Getting to know Ann Shorey

Ann Shorey's At Home in Beldon series is inspired by the lives of her ancestors! How her first novel The Edge of Light came to be is well worth reading on her website.

I am delighted Ann found the time to share here at Relz Reviewz. I hope you enjoy learning a bit more about Ann and her novels.

Thanks Ann:~

If you could have chosen your own name, what would it be?

Helena

Your first pet’s name?

Tippy

Your best friend’s name in primary (elementary) school?

Elizabeth

Did you have a special toy that went everywhere with you when you were young? Please describe.

Not that I can remember.

If you could meet a famous person, who would it be?

Michelle Obama

If you were stranded on a desert island what one object would you want with you? (Besides your Bible of course)

A laptop.

What's your favourite ice cream flavour?

Ben & Jerry’s “Phish Food”. Not sure they still make it, but it’s chocolate with marshmallow and caramel swirls, plus fish-shaped chocolate pieces. Yum.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A writer.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Back to Australia with enough time and money to travel all over.

Besides God, who has influenced you the most?

My mother
.
What's your favourite book?

I can’t name just one. I like all of Barbara Kingsolver’s books—she’s probably the one author I’d buy regardless of the subject. But I have many other authors I enjoy reading. Maeve Binchy is one, so is Jon Krakauer.

What part of your daily routine do you enjoy most?

My morning three-mile walk with my dog, rain or shine.

What's your favourite movie?

Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Where's the most interesting place you have been?

Fitzroy Island in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.

What's your most fervent prayer?

That God would guide my writing each day so that all I say will honor Him.

What's the bravest thing you've ever done?

My husband and I camped out in the open in Alaska, not stopping to think about bears or other dangers. Don’t know if it was brave or dumb.

What gift have you received that you will always treasure?

My salvation.

What is your favourite Bible verse (or "one" of your favourites) and what does it mean to you?

Isaiah 41:13 NIV “For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear, I will help you.”

More than once I’ve literally held out my right hand for the Lord to hold when I’ve been frightened.

What was your most embarrassing moment in High School?

Gossiping about someone, then turning around to see her standing there. Blush. A lesson learned.

How did your husband propose to you?

Not very romantically. He said something like, “I think we should get married.”

What was the best advice you received on marriage before you were married?

Don’t expect to start out where your parents are. Start out where they were when they were young and beginning life together.

The Edge of Light

What attracts you about historical romance?

I'm fascinated by the way people lived in the 1800's. I love to dig out details of their everyday lives.

Molly experiences tragedy and trauma over and over, as pioneers of that era did. How do you think they managed to survive and eventually thrive in such harsh environments?

I think they survived and even thrived because they just did what had to be done and didn't spend so much time whining about how "life isn't fair." Today, we are led by media expectations of what we should have and how our lives should look. People in the 1830's had none of those expectations dangled before them.

What inspired you to include Betsy and Reuben's story?

The Edge of Light was inspired by the life of one of my great-great aunts. She and her husband and children really did come from Kentucky to Missouri in the 1830's, and her husband founded a brickyard at the edge of what was then the frontier. According to family memoirs, "Molly and Samuel" traveled to Missouri with another brother and his family and the family's four slaves. Once the real "Samuel" died and "Molly" and her children went to her brother's in Illinois, there is no more mention in family documents of what happened to the slaves. So I fictionalized what might have been.

Molly is gifted with weaving and quilt making. Are you so inclined?

No. I had to learn how to operate a loom to write the story. It was a fascinating experience. The expert who taught me had a huge loom in her home-- it took up about a quarter of the room in which she used it. She also gave me a handful of tow fiber from flax, so I could see what it looked and felt like.I made a patchwork quilt once, from scraps of dresses I'd made for my little daughter, but haven't the time or patience (or gift!) to craft the beautiful quilts I see so many women produce.

Rel: This lovely picture is of my friend Tracy's quilt. Check out her blog Beyond My Picket Fence to see more!

The Promise of Morning is your second At Home in Beldon Grove novel. A sneak peek, please?

The Promise of Morning takes place in Beldon Grove in 1846, and features Ellie and Matthew Craig, Molly's brother and sister-in-law. The publisher's tagline for the book is, "When loss drives them apart, can their faith bring them back together?" Of course, since the story takes place in Beldon Grove, readers will still be able to follow Molly's story as a secondary plotline. I'm very excited about The Promise of Morning. The characters of Ellie and Matthew are inspired by my real-life great-great grandparents on my mother's side. Some of the events in the book really happened, but like The Edge of Light, most are fictitious.

What is in your writing pipeline?

Currently I’m in the editing process for The Promise of Morning. At the same time I’m writing the first draft of Book 3, working title To Number the Stars.

The Promise of Morning is scheduled to be released in January, 2010.

Thank you Ann for sharing insight into your life :) It has been lovely having you here.

Relz Reviewz Extras

Review of The Edge of Light coming soon

Character spotlight on Molly

Visit Ann's website and blog

Buy Ann's book at Amazon or Koorong

The winner of If Tomorrow Never Comes is....

Leola ~ congratulations!


Many more fantastic giveaways to come so stay tuned :)

September, 2009 releases from Waterbrook Multnomah

Waterbrook Multnomah has the following books releasing this September.

Click on the title and author links for more :)


The Hope of Refuge by Cindy Woodsmall

Raised in foster care and now the widowed mother of a little girl, Cara Moore struggles against poverty, fear, and a relentless stalker. When a trail of memories leads Cara and Lori out of New York City toward an Amish community, she follows every lead, eager for answers and a fresh start. She discovers that long-held secrets about her family history ripple beneath the surface of Dry Lake, Pennsylvania, and it’s no place for an outsider. But one Amish man, Ephraim Mast, dares to fulfill the command he believes that he received from God–“Be me to her”– despite how it threatens his way of life.

Completely opposite of the hard, untrusting Cara, Ephraim’s sister Deborah also finds her dreams crumbling when the man she has pledged to build a life with begins withdrawing from Deborah and his community, including his mother, Ada Stolzfus.

Can the run-down house that Ada envisions transforming unite them toward a common purpose–or push Mahlon away forever? While Ephraim is trying to do what he believes is right, will he be shunned and lose everything–including the guarded single mother who simply longs for a better life?

Releasing September, 2009


Stray Affections by Charlene Baumbich

The last thing that Cassandra Higgins expects out of her Sunday is to be mesmerized at a collectors’ convention by a snowglobe. She’s enjoying some mommy time, with husband Ken at home tending their brood of four young boys, when she’s utterly charmed by the one-of-a kind globe containing figures of three dogs and a little girl with hair the color of her own. She can’t resist taking the unique globe home– even if means wrestling another shopper for it!

The beautiful snowglobe sparks long-dormant memories for Cassie, of her beloved Grandpa Wonky, the stray she rescued as a child, and the painful roots of her combative relationship with her mother, “Bad Betty” Kamrowski. Life in Wanonishaw, Minnesota is never dull, though, and Cassie keeps the recollections at bay, busy balancing her boys, her home daycare operation, and being a good friend to best pal Margret. But after a strange–flurrious, as Cassie deems it–moment happens with the remarkable snowglobe, Cassie and the people she loves are swirled into a tumultuous, yet grace-filled, and life-changing journey.

With the quirky, close-knit Midwestern small-town feel that made Charlene Ann Baumbich’s acclaimed Dearest Dorothy novels so popular, Stray Affections invites you to experience the laughter and the healing of second chances.

Releasing September, 2009

Character Spotlight ~ Elizabeth White's Tommy Lucas

Today the spotlight shines on...............................................................Tommy Lucas

As promised, here is a look behind the scenes at one of my all time favourite leading men in a novel! I just adored Elizabeth White's novella, The Trouble with Tommy, which I read when Sweet Delights was first published in 2001 and Tommy is such an endearing character. Tyndale have rerelased this book and it is now available at a bargain price!
Over to you, Beth:~

Physical description:

Funny question, because I had a very specific picture of Tommy Lucas in my mind. He's tall and lean, with thick dark hair—which his hairdresser cousin "Churl" (Cheryl in south Mississippi) shaves as a mean practical joke. He has golden brown eyes.

Who does he remind me of? Tom Welling of Smallville fame.

Quirks:

This guy's loaded with quirks, though in lots of ways he's a typical southern auto mechanic. He doesn't have a business degree and has few computer skills (this book was written 8 years ago, remember), so his filing system is a Fritos box under the counter.

When he wants to remember something he has to do later, he puts a rubberband around his thumb as a reminder. But he's got a heart as big and Dallas and is crazy about his coon hunting dog, Skywalker and Carrie Pierce, not necessarily in that order.

Tommy's biggest quirk — he's color blind. Which is why he paints Carrie's catering truck bright flamingo pink instead of a nice medium green!

Inspiration:

I have two brothers-in-law who are shade-tree mechanics. They are both godly men, Christian warriors in every sense of the word. Tommy came to life as I tried to imagine what these great guys would do if I put them in some of his crazy situations (runaway cars, raccoons in pantry closets, Roundup in engines).

Background to "The Trouble With Tommy"

I was given the opportunity to write a novella for a specific anthology with the theme of romance and chocolate. Believe it or not, I'm not much of a chocolate fan, but I love white chocolate. So I thought it would be fun to make my heroine the proprietress of a candy shop next-door to a rundown garage—run by a young mechanic who decides it's his mission in life to ensure her success. Oh, and win her heart and hand as well as her candy! This story has another fun little twist, in that the heroine, Carrie, is the older sister of Miranda, heroine of an earlier novella, "Miracle on Beale Street". Carrie and Miranda both show up again in my Zondervan novel Fair Game.

Just love it, Beth ~ thank you! Keep an eye out for Beth's latest novel, Tour de Force, releasing next month from Zondervan.


On Thursday, I am spotlighting Clay and Lucian from Tosca Lee's Demon: A Memoir. It is going to be very interesting! Don't miss it.

Relz Reviewz Extras

Character spotlight on Gabriel Laniere

Interview with Beth

Visit Beth's website

Buy Sweet Delights at Amazon or Koorong

CFBA Blog Tour of My Son, John by Kathy Macias

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
My Son, John
(Sheaf House Publishers April 2009)
by
Kathi Macias


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kathi Macias is an award-winning author of more than twenty fiction and nonfiction books. She has also ghostwritten and collaborated on books for a number of well-known individuals. She is a staff member for The Christian Communicator Manuscript Critique Service and a member of The Christian Proofreaders and Editors Network, Christian Authors Network, American Christian Fiction Writers, Christian Writers Fellowship International, Advanced Writers/Speakers Association, for who she serves as membership chair, and orange County Christian Writers Fellowship. She is the 2008 winner of AWSA’s Golden Scroll Award.

A Former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Macias is a credentialed minister and served as an associate pastor at a large church in Southern California, where she did biblical counseling, trained small group leaders, and oversaw support/recovery ministries. She is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences, and has appeared on several radio and TV programs.



ABOUT THE BOOK


Murder.

Could there be a more chilling word?

Could it be any more horrible than to have a loved one killed, brutally and heartlessly, without obvious reason or motive?

When Liz Peterson's elderly mother is found viciously beaten to death in her home, Liz and her husband, Charles, along with their grown son, John, and teenage daughter, Sarah, are horrified beyond words. Their previously predictable, respectable lives seem to have vanished without a trace, as they struggle to make sense of a senseless act.

And then a second blow-more devastating, if possible, than the first-rocks them to their core. John is arrested for his grandmother's murder. As what's left of the Peterson family begins to crumble under the weight of loss and accusation, the Petersons' longstanding Christian faith is put to the test in a way they could never have imagined, and unconditional love is stretched to its limits. Will family ties and relationships withstand such a crushing blow, or will evil succeed in dividing and conquering this once close and inseparable family?

Watch the chilling trailer!!



If you would like to read the first chapter of My Son, John, go HERE

Another author whose past books I have read and enjoyed! I'm looking forward to getting my teeth into this one :)

Deadlock by Robert Liparulo

Hutch is back and he has Brendan Page in his sights!

Journalist John Hutchinson can't shake the tragic events that he stumbled into when Declan Page tried to destroy the wilderness town of Fiddler Falls in Canada. Determined to prove Declan's father, billionaire and weapons manufacturer, Brendan Page was behind Declan's homicidal rampage, Hutch has ostracised his children, depleted his bank accounts and isolated himself.

Hutch's obsession triggers Page's own vendetta against the man who would expose the truth behind his radical training program delivered at Page's Outis Paramilitary division ~ a scheme to train and sell the services of the world's most technologically advanced soldiers.

When Page takes a bead on Hutch and those he loves, Hutch realises his obsession may cost him more than he has to give.

Robert Liparulo's talent is on full display in his sequel to the white knuckle action tale, Deadfall. Edge of your seat, up all night, pulse-pounding and any similar description of a thriller you have ever read applies in spades to Robert's novels. Robert establishes the background swiftly and concisely in Deadlock, enabling first time readers to jump straight in to the adventure without feeling lost, then he rockets into the pulsating action and conflict without losing a beat. Technologically advanced weaponry, psychologically altered warriors and a relentless pursuit make for gripping reading yet the human element weaved into the story sets Robert's writing apart. Hutch and Page are fully fleshed out characters, with their strengths and weaknesses exposed, revealing that the heart of man has as much capacity to love and sacrifice as to destroy. Hutch's innate ability with a bow and arrow is tempered by his inadequacy with a gun, removing any Superman complex that can plague many thrillers and the return of Laura and Dillon and Hutch's own children provide witty and tender moments. This novel will appeal to anyone who loves a well written, engrossing read. Taut and dynamic, Deadfall receives two thumbs up from me!

As seen at TitleTrakk.com

Relz Reviewz Extras

Review of Germ

Interview with Bob

Visit Bob's website

Buy Bob's books at Amazon or Koorong

Against All Odds by Irene Hannon

Synopsis:~

Her life is in danger--and so is his heart.

For FBI Hostage Rescue Team member Evan Cooper and his partner, dignitary protection duty should have been a piece of cake. Unfortunately, beautiful but determined Monica Callahan isn't making it easy. Estranged from her diplomat father--who is involved in a sensitive hostage situation in the Middle East--she refuses to be intimidated by a related terrorist threat back in the States. That is, until a chilling warning convinces her that the danger is very real--and escalating.

As Coop and his partner do their best to keep her safe, the threat against Monica is rising. And with every second that ticks by, Coop knows that the odds of saving the only woman who has ever breached the walls around his heart are dropping. After all, terrorists aren't known for their patience--or their mercy.

My Take:~

Nothing like a great romantic suspense novel to engage and delight and Irene Hannon does it with ease! Coop is the quintessential emotionally reserved hero who finds his heart breached by the women he is charged with protecting. Irene has perfected the dialogue between Coop and Monica as the sparks fly. Well drawn bad guys, a dysfunctional relationship between Monica and her diplomat father and witty male banter between Coop and his partner Mark add intensity and levity in equal measure in this rapid paced, well written romance. Irene has garnered herself another faithful reader with Against All Odds and I am eagerly awaiting Mark's story, An Eye For An Eye, releasing in August, 2009.

Relz Reviewz Extras

Character spotlight on Monica and Coop

Visit Irene's website

Buy Irene's books at Amazon or Koorong

Character Spotlight ~ Maggie Brendan's Crystal Clark & Luke Weber

Today the spotlight shines on.............................................Crystal Clark & Luke Weber


Maggie Brendan's first Heart of the West novel, No Place for A Lady, will have lovers of historical romance sighing with delight! With determined characters and a beautiful setting, Maggie weaves a great story of the hardships faced by many settlors and their dedication to overcoming the odds.

I know you will enjoy this look behind the scenes of No Place for A Lady! Thanks Maggie:~


Brief physical description

Crystal Clark is a beautiful Southern belle from GA about 5’2” with very dark brown hair and green eyes and peaches ‘n’ cream complexion and small build. She has a fun sense of humor and people are drawn to her by friendliness and affectionate charm.

Think someone like Courtney Cox - except my Crystal’s eyes are green.

Luke Weber is every woman’s dream of what a cowboy should be; Very handsome, over 6 feet tall with confederate blue eyes and mustache and dark hair. He is highly respected by the ranch hands who consider him an expert in the area of horses and cattle.

Think Sam Elliott but he’s probably too old, but I wrote it with him in mind.

Strengths and weaknesses

Crystal has a mind of her own but she is not the perfect Christian and has inner personal struggles and relies on self many times instead of God. She is not afraid to try her hand at new things even when it seems overwhelming.

Luke doubts any Southern belle could adapt to life in the West and tries to keep his emotions under control by being aloof. He doesn’t want to be control by a woman. He’s an excellent foreman and cares about his ranch hands.


Quirk (if any)

Crystal has a quick wit but is charming and loves to wear big hats.

Luke doesn’t like anyone to touch his hat and keep it slung low so that it’s hard to see his eyes to keep from revealing what he’s really thinking.


Your inspiration for the character

I love the West and its history and wanted to write about a strong woman that adapts to the hard way of life there. I thought what better way than to place her on a trail drive which few women did in that era.

Background to the story

Longing for a new start, Crystal Clark arrives amid the splendor of the high country in June 1892. After the death of her father, Crystal is relieved to be leaving the troubles of her Georgia life behind to visit her aunt’s cattle ranch. Despite being raised as a proper Southern belle, Crystal is determined to hold her own in this wild land—even if a certain handsome foreman named Luke doubts her abilities.

Just when she thinks she’s getting a handle on the constant male attention from the cowhands and the catty barbs from some of the local young women, tragedy strike. And saving the ranch from a greedy neighboring landowner means Crystal must take charge of the cattle drive, ready or not.

Can she rise to the challenge? Or will she head back to Georgia defeated?

The insight behind Crystal and Luke was great - thank you, Maggie. Looking forward to Josh and Juliana's story in The Jewel of His Heart, coming in October, 2009.

Click here for more on The Jewel of His Heart.


On Monday, I am spotlighting one of my favourite male characters ever! Elizabeth White's Tommy Lucas from her novella The Trouble with Tommy, in Sweet Delights, is such a sweetheart (pardon the pun!). I know you will love him too ;-)

Relz Reviewz Extras

Review of No Place for A Lady

Visit Maggie's blog

Buy Maggie's books at Amazon or Koorong

Check back next week for my exclusive interview with Maggie

My CFOM Article

If you have nothing better to do (how could that be possible?!?!) you can read my guest column for April's issue of CFOM on Fiction That Impacts My World.

I'd love you to come back and let me know some books which have changed your life, even if only a little!

Getting to know Siri Mitchell & Aussie Giveaway

Siri Mitchell is talented in many ways, none the least as a writer, world traveller and sushi maker! I own all of Siri's books and each one has my highest recommendation - do check out her back list!

It is pleasure to have Siri back here at Relz Reviewz ~ enjoy our little interview and the Extras below.

Thanks Siri:~

If you could have chosen your own name, what would it be?

Probably Suzie Louie (it’s the name I gave my first doll).

Your first pet’s name?

Kelly. She was a cocker spaniel.

Your best friend’s name in primary (elementary) school?

Amy when I lived in Delaware and Tara when I lived in Oregon

Did you have a special toy that went everywhere with you when you were young? Please describe.

I did! He was called ‘Billy Boy’…a white cat with a music box that played ‘Where Have You Been, Billy Boy, Billy Boy…’ Apparently I liked to suck his fur. Not sure I really believe it. He was lost in one of our moves. Not sure I believe that either!

If you were stranded on a desert island what one object would you want with you? (Besides your Bible)

My husband. (He counts, right? He’s the object of my affection, after all!)

What's your favourite ice cream flavour?

Vanilla. Really.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A singer, a musician, a beautician, a waitress, a flight attendant…just about everything except a writer!

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Antarctica. To check it off the list. You can’t really go there on the way to anywhere else.

Favourite movie?

While You Were Sleeping

Favourite book?

Possession by A.S. Byatt.

Heroes, Bones, Lost or The Brady Bunch?

I can’t say House? Okay. The Brady Bunch.

Scrapbooking, knitting, cooking or aerobics?

I don’t scrapbook although I do have a ‘scrapbox’ that’s kind of the family joke. I don’t have any rhythm, so aerobics is out. If I could knit something besides scarves I might pick that. I guess that leaves cooking. (Can it be chocolate mousse?)

French, English or Japanese?

French, please…although if you’re talking about food I could go for some sushi.

Where is the most interesting place you have been?

You get to choose this one: the aircraft carrier Nimitz; Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe; inside the belly of the Great Buddha in Kamakura, Japan.

Great Barrier Reef, Uluru (Ayers Rock) or Sydney Harbour Bridge?

I’ve already seen the Harbour Bridge, so I’ll have to go with Uluru. (I have an allergy to sharks.)

What's your most fervent prayer?

For those in my family who don’t know Christ.

What is your favourite Bible verse (or "one" of your favourites) and what does it mean to you?

Deut. 33:26 “There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides on the heavens to help you and on the clouds in his majesty. (NIV) I interpret this to mean that God is proactive. He’s looking for ways to help us. This verse gives me a picture of God on a sort of celestial Harley-Davidson. I once heard a poet describe God like this: ‘My God is so gentle he knits sweaters for the lilies of the fields, and my God is so tough he can kick your {butt}.’ I’ve always kind of liked that juxtaposition.

Besides God, who has influenced you the most?

My husband.

What's the bravest thing you've ever done?

Sent a manuscript out on query.

How did your husband propose?

He arranged with my roommate to sneak into our apartment and fix me breakfast one morning. The ring was hiding beside the waffles.

What is the best advice you have received about marriage?

It’s not a 50%-50% proposition because that’s negotiable and it’s likely that at one point, one of us will fail to meet our ‘quota’. Marriage is 100%-100%.

A Constant Heart

You are writing historical books with a contemporary premise – please share the inspiration behind these new novels?

I’ve always been interested in both fashion and history. And as I researched for Chateau of Echoes, I stumbled upon an instance of people’s lives and health being placed in danger for fashion’s sake. That thought niggled at me for several years, during which I realized there were many more instances, throughout history, of women doing similar things. I began to realize that we haven’t changed very much in the past 500 years.

As women, we still demand that others live up to our expectations. We still have all kinds of roles to play and we still want to do the best was can at all of them at the same time. We still worry about our looks and the appearance of wrinkles. And we still judge each other according to impossible standards of behaviour and beauty. It’s my hope that readers might recognize themselves within the pages of these books. I hope that they ask themselves what lengths they are willing to go to in order to fit their society’s standard of beauty. And then, I hope they start to draw some lines.

Describe each of your main characters with one word

Marget – devoted

Lytham - misguided

Nicholas - honest

Joan – loyal

Lady de Winter - grasping

In A Constant Heart, Lytham and Marget go to extreme lengths to meet the demanding expectations of their monarch, Queen Elizabeth ~ how do you see that happening today?

I think that any time a person wields extreme power, it’s very easy to start issuing demands. If you’re not careful to surround yourself with strong people who are willing to serve as a check to your expectations, you soon start making unreasonable demands…and what’s more, you expect them to be fulfilled! Many powerful people, even today, surround themselves with those who say only ‘yes’. No thought is ever questioned; no demand is ever examined. Wishes very quickly become commands. Common sense is swiftly overcome by the desire to please. And the end (pleasing the person in power) becomes vastly more important than the means used to get there.

This tyranny is also present in the world of fashion. I think that as women, in conjunction with the media, we often allow one person to set the standard of beauty. I see it today in our celebrity culture all the time. Why should one color of hair be better than another? And why should one shape of nose or lips or legs be valued more than any other? I can’t blame any particular woman (whoever she happens to be at any given fashion moment), but I do grieve for our culture which has left women feeling so depleted that they would rather take on someone else’s persona than learn to be the best at their particular unique brand of beauty.

Your previous books have been contemporary novels ~ what differences did you find writing an historical novel compared to a contemporary one?

There’s a lot more research involved up front. In my contemporaries, I would hit a research gap now and then in the process of writing, but with historicals, I need to spend a lot of time reading up at the beginning in order to re-create the historic world.

What is in your writing pipeline?

In June, my next historical, Love’s Pursuit, releases. The fashion element in this story is the dress codes the Puritans enacted. This is the blurb: In the small Puritan community of Stoneybrooke, Massachusetts, Susannah Phillips stands out both for her character and beauty. She wants only a simple life but soon finds herself pursued by the town's wealthiest bachelor and by a roguish military captain sent to protect them. One is not what he seems and one is more than he seems.

In trying to discover true love's path, Susannah is helped by the most unlikely of allies, a wounded woman who lives invisible and ignored in their town. As the depth, passion, and sacrifice of love is revealed to Susannah, she begins to question the rules and regulations of her childhood faith. In a community where grace is unknown, what price will she pay for embracing love?

And way off in the horizon is She Walks in Beauty. Set to release in spring 2010, it’s set in 1890s New York City. The fashion element in play is the tight-laced corsetry Victorian women wore.


Thanks so much, Siri ~ it has been a pleasure getting to know you a little bit more! I have chosen Love's Pursuit for my book club later in the year - sight unseen - something I rarely do but I know it will be worth it!

Relz Reviewz Extras

Reviews of A Constant Heart, Chateau of Echoes, The Cubicle Next Door & Moon Over Tokyo

Character spotlight on A Constant Heart's Marget & Lytham

Interview with Siri in 2006

Visit Siri's website

Buy Siri's books at Amazon or Koorong

Aussie Giveaway

I have a copy of A Constant Heart to giveaway! To enter:~

You must have an Australian mailing address and post a comment by Sunday 12th April, telling me the European city you would most like to visit.

Coming soon from Bethany House ~ Historicals

When you think of historical fiction, Bethany House Publishers immediately come to mind. And no wonder ~ check out these late 09 releases.

The title and author links provide more detail and if you click on the covers you can get a larger, closer look at the detail. You can also see the cover Bethany chose for The Silent Gift after the recent survey!

So which ones appeal particularly to you? Cover or synopsis. I love Tamera's writing so can't wait to read Within My Heart but my favourite cover is probably The Carousel Painter :)


Dawn's Prelude by Tracie Peterson

Newly widowed Lydia Sellers discovers that through an unforeseen fluke, she is the sole recipient of her husband's fortune. But instead of granting her security, it only causes strife as her adult stepchildren battle to regain the inheritance for themselves. Lydia, longing to put the memories of a painful marriage behind her, determines to travel to Alaska to join her aunt.

Lydia's arrival in Sitka, however, brings two things she didn't expect. One is the acquaintance of Kjell Bjorklund, the handsome owner of the sawmill. Second is the discovery that she is pregnant with her dead husband's child. What will this mean for her budding relationship with Kjell? And to what lengths will her stepchildren go to reclaim their father's fortune? Lydia soon finds her life--and that of her child's--on the line.

September, 2009

Fields of Grace by Kim Vogel Sawyer

With their eldest son nearly to the age when he will be drafted into military service, Reinhardt and Lillian Vogt decide to immigrate to America, the land of liberty, with their three sons and Reinhardt's adopted brother, Eli.

But when tragedy strikes during the voyage, Lillian and Eli are forced into an agreement neither desires. Determined to fulfill his obligation to Reinhardt, Eli plans to see Lillian and her sons safely settled on their Kansas homestead--and he's equally determined that the boys will be reared in the Mennonite faith. What he doesn't expect is his growing affection for Lillian--and the deep desire to be part of a family.

September, 2009

The Carousel Painter by Judith Miller

Without the means to support herself after her father dies, Carrington Brouwer receives the opportunity to use her artistic talent at her friend's father's carousel factory. But the men at the factory are not happy that a woman has been given the very desirable job of painting the elaborately carved horses.

When mishaps occur at the factory and jewelry disappears from the home of the factory owner, accusations swirl. Is the handsome young factory manager truly Carrie's ally or will he side with those who believe she should be fired?

September, 2009

Within My Heart by Tamera Alexander

Widow Rachel Boyd struggles to keep her ranch afloat and provide for her two young sons, though some days it feels as though her efforts are sabotaged at every turn. When her cattle come down with disease and her sons' lives are endangered, she must turn to Rand Brookston, Timber Ridge's physician and reluctant veterinarian.

While Rachel appreciates his help, she squelches any feelings she might have for Rand--her own father was a doctor and his patients always took priority over his family. Rachel refuses to repeat the mistakes her mother made. But when she's courted by a wealthy client of the local resort, she faces a choice: self-sufficiency and security or the risk inherent in the deepest of loves.

October, 2009



The Silent Gift by Michael Landon Jr & Cindy Kelley

The 1930s were a decade of enormous uncertainty--for the world, for America, and in particular for one lonely, struggling mother and her disabled son. Their story is one of love and enormous sacrifices in the face of circumstances horrendous beyond belief. When her husband leaves her for someone whose time isn't wrapped up in a silent, handicapped kid, Mary and little Luke are out on their own in a world that has no room for the poor and disabled. Especially not at a time when most Americans are simply trying to survive their economic woes and job losses.

But then arrives The Gift…where has it come from, and why? How can a young boy who can neither hear nor speak provide comfort, direction, and sometimes challenges to seekers who learn of the special ability? Whatever the source, its presence brings a single shaft of light and hope to Mary and her beloved Luke. Will it be enough?

October, 2009

A Measure of Mercy by Lauraine Snelling

Eighteen-year-old Astrid Bjorklund has always dreamed of becoming a doctor. She had intended to study medicine in Chicago or Grand Forks, but when a disaster wiped out a major portion of her family's income, Astrid stayed home instead, receiving hands-on training from Dr. Elizabeth.

Joshua Landsverk left Blessing two years ago, but he's never forgotten Astrid. Returning to town, he seeks to court her. Astrid is attracted to him, and when the opportunity unexpectedly opens for her to go to Chicago for medical training, she finds it difficult to leave. Love blossoms through their letters, but upon arriving back home, she makes a heartbreaking discovery. Will she have to give up love to pursue her dream?

October, 2009