Book Trailer for T L Higley's City of the Dead

Tracy Higley's Shadow of Colossus launched our book club discussion for 2009! We had a great time on Friday night talking about Tessa and Nikos, the fears that drive us to act in certain ways, ancient history and feeling trapped by our circumstances. It was a fabulous selection :)

I have had the privilege of reading Tracy's second Seven Wonders novel, City of the Dead and am happy to say it is as equally fabulous, if not even more so!

Hang in there until March, 2009 when it releases from B&H Publishing but do check out the trailer below:~

Prayers please....

Thank you to all those who have emailed or twittered asking about our safety in the presence of the worst natural disaster to hit Australia, the bushfires in my home state of Victoria.

The map below from the Department of Sustainability and Environment shows the extent of the fires ~ we live in a suburb of Melbourne.




We are okay and quite safe at this point, the closest fire burning today in Healesville, an hour to the north east of us. However, that does not make us immune to the immense suffering being experienced by those in the direct path of the fires. 173 people have lost their lives and that number is expected to rise, thousands have been left with nothing more than the clothes on their backs. This is what they will return to.

(Picture: Fiona Hamilton/ courtesy Channel 7 helicopter)

Many people have not heard from friends or relatives since all communication was cut on Friday and Saturday. Please pray for those who wait for news that for some will be devastating.

Your love and care is so appreciated.

Character Spotlight ~ Irene Hannon's Evan Cooper & Monica Callahan

Today the spotlight shines on.............................Evan Cooper and Monica Callahan Irene Hannon is a multi published, multi award winning author whose latest book, Against All Odds, has just released from Revell and is already garnering rave reviews. Given Irene is writing in my favourite genre, I can't wait to read and review it so check back for that soon.

Irene and I would love to hear your thoughts on this spotlight, especially from those early birds who have managed to already read the book! Now, over to Irene and her characters:~

Evan (Coop) Cooper

Brief Description

Coop is the quintessential tall, dark and handsome hero. He’s 38, 6’2”, and still looks every bit the Division I quarterback he was in college. He has dark brown hair and deep brown eyes, and there is a hint of danger and leashed power about him. As a member of the FBI’s elite Hostage Rescue Team, he’s in excellent physical condition. A very private, intense, emotionally enclosed person, he tends to be a loner when not working.

Actor/famous person who resembles him

I don’t usually base my characters’ physical appearances on any prominent personalities. I just envision them in my mind. I think the Revell team did a great job capturing the essence of both Coop’s and Monica’s appearances in the cover image. However, thanks to this spotlight, I did try to think of some famous people who might bear a resemblance to my two lead characters in Against All Odds. For Coop, Pierce Brosnan in his James Bond days (Tomorrow Never Dies) comes really close.

Strengths

Coop is steady under pressure and the kind of guy you’d want on your side in a dicey situation. He’s strong, competent and insightful.

Weaknesses

He’s afraid to let anyone get too close and guards his heart well.

Quirks

No real quirks

Inspiration for the Character

I first met Coop while writing Book 2 in the Heroes of Quantico series. (See below under “Background to the Story.”) When I started that book (An Eye for an Eye, which will be released in September), I didn’t know it would evolve into a series—and the story in Against All Odds had already taken place. But the more I wrote, the more I knew I had to go back and delve into Coop’s history. I wanted to know about his past, find out what made him the strong, silent type. And I wanted to meet the woman who’d managed to breach the walls around his heart.

Monica Callahan

Brief Description

Monica is 34, 5’7”, with shoulder-length russet-colored hair and green eyes. She teaches at a university and is the author of a popular nonfiction book about communication. When Against All Odds begins, she’s been estranged from her diplomat father for many years. As a result, Coop and his partner don’t get a very warm reception when they show up at her house and tell her that a sensitive hostage situation in the Middle East—in which her father is involved—has put her life in danger. Nor does she believe the threat is legitimate…until a chilling warning convinces her the danger is very real—and escalating.

Actor/famous person who resembles her

Again, I don’t base my characters’ physical appearances on prominent personalities. However, Linda Purl or Jaclyn Smith (in their red-hair, wispy-bangs days) would look similar to Monica.

Strengths

Monica is smart, intuitive and very much in touch with her feelings.

Weaknesses

She has a hard time with forgiveness.

Quirks

She loves M&Ms and always has some nearby. When stressed, cooking helps her relax.

Inspiration for the Character

Since Coop is the strong, silent type, I needed a determined heroine who would challenge his reserve and force him to reexamine some long-held beliefs and recognize the loneliness of his life. Who better than a beautiful communication expert who has just written a book about the importance of talking and sharing and opening our hearts to others? Also, I wanted a woman of strong faith who could challenge Coop to take a closer look at Christianity—and set his own faith journey in motion.

Background to the Story

As noted above, Against All Odds was actually written after Book 2 in the series. I was intrigued by Coop’s character and had to tell his story. But this book, with its two-continent setting and terrorism element, was extremely challenging to write. I’d done lots of law-enforcement research for Book 1 (An Eye for an Eye), but this book required more extensive knowledge. For example, since a portion of the story takes place in Afghanistan, I needed to learn a lot about all aspects of that country—geographic, political and social. I also needed to learn about chemistry and GPS and a host of other things I can’t mention without giving away pieces of the story. It took 75 single-spaced pages to hold all my research notes and reference sources. But I’m thrilled with the result.

Against All Odds is a fast-paced thriller that features the FBI’s elite Hostage Rescue Team, the estranged daughter of a U.S. diplomat, a volatile hostage situation in the Middle East, and a terrorist who will stop at nothing to achieve his goal. It’s a great kick-off to my Heroes of Quantico series!

Thank you so much, Irene! I can't wait for Against All Odds to arrive in my mail box ;-)

Irene has agreed to an interview with me so I am looking forward to sharing that with you all too.


On Thursday, I will be spotlighting Lisa Tawn Bergren's wonderful characters from her epic medieval thrillers, known as the Gifted Series. I loved each book - you won't want to miss her insights.

Relz Reviewz Extras

Visit Irene's website

Buy Irene's books at Amazon or Koorong

Cover change for Alice J Wisler's How Sweet It Is

Here is part of the fascinating process of publishing! Bethany have recently changed their cover and synopsis for Alice J Wisler's May release, How Sweet It Is.

Here's the original:~

Deena Livingston leaves behind a broken romance and her chef job in Atlanta to spend time at her grandfather's cabin in the mountains of North Carolina. But her grandfather has an odd request: he wants Deena to teach cooking classes to the ragtag group of middle-schoolers who attend the local afterschool program, The Center. Reluctantly, Deena agrees, but how is she supposed to convince these kids that cooking at home is better than eating at McDonalds?

And after all she went through in Atlanta, why is she attracted to Zack, the social worker at The Center? Can a Dr. Seuss-quoting plumber, a curly-haired basketball player, and a group of middle-schoolers change Deena's outlook on life?





And here is the most recent from Bethany's website:~

When Deena Livingston moves into her grandfather's cabin in the mountains of North Carolina, she plans to keep to herself, start a cake-decorating business, and recover from the heartbreak she left behind in Atlanta. But a special request from Grandpa Ernest compels her to interact with the Bryson City locals, who have some surprising stories to share with the new girl in town.

Can a Dr. Seuss-quoting plumber who shows up at the most unexpected times, a handsome social worker who seems to know exactly what Deena is thinking, and a classroom full of mischievous middle-school students teach Deena to once again embrace the sweet things in life?

Tell Rel

I'd love to hear your thoughts on which cover appeals to you more as well as your comments on the synopsis changes - do you think it has been changed for the better?

Why or why not?

Relz Reviewz Extras

Visit Alice's website and blog

Buy Alice's books at Amazon or Koorong

Hannah Grace by Sharlene MacLaren

Hannah Grace Kane likes the way her life is turning out until Gabriel Devlin comes to town as the new Sheriff of Sandy Shores, Michigan.

Satisfied with the way her courtship with Dr Ralston Van Huff is progressing, Hannah thinks she knows how her life will pan out. Little does she anticipate how the handsome sheriff, his sincere faith and the little orphan boy he has taken under his wing, will undermine her best laid plans and create havoc in her heart and home.

Lovers of historical romance need look no further than Hannah Grace for an afternoon of sweet romance complete with a dashing hero, determined heroine and the engaging story of a little boy desperate for love. Sharlene MacLaren knows how to engage her readers with a lively faith filled story, well drawn, multi layered characters and sparkling dialogue. The first in her Daughters of Kane series, Hannah Grace is an excellent follow up to her popular Little Hickman Creek series and will keep her readers wanting more.

Relz Reviewz Extras

Reviews of Long Journey Home, Loving Liza Jane, Sarah, My Beloved and Courting Emma

Interview with Sharlene

Visit Sharlene's website and blog

Buy Sharlene's books from Amazon and Koorong

Coming soon from Amberly & Brandilyn Collins

Fabulous "Seatbelt Suspense" author, Brandilyn Collins has teamed up with her teenage daughter, Amberly to write the Rayne Tour series, starting with Always Watching.


This daughter of a rock star has it all—until murder crashes her world.


The exciting and suspenseful Rayne Tour series features sixteen-year-old Shaley O’Connor, on tour with her mother’s popular band. Shaley lives in a whirlwind of backstage secrets, hotels, and limos. With beauty and fame of her own, Shaley wants for nothing … except the one thing she can’t have.


During a concert, sixteen-year-old Shaley O’Connor stumbles upon the body of a friend backstage. Is Tom Hutchens’ death connected to her? Frightening messages arrive. Paparazzi stalk Shaley. Her private nightmare is displayed for all to see. Where is God at a time like this?

As the clock runs out, Shaley must find Tom’s killer—before he strikes again.

Releasing, April, 2009 from Zondervan

Relz Reviewz Extras

Check out the book trailer, here

Visit Brandilyn's website

Character Spotlight ~ Brandt Dodson's Daniel Borden & his dog, Elvis!

Today the spotlight shines on...........................................Daniel Borden and Elvis


Brandt Dodson is a podiatrist by day and author by night - now there's a fascinating combination! Gaining success as a writer with his Colton Parker Mysteries, Brandt has turned his hand to a stand alone suspense novel, Daniel's Den.

It is my great pleasure to have Brandt share a behind the scenes look at Daniel and in a Relz Reviewz first, a character spotlight on Daniel's dog, Elvis!

Thanks Brandt:~

Brief Description

Daniel is thirty-five years old, stands six feet tall and weighs in at slightly over 180, give or take five pounds.

He has sandy brown hair with hazel eyes and features that are sharp enough to cut glass. Although his occupation as an investment analyst requires him to “dress for success” in suits that are sharply cut and shirts that are crisply pressed, he prefers the casual in his downtime, opting for jeans and a t-shirt.

This photo of actor George Stultz comes close to capturing Daniel Borden’s essence. On the surface he appears congenial and easy going. A laid back sort of chap. But that can be deceiving. Underneath the gentle exterior is a man determined to succeed. It is this determination – along with his definition of success – that drives Daniel to the crossroads of his life.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Daniel’s greatest strength is also his greatest weakness. His self-confidence is without restraint. Having been raised in poverty by parents that were largely disengaged, Daniel has learned to rely on himself for the things he wants in life. Near the top of this list is a job he loves, a home that is above average, money in the bank, and the ability to enjoy the finer things in life. He’s worked exceedingly hard to achieve his goals and has met his definition of success. But when all of this comes under attack by forces he can’t see and for reasons unknown, he learns that there are some things in life he can’t do alone.

Enter Laura Traynor. She’s everything that Daniel isn’t. But she’s everything Daniel wants. And needs.

Quirks

Daniel’s childhood has instilled in him a need for control. The strength and flaw of his self-reliance is supported by a strong sense of regimentation.

Each morning, before leaving for work, he does 100 pushups and 100 sit ups followed by a three mile run. Every day. He follows this up with three nights of racquetball.

Daniel is seeking security, whether it comes from his money or his health, and will go to all lengths to find it.

Poor Daniel. Things are about to change.

Your inspiration for the character

Daniel is an amalgam of two people I know. One of these is a very self-reliant individual who believes he can do anything. The problem, though, is that he fails at nearly everything he tries. His opinion of himself far exceeds anything that is grounded in reality, but this doesn’t stop him from boasting and bragging. He plays office politics, often using his title as a means of trumpeting his “success”.

The other, however, is a person who has accomplished a great deal without really trying. This person lives life by doing the best job she can - whatever the job may be - and in the process, is leaving a legacy that will follow her long after she’s gone. She’s never boastful, never prideful, and has the respect of nearly everyone with whom she works. Unlike the office politicians who play politics because they could never achieve anything based on merit, this woman steers clear of backroom shenanigans and simply does her job.

The inspiration for Daniel’s Den came from Isaiah 26:12. “…all that we have accomplished you have done for us.” (NIV)

Background to the story

I watched the news of Katrina and the disaster it wrought on New Orleans with the same concern as anyone else. For days, the citizens of that city fought the ravages of a natural disaster for which the government was woefully unprepared. Like Daniel when he was tossed into the lion’s den, there were no powers or authorities that could save them from certain death and destruction. Except for God.

Daniel’s Den centers on two very different people who are living hundreds of miles apart.

Daniel is a successful investment analyst who lives in a fine home, drives a nice car, and has the amenities that come from years of hard work. In short, he seems to have everything.

Laura is a struggling single mother, working two jobs to support herself and her son and fulfill the dream she once shared with her late husband. There isn’t enough money and her dreams lie in the ash bin of defeat. In short, she seems to have nothing.

But when political corruption meets unchecked greed, Daniel and Laura find themselves thrown together, sharing more than they could ever imagine as they learn the true definition of security.

And now to Elvis!

Brief description

Elvis is a two year old black Labrador who was adopted from an animal shelter by Daniel Borden, the protagonist of Daniel’s Den.

Elvis lost his mother early in life when she got into the garbage one afternoon and ate some chocolate. Shortly afterward, his father broke his leash and wondered into traffic where he was struck by an oncoming auto. This tragedy would set the tone of Elvis’ early life.

Following the death of his mother and father, Elvis and his siblings (two sisters, one brother) were farmed out to various pet stores and other venues, and none of them has since been able to reconnect with the others.

Unfortunately, Elvis was adopted into a family that felt a pet was a necessary part of a complete household, but which also felt no sense of responsibility. This lack of attention on their part – feedings were infrequent and he was often chained to a tree for days on end – was underwritten by a lack of affection. It wasn’t long before Elvis began to find himself on the receiving end of some aggressive behavior and was often the “whipping boy” for any problems the family encountered. He had all but given up hope when Hurricane Katrina struck the gulf coast.

The huge storm devastated the family’s home, but also freed Elvis from the hell that had become his life. After wondering the streets for several weeks and eating whatever he could find, he was picked up by a Red Cross worker who took him to a local animal shelter. It was there that he had the first decent meal he had enjoyed in a long time. Shortly afterward, Daniel Borden came looking for a pet and adopted Elvis.

There were problems at first. Elvis was shy around those he did not know, but he reasoned that it was better to be cautious than sorry. But as Elvis learned that his new owner meant him no harm (Daniel allowed Elvis to sleep on the foot of the bed, gave him his own ball, and even slipped him food from the big table on occasion) Elvis began to relax and, for the first time in his short life, learned that kindness does exist in the world and that there are those who care.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Elvis has the capacity to recognize his own strengths and weaknesses. He knows, for example, that he has the strength to forgive and he is pleased with that. Elvis recognizes that without the ability to forgive he would be destined to live a life of bitterness that would further poison the well. He knows he has a “right” to be bitter – life has not treated him kindly – but also understands that there are many other dogs, and pets of every species for that matter, that have not had the opportunity for recovery and have no one to love them like his Daniel loves him.

Elvis’ greatest weakness may lie in his sense of eternal devotion. Even after the starvation, the whippings, and the long bouts of neglect, he could not help but wag his tail whenever his previous owners came within view - even if they had a stick or belt in their hand; even if they wore the heavy boots he came to dread.

Quirks

Elvis is a pleaser. His chief goal in life is to please Daniel. So when the morning run time rolls around, Elvis is usually chomping at the bit. As he and Daniel begin their trek around the neighborhood, Elvis will often strain at his leash in a good natured effort to challenge Daniel. The lab knows that his owner likes this, which only further fuels Elvis’ effort to please. He sees this as a quirk, but one that is true to his nature and should be embraced.

Your inspiration for the character

Early in our married life my wife and I adopted a Siberian Huskie that had many
of the same traits as Elvis. At the time, I was working for the FBI when one of the secretaries found the puppy sitting in the middle of our parking lot, abandoned. She called the animal shelter which had a policy of euthanizing any animal that was not adopted within a few days. I didn’t think a young pup should have its chance at life taken from it, so my wife and I drove to the shelter to adopt the dog. When the clerk told us that “the FBI found this dog” we feigned surprise (“Well, they really do get their man, don’t they?”), paid for the dog’s shots and took her home.We named her Hoover (no kidding) and she lived a long and full life.

Just fabulous, Brandt - loved Elvis' story, especially ;-) Thank you!

Post a comment and let Brandt and I know what you thought of our first animal character spotlight!

On Monday, I will be spotlighting characters from a book I can't wait to read ~ Irene Hannon's Evan (Coop) Cooper and Monica Callahan from Against All Odds.

Dee Henderson has this to say about Irene's book, "I found someone who writes romantic suspense better than I do."

Relz Reviewz Extras

Review of Daniel's Den

Visit Brandt's website

Buy Brandt's books at Amazon or Koorong

Sweetwater Gap by Denise Hunter and Aussie Giveaway

Josie Mitchell has been running from her past for years but for the sake of her sister she just might let it catch her.

Summoned by a desperate call from her brother in law, Nate, Josie reluctantly returns to Sweetwater Gap to assist with the harvest and ensure her pregnant sister Laurel takes it easy leading up to the birth of her twins. Hiding the real reason for her return, the hope that she can talk her sister into selling the orchard, Josie eases back into the life she loved but can no longer enjoy.

As Josie keeps her own dark secret from her family, she finds herself at odds with the new orchard manager, the brooding Grady Mackenzie, a man who dislikes Josie from the start with his own axe to grind.

As they battle frost and financial difficulties together, Josie and Grady begin to uncover each other’s secrets which have the power to draw them together or wrench them apart.

Sweetwater Gap is another triumph for Denise Hunter. A poignant story, complete with beautiful prose, rich characters and a unique allegory of God’s sacrifice and forgiveness, which I recommend without hesitation. Having raised the bar with her romantic allegory, The Convenient Groom, I had high expectations for Sweetwater Gap and Denise delivers. Delving deeply into the issues of forgiveness, prejudice and sacrifice, this emotive story engages the mind and touches the heart. Denise has perfected the art of allegory and the message of Jesus' sacrifice and God's forgiving heart unfold clearly. I can't wait for more books like Sweetwater Gap from this fabulous writer.

As seen at TitleTrakk.com

Aussie Giveaway

I am thrilled to have a copy of Sweetwater Gap to giveaway to one of my Australian readers. To enter:~

Post a comment before midnight Sunday 15th February, telling me your favourite fruit, given that Sweetwater Gap is set in an orchard!

You must have an Aussie mailing address and leave contact details to be eligible to win :)

Relz Reviewz Extras

Review of The Convenient Groom

Interview with Denise

Visit Denise's website and blog

Buy Denise's books at Amazon or Koorong

CFBA Blog Tour of Desires of Her Heart by Lyn Cote

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Desires Of Her Heart
Avon Inspire (February 10, 2009)
by
Lyn Cote


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lyn Cote married her real-life hero and was blessed with a son and daughter. She loves game shows, knitting, cooking, and eating! She and her husband live on a beautiful lake in the northwoods of Wisconsin. Now that the children have moved out, she indulges three cats: V-8 (for the engine, not the juice), Sadie, and Tricksey. In the summer, she writes using her laptop on her porch overlooking the lake. And in the winter, she sits by the fireplace her husband installed with the help of a good neighbor during their first winter at the lake.

Lyn's inspirational novels feature American women who step up to the challenges of their times and succeed in remaining true to the values of liberty and justice for all. The story of America is one of many nationalities and races coming together to forge our one nation under God, and Lyn's novels reflect this with accurate historical detail, always providing the ring of authenticity. Strong Women, Brave Stories.




ABOUT THE BOOK

A New Orleans lady and a half-breed frontiersman become unlikely allies as they travel the wilds of texas.

In 1821, when circumstances make it impossible for her to remain in New Orleans, Dorritt and her family head west to join Stephen Austin's settlement and recoup their fortune in Texas.

Quinn is a man of the frontier who has made a name for himself as a peerless scout. But as he and Dorritt's party begin a grueling trek across untamed Texas, the success of their journey is in grave doubt. Mexico has broken with the Spanish Crown, and armies from both countries—plus marauding Comanches—roam the pine forests and prairies. And one of the party is plotting destruction.

Now, with their lives joined in a virgin land fraught with peril, can Dorritt and Quinn put all their trust in God and receive the desires of their hearts?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Desires Of Her Heart, go HERE

Rel:~ No book as yet, so no review! I can say I have enjoyed Lyn's books in the past :)

Character Spotlight ~ Tosca Lee's Havah and Adam

Today the spotlight shines on............................................................Havah and Adam


Tosca Lee's Havah is a transformational book and I can't recommend it highly enough. Tosca's writing it evocative, challenging and masterful and Havah is a testament to her gift with the written word. Tosca has put a lot into this spotlight ~ please enjoy it and we would love your comments!


Brief physical description

Havah is a tall, colt-legged, dark-skinned girl-woman. Her hair is woolly and black, her cheeks high. She is a natural runner with lean legs, flat feet, and narrow hips. She is physically very strong... Her skin, once flawless, is ashen and dry and worn from her life outside the garden. Her heels are cracked and lined with calluses like shoes. Her knees are scraped and dry, her cuticles are crusted with earth… Her hair is showing grey, her breasts are limp, her hips are uneven and spread apart. But she still loves to run.

Adam is a boy of a man, darker-skinned than Havah, with obsidian shadow along his jaw. His mouth is round and full—“like a leave that drips water to thirsty lips,” Havah says. His face is smooth and his eyes are blue. His hair is black and curling. His legs are thewed and strong—his arms have become leaner as he has grown to manhood… The planes of his chest are broad and lean, the cut of his jaw sharpened beneath his beard, his shoulders corded from the hoe. His arms are black from the sun, his forehead is furrowed and small lines turn from the corners of his once-full mouth… He cries in his sleep sometimes in old age.

Actor/famous person who might resemble her/him

For Havah, the closest thing I could find to her was a leggy dark-skinned model from an ad for some tropical island, but I admit to shamelessly casting a younger Shemar Moore as Adam.

Rel:~ We couldn't find the tropical island ad but we thought actress and model, Aishwarya Rai, a good pick for Havah in her younger days.

Strengths and weaknesses

Havah:

Runs as fast as a lion. Questions everything. Seeks God. Wants to know—everything. Places undue pressure on her eldest son.

Adam:

Steadfast and loyal. Innovative. Hides pain. Has trouble adjusting to his eldest son’s presence in his life with Havah.

Quirk (if any)

Havah:

Loves licorice root. Has prophetic dreams.

Adam:

Once spent an indeterminate amount of time with God before Havah’s creation. Likes to carve—most notably a pendant for Havah. Snores.

Your inspiration for the character

Havah came as an old woman’s voice to me—a woman late in life, reflecting back on her story, very similar to the beginning of Out of Africa, my favorite movie.

Background to the story

Genesis 1-4. Havah’s musings throughout the book come in snippets of idyllic prose mostly inspired by Song of Songs.

Tosca's Havah Trivia

The location of the garden is loosely based on the Zagros Mountain Range area in loose accordance with David Rohl’s hypothesis in Legend, including mention of the waters of the abyss, which come from within the mountain’s volcanic crater.

All character names, other than Adam’s and Abarja’s (which is Parsi), a re taken from Hebrew names and have specific meaning for each character, including animal names. All central character names are non-transliterated Hebrew names. This was done with the intention of escaping the “Adam and Eve” stereotype.

Speculation about the primitive beginnings of pottery include the ritual or accidental firing of clay men—and human observation of the clay’s changed properties afterward.

Some theologians believe that the two cherubs guarding the gateway to the garden is an early representation of the throne seat later found on the ark of the covenant.

Jewish myth has it that Adam’s first wife was a woman named Lilith. She is replaced by Eve when she will not submit to Adam, and becomes a demon. The origin of the word “lullaby” is a derivative of “Lilith be gone.”

The “forbidden fruit” was not likely to be an apple. Nor was it probable th at Adam and Eve were white, as often depicted in paintings. Nor did the serpent likely resemble a modern-day snake.

It is possible for a dark-skinned Adam to have had blue eyes.

The author wrote up to 10,000 words a day four days in a row to complete this novel—approximately 40 pages a day, or 160 pages in four days.

The plant that Kanit ingests that nearly kills her is based on belladonna.

“Ish” and “Isha,” Adam and Havah’s pet names for one another mean, loosely and merely, “man” and “woman.”

Adam is referred to as “the adam” until Eve is properly named—at which point he becomes Adam—because he never has a true proper name. Ha-adam, which means “human” or “earthling” or possibly “man from red earth” never means more than that.

The dance that the adam does when Havah comes to life, stomping the ground and clapping his hands, is loosely based on the natural response of spontaneous dance, and loosely based on Somalian dance.

In addition to scripture, apophyphal and pseudepigraphic texts, the Midrash and theological commentary, the author researched flora and fauna of the Zagros mountain region and Iraq, history of the Levant and Mesopotamia, horticulture, plant propagation, ancient pottery, early farming and crops, the looting of the Baghdad museum, child bearing and rearing, hemp, flax, ancient textiles and weaving, early metal-making, properties of obsidian, flint and quartz, wolves, hide tanning, basket-weaving (no kidding), mud brick-making, ancient instruments and tools, fire-making, bird calls, herbivorous versus carnivorous birds (for various scenes prior to and after the fall), strange earth phenomena and the universe’s early expansion.

The author donated more than eighty books and DVDs on a variety of these topics to her local library upon completion of the manuscript.

Havah: The Story of Eve

Tosca Lee

Myth and legend shroud her in mystery. Now hear her story.

From paradise to exile, from immortality to the death of Adam. Visit the dawn of mankind through the eyes of Eve—the woman first known as…

Havah

"A passionate and riveting story of the Bible’s first woman and her remarkable journey after being cast from paradise. Lee’s superior storytelling will have readers weeping for all that Havah forfeited by a single damning choice."
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Once every few years, I come across a book of such scope, such beauty, that it defies description. Havah bridges mankind’s beginnings with the restless state of our present age. . . . Havah is a novel with boundless imagination.”
— Eric Wilson, author of Field of Blood and Fireproof

Prologue

I have seen paradise and ruin. I have known bliss and terror.

I have walked with God.

And I know that God made the heart the most fragile and resilient of organs, that a lifetime of joy and pain might be encased in one mortal chamber. I still recall my first moment of consciousness—an awareness I’ve never seen in the eyes of any of my own children at birth: the sheer ignorance and genius of consciousness, when we know nothing and accept everything.

Of course, the memory of that waking moment is fainter now, like the smell of the soil of that garden, like the leaves of the fig tree in Eden after dawn—dew and leaf green. It fades with that sense of something once tasted on the tip of the tongue, savored now in memory, replaced by the taste of something similar but never quite the same.

His breath a lost sough, the scent of earth and leaf mold that was his sweaty skin has faded too quickly. So like an Eden dawn—dew on fig leaves.

His eyes were blue, my Adam’s.

How I celebrated that color, shrouded now in shriveled eyelids—he who was never intended to have even a wrinkle! But even as I bend to smooth his cheek, my hair has become a white waterfall upon his Eden—flesh and loins that gave life to so many.

I think for a moment that I hear the One and that he is weeping. It is the first time I have heard him in so long, and my heart cries out: He is dead! My father, my brother, my love!

I envy the earth that envelopes him. I envy the dust that comes of him and my children who sow and eat of it.

This language of Adam’s—the word that meant merely “man” before it was his name—given him by God himself, is now mine. And this is my love song. I will craft these words into the likeness of the man before I, too, return to the earth of Adam’s bosom.

My story has been told in only the barest of terms. It is time you heard it all. It is my testament to the strength of the heart, which has such capacity for joy, such space for sorrow, like a vessel that fills and fills without bursting.

My seasons are nearly as many as a thousand. So now listen, sons, and hear me, daughters. I, Havah, fashioned by God of Adam say this:

In the beginning, there was God . . .

But for me, there was Adam.

Tosca Lee is the author of the critically acclaimed Demon: A Memoir (2007), a ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Silver Award winner, American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year nominee, and Christy award finalist. Visit Tosca at her site: www.toscalee.com.


Thanks, Tosca ~ loved the extra details about your story and appreciate the effort that went into researching and writing Havah! Can't wait to discover your next writing project!



On Thursday, I will be spotlighting Brandt Dodson's Daniel Borden and a bonus spotlight on Elvis, Daniel's dog and my first animal spotlight!

Don't miss it :)

Relz Reviewz Extras

Review of Havah

Visit Tosca's website and blog

Buy Tosca's books at Amazon or Koorong