Character Spotlight ~ T L Higley's Cassia & Julian

Cassia & Julian

T L Higley's books are always at the top of my list with her terrific blend of ancient history, adventure, suspense and a touch of romance.

Enjoy this insight into Tracy's latest foray into ancient times:~

Brief physical description

Cassia’s a petite Mediterranean woman, with some uncertain parentage that’s given her reddish streaks in her dark hair. She has a big smile.

Julian is a tall, muscular Roman, who comes across as intense most of the time.

Actor/famous person

I used this stock photo while writing Petra, to help picture Cassia. Although the boy in this photo is younger than Alexander, it helped me imagine her connection to him.

For Julian, maybe a young Bruce Willis… that mischievous little smile that lets you know he’s up to something.

Strengths and weaknesses

Cassia is a strong woman, though at the start of the story, she doesn’t know it. She has always relied on others, and when the story opens she determines that she’ll stand alone to take care of herself and her son. She loves Alexander fiercely and would do anything to protect him. The danger in Petra brings out that protective streak, but it also challenges Cassia to understand how to be part of a community and rely on others, not just herself. Along the way, she also discovers the source of true strength, and the only way she can open herself to love again.

Julian’s mistakes in the past have convinced him that he should remain in the background, not try to lead people. But he’s a born leader, and through the story he learns how to lead from love, not from pride.

Quirk (if any)

Cassia’s a bit headstrong, and when she gets an idea in her head, she tends to go for it, despite the danger or foolishness (including getting self-defense training from a gladiator instructor!)

Julian has a hidden talent for sculpting – an unusual thing for Roman nobility. He puts it to good use in the rock city of Petra.

Your inspiration for the character

While writing Petra, my youngest son was the same age as Alexander, and he was definitely my inspiration for Alexander’s character. So I’d have to say that my inspiration for Cassia was my own emotional ties to my son – throughout the story I felt that same desire to do anything to save him.

For Julian, I think I also drew on parts of myself. I am also driven to make things work and run “my plan,” regardless of the wisdom that might be spoken by God and others. I’m slowly learning, like Julian, to give up control of my own agenda and seek what God wants for my life.

Background to the story

The settings of my stories always inspire me. I travelled to Petra to research this book, and wandering around that city cut into stone cliffs gave me all the inspiration I needed to create Cassia and Julian. Cassia loves the protective feeling of the high cliffs all around her because she’s never felt truly safe. Julian has come to Petra to hide, so the city-in-rock is perfect for him. In some ways, the city created the characters for me.

While researching the history of Petra, I ran across a few “unknowns,” one of which was why the capital city of the Nabatean kingdom peacefully gave itself up to the Roman Empire, when rulership and power were always fought over. I worked backward from there, developing my own tale to explain that momentous event in history.

Always a pleasure to have you visit, Tracy! Thanks for so much for sharing ~ I really enjoyed these characters :)

Relz Reviewz Extras

Reviews of Petra, Guardian of the Flame, Shadow of Colossus and City of the Dead

Enter for your chance to win a copy of Petra

Visit Tracy's fabulous new website, No Passport Required

Buy Tracy's books at Amazon or Koorong

Coming in 2011 from B&H Fiction

B&H Fiction publish premier fiction and they are yet to publish a book I haven't enjoyed! I know you will love checking out these 2011 releases from one of the best publishers in the business :)

Love the look of all of these, especially Pompeii and Fallen Angel! And Julie's and Brandilyn's and of course, Pamela's - LOL!

Enjoy:~



Fade to Blue by Julie Carobini

Suz Mitchell is the determined dreamer we should all be and won’t allow her ex-husband Len’s jail sentence to ruin their young son Jeremiah’s life. An accomplished artist, she moves with her child across the country to California’s central coast and lands a sweet job restoring priceless paintings at the historic Hearst Castle overlooking the ocean.

To her utter surprise, a serious old flame, Seth, is also now working at Hearst and jumbles the dreams inside Suz’s heart. While sorting out the awkwardness of their past split and current spiritual differences, a repentent Len shows up eager to restore his family.

Suz must learn to let God be the true restorer of all that once seemed lost.

May, 2011

Over the Edge by Brandilyn Collins

Torn from the front lines of medical debate and the author’s own experiences with Lyme disease, Over the Edge is riveting fiction, full of twists and turns-and powerful truths about today’s medical field.

Janessa McNeil knew the Lyme War was real. After all, her husband, Dr. Brock McNeil, a researcher and professor at Stanford University’s Department of Medicine, specializes in tick-borne diseases-especially Lyme. He concludes that Chronic Lyme disease doesn’t exist. Even as patients across the country are getting sicker, Brock’s committee is about to announce its latest findings—which will further seal the door shut for Lyme treatment. Yes, Janessa knew about the Lyme War. She just never expected to be part of it. But one embittered man is out to prove the expert wrong by infecting Jannie with Lyme disease. When she falls ill, he states his demands: convince her husband to publicly reverse his stand on Lyme, or the next one to fall ill will be their daughter. But Jannie’s marriage is already rocky, and she’s so sick she can hardly move or think.

As her husband and his colleagues deny she has Lyme at all, will this pervasive disease—and the bitter battle surrounding it—cost her everything?

May, 2011

Pompeii by T LHigley

Pompeii, a city that’s many things to many people. For Cato, it’s the perfect escape from a failed political career in Rome. A place to start again, become a winemaker. But when a corrupt politician wrongfully jails Cato’s sister, he must oust the man from power to save her.

For Ariella, Pompeii is a means to an end. As a young Jew, she escaped the fall of Jerusalem only to endure slavery to a cruel Roman general. She ends up in Pompeii, disguised as a young man and sold into a gladiator troupe. Her anger fuels her to fight well, hoping to win the arena crowds and reveal her gender at the perfect time. Perhaps then she will win true freedom. But evil creeps through the streets of Pompeii. Political corruption, religious persecution, and family peril threaten to destroy Ariella and Cato, who are thrown together in the battle to survive.

As Vesuvius churns with deadly intent, the two must bridge their differences to save the lives of those they love, before the fiery ash buries Pompeii, leaving the city lost to the world.

June, 2011

Fallen Angel by Maj. Jeff Struecker & Alton Gansky

Major Jeff Struecker (a real life Black Hawk Down veteran) and his award-winning coauthor tell a space-based intelligence story of intense extremes in their new novel, Fallen Angel, named for the “Angel-12” American satellite that is ambushed by China and falls 22,000 miles to land in remote Siberia.

U.S. Sgt. Major Eric Moyer and his Special Ops unit are deployed to find Angel-12 and keep its advanced nuclear fuel from enemy hands-and there are many. A Russian shadow government bent on restoring the former USSR pursues the satellite as does the Chinese special forces group that knocked it from the sky. A rash of military and domestic hostage concerns ensues as the stark truth looms: three nations are racing to the satellite, but only one will get there first.

July, 2011

Dancing on Shattered Glass by Pamela Binnings Ewen

In the steamy city of New Orleans in 1974, Amalise Catoir sees Phillip Sharp as a charming, magnetic artist, unlike any man she has known. A young lawyer herself, raised in a small-town Christian home and on the brink of a career with a large firm, she is strong and successful, yet sometimes too trusting and whimsical. Ama’s rash decision to marry Phillip proves to be a mistake as he becomes overly possessive, drawing his wife away from family, friends, and her faith. His insidious, dangerous behavior becomes her dark, inescapable secret.

In this lawyer’s unraveling world, can grace survive Ama’s fatal choice? What would you do when prayers seem to go unanswered, faith has slipped away, evil stalks, and you feel yourself forever dancing on shattered glass?

August, 2011

Character Spotlight ~ Melanie Dobson's Katie Lehmann & Rollin Wells

Katie & Rollin

Melanie Dobson's second Summerside novel is a romantic suspense set in 1920s Amish country. Enjoy this insight into her characters.

Over to you, Melanie:~

Brief physical description

Katie Lehman is a young Amish woman with honey brown hair and an eight-year-old son whom she adores.

Think Jessica Stroup

Rollin Well is a thirty-two-year-old, hard-nosed Cleveland detective with steely blue eyes and a strong jawline. He is intense and dedicated to his job.

Think Howard Hughes

Strengths and weaknesses

Katie is a wonderful-goot single mother with a secret. She appreciates the steadiness and security of the Amish life, but sometimes she longs for freedom outside. She is afraid of change and afraid that her son will grow up and leave her and his faith. Her entire life is dedicated to the well-being of her son.

Rollin Wells is dedicated to getting revenge for the death of woman he loved by bringing down the Cardano Mob family. His entire life is focused on revenge so he snubs both love and the concept of forgiveness.

Your inspiration for the character

The inspiration for my characters came from the movie The Witness except this story is set in 1929 and my detective is trying to bring down the notorious Cleveland mob.

Quirks

Katie gets the hiccups whenever she gets scared. :)

Background to the story

The Cardanos are a notorious Mafia family in Cleveland who thrive during Prohibition by acquiring corn sugar for alcohol. They will eliminate anyone who gets in the way of their successful business, even members of the family. The story begins in Cleveland, 1929.

Here's the synopsis:

Dark secrets bind the notorious Cardano family together, but Detective Rollin Wells is close to exposing them. The Cardanos are working in the hills south of Cleveland, and when Rollin travels to Sugarcreek to investigate, he discovers that the Cardanos want him dead. Rollin hides out in an Amish home, trying to uncover why the Cardanos are in Amish country and who is collaborating with them. As he gets closer to the truth, he also attempts to find out what a beautiful Amish woman named Katie Lehman—a woman who reminds him of the girl he once loved— is hiding.

Will Katie trust him with her secret..and her heart? Or will the Cardano code of honor silence them both?

Thank you, Melanie. This one sounds like a terrific read :)

Tomorrow the spotlight shines on Cassia & Julian from TL Higley's Petra: City of Stone.

Relz Reviewz Extras

Character spotlight on Melanie's Anna Brent from Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana

Visit Melanie's website and blog

Buy Melanie's books at Amazon or Koorong

Stars in the Night Giveaway

Coming in mid 2011 from Fidelis

I know we have had a LOT of pretty girlie covers lately so here are a couple to get your teeth into! If you are like me and love military action and intrigue look no further than Fidelis Books and two of their 2011 releases.

Needless to say I am highly anticipating both these stories, especially Bob's as I'm keen to see what Matt Hogan has been up to ;-)


Targets Down by Bob Hamer

Targets Down is written by retired FBI agent Bob Hamer whose recent novel, Enemies Among Us, was hailed by Publishers Weekly as “a page-turning roller coaster that feels like Jack Bauer’s 24 without sailing over the top.”

When an FBI wife is critically wounded and two people are found dead on a mountain pass, special agent Matt Hogan is tasked with identifying those responsible. The undercover assignment takes him into the shadow world of Russian organized crime, neo-Nazis, and the sex-slave industry. Matt’s cover is almost blown twice—once by accident, once by incompetence within the FBI ranks—making violence appear to be his only solution. As he confronts evil, Hogan relies not only on the strength of his wife’s faith but his own quest to find God. He also finds terror and terrorism on this heart-pounding journey.

June, 2011

Kiloton Threat by LTG (Ret.) William G. Boykin and Tom Morrisey

Taken from what could be tomorrow’s headlines, Kiloton Threat is a novel that explores the frightening potential of nuclear weapons in the Middle East today. Out of the house churches of rural Iran, a Christian masquerading as a Muslim gains the confidence of a high-ranking leader in the Iranian nuclear program and opens his eyes to Christianity. The man’s newfound faith stirs his desire to flee to the West, taking with him intelligence that would allow Coalition forces to neutralize his nation’s devastating capabilities. But no one in such a position could ever escape unnoticed.

Enter Blake Kershaw, a highly trained U.S. Special Forces officer who has already made extraordinary sacrifices for his country that include faking death and losing his true identity. His mission to infiltrate Iran and extract the high-value defector strains the relationship with the woman he loves—one of the few people on earth who knows his real story. With even more intensity, it shows the price that must sometimes be paid when political correctness fails and a man has to stand up for what is right.

July, 2011

Stars in the Night by Cara Putman

Synopsis:~

Hollywood 1942.

When attorney Audra Schaeffer’s sister disappears, Audra flies to Hollywood to find her but instead must identify her body. Determined to bring the killer to justice, Audra takes a job with the second Hollywood Victory Caravan. Together with Robert Garfield and other stars, she crisscrosses the southern United States in a campaign to sell war bonds. When two other women are found dead on the train, Audra knows the deaths are tied to that of her sister. Could the killer be the man with whom she’s falling in love?

My take:~

History, romance and the intrigue of old Hollywood make a perfect blend in Cara Putman’s latest suspense novel. The backdrop of the Second World War and the Hollywood Victory Caravan, makes Stars in the Night a fascinating read due to both the 1942 setting and the glamour, vanity and desperation of Hollywood hopefuls and its stars. Cara captures the uniqueness of those in the acting fraternity and their efforts to assist the American campaign in Europe by selling war bonds and adds romance amidst the drama of death and mayhem aboard the caravan. While the pacing slowed a little too much for my liking midway through the book, I enjoyed the trip back in time to an era that has often been overlooked in the historical genre. Stars in the Night is my first Cara Putman novel and it won’t be my last.

With thanks to Wynn~Wynn Media for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras

Character spotlight on Audra & Robert

Visit Cara's website and blog

Buy Cara's books from Amazon or Koorong

Family R&R

I've just had a fantastic time getting a little R&R with my family at the Mornington Peninsula so I've got a few things to catch up so there may
be a few posts in quick succession!

Enjoy a peek at our break :)

Shell

Miss 7

Black Cockatoos

Beach cricket

Starfish

Sorrento

Miss 12 ~ like mother like daughter!

Coming in 2011 from Revell ~ Historical

Here's a look at a few of Revell's historical releases for 2011.

I'm thrilled Kathleen Morgan has returned to writing ~ I've always loved her stories. If A Great Catch is anything like Making Waves it will be lots of fun and I can't wait to read Diana's take on Martha ~ I've always had a soft spot for her when reading her Biblical story.

Come back soon for a sneak peek at more Revell releases from Laura Frantz, Sarah Sundin, Bonnie Leon and Ann H Gabhart.

For now, your thoughts on these ones?


A Heart Divided by Kathleen Morgan

It is 1878 and the Caldwells and Wainwrights have been feuding for decades. Still, Sarah Caldwell has misgivings when her father pressures her into distracting a ranch hand while he and her brothers rob the Wainwright place. When it becomes clear that hand is actually Cord Wainwright, Sarah realizes she needs to lay low. But Cord spots her in town and, with the sheriff away, makes a citizen's arrest, dragging her off to the Wainwright ranch until the sheriff's return. As the feud boils over, Cord and Sarah make a most inconvenient discovery--they are falling in love. Can they betray their families for love? Or will their families betray them?

Against the beautiful and wild backdrop of the Rocky Mountains comes this sweeping saga of romance, betrayal, and forgiveness from beloved author Kathleen Morgan.

May 2011

A Great Catch by Lorna Seilstad

It is the beginning of a new century at Lake Manawa Resort in Iowa, but some things never change. When 22-year-old Emily Graham's meddlesome aunts and grandmother take it upon themselves to find her a husband among the resort guests, the spunky suffragist is determined to politely decline each and every suitor. She has neither the time nor the need for a man in her busy life.

Carter Stockton, a recent college graduate and pitcher for the Manawa Owls baseball team, intends to enjoy every minute of the summer at Lake Manawa, Iowa, before he is forced into the straitlaced business world of his father.

When Emily crashes into Carter at a roller skating rink, neither could guess what would come next. Will Carter strike out? Or will Emily cast her vote for a love that might cost her dreams?

The perfect summer novel, A Great Catch will enchant readers with its breezy setting and endearing characters.

May 2011

Martha by Diana Wallis Taylor

Perhaps one of the most misunderstood and misrepresented characters of the New Testament is Martha. Often painted in the colors of reproach, Martha seems to be the poster child for how not to be a follower of Jesus. From the mind of Diana Wallis Taylor comes this touching, well-researched portrayal of Martha of Bethany, sister of Mary and Lazarus. Through Taylor's lush descriptions and inspired combination of imagined and recorded dialogue, Martha's world--her trials, triumphs, and loves--vibrantly comes to life.

Follow Martha as she is jilted by her betrothed, falls in love with a Roman soldier, grieves the death of her father, cares for her siblings, and serves her Lord with dignity and grace.

Readers will never read the biblical story of Martha the same way again.

June 2011

Petra: City of Stone by T L Higley with giveaways

Synopsis:~

Petra, the wondrous ancient city carved from the mountains of modern Jordan, is at the height of its glory in this gripping historical novel by T. L. Higley.

A young widow, Cassia, and her son, Alexander, have arrived there seeking protection with her late husband's estranged family. But when Cassia discovers the man she married was heir to the throne, the power-hungry Queen Hagiru plots to murder Alexander so that her own child will someday rule. The queen, priestess of the sun-god, Dushrat, calls on demonic powers in her quest, but Cassia is prepared for the fierce spiritual battle to save her son, joining a Roman named Julian and his community of believers in the Jewish Messiah.

Together they seek a mighty movement of God far stronger than any dark heart or city made of stone.

My take:~

Tracy Higley's exceptional talent for detailed research and fascinating storytelling are both on display in her latest tale, Petra: City of Stone. Taking a break from her brilliant Seven Wonders series, Petra launches her Lost Cities series which will also encompass the cities of Pompeii and Babylon. Combining adventure, suspense, romance and faith, the story of Cassia and Julian is entertaining and thought provoking in equal measure. Be prepared to smell the dust and feel the cool stone walls of this ancient city as Tracy immerses you in political intrigue, pagan ritual and the power of God's presence. Julian, Cassia and Malik are characters that will touch your heart and move your spirit as they face fears, confront malevolent evil and respond to the love of Jesus. Ancient history has no better advocate than Tracy Higley and I cannot recommend her books highly enough!

With thanks to B&H for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras

View the book trailer

Reviews of Guardian of the Flame, Shadow of Colossus and City of the Dead

Character spotlights on Tessa (Shadow of Colossus), Hemiumu (City of the Dead) and Sophia & Bellus (Guardian of the Flame)

Interview with Tracy

Visit Tracy's fabulous new website, No Passport Required

Buy Tracy's books at Amazon or Koorong

Drop by next week for a character spotlight on Cassia & Julian

The winner of Love Finds You in Silver City, Idaho is....

Laura S ~ congratulations!

I hope you enjoy this story :)

A Promise of Hope by Amy Clipston ~ Tracy's Take

Publisher’s Synopsis:

When Sarah Troyer tragically loses her husband Peter, she is left to raise infant twins alone. Overwhelmed and grieving, she lives with her parents in the Amish community of Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania. Sarah is taken completely by surprise when a stranger arrives claiming connections to Peter’s past—Peter had told her he was an orphan with no family. From Luke, she learns her husband hid a secret life, one with ramifications that will change her own.

Sarah’s family, concerned for her and the future of her twins, encourages her to marry again. It should make sense … but Sarah’s heart says no. She feels trapped. Should she marry a man she doesn’t love? Or discover if her growing interest in Luke can be trusted?

What I thought:

I was completed delighted to again visit with the Kauffman family in the Kauffman Amish Bakery Series’ second installment by Amy Clipston. “A Promise of Hope” is yet another fine example of Amy’s engaging and tender style of storytelling.

In this second book, the focus shifts from Rebecca Kauffman to her youngest sister, Sarah Rose. Sarah has already had to endure more than her fair share of heartache and tragedy. Amy’s portrayal of her grief and attempt to rebuild her life is infused with poignancy and counterbalanced with deep faith. The layers of grief that Sarah endures as she learns of her late husband’s past highlight her strength of character. I found Sarah to be an inspiring young woman whose desire to step forward despite the heartbreak in her life brings a hopefulness we often choose to ignore in the reality of our difficulties.

I enjoyed watching the relationship between Luke and Sarah begin to blossom. The tender new growth that begins is soon overwhelmed by the revelation of who Luke really is and the secrets he has hidden from Sarah. I found the depiction of their relationship frustratingly real! Both are happier to settle for half truths and assumptions than to actually talk and confront the issues that must be addressed. How true that is for many of us who would rather avoid confrontation at all costs.

Once again, Amy has included a handful of recipes throughout this book and I am looking forward to trying a few of them myself. I can’t wait to see what ‘A Place of Peace’ (book 3) will bring.

With thanks to Zondervan for my review copy

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

Relz Reviewz Extras

Tracy's review of A Gift of Grace

Character spotlight on Lindsay & Jessica Bedford

Interview with Amy

Visit Amy's website and blog

Buy Amy's book at Amazon or Koorong

Coming in 2011 from Revell ~ Contemporary

Here's a look at Revell's contemporary novels releasing May ~ June 2011.

Snitch looks fabulous and with an author's dream name, Booker can't go wrong! Lynette is getting better and better so I'm keen to read her latest Women of Justice novel, too, although I'm not a huge fan of the cover!

Are you feeling the book love?!

Snitch by Booker T Mattison

Andre Bolden isn't one to complain. Sure, he split up with his girl Sandra, he doesn't get to see his son Little Dre much, and he's worried about paying child support. But he's got a steady job driving a bus--and in Jersey City, that's something. Then Andre's world comes crashing down when he witnesses a murder on his bus route and later loses his job. When Andre realizes that the murderer is a feared gang leader, he needs to watch his back. He's trying to get it all back together, but it seems like even God is out to get him.

Enter the gritty world of Booker T. Mattison's Snitch, where the streets are alive and you need to tread lightly. This raw tale of revenge, romance, and redemption will leave readers breathless.

May 2011

A Killer Among Us by Lynette Eason

Kit Kenyon is a first-rate hostage negotiator. Noah Lambert is a good detective with excellent instincts. The new partners have hardly had time to get used to each other when they are thrown into a grisly murder case. As evidence mounts up and more victims are found, Kit and Noah realize they are on the hunt for a serial killer. The problem is, he's hunting one of them too.

With nail-biting suspense, clever plot twists, and a hint of sweet romance, A Killer Among Us is the latest thriller from Lynette Eason. It will keep readers up late as they race to discover the killer--and whether Kit and Noah will live to tell about it.

May 2011

Megan's Hero by Sharon Gillenwater

Six months pregnant, unmarried, broke, and alone, Megan Reed doesn't think things can get much worse--and then they do. Stuck on the road without shelter when a tornado appears, Megan barely escapes with her life. And when Will Callahan comes upon her in the road, her life will never be the same. While staying at the Callahan family ranch, she finds herself daring to love again, even while she suspects that Will's affection for her can't be anything but pity. But when she realizes that the townspeople think she's just a gold digger, she can't bear to stay. Can Will convince her that her past doesn't mean a thing when it comes to love?

Filled with the easy charm and warmth of Texas, Megan's Hero will have readers believing in the power of love and forgiveness.

June 2011

Chasing Sunsets by Eva Marie Everson

Kimberly Tucker's life hasn't turned out the way she thought it would. A divorced mother of two, Kim resents her ex-husband for moving on with his life and living it up while she struggles to understand what went wrong. When her sons end up spending five weeks of summer vacation with their father, Kim's own father suggests a respite in the family vacation home on tiny Cedar Key Island. As Kim revisits her childhood memories and loves, she soon discovers that treasures in life are often buried, and mistakes--both past and present--become redeemable in God's hand.

Readers will be swept away to an island retreat where they walk alongside Kim as she discovers that God's answers may not come easily, but they do come.

June 2011