chase scene that leads to a back alley where a Punk with a knife awaits, to the climactic scene where Kristen goes one-on-one with a man who is killing innocent women in her town and now has her in his sights, Cuts Like a Knife, the debut novel from Mark Gilroy, is loaded with action, humor, and wry introspection through the voice of its irrepressible lead character.

My take:~

M. K. (Mark) Gilroy's debut novel, Cuts Like A Knife, is a unique and engaging read, surprisingly humourous for a fast paced thriller which includes a brash female detective and a vicious serial killer.  Initially, the first person present tense was distracting but I soon adjusted to the prose and became invested in Kristen's journey.  Mark does a solid job with Kristen's voice, self deprecating with a sharp edge, reflecting the necessary nature of a homicide detective. Gritty and terse, the action and suspense builds well, dovetailing nicely with Kristen's relationship issues with her devoted mother, her disapproving sisters and the men who dare to seek her out.  Mark's dry wit is fabulous, easing the tension from the intense scenes as the killer's handiwork is discovered.  Cuts Like A Knife is a refreshing addition to the sparse pickings in the CBA for those who enjoy this genre.  I'm intrigued as to where Mark takes Kristen in this series, as he continues to hone his craft.

With thanks to Worthy Publishing and Wynn~Wynn Media for my review copy via NetGalley 

Relz Reviewz Extras
Visit Mark's website 
Buy Mark's book at Amazon or Koorong

 

Cuts Like A Knife from Imperial Pictures on Vimeo.

The Irish Healer by Nancy Herriman with North American giveaway

Synopsis:~

During the deadly 1832 cholera epidemic in London, a heartsick Irish healer must find the strength to overcome her most fearsome obstacles.

Accused of murdering a child under her care, Irish healer Rachel Dunne flees the ensuing scandal while vowing to never sit at another sickbed. She no longer trusts in her abilities-or God's mercy. When a cholera epidemic sweeps through London, she feels compelled to nurse the dying daughter of the enigmatic physician she has come to love. James Edmunds, wearied by the deaths of too many patients, has his own doubts about God's grace. Can they face their darkest fears? Or is it too late to learn that trust and love just might heal their hearts?

My take:~

After reading The Irish Healer, Nancy Herriman's debut novel, it came as no surprise that she has finaled in numerous awards for her non-published works and took home the 2006 RWA Daphne du Maurier award for Best Unpublished Mystery/Romantic Suspense.  In The Irish Healer, Nancy's beautiful prose paints descriptive word pictures of London, her inhabitants and the intriguing Dr Edmunds and secretive Rachel. Infused with threads of mystery, a gently developed romance and struggles with self worth and calling, this story captivates and delights.  In the vein of Siri Mitchell and Julie Klassen, spiritual themes are sensitively woven throughout as each of the characters come to terms with the tragedy of their past lives and open themselves to a future filled with hope and forgiveness.  The Irish Healer holds plenty of promise of an enduring career for the talented Nancy Herriman.

With thanks to Worthy and Wynn~Wynn Media for my review copy via NetGalley

Relz Reviewz Extras

Visit Nancy's website 

Buy Nancy's books at Amazon or Koorong

Character Spotlight ~ Julie Cantrell's Millie, River & Bump

Debut novelist Julie Cantrell's Into the Free is available now from David C Cook.

Synopsis

Just a girl. The only one strong enough to break the cycle.

 

In Depression-era Mississippi, Millie Reynolds longs to escape the madness that marks her world. With an abusive father and a "nothing mama," she struggles to find a place where she really belongs.

 

For answers, Millie turns to the Gypsies who caravan through town each spring. The travelers lead Millie to a key which unlocks generations of shocking family secrets. When tragedy strikes, the mysterious contents of the box give Millie the tools she needs to break her family’s longstanding cycle of madness and abuse.

 

Through it all, Millie experiences the thrill of first love while fighting to trust the God she believes has abandoned her. With the power of forgiveness, can Millie finally make her way into the free? 

Enjoy meeting Millie, River & Bump!

Credit: Julie Cantrell

MILLIE

Brief physical description

Millie Reynolds is a beautiful, dark-skinned southern girl with Choctaw and Scots-Irish roots. Her hair is curly and unruly. She bites her nails and prefers to run through the woods with bare feet. She often wears her hair in braids, and she owns only hand-me-down dresses. She lives in the servants’ quarters (in one of three old slave cabins) on Mr. Sutton’s plantation in Iti Taloa, Mississippi and is considered a “dirt-poor halfbreed” by many of the Depression-era community members.

Actor/famous person

I can’t think of a current actress who looks like Millie, but I wrote her character with an image of my own daughter in mind. My daughter, Emily, also portrays Millie in the book trailer.

Strengths and weaknesses

An old soul, Millie is spunky and smart, patient and practical. Above all else, Millie is a survivor who carefully examines her options in this coming-of-age tale. She thoughtfully observes the people around her, noting how their choices affect their lives. It takes her a while to recognize her own strength and to come to terms with her faith, but with the guidance of several compassionate community members she finds her way.

Quirk (if any)

Millie loves to read, and she dreams of working with horses. Her best friend is a sweet gum tree she names, Sweetie. She spends a lot of time with the trees and with her neighbor, Sloth (think Morgan Freeman). From Sloth, Millie has learned to hunt, fish, and cook. She also has an ability to “listen to the wind,” which means she’s very comfortable in nature and feels deeply connected to her natural environment. She tends to gravitate toward adults and has little in common with children her age.

Credit: Julie Cantrell

Your inspiration for the character

Millie is a combination of every spunky female character I loved as a child, from Pippi Longstocking to Ramona the Pest, but mostly Millie reminds me of my daughter, Emily, who aged with Millie as I edited the book and who is every bit as strong-spirited and probably a lot more feisty.

RIVER

Brief physical description

River is a gorgeous dark-skinned Romani American (“Gypsy”). He has long dark hair and flint black eyes. He wears a chain of coins around his waist and a loose white shirt. He plays the harmonica and quotes literature. He caravans through Iti Taloa with a group of travelers who return every spring to pay homage to their fallen king and queen. Although he is with the group, his mother is dead and his father abandoned him before he was born. He is a loner.

Actor/famous person

Think a young Johnny Depp mixed with a young Steven Strait. Think…temptation.

Strengths and weaknesses

River defies the stereotype of the illiterate “Gypsy” by being a well-read lover of literature. He can charm anyone and has a carefree attitude that makes Millie happy. Everything about him excites her, and he offers her an escape from the painful life she has at home. Despite his many strengths, he has no real education, no plans for a stable career, and no immediate family to offer support.

Quirk (if any)

River can quote verses from literature, which impresses Millie and others. He plays the harmonica and has a sense of humor that brings smiles. He doesn’t take himself too seriously.

Your inspiration for the character

stock.xchang

River was inspired by the guys we’ve all met who make us swoon. Some just emit an energy that draws everyone to them - men, women, young, old…everyone wants to know these guys. When I wrote scenes with River, I thought about Johnny Depp’s character in Chocolat and my son, Adam, who has a wonderful way with words and music and always makes me laugh. Both are charmers in a sweet way. They aren’t aiming to hurt anyone.

BUMP

Brief physical description

Bump is a skinny rodeo veterinarian who is quickly becoming known as a superb horse trainer. He earned his nickname due to his protruding Adam’s apple. He is kind, thoughtful, and patient. His eyes are blue, the color of hydrangeas, which reminds Millie of safety and sweetness. He wears a cowboy hat and boots and has a crooked smile. He is quiet and calm, and he is a good judge of character. Bump comes from a poor family of sharecroppers / tenant farmers in the Mississippi Delta, but they exhibit a true Christian faith and are a strong family unit.

Actor/famous person

Most of the cowboys I’ve met fit this description. One in particular is Tuf Cooper, the youngest participant ever to compete in the National Finals Rodeo.

Strengths and weaknesses

Bump is honest, humble, and hard-working. He’s the kind of guy who cares enough to remove the thorns before he gives Millie a bundle of roses. He’s loyal and protective, and he loves Millie exactly as she is.

Quirk (if any)

Bump is a ‘horse whisperer’ who can break even the toughest horse. He has worked his way through the veterinarian program and is dedicated to his rodeo boss, Mr. Cauy Tucker. He has a thick southern accent and doesn’t always give the first impression that he’s an intelligent, well-educated veterinarian.

Your inspiration for the character

Bump was inspired by all the guys I’ve met who move through the world with a quiet state of grace and goodness. This includes my cousin, David Carter, a fabulous horse whisperer whose faith is unshakable.

Background to the story

Wikipedia Commons

When our family moved to Mississippi, I researched places to take the kids for weekend trips. I came across an old newspaper article from 1915 describing an elaborate funeral for the “Gypsy Queen” Kelly Mitchell. We visited Rose Hill Cemetery in Meridian, Mississippi and saw the graves of Kelly and her husband “King Emil Mitchell” along with other Mitchell descendants. I was fascinated and wanted to know more about the Romani American Travelers who caravanned through the southeastern US during that time period. This single spark of curiosity led to an entire novel in which the travelers are a small thread within the fictional coming-of-age tale about Millie Reynolds. 

Relz Reviewz Extras

Visit Julie's website and blog

Buy Julie's book 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 ~ Beckett Rush & Finley Sinclair

The brilliant Jenny B Jones' latest YA novel, There You'll Find Me is available now from 

Thomas Nelson. 

Synopsis

Finley Sinclair is not your typical eighteen year old. She’s witty, tough, and driven. With an upcoming audition at the Manhattan music conservatory, Finley needs to compose her audition piece. But her creativity disappeared with the death of her older brother.

She decides to travel to Ireland following his travel journal. It’s the place he felt most alive – and she desperately needs to feel alive again. So she agrees to an exchange program and boards the plane. Beckett Rush, teen heartthrob and Hollywood bad boy, is flying to Ireland to finish filming his latest vampire movie. On the flight, he meets Finley. She’s the one girl who seems immune to his charm. Undeterred, Beckett convinces her to be his assistant in exchange for his help as a tour guide.

Once in Ireland, Finley starts to break down – the loss of her brother and the pressure of school, her audition, and whatever it is that is happening between her and Beckett, leads her to new – and dangerous – vices.

Then she comes across something that changes her perspective irrevocably. Is it enough to convince her that everything she’s been looking for has been with her all along?

Enjoy meeting Finley & Beckett ~ thanks Jen!

Credit: Getty Images

Rel: Brief physical description

Jenny: Finley is tall, with long, dark hair. It’s usually in a messy bun or ponytail. She’s beautiful, but in a low-maintenance way. She’s too busy composing music or doing homework to worry too much about her appearance. Yet the girl’s got undeniably good genes.

I picture her resembling Nina Dobrev from Vampire Diaries (which is appropriate given Finley’s own romance with a boy who knows all about fangs.)

Beckett is tall, has piercing gray eyes, and wavy blond hair in need of a haircut. Obviously he has to stay in shape to play the role of a vampire and to stay in the Hollywood game. I guess buff is not a bad quality in the fellow you’re trying not to crush on.

I think Beckett probably resembles Chris Hemsworth in his younger days. Before he went all Thor and all.

Rel: That would be when he was all Home and Away, playing the character of Kim Hyde in the Australian soap!!

Strengths and weaknesses 

Finley’s strength has been her (for lack of better word) strongest trait all her life, but in the loss of her brother, she’s finally met something that she can’t stand against. I think it’s interesting to take a hammer to a character’s core feature. Her strength ultimately becomes her weakness as life starts to suck Finley down like an undertow.

Beckett, a nineteen year old star of a series of vampire flicks, has the strengths that shot him straight to the top of Hollywood’s “It” list. He’s charming, gorgeous, charismatic, and just has that…something.

His weakness is that he’s trapped in a life he never chose, having began as a child star then rocketed to fame. Career decisions have been made for Beckett since he was a little boy, but this boy has grown up and wants something else. He just needs to figure out what that is and how to make it happen.

Quirk (if any)

Finley has a sense of humor. She often uses it as a defense mechanism. She’s enthralled by music, the power and beauty of it. She comes from a very famous, wealthy family, but Finley has been raised to be a very down-to-earth girl. Not being a prima donna herself, she doesn’t put up with any stuff from anyone.

Credit: stock.xchang

Beckett is quirky in that on the surface he is this famous, uber popular teen actor, but once Finley gets to know him, she finds a guy who reads deep nonfiction, takes online college classes on the sly, and breathes in Ireland like oxygen. He’s completely the opposite of what she expected. Finley discovers there might be more to his playboy, wild-child reputation than she reads in the tabloids. 

Your inspiration for the character

Finley made a brief appearance in Save the Date, my women’s romance from last spring. I like books that are a series in a loose sense of the word—not by a continuing story, but by characters being related or popping up here and there. As soon as I wrote Finley, I knew I wanted her to have her own story.

Beckett’s inspiration was Robert Pattinson. I am fascinated with celebrities. So much of their lives are completely orchestrated, from what they wear to who they marry. I wanted to take this Twilight heartthrob and totally flip that character on its ear. To me Beckett was my chance to pose the question: Do we see the real person in the tabs, movies, TV? I don’t think so. I don’t think so at all. I think we’d be shocked at the real lives and identities of some famous folk.

Background to the story

Finley lost her older brother two years ago. Though logic says she should have adjusted to her new normal by now, she just can’t shake her grief. She goes to Ireland, like her brother did at her age, and follows his travel journal, using observations of the beautiful country to create an original piece of music to get her into a renowned conservatory. But the grief follows her to the Emerald Isle, and she encounters new problems. Like the hottest teen actor making his vampire movies right there in Abbeyglen and a cranky old woman who falls into Finley’s life. Finley has a lot of troubles, and that balance is not her strength. She controls her life however she can…no matter the cost. 

Fabulous spotlight, Jen ~ appreciate it! 

Relz Reviewz Extras 

Reviews of Save the Date & Just Between You and Me

Character spotlight on Lucy & Alex

Character spotlight on Maggie & Connor

Visit Jenny's website and blog

Buy Jenny's books at Amazon or Koorong

A Marriage Carol by Chris Fabry & Gary Chapman with giveaway

Synopsis:~

On Christmas Eve twenty years earlier, Marlee and Jacob were married in a snowstorm.   This Christmas Eve, they are ready to quit, divorce is imminent. Their relationship is as icy as the road they’re traveling and as blocked with troubles as the piling snow. They take a shortcut to get to the lawyer’s office, on a slippery, no-fault path. She thinks they need to stay on the main road. He disagrees. They fight. Story of their lives and they slam into a bank of snow , spinning, drifting, falling, out of control. Just like their lives. Reluctantly, freezing cold, hungry, scared, she trudges up the hill. Paul is nowhere to be found. Her ears frozen, fingers and hands red, she comes to a house on the hillside, built like a Bed and Breakfast, a green wreath on the red door and the door-knocker is in the shape of a wedding ring.

The red door opens and the first thing she notices is the fire in the room, blazing hot, a warm, inviting, friendly place and the voice of an old man welcomes her in. There are three golden pots on the hearth, shining, glimmering things. The old man claims that they are used to restore marriages. She laughs—and begins a journey through her past, present, and future that will test how she views her lifelong love. There are two futures available. Which will she choose?

My take:~

Call me Scrooge but I have to admit I am not a huge fan of Christmas novels!  I have a number of friends who can't wait for October to arrive so they can get their hands on books with a Christmas theme but I just don't get the appeal.  However, when Chris Fabry's name appears on a cover it can have the Easter bunny on it and I'd read it, so A Marriage Carol jingled its way into my reading purview.  I'm delighted it did!  Chris and Gary have created a beautiful novella of hope, forgiveness and acceptance as Marlee is thrust into a journey of rediscovery as she takes a birds eye view of her failing marriage, the choices made and the consequences lived.  Leaving readers with plenty to ponder about their own lives, A Marriage Carol is, I'm happy to say, a must read Christmas story!

With thanks to Wynn~Wynn Media for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras
Reviews of Almost Heaven, June Bug & Dogwood
Visit Chris' blog
Visit Gary's websiteRBC Book Club interview with Chris
Buy Chris' books at Amazon or Koorong

Q&A with Jody Hedlund

If you love beautifully written stories, don't go past Jody Hedlund's novels, 
The Preacher's Bride and The Doctor's Lady and if you have any interest in writing her blog is a must read.  

I'm thrilled to have Jody visit today ~ enjoy!

 Jody Hedlund

What appeals to you most about writing fiction?

I love telling stories. I love shaping characters, putting them in impossible danger and seeing how they get themselves out of it! And I love the adventure and the challenge of putting a book together from start to finish.

Why Christian fiction?

I want to glorify God with the gifts he’s given me. And I want him to use my stories to encourage and touch lives.

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

I can’t live without the 5 C’s:

Chocolate.

Coffee.

Chocolate.

My computer.

Chocolate.

Favourite book ~ Favourite movie ~ Favourite TV show


Book: Anne of Green Gables because it played a role in developing my creativity as a writer.

Movie: The most recent version of The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe because it was a fantastic representation of the book!

TV Show: Survivor. I’ve watched almost every season for as long as the show’s been running!

Where is the most interesting place you have been?

I lived in the Middle Ages in Germany for about nine months. I got to visit the inside of a convent, watch the Peasant War from the sidelines, and see medieval torture firsthand. Was quite an exciting adventure!

Credit: Ben Franske

Okay. I’m sure you meant real place (versus the story world I live in during the writing of a book!). The most interesting real place I’ve been is Plymouth Plantation in Massachusetts, which is a recreation of one of the first permanent settlements in the United States. It’s a fascinating place, rich in history, and of course, I’d love to write a book set there at some point!


What did you want to be when you grew up?

A famous author! (I know, boring answer! But it’s the truth!)

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

My dad was a twin. My husband’s mom was a twin. And believe it or not, my husband and I were still taken completely by surprise when we found out at a five month ultra sound that we were having twins! Go figure! My twin daughters are now 12.

I grew up a PK (pastor’s kid). And yes, for a while, I was the stereotypical rebellious pastor’s daughter who didn’t want to be known as the goody-two-shoes. But, thankfully God had his hand on my life, protected me, and gave me a rich spiritual heritage that has blessed my life immensely.

The Doctor’s Lady

Which character did you connect to the most?

I probably relate the most with Eli. I’m incredibly independent like he was, and think I can do a lot in my own strength. I have a hard time asking others for help but have been learning to rely on others (especially my husband) during these past few years of juggling a writing career, homeschooling, and mothering.


Which character was the most difficult to write?

I had the most difficulty with Priscilla. In the first draft of the book, I ended up making her too focused on her own problems (particularly her infertility). She was moody, somewhat helpless, and rather selfish. While realistic, she wasn’t entirely likeable! In subsequent rewrites, I worked on making her less fixated on herself.

What characteristics define a true hero for you?

I think heroes can come in all shapes and sizes. I personally like mine to have enough flaws that the average reader can relate to, but then also have qualities that rise above the problems and difficulties we encounter.

What was your favourite scene to write in The Doctor’s Lady or share your favourite paragraph?

I had a lot of fun writing the wedding night scene. Because Eli and Priscilla have agreed to a marriage in name only, they have no plans to consummate their marriage. However, nobody else knows their secret. And so after the wedding, Priscilla’s mother and sister help her get ready for her first night with her new husband. They turn back the covers on the bed, brush her hair, and give her instructions on what to expect. While they’re doing this, Priscilla gets really nervous. And a little later when Eli finally comes into the room and sees her in her nightgown with her hair down, he gets nervous too.

I enjoyed exploring the growing attraction between them, the awkwardness of being thrust together in the same bedroom (after only knowing each other for about a week), and then watching them figure out how they’re going to handle the physical aspect of their relationship for the duration of their trip West.

What’s next in your writing pipeline?

Public Domain

I’ll have another historical romance releasing next year in 2012. I’m really excited about this story because it’s set in my home state of Michigan. It takes place during the 1880’s at a time in history when the lumber era was at its height. Although the story isn’t inspired by a true person the way my first two books have been, I do include several real people, particularly a real villain by the name of James Carr who was notorious in central Michigan for his violence and for introducing white slavery into the state.

The heroine of the story is a young woman, Lily Young, who is looking for her sister who’s caught up into the degradation of lumber camp life. While Lily searches for her missing sister, she fights against the evil that runs rampant around her, and she fights not to lose her heart to the lumber baron who turns a blind eye to the lawlessness of the lumber business.

Anything other than historical novels floating around in your brain?

My daughters are begging me to try my hand at a YA (Young Adult) novel. I may branch into that down the road at some point. But for now, I’m more than busy with all that I have on my plate!

I'm sure my daughters would love that as well :)  Thanks for sharing today and for your generous giveaway! 

My review of The Doctor's Lady will be posted next week but I can tell you know, I loved it.  If you adore Laura Frantz, Tamera Alexander and Julie Lessman then you will be a fan of Jody :)

For a short time, her debut novel, The Preacher's Bride is available to download for FREE to your Kindle, Nook or PC ~ don't miss it!

Relz Reviewz Extras
Character spotlight on Eli & Priscilla
View the trailer for The Doctor's Lady
Review of The Preacher's Bride
Visit Jody's website and blog
Enter Jody's 'Be a trailblazer' contest
Buy Jody's book at Amazon or Koorong

Character Spotlight ~ Julie Lessman's Emma Malloy & Sean O'Connor with giveaway

Character Spotlight ~ 

Sean & Emma

Julie Lessman returns with the long awaited story of Sean O'Connor and Emma Malloy in A Heart Revealed.  Enjoy getting to know them and be sure to enter the giveaway via the form below!

Remember Julie loves to chat with her readers so feel free to leave a comment about this post and who you might have chosen for Emma and Sean and she will be sure to respond :)


 Over to you, Julie:~

HEROINE — EMMA MALLOY

Thirty-one-year-old Emma Malloy was beautiful once, before her husband scarred her with a pan of hot grease. Red welts on the left side of her face have now faded to pale and mottled scars that only slightly disfigure her lip and steal most of her left brow. But in an era where eyebrows are now shaved and drawn on, her penciled brows are dressed with petroleum jelly for that stylish, shiny look and her heart-shaped face lends itself to a delicate and graceful air. Soft, grey/green eyes that her husband Rory claimed “a man could get lost in” evoke the gentleness of a fawn. A willowy 5’4”, Emma’s “classic” nose is strong and straight with the barest upturn at the tip, and her rich, chestnut hair is styled in the latest Joan Crawford look, parted on the side with curls below her ears and wisps of bangs that feather her forehead.

HERO— SEAN O’CONNOR

At 6’2”, thirty-four-year-old Sean is muscular from a wide array of sports and has twinkling blue eyes and full lips that always hold a hint of a smile. With a spray of freckles on his tanned face, he wears the carefree air of a mischievous Huck Finn and is generally in a good mood, the stalwart big brother who always takes care of everyone else.

Actor/famous person

EMMA: Originally I had pegged actress Emmy Rossum for the role of Emma, but Revell surprised me with a model who ended up being an exact replica of how I saw Emma (see above), so they nailed it, I believe, with their chosen model for the cover.

SEAN (EXCEPT WITH BLONDER HAIR): When I started writing Sean and Emma’s story, I surfed the Web for the image I had of Sean O’Connor, and I found the perfect model shot, albeit shirtless, a grown-up Huck Finn, if you will, with lots of muscles, blond hair, freckles and a little-boy smile. Unfortunately, it’s a stock photo that I cannot use, so I had to scour the Net for another, and although the shot of actor Bradley Cooper below on the left doesn’t really epitomize how I see Sean, it’s as close as I could get to the original model shot that I loved. The shot on the right is a model who also comes close, so maybe a merge of the two?!

Strengths and weaknesses

EMMA: For all of her shy and quiet manner, Emma Malloy is one of the strongest characters I have ever written, emanating a spiritual strength that immediately calms anyone in her presence. As the manager of Dennehy’s Department Store, she is fair and kind to all in her employ, yet strong and resilient enough to dicker with a salesman over surcharges on a foreign shipment, battle a shipping agent over late delivery, and soothe a disgruntled customer, all in one day. She always thinks of others before herself, constantly making brownies for her employees at work, dinner for her neighbors, and slipping her landlady extra rent money during a depression that has sucked everyone dry. Her biggest weakness? Seeing herself through her past rather than through God’s eyes of grace and forgiveness.

SEAN: Sean is the eldest in a family of six siblings who sees himself as caretaker and encourager for the family. A bit of a clown, he has a great sense of humor, a wealth of kindness and is very even-tempered …that is, until his past catches up with him. He’s a hard worker and a natural athlete who loves and coaches kids, but a confirmed bachelor who has resigned himself to not having any himself. His greatest weakness is his unwillingness to face his past, which he buries deep, preferring to present a calm, easy-going front to everyone else.

Quirks

EMMA: Emma applies cocoa butter to her scars every night and loves to dance with her cat to the music of Duke Ellington.

SEAN: Sean is addicted to Snickers and gets nervous and tongue-tied when a female has him in her sights. As a natural athlete, he wins at every sport he plays, but cannot win at chess to save his soul.

Your inspiration for the character

EMMA: This is going to sound crazy, I know, but Charity O’Connor was my inspiration for Emma Malloy. You see, I needed a friend who would love and encourage Charity in A Passion Redeemed, so I crafted a woman who was the total opposite of Charity. :)

SEAN: This one is easy. I modelled Sean O’Connor after my son, Matt, because like Sean, Matt is good in sports, gentle and kind, and always reaches out and lifts others up, just like Sean. In fact, I dedicated A Heart Revealed to my son with the following dedication:

To my amazing son Matt—

whose uncommon kindness, gentle strength and

love of sports provided the perfect framework for the hero of this book.

May Sean O’Connor touch the hearts and lives

of my readers just a glimmer as deeply and powerfully

as our son has touched ours.

MY OWN PERSONAL JACKET BLURB:

The ring on her hand belongs to one man …

but her heart belongs to another.

As a battered woman, Emma Malloy fled Dublin for Boston ten years ago, seeking shelter for a heart badly bruised by both her husband and guilt. But when she falls in love with Sean O’Connor, a man who wrestles with demons of his own, fear and shame almost destroy her … until she is finally set free by a heart revealed.

Such a pleasure to have you back here, Julie!  Thanks for taking the time to share about these two :)

Relz Reviewz Extras
Character spotlight on Cluny & Katie
Reviews of A Hope Undaunted, A Passion Most Pure, A Passion Redeemed & A Passion Denied
Character spotlight on Lizzie & Brady
Interview with Julie
Visit Julie's website
Buy Julie's books at Amazon or Koorong

Surrender the Dawn by MaryLu Tyndall with Australian giveaways

Synopsis:~

Baltimore’s Cassandra Channing will do anything to provide for her family—even if it means hiring the town rogue as a privateer. Luke Heaton is a handsome rake with a tortured past who is blackmailed by the British into selling supplies to their ships just off the coast. Cassandra and Luke’s worlds collide as they are drawn into danger, secrets, romance, and war. But when the British begin to bombard Fort McHenry, how long can they protect their love—and each other?

My take:~

Surrender the Dawn is vintage MaryLu Tyndall as adventure, danger, love and war collide in this engaging and delightful tale. I was whisked away to 1812 and immersed in the political tension of the day as British forces blockaded the Atlantic coast and the Battle of Baltimore began. Luke and Cassandra's verbal battles epitomise their intriguing relationship as their ideals clash with their ever growing attraction. While MaryLu provides plenty of action and historical detail, it wouldn't be a MaryLu story without a reminder of the transforming power of faith. Luke's journey from restless rogue to spiritual seeker is a reminder that second chances are the blessing of a forgiving God. Surrender the Dawn is a fitting finish to the Surrender to Destiny series so be sure to enjoy each one!

With thanks to Barbour for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras
Character spotlight on Cassandra & Luke
Reviews of The Red Siren and The Blue Enchantress 
Character spotlights for The Raven Saint, The Red Siren and The Blue Enchantress 
Visit MaryLu's website and blog 
Buy MaryLu's books at Amazon or Koorong

Character Spotlight ~ Penny Zeller's Hailee Annigan & Nate Adams with giveaway

Hailee & Nate

Penny Zeller's final story in her Montana Skies trilogy, Hailee, is available now.  Enjoy meeting her latest characters.

Over to you, Penny:~

Brief physical description

Hailee Sophia Annigan is beautiful with long wavy dark blond hair with golden highlights framing her face. She has large blue-green eyes the color of the ocean and is 19-years-old. She is 5’5” and slender with fine features.

Hailee is an orphan and the oldest of three children. She was born into a poor working family and raised in Cincinnati in the late 1800s.We get glimpses into her difficult childhood and are taken back into a time when she struggled to find her place in life.

Maxwell Nathaniel Adams, Jr. or “Nate” as he is fondly referred to, has gorgeous deep blue eyes, thick sandy blond hair and is nearly 6’ tall. He has the “boy-next-door” appearance with strong arms, a physically fit build, and a gentle smile.

Nate was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, but his heart yearned for a life different from that into which he was born. He is the son of the wealthy and well-known Worthington-Adams family and was raised by a nanny and attended boarding schools.

Actor/famous person

Hailee looks as she appears on the cover of the book.

Mikey Jerome is a soap star. He is exactly as I pictured Nate, and his picture was taped to my computer the entire time I was writing the book. :) At one point, my husband even asked, “Who is that guy?”

Hailee’s strengths

Hailee is resilient and reacts well in emergency situations, of which she’s had many. Hailee is nurturing and takes great pride in teaching her younger brothers, not from textbooks, but from memories of what she learned in school when her life afforded her the luxury of being a student.

Hailee is strong in her newfound faith. She is also sweet, kind, thoughtful, spirited, feisty, and competitive!

Hailee’s weaknesses

Hailee tends to be a bit of a worrywart. :)

Nate’s strengths

Nate is a prolific speaker, caring of others, a gifted pastor, and is a Godly man of integrity. He is compassionate, dedicated, and tenderhearted.

Nate’s weaknesses

Nate struggles with things that are beyond his control.

Quirk (if any)

Hailee is clumsy when moving at a slower pace, however, when she’s running, she’s extremely surefooted. Her father used to tell her she “could run like the wind!”

Nate likes to tease and has an exceptionally witty personality.

Your inspiration for the characters

Hailee was inspired by a piece of mail I received regarding orphanages. I knew I wanted to write a story about a girl placed in an orphanage and how she came to find herself in that predicament.

I introduced Nate in the second novel in my series, Kaydie, and was excited to expound on his character and follow his struggles in answering God’s calling on his life.

Background to the story

Hailee is the final book in my Montana Skies Historical Romance trilogy. Nate is McKenzie and Kaydie’s nephew (their sister, Peyton’s son). Following is the blurb:

For years, orphan Hailee Annigan was just a ragamuffin in the Cincinnati streets, stealing food to keep her two younger brothers fed. Her thievery landed her in a home for delinquent youngsters, where her life was changed, thanks to her teachers. Now, nineteen-year-old Hailee excitedly heads to Montana to be a teacher, yet she's still plagued by her shameful past and the fear of never seeing her brothers again.

Based on his upbringing in high-society Boston, no one would have guessed that Maxwell Nathaniel Adams Jr. would attend seminary and become a church pastor in rugged Montana. Even now, Nate's parents refuse to put aside their own plans for his future and accept his calling.

When their paths converge, an immediate attraction draws Hailee and Nate together, even as the pressures and demands of others pull them apart. Can the unlikely pair come to terms with their pasts and face the future together?

Thanks Penny ~ it is a pleasure having you share :)

Relz Reviewz Extras
Visit Penny's website and blog
Buy Penny's books at Amazon or Koorong