Facelift by Leanna Ellis ~ Tracy's Take with giveaways

Publisher’s Synopsis:

Kaye Redmond, a "can do" kind of woman, has the magical touch when it comes to staging houses to attract buyers. Her ability to make things "perfect" has served her well in her career. If only it could transform her personal life as well. With a failed marriage, an angry teenage daughter, and an ex-mother-in-law who is no fairy godmother, Kaye's life is about as imperfect as it gets.

But sometimes blessings come in the strangest packages. Like her ex-mother-in-law landing on Kaye's doorstep after a botched facelift. Could caring for the impossible woman help Kaye get what she wants most: her husband back? Isn't that what God would want? And what her daughter needs? But no fairy princess ever faced such obstacles: an ex-husband's surgically enhanced mistress, hormonal teenagers, and--worst of all--an extra handsome prince! How's a woman supposed to find happily-ever-after with all that going on?

What I thought:

Leanna Ellis has once again delivered in fine style, with her sassy humour, quick wit and pithy one-liners. “Facelift” was everything I expected from this brilliant author, who skillfully weaves lightheartedness with deeper truths to produce a superb work of art.

‘Facelift’ is overflowing with strong characters that make this book the success that it is. Kaye views herself as an emotional weakling, and yet finds herself in a war zone in her own home. Only a woman of strength could cope when caught between Marla, the ex-mother-in-law who has declared Kaye mortal enemy number one, and Isabel, the moody, rebellious teenage daughter. Add that to an ex-husband who still expects Kaye to clean up his substantial messes and a new client who is far too attractive and Kaye is destined to discover the strength she had all along.

Whilst never having experienced any of Kaye’s turmoils, I related to her and the way she felt that she needed to keep everything together. Her ability to rebuild her life out of the ashes of a broken marriage is inspiring. I was also inspired by the way Isabel begins to grow into herself and acts upon things that are important to her, becoming a young woman who chooses to “act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with her God”.

Amidst the layers of craziness and difficulty in Kaye’s life is Cousin It. This monster-dog provides more than her fair share of frustration for Kaye with shovelfuls of comic relief, adding to the story in a way that only a boisterous, energetic canine can.

Leanna strongly brings home the message that living an authentic life means we must step out from the façade we try to hide behind. Hiding who we really are deprives us and those around us from the full abundance of God’s blessing in our lives. Choosing authenticity takes a great deal of courage, yet brings unsurpassed rewards.

With thanks to Wynn~Wynn Media & B&H Fiction for Tracy's review copy

Guest reviewer: My friend Tracy from Beyond My Picket Fence

Relz Reviewz Extras

Character spotlight on Cousin It

View the trailer

Character spotlight on Bryn Seymour

Reviews of Elvis Takes a Back Seat, Lookin' Back, Texas and Once in a Blue Moon

Interview with Leanna

Visit Leanna's website and blog

Buy Leanna's books at Amazon and Koorong

The winners are....

Tender Vow ~ Kristy H

Divine Appointments ~ Laura M

Congratulations! Look for your book soon.

NB. A random number generator was used to select winners

Book trailer for Ginny Yttrup's Words

Ginny Yttrup's novel Words releases in February, 2011 from B&H Fiction. If this trailer doesn't peak your interest nothing will!

Enjoy:~

Character Spotlight ~ Don Reid's J.D. & Karlie Wickham

J.D. & Karlie

Singer and songwriter Don Reid, member of the award winning country music Statler Brothers, has released his second novel, One Lane Bridge. Enjoy this insight into his characters:~

Brief physical description

J.D. Wickman – I seldom give detailed physical descriptions to my characters so they will be more relatable to the reader. Everyone can see them as they want to see them unless some distinction is important; such as a limp or a birthmark or a hair color.

Even as I write, I see no particular face on them. If pressed I’d say J.D. is average in every way. He looks and dresses like small town America; a perfect mixture of a father/son/husband.

Karlie Wickman – All the above goes for Karlie, also. She’s small and pretty; stable, loyal and caring... These are more important to her character than her looks.

Actor/famous person

Just as Lucy and Ricky personified ‘the couple’ of the 1950s and Rob and Laura Petrie were the perfect example in the 60s, I’ll have to say Eric and Tami Taylor of “Friday Night Lights” (Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton) capture that title for the present decade. They would be ideal for J.D. and Karlie.

Strengths and Weaknesses

J.D. is a good man; a loving father; a caring son; a loyal husband; a trusting friend. He loves all the women around him in his family and does well at providing for them in every way. He works hard and makes a good living. He is not good at disciplining his daughter. He’s always left that to Karlie. He doesn’t like confrontations and avoids arguments whenever possible. He would rather ignore the things that bother him instead of facing them head on.

Karlie is the quiet, strong wife. She wants her husband to be the leader. She enjoys the background and would much rather give her support to him than take the lead. Even as a mother, she finds herself in the middle and strives to do what’s best for her daughter and her husband. She has little time for herself but never seems to resent that fact. She’s in love with her life and doesn’t want anything to shake or change it.

Quirks

Never sure of the line between a quirk and a characteristic, I’d say one of J.D.’s quirks was what got him into trouble less than 30 pages into the book. He loves to ride in the country with the top down on his sports car. He feels it “blows away the dust” and cobwebs in his head.

Another quirk would be his dislike of the nursing home his mother is in. The smells alone incline him not to visit as often as he would like.

Karlie, on the other hand, is quirk-free. She’s solid and reasonable at every turn.

Inspiration for the character

I just wanted an average guy with everyday problems. A typical couple that is happy one minute and stressed the next. The characters were actually inspired from the story. I needed them as conduits to get the message across.

Background to the story

One of my little quirks has always been the joy of riding in the country with the top down until I get myself lost. It’s freeing and peaceful. I was doing just that when I came upon an enormous, old-fashioned one lane bridge in the middle of nowhere just as J.D. does in the story. A beautiful little stream ran under it and an old farm house was perched off in the distance. I parked there for a long time and soaked it all in. When I finally pulled away, I had the whole story in my mind. I sped back to town to write it all down.

I go back there often, just to ride by.

Thanks Don for sharing about this couple and your story :)

On Thursday, the spotlight shines on Annalisa Daughety's Ainsley, Jake & Dustin from Love is Grand

Relz Reviewz Extras

Visit Don's website

Buy Don's books at Amazon or Koorong

Somewhere to Belong by Judith Miller ~ Tracy's Take

Publisher’s Synopsis:

Johanna Ilg has lived her entire life in Main Amana, one of the seven villages settled by devout Christians who believe in cooperative living, a simple lifestyle, and faithful service to God. Although she's always longed to see the outside world, Johanna believes her future is rooted in Amana. But when she learns a troubling secret, the world she thought she knew is shattered. Is this truly where she belongs?

Berta Schumacher has lived a privileged life in Chicago, so when her parents decide they want a simpler life in Amana, Iowa, she resists. Under the strictures of the Amana villages, her rebellion reaches new heights. Will her heart ever be content among the plain people of Amana?

What I thought:

Judith Miller’s new Daughters of Amana series will delight history fiction lovers, with engaging characters and a strong story line, readers are sure to appreciate Judith’s talent for authentic story writing.

I learned a lot about the Amana colonies throughout ‘Somewhere to Belong’. Judith Miller brings this era of history to life in full colour through Joanna’s and Berta’s story. I related closely to Joanna, in her desire to follow the rules of her community. Berta, on the other hand, would appeal to the rebels amongst us. Both characters bring a richness and depth to this story by illuminating the consequences of the choices we make.

While Berta seeks to follow her own path with a rebelliousness that gets her into no end of strife, Joanna seeks to find a more respectful way to follow her dreams. As the mother of daughters, it is Joanna’s process of working with her parents rather than against them that warmed my heart. Although Berta eventually decides upon peacefully waiting on God, it is Joanna who demonstrates a life lived in gracious humility and the abundant blessing she experiences as a result.

With thanks to Bethany House for Tracy's review copy

Guest reviewer:~ My friend Tracy from Beyond My Picket Fence

Relz Reviewz Extras

Visit Judith's website

Buy Judith's books from Amazon or Koorong

Character Spotlight ~ Sarah Sundin's Major Jack Novak & Lieutenant Ruth Doherty

Jack & Ruth

Sarah Sundin's debut novel A Distant Melody immersed readers in the 1940s and the drama of World War II. A Memory Between Us takes us back to a time of fear, desperation, courage and hope.

Enjoy this insight into Jack & Ruth. Over to you, Sarah:~

Brief physical description

Maj. Jack Novak is too good-looking for his own good. He’s tall and broad-shouldered, has blue eyes, wavy black hair, and a mustache. He’s never failed to achieve any goal he’s put his mind to.

Lt. Ruth Doherty is beautiful, which has never caused her anything but trouble. She has auburn hair and blue eyes.

Actor/famous person

Maureen O’Hara reminds me of Ruth, as does the woman in the poster below — especially appropriate because Ruth is an Army nurse. Jack looks a bit like a young Clark Gable—more from It Happened One Night than Gone With the Wind, but without Gable’s dimples and ears.

Strengths and weaknesses

Jack is driven, outgoing, and a natural leader. People are drawn to him because of his looks and personality, but admire him because of his character. However, pride is a problem for him. He’s never really failed, so he trusts himself more than he trusts God. He also tends to manipulate people.

Ruth is fiercely loyal to her family—an orphan, she feels responsible for her six younger siblings. She’s sharp, resourceful, independent, and determined. However, she’s burdened by shame and keeps people at arm’s length.

Quirk (if any)

Jack is not a quirky sort of man, but he does have a phobia that he’s careful not to let anyone know about.

Ruth has a strong aversion to sausage. There’s a good reason for that, and this aversion pops up in some interesting ways in the book to show what’s going on with Ruth.

Your inspiration for the character

My inspiration for Ruth Doherty came from an idea I had about a poor girl who makes a shameful decision to feed her family. I wondered what kind of girl would make such a decision, what consequences she would face, and what she’d be like when she grew up. And there was Ruth—strong, confident, clever, independent, prickly—but vulnerable inside.

Jack’s career is based on that of my great-uncle, Roderick Stewart (the original Rod Stewart), who was in the squadron of B-17s entering Pearl Harbor during the attack, then served as a squadron commander with the 94th Bomb Group based in England. However, everything else about Jack, especially his personality, is his own. He was originally just meant to be the annoyingly perfect older brother for Walt (the hero of Wings of Glory Book 1, A Distant Melody), but when the character for Ruth came to me, Jack kind of raised his hand and said, “She’s mine.” When they met, sparks flew, and I knew I had a book.

Background to the story

Major Jack Novak has never failed to meet a challenge—until he meets army nurse Lieutenant Ruth Doherty. When Jack lands in the army hospital after a plane crash, he makes winning Ruth's heart a top-priority mission. But he has his work cut out for him. Not only is Ruth focused on her work in order to support her orphaned siblings back home, she also is determined not to give her heart to any man.

As the danger and tension of World War II rise to a fever pitch, Jack and Ruth will need each other more than ever. Can Jack break down her defenses? Or are they destined to go their separate ways?

From the English countryside to the perilous skies over France, A Memory Between Us takes you on a journey through love, forgiveness, and sacrifice.

Thanks for sharing Jack & Ruth with us, Sarah :) Looking forward to reading their story!

On Monday the spotlight shines on Don Reid's J.D. & Karlie Wickham from One Lane Bridge

Relz Reviewz Extras

Review of A Distant Melody

Character spotlight on Allie & Walt

Visit Sarah's website and blog

Enter Sarah's fabulous contest

Buy Sarah's books from Amazon or Koorong

Judgment Day by Wanda L Dyson

Synopsis:~

Sensational journalism has never been so deadly.

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

Bitter and angry, Suzanne returns home one day to find her deceased boyfriend, Dr. Guy Mandeville’s nurse, Cecelia Forbes unconscious on her living room floor. Before the night is over, Cecelia is dead, Suzanne has her blood on her hands, and the police are arresting her for murder. She needs help to prove her innocence, but her only hope, private investigator Marcus Crisp, is also her ex-fiancé–the man she betrayed in college.

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

Synopsis:~

Wanda Dyson spins a fast and furious tale of suspense and danger as private investigators Marcus and Alexandria attempt to prove the innocence of talk show host Suzanne Kidwell. The pace moves along well and there are enough twists and turns to keep the pages flipping over. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters of Marcus and Alexandria and hope another book is in the works. The hint of attraction between the two business partners is fun and the animosity Alexandria's father holds towards Marcus reveals Marcus' mettle. Suzanne is an unlikeable character which makes Wanda's writing refreshingly realistic and provides plenty of substance to the suspense. Judgment Day is another solid read from this skilled author.

With thanks to CFBA and Waterbrook Press for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras

Review of Shepherd's Fall

Visit Wanda's website

Buy Wanda's books at Amazon or Koorong

CFBA Blog Tour of Judgment Day by Wanda L Dyson

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Judgment Day WaterBrook Press (September 21, 2010)

by Wanda Dyson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Wanda Dyson – "a shining example of what Christian fiction is becoming..." (Christian Fiction Review). She's been called a "natural" and a "master of pacing," but her fans know that whether it's police thrillers, suspense, or bringing a true story to life, Wanda knows how to take her readers on a journey they'll never forget.

Wanda is a multipublished suspense author, currently writing for Random House/Waterbrook. Her one attempt at a nonfiction book was picked for an exclusive release on Oprah. In addition to writing full time, she is also the appointment coordinator for the CCWC, Great Philadelphia Christian Writers, and ACFW conferences.

Wanda lives in Western Maryland on a 125 acre farm with a menagerie of animals and when she's not writing critically acclaimed suspense, or away at conferences, you can find her zipping across the fields on a 4-wheeler with Maya, her German Shepherd, or plodding along at a more leisurely pace on her horse, Nanza.

With the release of her newest hit, Judgment Day, Wanda is heading back to the keyboard to start on her next high-octane thriller, The Vigilante.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Sensational journalism has never been so deadly.

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

Bitter and angry, Suzanne returns home one day to find her deceased boyfriend, Dr. Guy Mandeville’s nurse, Cecelia Forbes unconscious on her living room floor. Before the night is over, Cecelia is dead, Suzanne has her blood on her hands, and the police are arresting her for murder. She needs help to prove her innocence, but her only hope, private investigator Marcus Crisp, is also her ex-fiancé–the man she betrayed in college.

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

Watch the book trailer:



If you would like to read the Prologue and first chapter of Judgment Day, go HERE.

Tender Vow by Sharlene MacLaren with Aussie Giveaway

Synopsis:~

Michigan-born brothers John and Jason Evans took a ski trip in the Rockies, but only one came home alive-John was tragically killed on a daring descent down Devil's Run, an infamously dangerous slope.

In an attempt to soothe his guilt and grief, Jason sets out to make amends with his widowed sister-in-law, Rachel, by offering to help with her two small children, doing odd jobs around her house, and trying to ease her own heavy burden of grief. A new Christian, he is bent on growing his faith and helping Rachel see her way through the fog of pain and confusion.

Left to raise her three-year-old daughter and newborn son on her own, Rachel Evans is anything but willing to become her brother-in-law's charity case, particularly since they have a history she'd rather forget. She's determined to make it on her own but soon finds that God has other plans for her-and for Jason. Can she accept the Lord's leading and still honor her late husband's memory?

My take:~

Sharlene MacLaren is well known for her historical romances but I have discovered she is just as comfortable writing a contemporary novel. Tender Vow is the story of a woman battling grief and guilt over her husband's death while struggling with loneliness and the overwhelming responsibilities of raising her two small children. Rachel's brother in law Jason is also grieving and determined to honour his brother's memory by ensuring his niece and nephew are provided for. Sharlene draws out their emotions well especially as feelings long forgotten reemerge. Added conflict arises as it becomes apparent that Jason's father blames him for his brother's death. While I felt the story wrapped up a bit too neatly for me given the emotional trauma the family had suffered, Tender Vow is an engaging story with plenty of emotional spark and a nice way to spend an afternoon.

I purchased my own copy of this book

Relz Reviewz Extras

Reviews of Hannah Grace & Maggie Rose

Interview with Sharlene

Visit Sharlene's website and blog

Buy Sharlene's books from Amazon and Koorong

Character Spotlight ~ Charlene Baumbich's Josie, Lyle, Marsha & Barb with US giveaway

Josie, Lyle, Marsha & Barb

Charlene Baumbich's latest story will be much loved by those enjoying midlife, with characters in their 40s and 50s, still working on what is important in life just like most of us, regardless of age :)

Enjoy this insight! Over to you, Charlene:~

JOSIE VICTOR BROOKS

At age 47, Josie Victor Brooks is a lean, mean, healthy machine. Dark hair with hints of gray. Blue Eyes. Conservative in dress. As the book opens, she is short on smiles and long on serious research and single-minded purpose.

Actor/famous person: Kristin Davis

Strengths and weaknesses: Emotionally strong and self-sufficient, traits which serve her well, and nearly do her in. She is a great researcher and get-it-done, go-to person, but she can be harsh and extremely unsympathetic. She is smart and doesn’t know how much she needs something she doesn’t have—until she falls into it after strange encounters with a mysterious snowglobe.

Quirk (if any): She works so hard to simplify that she even owns four sets (& only four sets) of pajamas, all of the same powder blue cotton with three-quarter-length sleeves, which she wears the year around. Even though she is financially secure, she won’t buy a new handbag until she’s ready to get rid of the one she has. She doesn’t trust people who try to get close.

LYLE WATERS

53, tall, good build, handsome, kind, approachable.

Actor/famous person: Tom Hanks

Strengths and weaknesses: Sympathetic, interested and interesting, loves his family, sometimes has a difficult time doing the hard thing. Doesn’t know how to keep his emotions in check.

Quirk: Sometimes gets himself caught up in over-thinking loops. (Personally so relatable!)

MARSHA MAGGIANO

In her forties, somewhat short and a tad fluffy. She bites her nails. Smiles much. Kinda loud and feisty. Funny.

Actor/famous person: Joy Baher

Strength & weaknesses: She is fun, yet still fighting her own wounded and bitter heart: her husband left her for a younger woman. She is smart, although she doesn’t see herself that way. She’s a great mom and a good friend with a fun sense of humor.

Quirk: Writes really quirky fiction to work her way through dilemmas in her life, and nicknames everyone.

BARBARA (Barb) JEAN DEWITT

Age 62, comfortable looking, approachable, tender yet slightly mischievous eyes.

Actor/famous person: Susan Boyle

Strength and weaknesses: Kind, considerate, full of faith, compassionate, a doer. Knows how to bring out the best in everyone. She sometimes forgets to take care of herself.

Quirk: She has an innate gift to cheer people up.

BACKGROUND TO THE STORY

Characters walk into my head and knock on my brain until they get my attention. If I forget about them, they weren’t interesting enough to ignite my curiosity. But Josie, well, she walked into my head and stared me down. Scary.

It “became clear to me” (via watching her actions as she showed up at work) that she had a tough job, but the toughness to handle it. Depending on only herself, she had control—until she pulled an annual contract in a company with a bleeding-heart boss and a bunch of good friends.

When Marsha and Barb showed up, I turned that blissful corner when the story started talking to me. When Lyle noticed Josie’s swinging backside, I knew I wanted to hear everything the story had to say.

I’m passionate about second chances, and this group of characters—planted in the midst of a tough economy and corporate downsizing—lent the perfect atmosphere.

Thanks very much for sharing your characters with us, Charlene :)


On Thursday, the spotlight shines on Sarah Sundin's Major Jack Novak & Lieutenant Ruth Doherty from A Memory Between Us

Relz Reviewz Extras

Visit Charlene's website and blog

Buy Charlene's books at Amazon or Koorong

Coming in 2011 from Tyndale House

Here's a taste of the books releasing from Tyndale House in 2011 and there will be more to come.

I can't wait to read Nicole Baart's conclusion to After the Leaves Fall and Summer Snow. Nicole writes beautiful literary prose that is second to none.

Henry McLaughlin is the 2009 Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel Contest winner with Journey to Riverbend and it looks like Tom, Jason and Steve are serving up more thrills and spills with their 2011 releases.

Which ones are you looking forward to?


Beneath the Night Tree by Nicole Baart

Julia DeSmit knew at some point her son would ask about his dad, she just didn’t expect it now that she is finally content with the way her life has unfolded. A single mother to her son and younger brother, she cherishes living with her beloved grandmother and is hoping to be engaged to Michael Vermeer—the man of her dreams—by year’s end.

Julia’s dream is threatened when a cryptic e-mail from her son’s father spins her world off axis. She hasn’t heard from Parker since he left her in a college parking lot without a backward glance. But one look at her son—the spitting image of his father—is enough to convince her that, for better or worse, Parker is a part of their story.

Faced with this new reality and the potential unraveling of her unorthodox family, Julia begins a tightrope walk between what was, what is, and what she hopes for in her sanctuary beneath the night tree.

February, 2011

Journey to Riverbend by Henry McLaughlin

Michael Archer is nothing if not a man of his word. Though he was unable to save Ben Carstairs, Michael is determined to carry out Ben’s dying wish: to be reconciled with his father. Unfortunately, Sam Carstairs, one of the most ruthless businessmen on the frontier, has no use for his own son, much less a man of God seeking reconciliation.

Soon after arriving in Riverbend, Michael meets and falls for the stunning Rachel Stone while waiting for Sam to return from a business trip. Beautiful yet guarded, Rachel seems to be running from a past as dark as Michael’s. When word reaches town that Sam has been kidnapped on the stagecoach home, Michael offers to join the search party formed by the local sheriff.

With a budding romance behind him and a dangerous rescue ahead of him, he sets out on the trail, determined to complete his journey no matter the cost.

February, 2011



Beckon by Tom Pawlik

Some secrets weren’t meant to be discovered.

Three people are each drawn to Mount Beckon in western Wyoming. A biology professor investigates a mysterious cave-dwelling arthropod and makes a terrifying discovery. An aging millionaire is offered a miraculous remedy for his wife’s dementia but must decide if the cure is worth the cost. And a reporter follows a cryptic lead to a strange compound built over an abandoned mine. One by one they discover the mountain’s ghastly secret.

The only question is . . . will any of them make it out alive?

April, 2011





Inside Threat by Jason Elam & Steve Yohn

After taking two football seasons off, Riley Covington is attempting to make a comeback in the league while trying to forget Khadi Faroughi, now on security detail for a prominent senator.

But a new attack turns both of their lives upside down yet again. During a state funeral, terrorists overrun the National Cathedral and take senators, congressmen, and their entourages hostage, including Khadi. This new generation of The Cause is made up of homegrown terrorists—an inside threat to the security of the nation. They release most of the hostages, but not all. Several, including Khadi, are kept behind as significant bargaining chips.

The Cause pledges to behead one member of Congress each day throughout the month of Ramadan as a punishment for their own country’s rejection of Islam. Despite the protests of Counter-Terrorism Division director Scott Ross, Riley races to CTD armed with a plan and a fierce determination to rescue Khadi at all costs.

April, 2011

The winners are.......

Pearl in the Sand ~ Sandy A

I'll Be Home for Christmas ~ Amber F

Congratulations! Your book will be on its way to you shortly :)

Beneath a Southern Sky by Deborah Raney ~ Tracy's Take

Publisher’s Synopsis:

After two years of serving as a missionary in a remote area of South America, Daria Camfield has returned to the States to mourn her husband, reportedly killed while providing medical aid to a neighbouring Colombian village.

At first, Daira finds comfort only in the daughter born to her after nate’s tragic death. As she begins to heal, she also finds a listening ear and a tender heart in her new boss, veterinarian Colson Hunter. Determined to move forward with life, Daria ignores the still small voice calling her to wait and accepts Cole’s marriage proposal. But after the wedding, Daria’s new dream life turns into a nightmare following the arrival of an unbelievable telegram: “Nathan Camfield found alive. Flying into K.C. Int’l via Bogota…”

Now, two men have the right to her daughter, her life, and her love. Will Daria return to her beloved first husband, abandoning Cole? Or will she reject Nate and choose the only man her daughter has ever called “Daddy” – a man she has come to cherish with all her heart?

What I thought:

Deborah Raney’s writing talent shines brilliantly in ‘Beneath the Southern Sky’. It is a deeply moving story of tragic proportions that is gently unfolded with tenderness and great skill.

Daria is a character I immediately identified with. My own ‘missionary kid’ experiences came flooding back as Deborah describes Daria and Nate’s life in Colombia. I was once again in my own tropical-jungle childhood. I felt Daria’s grief and smiled as she begins to heal. But oh the tragedy to come! Despite my own personal conflict, I was impressed with the way Deborah handled the outcome of the two marriage relationships that Daria must resolve into a workable life. The outcome was entirely reasonable and sensitively handled. And yet I still find myself oscillating between the moral obligations Daria faces, pertaining to both men.

Daria’s story is a very clear reminder of the importance of seeking God and awaiting His direction and guidance for our lives. It also highlights the devastation that can come from running on ahead of God.

With thanks to Waterbrook Press for Tracy's review copy

Guest reviewer: My friend Tracy from Beyond My Picket Fence

Relz Reviewz Extras

Reviews of Remember to Forget and Leaving November

Character spotlight on Bryn & Garrett from Almost Forever

Visit Deb's website

Buy Deb's books at Amazon or Koorong

Sneak peek at Ronie Kendig's Wolfsbane

So this book doesn't release until July, 2011 but I couldn't wait to share it with you! If you love adventure, danger and characters with heart and soul then make sure you have Ronie Kendig's Discarded Heroes series on your bookshelves. Nightshade is available now and Digitalis releases in January, 2011.


Wolfsbane by Ronie Kendig

Former Green Beret Captain Canyon Metcalfe is unnerved when Nightshade is sent to a South American jungle that holds an eerie similarity to a dark tragedy from his past. Addicted to painkillers, Canyon struggles to hide his secret. Escorting Danielle Roark, a demolitions expert who knows the location of a secret nuclear weapons silo, proves treacherous when they’re ambushed and captured. Rescued, Canyon is furious to discover Dani was left behind, intentionally—because she’d unearthed blame that lies at the feet of many on the Hill, including her own father. Armed with truth, they must fight their way back to the States and freedom.

July, 2011 from Barbour



Free Download

For a short time you can enjoy Ronie's great writing for free! Her debut novel, Dead Reckoning is now available from Amazon and B & N for Kindle, PC for Kindle and more ~ click here to download!

I highly recommend this story ~ read my review here

Character Spotlight ~ Anita Higman's Holly Goodnight, Owen Quigley & Van Keaton

Holly, Owen & Van

You get two Christmas stories for the price of one in Irene Brand and Anita Higman's Love Finds You Under the Mistletoe :) Anita shares her characters here in her novella Once Upon a Christmas Eve.

Enjoy:~

Holly Goodnight

My heroine, Holly Goodnight, is a little roundish, but in an irresistible way. She has dark luminous eyes, sports a mischievous air, and looks a little like the actress, Anne Hathaway.

Holly has a great compassion for people, but her human frailty becomes apparent when her underlying fear of abandonment surfaces. Holly falls into the fairy archetype. I think this kind of character is so fascinating to create and watch. Other examples of this kind of character are the heroines from the movies, Chocolat and Cold Comfort Farm.

Owen Quigly

Owen Quigly, my hero, is tall and lanky and lumbers like Jimmy Stewart. Owen looks like the actor, Paul Bettany from the movie, The Young Victoria, only Owen’s hair is red and electric.

Owen is funny and caring, but sometimes he’s too phlegmatic when it comes to expressing his feelings. He has a talent for reading the stock market and making a lot of money, but he’s never cared too much for spending it. He’d rather give it away. Decades ago I dated a guy who was a little like Owen. But I didn’t marry him.

Van Keaton

Van Keaton is another male character in my novella. He looks a lot like a young Hugh Grant.

He is creative and passionate about life and love, but he’s a bit arrogant around the edges. Van is afflicted with a miserable yet humorous case of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Van Keaton is also a novelist and terrified of failure. In fact, the fear of it keeps him awake at night.

It was fun and fairly easy to write about Van, since I too know the wonderful and slightly neurotic life of a writer.

Background to the story

As far as the story’s background I love all things Christmas, and I’ve always been curious about orphans and their plight. So, I put both of these ideas together, and Once Upon a Christmas Eve started to form in my mind.

Thanks for sharing, Anita :) They sound like great characters!



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