Jenny B Jones ~ FamilyFiction Plus

As FamilyFiction's Romance Correspondent it was a special treat to interview the witty and talented Jenny B Jones for the third edition of
the FamilyFiction magazine.

It's my privilege to share the hilarity of my complete interview with Jenny with you here ~ enjoy!

You write and you teach ~ compare the pros and cons of each!

Oh, gosh. I’ve never been asked that.

Writing is a very solitary job. It’s just you, the computer, and the M&Ms. And that can be too much alone time for me. So I love that teaching gets me around people, even if most of them are only fourteen. I love working with other teachers, chatting it up with them, and just being part of a team. It’s a cool experience to have people going through the same things, sharing the same ups and downs (and enduring the same boring faculty meetings), as we find in teaching.

But I like that writing is something I can do at my own pace for the most part. I can wear yoga pants for it. And while I might have the occasional review that smarts, at least I don’t have 150 sets of parents I have to keep up with. The pressures associates with both jobs are just totally different. When you’re teaching, you get instant feedback from your audience. That’s always helpful. Usually. And occasionally with teaching there is food in class. Just this week we were doing group projects, and one of the groups worked nachos into their project. “Can we bring nachos to class and serve everyone?” Um, let me think about this for a millisecond. Yes.

Save the Date stars a former pro footballer ~ are you an avid fan or did you need to research your football facts?

Oh, girl, I love me some football. The offense. The defense. The stuff they do on the field, running with the ball and throwing flags and tackling and…are you kidding? I am not a sports person. I am clueless about football. Fortunately I have a good friend who lives and breathes it (So weird! She could be reading People magazine during this time!), and she helped me a lot. I called her a lot while writing Save the Date. I would always begin the conversation, “Now promise me you won’t laugh…”

But as clueless as I’ve been about sports all my life, I’ve always been fascinated with sports culture. It’s just another version of Hollywood to me. So I can’t tell you what a quarterback sneak is, but I am familiar with the names and reputations of players. I love the drama in the athletic world. Can you imagine living a life where you’re paid multi-millions a year just for doing the thing you love the most? That is both a blessing and a curse, and makes for some interesting characters.

Why a marriage of convenience story? Aren’t they usually in the realm of historical fiction?

It’s actual an engagement of convenience. I read romance, and my favorite plot device is where an unlikely man and woman are forced to either marry or pretend to be a couple. It’s just instant sizzle and always reels me in. It’s not the most honest approach to a relationship, so I was blessed the gang at Thomas Nelson were up for it.

In Save the Date, my characters Lucy and Alex each need something desperately. Lucy needs some major funding to save her girls’ home, and Alex, who is running for Congress, needs to restore his reputation. So these two characters, who are day and night, are throw together. I love that doing that to your characters gets you instant sparks and tension. We see different people when they’re “on stage” and in public, acting like a loving couple, then when they are alone and out of the eyes of press or voters. It was a fun contrast to play with.

Your writing career kicked off with a highly successful YA series. Do you need a different mindset to write adult novels?

They are probably more alike than different. Both include romance and single girls. When I write about 30 year old women, the heroines, like the YA heroines, are still confused by boys, still have piles of stress, still need their best friends, and find moments when life is out of control. The 30 year olds just have better skin and a later curfew.

It does require a bit of switching gears though. I usually try and stay away from YA reading when I’m writing women’s romance, and vice-versa. My editors are really good at finding inconsistencies and saying things like, “This sounds too young for an adult woman to say.” I hang out with teenagers all day, so I don’t always have the most mature sense of humor or point of view. Yet another thing I blame on my ninth graders. Like my gray hair and jumbo sized bottle of aspirin.

What is the most challenging aspect of incorporating your faith into your novels?

Oh, wow. Yeah, there are definitely challenges. I think the biggest is that you can’t satisfy everyone. I can write a book that will strike some as being too heavy on the faith elements, while hitting others as being not enough. You just have to be satisfied that you did your best, listened to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and let the story unfold how it needed to. And all authors have their own comfort level with the faith elements too, which can be a good thing. Because the author who likes the heavier message is going to appeal to those readers who appreciate that. And those of us who write lighter fare can speak to the rest. The cool thing about Christian fiction is that there is something for everyone.

Where does the inspiration for your characters/storylines come from?

Usually desperation. Ha. Ideas are pretty slow in coming to me, so they often bloom when the clock is ticking and I HAVE to start typing some pages. I also get ideas from NOT trying to write. The plot for Just Between You and Me came to me while I was taking a break and seeing a movie. As I tuned out the movie and let my mind wander, the pieces started to fall together. And good brainstorming friends help a lot. God has totally blessed me with some awesome author friends this year. It’s been a ginormous asset.

Do you have another adult fiction on the horizon? If so, please share a sneak peek

The next book after Save the Date will be a YA. In Save the Date, Alex’s teen sister makes an appearance, and in this next stand-alone YA, she gets her own story. So it’s been fun to incorporate characters from Save the Date and pick-up where the book leaves off.

I hope you have enjoyed this FamilyFiction plus post ~ comment away!

Relz Reviewz Extras

Review of Just Between You and Me

Character spotlight on Maggie & Connor

Visit Jenny's website and blog

Buy Jenny's books at Amazon or Koorong

Read FamilyFiction's third edition

Look soon for my review of Save the Date and a character spotlight on Alex & Lucy

Nipped in the Bud by Susan Sleeman

Synopsis:~

Paige is thrilled to secure a landscaping contract sprucing up the park for the upcoming "Pickle Fest." But when she bickers with a town official---and a day later he's discovered dead in a mound of mulch---she finds herself in . . . well, a pickle!

With no alibi, can she prove her innocence?

My take:~

I admit I am more a suspense fan than a mystery fan but Susan Sleeman's Nipped in the Bud is a fun and intriguing read as Paige Turner sets out to prove she is innocent of the murder of city manager, Bud Picklemann. With humour, twists and turns and excellent romantic tension between Paige and her attorney, Adam Hayes, this is a read that will keep your attention from start to finish. Nipped in the Bud is my first Susan Sleeman and Hometown Mystery read and it won't be my last of either.

With thanks to the author for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras

Visit Susan's website

Buy Susan's books at Amazon or Koorong

No Distance Too Far by Lauraine Snelling ~ Tracy's Take

Publisher’s Synopsis:

Astrid Bjorklund wants to use her medical training to serve God and feels that He might be leading her in the direction of missionary service. Smarting from a misunderstanding with Joshua Landsverk, the young man she thought she loved, she heads south to a missionary training school, hoping to eventually use her skills in some remote outpost in Africa. When she is called home to help in a family medical crisis, a door of opportunity opens for her unexpectedly. Perhaps the “mission field” God intends for her is not exactly what she imagined. Plunging into her new venture with all her energy, she won’t let herself be discouraged by some disapproving townsfolk in Blessing. But when a certain young man also expresses opposition, she’s caught off guard. If she follows God’s call, will love pass her by?

What I thought:

Lauraine Snelling’s gift for masterful storytelling is obvious, as her second Home to Blessing novel, ‘No Distance Too Far’, continues the story of the Bjorklund family. A surprising plot and endearing characters make this a memorable read in a genre that is often characterised by plots that are predictable and commonplace.

Having not read any other books by Lauraine Snelling I was a little concerned about picking up the threads that had already begun to be woven in previous books. ‘No Distance Too Far’ put those fears to rest as I was able to quickly acquaint myself with the characters and their relationships with one another.

Astrid is a young woman whom I related to as she searches for God’s clear direction in her life. I admired her deliberate determination to seek God and to walk in whatever path He would set before her. Astrid’s frustration and confusion in her seeking was realistic and tangible and a journey that I have experienced in my own faith. I was pleased to see that the outworking and resolution of Astrid’s seeking of God ended in her taking a path she had no initially envisaged. For me, this added to the authenticity and credibility that made the story one I invested myself in.

‘No Distance Too Far’ brings out deep Biblical truths in a way that helps the reader to sort through the challenges faced when seeking to follow God’s will. God’s path often takes a circuitous route, but the route is also filled with lessons that are not easily learned any other way. Astrid’s journey illuminates these lessons in a manner that is easily understood.

With thanks to Bethany for Tracy's review copy

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

Relz Reviewz Extras

Review of Breaking Free

Visit Lauraine's website

Buy Lauraine's books at Amazon or Koorong

The winner of Digitalis is...........

Rebecca B ~ congratulations!

You will LOVE this story :) An email is on its way to you.

Character Spotlight ~ Irene Hannon's Jake Taylor & Liz Michaels

Jake & Liz

Irene Hannon returns with a new romantic suspense series, Guardians of Justice, following on from her highly successful Heroes of Quantico series.

Enjoy meeting Jake & Liz. Over to you, Irene:~

Jake Taylor

Brief Description

Jake is 38, 6’1”, with dark brown hair and brown eyes. As a member of the U.S. Marshals elite Special Operations Group, he’s just returned from a stint in Iraq helping secure that country’s judicial system. He’s now back in his hometown of St. Louis, where his siblings, Alison and Cole, live.

Actor/famous person

I never picture celebrities when envisioning my characters; they always take on their own unique personalities and looks. To be honest though, my publisher’s cover artists nailed the hero!

Rel: I picked Eddie Cibrian for Jake :)

Strengths

Jake is a professional who handles every assignment with total dedication—even ones he doesn’t want…like protecting the wife of his late best friend. As the oldest Taylor sibling, he also feels a special responsibility to watch out for his siblings and has a strong sense of family duty.

Weaknesses

He’s never totally recovered from the death of his wife, which he believes was his fault. Self-forgiveness is difficult for him.

Quirks

He’s overly protective of his spunky sister, Alison. So sparks have a tendency to fly when they’re together.

Inspiration for the Character

As I began to research possible professions for my hero, I discovered the U.S. Marshals Service—and knew that was the place for Jake, a natural protector. But to make things interesting, I assigned him to protect a woman he intensely dislikes. I wanted to explore the issue of wrong impressions and how they can distort our perceptions. Then I threw in some unwanted romantic sizzle just to raise the stakes—and the tension!

Liz Michaels

Brief Description

Liz is 38, 5’7”, with long honey-colored hair parted to one side and green eyes. She’s an attorney and a judge, and has recently been appointed to the federal bench. Detail-oriented and smart, she’s a hard driver and high achiever who’s always been very dedicated to her career.

Actor/famous person

Again, I don’t base my characters on actors or famous people. They just appear as unique individuals in my mind.

Rel: My choice for Liz is Robin Wright

Strengths

Liz is a woman with great strength and integrity. She’s a hard worker, and is totally committed to those she loves.

Weaknesses

She pushes herself too hard and often spends too many hours on the job.

Quirks

She loves to walk, is partial to her neighbor’s killer cannoli and always wears red nail polish.

Inspiration for the Character

Since I wanted to pair Liz with Jake, and he comes into the story already disliking her, I was able to take readers along as he discovers there is much more to this woman than first meets the eye. Plus I wanted to create a character who demonstrates that even successful people can harbor doubts and carry devastating emotional baggage—yet they manage to carry on.

Background to the Story

Coming off my Heroes of Quantico series, which starred three FBI buddies, I decided to feature three siblings bound by blood and a passion for justice. Thus, the Guardians of Justice series was born.

I’m having a blast with the family dynamic in this series. Think two overprotective brothers and a very independent sister. As you can imagine, there are some skirmishes. But despite those clashes, they love each other, are totally loyal and will do anything to help each other. They’re a great family, and I hope readers love them as much as I do.

(Copyright: www.visualphotos.com)

So starting with that family dynamic, I added touches of humor, lots of suspense, a riveting villain and a healthy dose of romance. I hope that’s the recipe for a book that will keep readers glued to the page—and coming back for more. It will be hard to top the Heroes of Quantico—all bestsellers that garnered a Daphne du Maurier award, an RT Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice award and a RITA nomination—but I’m giving it my best shot!

As with all my series, each book stands alone; no plot threads carry over from book to book. But please do watch for Alison’s story, Deadly Pursuit, coming in September!

Thanks so much, Irene :) Lovely having you here again.

On Thursday the spotlight shines on DiAnn Mills' Ember Farrar & John Timmons from The Fire in Ember.

Relz Reviewz Extras

Reviews of Against All Odds , An Eye for An Eye and In Harm's Way

Character spotlights on Coop & Monica, Mark & Emily and Nick & Rachel

Interview with Irene

Visit Irene's website

Buy Irene's books at Amazon or Koorong

Someone to Blame by CS Lakin

Synopsis:~

In the wake of heartrending family tragedies, Matt and Irene Moore move with their fourteen-year-old daughter, Casey, to a small town. Their goal is to get far away from the daily reminders that leave each of them raw and guilt-ridden. Their hope is to find redemption, repair, and renewal. Instead, the threads that hold them together unravel even more.

Breakers, a small community perched on the rocky coast of the Pacific Northwest, is draped with cold isolation that seems to mirror the hearts. As they settle into their new life, old grief settles with them. Matt is always on edge and easily angered, Irene is sad and pensive, and Casey is confused and defiant. They've once more set the stage for calamity.

Into this mix comes Billy Thurber, a young drifter with his own conflicts, whose life unexpectedly entangles with the Moores’. His arrival in Breakers parallels a rash of hateful and senseless crimes, and soon the whole town – eager for someone to blame – goes after Thurber with murderous intent. Out of this dangerous chaos, however, the Moores find unexpected grace and healing in a most unlikely way.

My take:~

Someone to Blame is an unforgettable story that brought me to tears, invoked my anger, soothed my soul and put CS Lakin on my must read list. The Moores are a family attempting to cope with unspeakable tragedy and battling the insidious grip of guilt, anger and fear and CS Lakin's prose bleeds these emotions from the page leaving you breathless. Perfect pacing and delayed revelations made this a gripping read as each character explores their anguish and the mystery unfolds. The underlying challenge to extend grace and grasp forgiveness is sensitively woven into the fabric of the story and, as in life, rarely is anything as it seems. Someone to Blame is both powerful and sublime, a story that may just change the way you think of others.

With thanks to Zondervan for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras

Visit CS Lakin's website and blog

Buy her books at Amazon or Koorong

Ginny Yttrup talks about her debut novel, Words

Ginny Yttrup's Words is one of the best debut novels I have read. Look for my review soon but for now I'll let Ginny share with you about this brilliant story.

Words releases from B&H Fiction in February, 2011

Paradise Valley by Dale Cramer

Synopsis:~

"I would do a great many things for you."

Even at sixteen, Jake's handsome features hold the calm certainty and patient confidence of a man, and Rachel Bender knows--Jake Weaver is the one.

Rachel will grow into a strong young woman with powerful gifts—but in a faraway country, without her Jake. In 1921, Ohio's new law forces Caleb Bender's family to seek sanctuary in the wilds of Mexico where the government will not interfere with their Amish way of life, or take their children from them. Nor will it protect them from the bandits terrorizing the countryside.

In an unfamiliar land where no one speaks their language or knows their ways, the Benders establish a homestead in exile. Sisters Emma, Rachel, and Miriam find strengths unimagined, gifts unexpected, and yearning beyond their deepest dreams. Even steadfast Caleb is compelled to wrestle with the demands of faith, only to discover that love has its own demands.

My take:~

Each of Dale Cramer's previous novels have enthralled me. Sutter's Cross, Summer of Light, Bad Ground and Levi's Will all sit proudly on my shelves and are testament to Dale's talent as a wordsmith and storyteller. As Amish fiction is rarely on my reading radar, it was Dale's name alone that had me highly anticipating the first book in The Daughters of Caleb Bender series, Paradise Valley, and he did not disappoint. Beautifully rendered and historically detailed, Caleb Bender's journey to Mexico in search of religious freedom for his family is an emotive, adventurous and engrossing read. Dale creates believable and heartfelt characters, brimming with life and emotional nuances that raise the bar in this genre. Caleb, Rachel and Miriam's unique personalities unfold as the pages turn and I can't wait to see where Dale takes them in the following stories. Domingo is another character that enthralled me and the opportunity for conflict and immeasurable grace in his journey are tantalising. Others may argue with me but in my mind Dale Cramer is the premier writer of Amish fiction today as his appeal extends beyond genre boundaries and his books should be read by anyone who is captivated by brilliant and engaging storytelling.

With thanks to Bethany House for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras

Review of Summer of Light

Interview with Dale ~ 2007

Visit Dale's website and blog

Buy Dale's books at Amazon and Koorong

Stay tuned for my new interview with Dale....

Character Interview ~ Sydney Jacobs from Ronie Kendig's Nightshade

Introducing Sydney Jacobs, wife to Max "Frogman" Jacobs, whose investigative instincts get her into a boatload of trouble in Nightshade, the first novel of Ronie Kendig's Discarded Heroes series.

Enjoy getting to know her!

Sydney

What was it about Max that first caught your eye?

His eyes. They’re black as coal, but convey so much. The intensity was something that drew me in. Max doesn’t have to talk—his eyes do it for him.

Investigative journalism is an interesting choice for a woman! How did your career come about?

I’ve always wanted to be a reporter, but never really went after my dreams. It was actually Max who nudged me to pursue it. And my insatiable curiosity has gotten me into trouble many times—proof is in Nightshade LOL—so it’s not surprising, I suppose.

How do you cope when Max is away and you have no idea where he has gone or what he is doing?

That’s when I bury myself in work, and I used to spend a lot of time with my mom. Since she died, I’ve had my first child—Dillon—and believe me, that little guy keeps me busy.

You know Max would put his life on the line for his team ~ are you comfortable with that?

I am. I’ve known that since I met him, andi t’s a big part of what I love about him. He is a man of integrity and character. He’s fiercely loyal. I heard someone once say that Max does not give friendship easily, but once he does, he’s your friend for life. He’s a warrior and protector—what’s not to love?

How do you maintain your sanity?

I have a baby—what’s sanity? Seriously, all I have to do is remind myself of what God has done in my life, how Max is working so hard to turn his life (and anger) around, and when I do that, I have great peace.

How has motherhood changed you and Max?

I suppose it’s changed me in all the normal ways—I am tired more, don’t go out as often, I miss Max more when he’s out of town, but I also smile and laugh more, and Dillon reminds me that life is a continuous cycle, he’s the breath of a new generation.

Thanks Sydney ~ hope Dillon doesn't keep you awake tonight!

Relz Reviewz Extras

Reviews of Digitalis & Nightshade

View the book trailer

Visit the Discarded Heroes website

Visit Ronie's website and blog

Buy Ronie's books at Amazon or Koorong

Coming in 2011 from Summerside Press

After returning early from our camping holiday due to rain, I know no better way than to start back at Relz Reviewz by sharing some new books!

Summerside Press (now in the Guideposts stable) continues to expand its range of novels in its various series. Enjoy this look at what is coming up this year. I'm certainly looking forward to reviewing many of them.

How about you? Any going to make your wishlist?

Signature Series

The Blackberry Bush by David Housholder

Who are You, and what are you doing here?

Two babies—Kati and Josh—are born on opposite sides of the world at the very moment the Berlin Wall falls. You’d think such a potent freedom metaphor would become the soundtrack for their lives, but nothing could be further from the truth. Despite his flawless image, Josh, an artistic and gifted California skateboarder, struggles to find his true role in the world, and his growing aggression eventually breaks him.

Kati, a German with a penchant for classic Swiss watches and attic treasure-hunting, is crushed with disappointment for never being “enough” for anyone—most especially her mother. Craving liberation, Kati and Josh seem destined to claim their birthright of freedom together. After all, don’t the “chance” encounters transform your life…or are they really chance?

June, 2011

When I Fall in Love Series

Love Letters in the Sand by Diann Hunt

The tide of World War II washed away her happily-ever-after dreams and left heartbreak in its wake, but Eva Hilton dares to consider another chance at love.

However, the jilted teacher’s past catches up with her when battle-scarred Paul Sommerfeld re-enters her life in 1957. Together they attempt to navigate the shifting sands of their relationship as painful truths come to light. Will Eva ultimately discover that, though the tide washed away their once-upon-a-time love letters in the sand, she and Paul have a love that will be forever written upon their hearts?

June, 2011

Unforgettable by Trish Perry

Rachel Stanhope tries to see the good in everyone. But Josh Reegan tests even her good graces when they meet outside her Arlington, Virginia, dance studio in 1951. He’s attractive, yet his cynicism and cockiness are hard to tolerate.

A journalist and former World War II Air Force pilot, Josh considers ballroom dancing a frivolous waste of time. Although Rachel’s confident nature is a refreshing challenge, he wouldn’t tangle with her if his newspaper hadn’t assigned him to cover her studio’s competition in New York City.

Between the melodrama of ballroom antics and the real drama of political corruption, Rachel and Josh have their hands full. The last thing either of them expects is mutual need and support. But once they stop dancing around the truth, the results are unforgettable.

March, 2011

Historical Romance

Under A Desert Sky by DiAnn Mills

When Eva Fortier’s grandfather is murdered, her attorney urges her to leave New York and take refuge in the high desert area of New Mexico.

Leaving her life of wealth behind, Eva attempts to make sense of the tragedies in her life. Navajo David Benally has his hands full taking care of his people’s medical needs. But when his father asks him to help fulfill a vow made to Eva’s father, he has no choice but to oblige. He views Eva as a spoiled rich girl...until he sees her strength in the midst of life threatening danger.

June, 2011

An Ocean Away by Lisa Harris

Dateline: 1921—Northern Rhodesia and New York, New York.

Lizzie MacTavis is determined to remain with the people with whom God called her to work along the banks of the rugged Zambezi River in southern Africa.

Andrew Styles, an anthropologist and explorer, has been commissioned to bring Lizzie back to New York City at any cost. With a fortune at stake, Lizzie is caught between two worlds when she is finally forced to return to the United States and discovers her life is in danger. Will Andrew turn out to be Lizzie’s nemesis or hero?

March, 2011

Love Finds You Series

Love Finds You in Tombstone, Arizona by Miralee Ferrell

Love and second chances aren’t easy to come by in a town named Tombstone.

When Christy Grey receives an urgent summons to Tombstone, Arizona, she reluctantly leaves her new life in California. The trip goes from bad to worse when three masked men hold up Christy’s stage. She finally arrives in Tombstone to find her mother ill and her brother trapped in a life of gambling. Desperate for money to support her family, will Christy bow to pressure from the local saloon owners and return to the life she thought she’d given up for good?

Nevada Keene has problems of his own. He’s been dodging bullets for years and wants nothing more than to settle down and get married. But he’s on the run from outlaws bent on revenge, and the one woman who captures his interest recognizes him from the stagecoach holdup. Will Christy turn Nevada in to the authorities, or will the outlaws on his trail catch him first?

February, 2011

Love Finds You in Camelot, Tennessee by Janice Hanna

Steve Garrison is the newly elected mayor of the tiny town of Camelot, Tennessee.

When his childhood friend Amy Hart comes up with a plan to revive the town’s economy, he jumps on board. The townspeople will perform the musical “Camelot” in the city’s park, drawing in nightly crowds. While excitement is high, talent is lacking. Amy casts several of the parts but is stumped when it comes to the role of King Arthur.

In desperation, she turns to Steve. Will he pull the sword from the stone and save the day? Steve reluctantly agrees—on one condition. In exchange for his willingness to wear tights, Amy must play the role of Guinevere. And when a handsome newcomer cast as Lancelot takes an interest in Amy, the stage is set for a little tension—and perhaps love.

February, 2011

Love Finds You in Prince Edward Island, Canada by Susan Page Davis

In the summer of 1860, Prince Edward Island is astir.

Its citizens eagerly anticipate the arrival of the first member of the British royal family to visit the island. Molly Orland is too poor to be invited to the ball, but she and several other local young women are thrilled when they’re hired as extra staff at the lieutenant governor’s house, where the young Prince of Wales will be a guest.

Peter Stark has arrived a few days in advance of the royal party to make sure arrangements are suitable for the prince. He is attracted to the beauty of the island—and to a young local girl named Molly, whom he’s determined to shield from the notorious antics of the playboy prince. When Peter and Molly discover a long-buried secret that could bring shame to his royal employer, will he remain a loyal servant—or help Molly’s family get the justice they deserve?

April, 2011

Love Finds You in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts by Melody Carlson

Artist Waverly Brennan wants a fresh start.

She gets her chance when her ever-quirky mother calls to say she’s purchased a gallery in Martha’s Vineyard and would love Waverly’s help setting it up. Enticed by visions of running a classy art gallery, Waverly is in. But after she burns her bridges in Chicago, Waverly arrives in Vineyard Haven only to discover that her mother’s “gallery” isn’t quite what she had envisioned.

Stuck on the island for the summer, Waverly attempts to make the best of it. She starts painting again and soon finds other motivations to stick around—such as Blake Erikson and his charming daughter. As she falls more in love with the island, Waverly begins to wonder if it all looks too good to be true.

Will she give the charming town—and Blake—a chance?

April, 2011

Love Finds You in Groom, Texas by Janice Hanna

The year is 1914, and Jake O’Farrell has gained an unusual reputation among the locals.

He’s played the roles of groomsman and best man in all four of his older brothers’ weddings, but he’s never been able to find the right woman to capture his heart. And with the upcoming wedding of his best friend, Jake will become the last single man in the town of Groom.

Anne Denning has made the difficult decision to move with her sisters to Dallas, but just outside of Amarillo, a train derailment forces them and the other passengers to seek shelter in nearby Groom. Mrs. O’Farrell, hopeful that at least one of the Denning sisters will catch her youngest son’s eye, invites the girls to stay at her home until the train is ready to pull out. Anne has no clue of the blissful chaos that lies ahead!

June, 2011

Love Finds You in Amana, Iowa by Melanie Dobson

As the rest of the nation is embroiled in Civil War, the Amana Colonies remain peaceful.

Amalie Wiese arrives in the newly built village of Amana in 1863 only to find that her betrothed, Friedrich, has left to fight with the Union army. Amalie tries to overcome her worries as she sets up a communal kitchen. She hopes that working alongside Friedrich’s best friend will provide some comfort, but Matthias is abrupt and cold.

Little does Amalie know that Matthias has been in love with her since childhood but will not betray Friedrich by pursuing her friendship. When Matthias himself leaves for the battlefront to deliver supplies to the soldiers, war wages in Amalie’s own heart. Will love claim victory?

June, 2011

Relz Top 10 of 2010

2010 has been another fabulous reading year for me and determining my Top 10 continues to be a challenge with so many great books read over the year.

131 reviews were posted at Relz Reviewz this year, 115 by me and 16 by my friend, Tracy. These are the ones that moved, inspired, challenged and/or entertained me the most of the books I reviewed this year.

I'd love to hear your favourite books of 2010 ~ please share!

Nightshade by Ronie Kendig

The Preacher's Bride by Jody Hedlund

Almost Forever by Deborah Raney

Code Triage by Candace Calvert

Pearl in the Sand by Tessa Afshar

Within My Heart by Tamera Alexander

Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz

Blaze of Glory by Jeff Struecker & Alton Gansky

Chasing Lilacs by Carla Stewart

Rooms by James L Rubart

Special Mentions

When the Devil Whistles by Rick Acker

Driftwood Lane by Denise Hunter

Licensed for Trouble by Susan May Warren

Deliver Us From Evil by Robin Caroll

Double Shot by Erynn Mangum

The Cool Woman by John Aubrey Anderson

Then there were the INSPY finalists in the Thriller/Suspense/Crime category which you can check out here along with books I loved but haven't yet or didn't review but I need to stop somewhere. If you are looking for books to read, I hope these lists inspire you :)

Thank you to all my readers who drop by my blog ~ I appreciate every one of you :)
Relz Reviewz is going on hiatus for a couple of weeks as I spend time with my family over our summer holiday period.

Wishing you a fabulous New Year and a peaceful and inspired 2011.

Open Giveaway ~ Ronie Kendig's Digitalis

Don't miss this fabulous giveaway from Ronie Kendig ~ fill in the entry form below for your chance to win!

Character Spotlight ~ Colton Neeley & Piper Blum

Colton & Piper

Ronie Kendig is a brilliant writer whose books continue to amaze me! Combining action, adventure, emotional depth and authenticity, great characterisation and a love story that will touch your heart, you simply can't go wrong. Her latest Digitalis is all that and more.

Enjoy this insight into Colton and Piper:~

Brief physical description

Colton – 6’2”, 225 lbs, but all muscle, dark brown hair, blue eyes. A cowboy from his southern charm to his black Cattle Baron.

Piper – 5’11”, lean build, very “willowy”, with long blond hair and green eyes. There is nothing complicated about her, save her past.

Actor/famous person

For Colton, I think John Cena, and for Piper…maybe one of the sweeter images of Gwyneth Paltrow, with her long, straight honey-colored hair.

Strengths and weaknesses

Colton – His strength is his belief in God, and his weakness is his tendency to hold back for fear of failing and getting hurt.

Piper – Piper’s strength is grace, and her weakness is her sweetness, which puts her in precarious situations.

Quirk (if any)

Colton’s quirk…when he gets frustrated or flustered, he tends to slip into his cowboyisms, which irritate him all the more, making him do it even more. :)

Your inspiration for the character

My inspiration for Colton…is the classic cowboy with some fire in his belly but more charm that he knows what to do with. Colton just leapt to life when the Nightshade series opened up, and he’s been a backbone for the group ever since.

I knew when I crafted Colton it would take a lady of grace and strength to win this guy over, and thus, Piper emerged from anonymity at Hastings Department store.

Background to the story

Former Force Recon soldier, Colton “Cowboy” Neeley is recovering from two months in captivity and enjoying his role as Nightshade’s sniper that affords him time to both recover and be with his little girl.

Piper Blum is hiding in the US from assassins who want her and her family—and the secret her father holds—to disappear permanently.

When the killers bring the war to Colton’s home and murder his father, he’s ready to end this once and for all. Nightshade is activated and propelled straight into the heart of the Holy Land to snatch-and-grab her father and bring the secret he holds to light.

Thanks Ronie ~ always a great spotlight from you. Colton is one of my all time favourite characters ;-)

Relz Reviewz Extras

Reviews of Digitalis & Nightshade

View the book trailer

Visit the Discarded Heroes website

Visit Ronie's website and blog

Buy Ronie's books at Amazon or Koorong

FamilyFiction Magazine ~ January, 2011 Edition

The third issue of FamilyFiction's digital magazine is now available. Enjoy author profiles and news columns for all genres and special articles of interest.

Check out my profiles on Jen B Jones and DiAnn Mills together with book updates in the Historical and Romance News & Notes.

All the genres and columns are still there but the magazine has been shortened. What do you think? Is it easier to manage or do you miss the more detailed issues? Be sure to drop by FamilyFiction's Facebook page and give your feedback.

Be sure to drop back here towards the end of the month to read my FamilyFiction Plus posts where I will share my interviews with Jen and DiAnn in full.

Enjoy the entire magazine here :)