Preview of MaryLu Tyndall's Surrender the Heart

Action, adventure and the high seas are always key ingredients in any novel by MaryLu Tyndall and her next novel looks set to follow the trend!

Who else is looking forward to Surrender the Heart?

Surrender the Heart by MaryLu Tyndall

Relive the rich history of the War of 1812 through the eyes of Marianne Denton and Noah Brenin, who both long to please their families but neither one wishes to marry the other. Noah is determined to get his cargo to England before war breaks out, and Marianne is equally determined to have a wedding so that her inheritance can be unlocked and her destitute family saved. When their stubborn games get them captured by a British warship, can they escape and bring liberty to their country—and growing love?

August, 2010






Enjoy the trailer:~

Hearts Awakening by Delia Parr

Synopsis:~

Life has left few choices for Elvira Kilmer. Her hopes for marriage and a family of her own have long since passed her by, and her arrival on Dillon's Island, nestled in the Susquehanna River, is not of her choosing, either. She needs work. And Jackson Smith needs a housekeeper.

Yet Ellie never imagined the widower would be so young... so handsome.

Jackson, on the other hand, has never met anyone quite so... plain. But he quickly comes to realize that Ellie's presence may solve his own problems--both the rearing of his young boys and the scandal that surrounds his first marriage.

When Jackson offers her something quite out of the ordinary, will Ellie look beyond mere necessity and risk opening her heart?

My take:~

Hearts Awakening is my first Delia Parr novel and while it trod a well worn path, one of a marriage of convenience between two hurting souls, there was much in this story to set it apart. Ellie's plain appearance, great strength of character and practical nature was refreshing and the way Jackson struggled with anger and unforgiveness was consistent and authentic throughout the entire story. Their journey together is beautifully portrayed by Delia's flowing prose, attention to detail and heartfelt spiritual message. Historical fiction readers of faith will be delighted with Hearts Awakening and eagerly anticipate Delia's August release, Love's First Bloom.

With thanks to Bethany House for my review copy.

Relz Reviewz Extras

Visit Delia's website

Buy Delia's books at Amazon or Koorong

The Hidden Flame by Davis Bunn & Janette Oke ~ Tracy's Take

Publisher's Synopsis

In first-century Judea, the followers of the Way have burgeoned into a vibrant, growing community that cannot be ignored.

Jerusalem is in turmoil as its religious leaders on one side and their Roman rulers on the other, conspire to stamp out the fledgling church. And Abigail, who thought she had finally found home and safety, is caught between the opposing forces.

Two suitors desire the lovely Abigail's hand in marriage. Ezra, a successful Hebrew merchant and widower with important connections among the Sanhedrin, is looking for a mother for his children. The Roman soldier Linux is fascinated by her winsome charm and possibly could offer the sanctuary, maybe even the love, for which she yearns. But her heart has been captured by neither of these. Will her faith and courage survive a heartbreak beyond comprehension as the followers face a gathering storm of persecution they never could have foreseen? A glimmer of hope beck ons Abigail forward…

What I thought:

Davis Bunn and Janette Oke continue their successful writing partnership with their 'Acts of Faith' series. 'The Hidden Flame' brings the second instalment of Abigail's story with the masterful poignant story-telling for which these two writers are so well known.

'The Hidden Flame' brings to life the stories, from Acts, of the early church, after the believers received the Holy Spirit. 'The Hidden Flame' illuminates the depth of faith of believers who seek to follow the lessons of The One in whom they place their faith. Abigail is a woman of outer beauty and yet it is her deep faith and determination to trust completely and serve God that brings out an inner beauty of greater value. Her story is one of great blessing, deep fear and profound loss, yet she continues to trust in God for His direction in her life. Indeed it is her faith that comforts her in her time of greatest need. Her journey is an inspiration to those who desire to see what faith in action looks like.

'The Hidden Flame' brings out the contrast between the focus of the early church and the things modern churches focus on. The church in Acts was concerned with sharing the gospel with their fellow countrymen. They valued solid teaching and much of their time was spent caring for the practical needs of fellow believers. I found this return to the purpose of the gospel refreshing, as I compared what I read to the mega churches of today, that seem to be focused on the appearance of success and glamorous programs that entertain the senses but could be perceived to have little depth.

One of the things I love about Biblical fiction is the opportunity to experience life through the eyes of the characters and delve deeper into stories that are so familiar. Davis Bunn and Janette Oke inspired me to dig into the book of Acts and to be reminded of the smaller details that I am inclined to otherwise overlook.

With thanks to Bethany House for Tracy's review copy

Guest reviewer: My friend Tracy from Beyond My Picket Fence

Relz Reviewz Extras

Visit the websites of Davis and Janette

Buy the book at Amazon or Koorong

Character Spotlight ~ Sarah Sundin's Allie Miller & Walter Novak

Allie Miller & Walter Novak

Sarah Sundin's debut novel takes you back to the 1940s ~ a time of war, deprivation, fear and opportunity, when boys became men overnight and women entered the workforce like never before. Enjoy this insight into Sarah's characters and read the book to immerse yourself in another place and time!

Over to you, Sarah:~

Brief physical description

Allie Miller—22 years old, medium height, slim, curly brown hair, large green eyes, not considered attractive.

Lt. Walter Novak—24 years old, tall and solidly built, curly black hair, hazel eyes, an odd nose (the “Novak nose”), also not considered attractive.

Actor/famous person

That is so difficult with less than gorgeous characters! I think I drove the cover art department at Revell mad with this.

Rel: I picked these pictures out!

Strengths and weaknesses

Allie

Strengths—loyal, compassionate, wants to serve the Lord.

Weaknesses—shy, low self-esteem, overly concerned with what other people think.

Walt

Strengths—courageous, good-humored, thoughtful.

Weaknesses—shy, has a tendency to lie

Quirk (if any)

Allie is sensitive about her wealth.

Walt has always been tongue-tied around single women because he feels he doesn’t measure up.

Your inspiration for the character

Allie

I visited a particularly gorgeous friend after her daughter was born. The first words I heard the mom say were, “Thank goodness she’s pretty.” My thought? What if she wasn’t pretty? That thought expanded—what would happen to a plain-looking daughter of a woman who thought beauty was a virtue? Would she think she could never find true love?

Walt

Walt came about primarily as Allie’s counterpart. I gave him two brothers and no sisters so he’d be clueless about women.

Background to the story

During World War II, Lt. Walter Novak flies a B-17 bomber in battles over Nazi-occupied Europe, while Allie Miller serves in the Red Cross against the wishes of her wealthy parents and controlling fiancé in California. Walt and Allie meet at a wedding and begin a correspondence.

As letters fly between Walt's muddy bomber base in England and Allie's mansion in an orange grove, their friendship binds them together. But can they untangle the secrets, commitments, and expectations that keep them apart.

Sarah ~ thanks for these characters. They are unique in many ways :) Looking forward to Jack's story!

On Monday, the spotlight shines on Danika Morales & Alex Price from DiAnn Mills' Sworn to Protect

Relz Reviewz Extras

Visit Sarah's website and blog

Enter Sarah's fabulous contest

Buy Sarah's books from Amazon or Koorong

CFBA Blog Tour of Sworn to Protect by DiAnn Mills

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Sworn To ProtectTyndale House (April 2010)

byDiAnn Mills

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Award-winning author, DiAnn Mills, launched her career in 1998 with the publication of her first book. Currently she has over forty books in print and has sold more than a million copies.

DiAnn believes her readers should “Expect an Adventure.” DiAnn Mills is a fiction writer who combines an adventuresome spirit with unforgettable characters to create action-packed novels.

Six of her anthologies have appeared on the CBA Best Seller List. Three of her books have won the distinction of Best Historical of the Year by Heartsong Presents. Five of her books have won placements through American Christian Fiction Writer’s Book of the Year Awards 2003 – 2007, and she is the recipient of the Inspirational Reader’s Choice award for 2005 and 2007. She was a Christy Awards finalist in 2008.

DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope and Love, and Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn is also a mentor for Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writer’s Guild.

She lives in sunny Houston, Texas. DiAnn and her husband have four adult sons and are active members of Metropolitan Baptist Church.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Border Patrol Agent Danika Morales sends illegal immigrants back to Mexico; a job she's paid dearly for. Her husband, Toby, was murdered two years ago trying to help and his murder's never been solved. Now a string of attacks and arrests leads her to believe that someone from McAllen profits from sneaking undocumented immigrants into the country and somehow this illegal activity is tied to her husband, Toby's death.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Sworn To Protect, go HERE.

Read my review, here

Watch the book trailer video:

Book Trailer for Ralph Reed's The Confirmation

Another trailer from the B&H stable! Ralph Reed's The Confirmation looks like a good read ;-)

Enjoy....

The Confirmation, book promo from Greg Pope on Vimeo.

Too Close to Home by Lynette Eason

Synopsis:~

Samantha Cash is the FBI's secret weapon. Her methods are invisible, and she never stops until the case is closed. When missing teens begin turning up dead in a small Southern town, Samantha is assigned to help local chief Connor Wolfe find the killer. And he has two problems with that. There's her faith--in God and herself. And then there's the fact that she looks exactly like his late wife. As they get close to an answer, the case becomes personal. The killer seems to be taking an interest in Connor's 16-year-old daughter, who thinks her dad is getting way too protective. Can't a girl just have some fun?

My take:~

Lynette Eason ramps up the tension with a predator stalking vulnerable teenage girls, a homicide cop trying to balance a demanding career with an equally demanding daughter and a Special Agent with her own reasons for pursuing evil men. Authenticity of characterisation is evident as Connor struggles with being a single father, often failing miserably and as Samantha questions her faith in light of the personal devastation suffered by her sister. While I was disappointed to identify the killer so early in the story, Lynette does not shy away from writing the harsh realities of a murder investigation and the often fatal consequences when a psychotic killer is bent on revenge. The relationships are complex and intriguing and the story is paced well. Lynette ensures readers will seek out the sequel, Don't Look Back, with a disquieting epilogue featuring Samantha's sister, Jamie Cash. Too Close to Home is a solid start to the Women of Justice series.

Available April 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

With thanks to Revell for my review copy

On a sad side note, the day I finished this book it hit my local news that a man had been arrested in the very circumstances of Lynette's plot. The reality of fiction can sometimes be hard to swallow.

Relz Reviewz Extras

Visit Lynette's website and blog

Buy Lynette's books at Amazon or Koorong

Character Spotlight ~ Irene Hannon's Nick Bradley & Rachel Sutton

Nick Bradley & Rachel Sutton

Irene Hannon returns with her final book in her Heroes of Quantico series, In Harm's Way. Readers of Against All Odds and An Eye for An Eye will recognise Nick Bradley and be intrigued by how this story unfolds. Enjoy getting to know these characters and be sure to read to the end to find out some exciting news from Irene!

Nick Bradley

Brief Description

Nick is 38, 6’1”, with sandy hair, startlingly blue eyes and a lean, athletic build. He is the epitome of the all-American boy—all grown up! An FBI special agent, he’s in excellent physical condition. His hobby is rehabbing old houses. Nick spent most of his childhood in foster care.

Actor/famous person

I never picture celebrities when envisioning my characters; they always take on their own unique personalities and looks. So this is a tough question for me. Lee Majors from his Six-Million-Dollar Man days comes closest.

Strengths

Nick is smart, professional and logical. He has a generous heart and a strong relationship with God, and lives by the principles of that faith.

Weaknesses

He still bears scars from his troubled childhood, which he rarely talks about; those memories are a sensitive spot for him.

Quirks:

He’s addicted to raspberry iced tea and was once into health food. He’s still ribbed about his tofu days by FBI friends Coop and Mark, who had the leading roles in Books 1 & 2 of my Heroes of Quantico series.

Inspiration for the Character

When I began this series, I didn’t know it was going to be a series! But when I wrote An Eye For An Eye, my hero needed a place to stay while in St. Louis on temporary assignment, and his FBI classmate Nick came to the rescue. Nick quickly took on his own personality, and I knew I had to write his story!

Rachel Sutton

Brief Description

Rachel is 35, 5’6”, with shoulder-length brown hair that has an auburn tint. She had brown eyes and wears her hair parted to one side. She’s a grade school music teacher. On the side, she gives piano lessons, plays piano every Sunday during high tea at one of St. Louis’s premier hotels, and paints murals. Busy lady! Like Nick, Rachel grew up in foster care.

Actor/famous person

Think Gillian Anderson in copper-rimmed glasses.

Strengths

Rachel was seriously injured in an auto accident as a toddler, and has been through many operations and rehab as she was passed from foster family to foster family. She is a survivor. Alone in the word, she works hard, has a well-developed conscience and always tries to do the right thing. That niggling conscience is what gets her into trouble when she finds a tattered Raggedy Ann doll in a parking lot.

Weaknesses

She doesn’t make friends easily. She was moved around so much as a child that she learned never to get too close to anyone, because relationships didn’t last.

Quirks

She loves fresh flowers, and always has at least a single blossom on display. She also has a favorite pair of fuzzy hot-pink slippers!

Inspiration for the Character

Because Nick is very logical and a true professional who would never mix business and pleasure, I wanted to set up a roadblock from the get-go by making him deal with a lovely woman who shows up at his office with a VERY weird story about a Raggedy Ann doll. Despite her strange tale, she otherwise seems to be completely normal, and he finds himself intrigued—and attracted. I wanted her to be a puzzle he couldn’t resist—personally or professionally. That’s how Rachel came to be!

Background to the Story

After writing Against All Odds, which featured a two-continent setting and a terrorist element, and An Eye For An Eye, which focused on a determined killer who shatters the hero and heroine’s unexpected reunion, I wanted to delve into something completely different with the final book in the series. (All of them stand alone, by the way, though the main characters appear in each book.) So I have Rachel finding a tattered Raggedy Ann doll that gives her a strange feeling—strange enough to send her to the authorities, despite her fear they’ll ridicule her story. I wanted to intrigue readers with a story that appears to have paranormal elements—appears being the operative word. In the end, though, Nick stumbles across a link between the doll and an abducted infant, setting in motion a chain of events that uncovers startling connections…and puts Rachel’s life on the line. I think this one will keep readers glued to their seats!

By the way, the idea of using a Raggedy Ann doll as the catalyst for the story was inspired by my own tattered, patched and much-loved Raggedy Ann, who is still tucked in my closest. This picture shows her with my now-rusted beach bucket from a favorite childhood vacation spot!

I’m hoping the final book in the series will follow in the footsteps of its predecessors, both of which hit the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists. And it’s off to a great start! Publishers Weekly called it a “fast-paced crime drama” and an “ever-climactic mystery” that is “engagingly sure-footed,“ and RT BOOKreviews said, “Both male and female characters are richly developed. The faith element is not overwhelming, and the surprise twists keep the reader engaged.”

Two final notes: For those readers have enjoyed this series, I’m happy to say I’m hard at work on another one which will feature three sibling involved in justice-related professions. Watch for Fatal Judgment, Book 1 my Guardians of Justice series, coming in January 2011!

And saving my latest news until last—I’m thrilled to announce that Book 2 in my Heroes of Quantico series, An Eye For An Eye, has just been named a RITA finalist by Romance Writers of America!

Congratulation, Irene on the RITA nomination and the new series ~ looking forward to it :) Thanks for the great spotlight.


On Thursday, the spotlight turns on Sarah Sundin's Allie Miller & Walter Novak from her World War II novel, A Distant Melody

Relz Reviewz Extras

Reviews of Against All Odds and An Eye for An Eye

Interview with Irene

Character spotlight on Mark & Emily

Visit Irene's website

Buy Irene's books at Amazon or Koorong

The winners of Blood Ransom are......

Laura O'Connell (AUS) and Lisa (US) as chosen by the Random Number Generator

Congratulations! To claim your book, please email me your mailing address within 7 days.

A big thank you to all who entered - wish we could send a book to everyone :)

My favourite African animal has to be the chimpanzee :)

Book trailer for Mary DeMuth's Life in Defiance

The brilliant Mary DeMuth concludes her Defiance Texas Trilogy series with Life in Defiance, releasing this May. This is a heartrending and confronting series that you don't want to miss!

Secrets by Robin Jones Gunn

Synopsis:~

Jessica ran from her past...but can she hide from love?

Jessica Morgan wants desperately to forget the past and begin a new life. She chooses a small, peaceful town tucked away in Oregon's Willamette Valley as the place to start over-Glenbrooke. Once there, Jessica conceals her identity from the intriguing personalities she meets-including the compassionate paramedic who desires to protect her and the jealous woman who wants nothing more than to destroy her.

Will Jessica's deceit ruin all hope for the future? Or will she find a deeper peace that allows her to stop hiding the truth from those who love her most of all?

My take:~

I first read Secrets back when it initially released, along with each one of the Glenbrooke series, and loved them all. Reading Secrets again with its fabulous new cover was a lot of fun but I have to say Christian fiction has evolved since the mid 90s. Secrets is a sweet story of a young woman trying to escape her past and finding love in the beautiful town of Glenbrooke. Robin provides a great escape for those who prefer their fiction simple and not laden with complexities of characterisation or plot. Sweetly done!

With thanks to Waterbrook Multnomah for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras

Visit Robin's website

Buy Robin's books at Amazon or Koorong

Book Trailer for T L Higley's Petra

I adore TL Higley's books, especially her Seven Wonders series. She is taking a break from that series to start a new one, still with the focus on Ancient times and looking at famous or infamous cities from the past.

Petra will be the first in the Lost Cities series and I can't wait to get my hands on it! Enjoy the trailer :)

Petra from Greg Pope on Vimeo.

Sworn to Protect by DiAnn Mills

Synopsis:~

Border Patrol Agent Danika Morales has sworn to protect the southern borders of our nation, but that oath has cost her. Two years ago, her husband, Toby, was killed trying to help the very immigrants Danika was responsible for sending back to Mexico. His murder was never solved. But now, a recent string of attacks and arrests leads her to believe that someone in McAllen is profiting from sneaking undocumented immigrants into the country . . . and it may somehow be tied to Toby’s death.

My take:~

DiAnn Mills returns to her Call of Duty series with an intriguing look at the Texas Border Patrol from both sides of the fence. Complexities abound in what is both a character driven and issue focussed story which DiAnn pulls off well. Exposing the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by governments, Border Control agents and activists, Sworn to Protect, is a fascinating read. The suspense and conflict drive the plot while the romance slowly unfolds behind the scenes. The heartache of a dysfunctional family and the damaging impact of unresolved grief and bitterness permeate the tale resulting in a substantial and thought provoking read. Breach of Trust remains my favourite of this series but I know the final story, Pursuit of Justice, will challenge it's spot just as Sworn to Protect has done!

With thanks to Tyndale for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras

Review of Breach of Trust

Visit DiAnn's website

Buy DiAnn's books at Amazon and Koorong

Book Trailer for Leanna Ellis' Facelift

Greg Pope has been doing some amazing book trailers for many of B&H Fiction's up and coming releases. I'll be posting them over the coming weeks.

Check out this one for Leanna Ellis' late 2010 release, Facelift - I love it! What do you think?

Facelift, book promo from Greg Pope on Vimeo.

Character Spotlight ~ Robert Elmer's Steffen & Hanne

Steffen & Hanne

Well know for both adult and kids' fiction (even a series set in Australia!) Robert Elmer's latest foray into adult fiction draws on his heritage and the ravages of war. The story behind these characters is fascinating and I'm sure the book will be, too!

Enjoy:~

Brief physical description

Steffen:

Rather angular features, with dark, wild hair. Sparkly blue Scandinavian eyes. Contrary to popular belief, not all Danes are blond.

Hanne:

Lovely and raven-haired, with hazel eyes. Her family is Jewish, and she's a little less fair-skinned than some. Her fellow nurse friend Ann-Grete calls her a "bulldog," which describes her personality well (but not her appearance).

Actor/famous person

Okay, this is pretty obscure, but I modelled Steffen on a well-known Danish pastor who spoke out against the German occupation, Kaj (pronounced "kai" as in "eye" with a "k") Munk.

And here's a Danish nurse image from the Royal Danish archives. I imagined her looking something like this, from a wartime I.D. card:

Strengths and weaknesses

Steffen is a bit of a slow starter, but dependable as anything once he figures things out, and loyal to a fault. He's laid-back and values safety, cautious. And at the beginning of the story could be considered a bit complacent.

Hanne is quick on her feet, compassionate and selfless. She usually thinks of others before herself, and is an excellent nurse. She can also be brash and over-dramatic at times.

Quirks (if any)

Steffen is partial to that unique salty black "salmiak" licorice, but in Denmark that's not considered quirky. He's a former Olympic-class rower, and took fourth place in the 1928 Olympic trials. He missed making the Danish team that year by just a half second. A bachelor into his thirties.

I wouldn't call Hanne quirky, exactly. But if she had to write down a "Little-known fact about me" for a party game, she might list that her favorite musician is Artie Shaw and his big band.

Your inspiration for the character

I wanted to have them both very dedicated and focused in their own ways. For Steffen, the inspiration was that courageous wartime Danish pastor, Kaj Munk. But to give him more depth I made Steffen way more hesitant to embrace the Resistance movement, and much less bold.

For Hanne, I gave her many of the opposite qualities as compared to Steffen. As an example I found photos of Danish nurses with their distinctive uniforms and hats.

For both of the characters I drew from actual testimonies of regular Danes during the war. Then as now Danes are normally very self-effacing, with an innate sense of underdog justice, a dry sense of humor, and a penchant for good food.

Background to the story

This novel finds its roots in stories my Danish parents told me as I was growing up, fantastic stories of what it was like to live in Denmark under German occupation. My uncle secretly worked for the Danish Underground, slipping out after dark. I was named after my father's uncle, who was shot by Nazis while riding his bicycle down a Copenhagen street. My father's Danish friend, Mr. Nielsen, drove a clandestine ambulance on missions for the Resistance.

So I was always awed by the courage and resolve of the Danish people during the war, and in the early 1990s was inspired to write my first series for young readers, called "The Young Underground." The series turned into eight books.

It didn't stop there, however. I knew that if I ever had a chance to write for an older audience, I would write about those war years in Denmark--particularly about how Danish Jews were rescued. And although Wildflowers of Terezin didn't turn out to be the first book I wrote for adults, this book about a Danish crisis of courage comes straight from my heart. It reveals my roots as best as I can weave them into a historical novel that I hope touches the hearts of readers.

Thanks Bob for sharing the heart of this story ~ appreciate it!


Come back Monday for a spotlight on Irene Hannon's Nick Bradley & Rachel Sutton from her just released final Heroes of Quantico series, In Harm's Way

Relz Reviewz Extras

Visit Bob's website and blog

Buy Bob's books at Amazon or CBD

The Sheriff's Surrender by Susan Page Davis ~ Tracy's Take

Synopsis:~

Gert Dooley can shoot the tail feathers off a jay at a hundred yards from years of test-firing the guns her brother repairs. But long after giving up on marriage, she yearns for rancher Ethan Chapman to see she’s more than a crack shot with a firearm. When murder strikes in the sleepy town, Gert forms the Ladies’ Shooting Club to teach the women how to protect themselves, their families, and their businesses.

Ethan Chapman didn’t ask to be named sheriff, but he accepts the position and takes on the investigation into the mysterious death of his predecessor. Now he’s between a rock and a hard place – being pressured by the townswomen to restore order and safety to Fergus and by the men who insist Ethan disband the upstart Ladies’ Shooting Club.

When another person is murdered, Ethan must turn to Gert and her ladies to help in the investigation. But will Ethan, Gert and the Ladies’ Shooting Club find the murderer before he strikes again?

What I thought:

Susan Page Davis takes the reader on quite an unexpected journey with ‘The Sheriff’s Surrender’, which will defy a reader’s presumptions and preconceived ideas of what an historical fiction book is likely to hold. ‘The Sheriff’s Surrender’ presents a unique take on this genre, with plenty of mystery, intrigue, an unexpected ending and a little light romance to top it all off.

Gert was a character I was quickly drawn to. She is a woman of substance and courage, who invests herself and her energies for the benefit of the townsfolk around her. No task is beyond her ‘can do’ attitude to life. Gert’s brother, Hiram, is a quirky man of few words. I love the interchanges between him and Ethan. Susan demonstrates the depth of their friendship as Ethan reads Hiram’s facial expressions more than hearing his thoughts as the two men work through different issues that face each of them.

Ethan garnered my sympathies, as he is landed with the task of solving the mystery of Bert’s murder. Indeed I wondered how one might go about conducting an investigation of such magnitude without any training whatsoever. I was keen to discover how Ethan would go about finding the killer and bring him or her to justice. Susan brings the lightest hint of romance through Ethan’s character, as his stance on taking a bride wars with his realisation of what Gert means to him.

As this story progresses, there is a clear journey from a town of individuals who care only for themselves and their own needs to a town of people who band together to support one another during a time filled with fear and uncertainty. I loved that out of such a situation, people began to accept those who had been previously ignored or deemed to be worthy of disdain from ‘decent’ folks.

This heartening tale will remind the reader that possibilities abound when we overcome our prejudices and work together. I was challenged to consider how I view those who live a life that is less than wholesome and I was inspired to view life’s challenges with a positive attitude rather than through the filter of a victim’s perspective.

I am eagerly awaiting book two of the Ladies’ Shooting Club series. ‘Gunsmith’s Gallantry’ is sure to bring more mystery and conundrum for the town of Fergus, and its character-filled residents.

With thanks to Barbour for Tracy's review copy

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

Relz Reviewz Extras

Reviews of Frasier Island, Finding Marie and Inside Story

Visit Susan's website

Buy Susan's books at Amazon or Koorong

Book Trailer for Robin Caroll's Fear No Evil

Robin Caroll is one of my favourite authors ~ a terrific writer and delightful person all rolled into one! Check out the trailer for her August release, Fear No Evil - looks good!

Fear No Evil edit 3 from Greg Pope on Vimeo.

Forget Me Not by Vicki Hinze

Synopsis:~

Crossroads Crisis Center owner Benjamin Brandt was a content man—in his faith, his work, and his family. Then in a flash, everything he loved was snatched away. His wife and son were murdered, and grief-stricken Ben lost faith. Determination to find their killers keeps him going, but after three years of dead ends and torment, his hope is dying too. Why had he survived? He’d failed to protect his family. Now, a mysterious woman appears at Crossroads seeking answers and help—a victim who eerily resembles Ben’s deceased wife, Susan. A woman robbed of her identity, her life, of everything except her faith—and Susan’s necklace. The connections between the two women mount, exceeding coincidence, and to keep the truth hidden, someone is willing to kill. Finding out who and why turns Ben and the mystery woman’s situation from dangerous to deadly. Their only hope for survival is to work together, trust each other, and face whatever they discover head on, no matter how painful. But will that be enough to save their lives and heal their tattered hearts?

My take:~

Forget Me Not is an intriguing story of suspense, danger and romance penned by multi-published and awarded author Vicki Hinze. I enjoyed the premise of the story and the opportunity to understand more of the great work crisis centres commit to, always in tragic circumstances. Vicki's talent for suspense is obvious and she weaves the spiritual message throughout the story with authenticity and courage. My one quibble was with her antagonists, they lacked a little of the plausibility of her other characters. That said, I am looking forward to reading more of Vicki's Crossroads Crisis Center series.

With thanks to Waterbrook Multnomah for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras

VIsit Vicki's website and blogs

Buy Vicki's books at Amazon and Koorong

Cool Beans by Erynn Mangum

Synopsis:~

Everything is going perfectly for Maya Davis. She's got a great job at a coffee shop, loving parents, and is happily single---until her best friend unknowingly starts dating Maya's high school sweetheart! Who knew she was still interested in him?

A delightful faith-based retelling of Jane Austen's Persuasion.

My take:~

Cool Beans is vintage Erynn Mangum! If you loved the Lauren Holbrook series, you will be entranced with Maya Davis ~ expert barista, faithful friend and devoted dog owner. With witty and energetic prose, Erynn taps into the mind of a twenty something searching for her place in life while contending with an overachieving big brother, a former flame with an exceedingly short memory and Calvin, her Pilates obsessed beagle.

Peppered with references to Jane Austen and contemporary chick flicks, Cool Beans holds magnetic appeal for all ages and guarantees you will laugh, cry and sigh with heartfelt delight.

Blending brilliant characterisation with an infusion of spiritual truth and a shot of romance, Cool Beans is an experience to savour and will leave you with a little caffeine buzz all of its own!

With thanks to NavPress for my review copy

Look for Latte Daze in July and Double Shot (check out the just released cover) in October, 2010

Relz Reviewz Extras

Reviews of Missmatch, Rematch and Matchpoint

Visit Erynn's website and blog

Buy Erynn's books at Amazon and Koorong

Character Spotlight ~ Candace Calvert's Erin Quinn & Scott McKenna

Erin Quinn & Scott McKenna

Candace Calvert roped us all in with her fabulous debut novel, Critical Care and she continues that trend with her second medical drama, Disaster Status. Erin first appeared in Critical Care and has now met her match in Fire Captain Scott McKenna!

Enjoy:~


Brief physical description

ER charge nurse Erin Quinn: Tall, slender but athletic, determined tilt of the chin, passionate spark in her green eyes--set aflame in a mane of auburn red hair. As seen through hero Scott McKenna's eyes:

Erin strode toward him and Scott reached up to gingerly touch his shoulder. Not the injury from his ocean skirmish, but the site where she'd given that tetanus shot--it ached like a son of a gun. And after tonight's meeting, he sensed his discomfort had barely begun; this nurse could become a royal pain in the . . . Scott's throat constricted. Ah, man. Does she have to be so beautiful?

Tall and lean and dressed in jeans, with a sea-green sweater knotted casually around the shoulders of a simple white shirt, Erin looked fresh and wholesome. Like one of those women on the cover of a healthy living magazine. Or maybe a young mother headed to a PTA meeting. With her shiny hair lifted into a ponytail, a faint flush high on her cheeks, and the barest trace of freckles. As she drew closer, her brows scrunched together, eyes narrowed, and . . . uh oh. Not PTA. And definitely not good for his health. But too late

now . . .

Fire Captain Scott McKenna: Tall, granite gray eyes, close-cropped blonde hair, muscular--built to carry a child from a burning building . . . and the weight of the world on his shoulders.

As seen through heroine Erin Quinn's eyes, the first time they meet:

“Excuse me,” she said, sweeping wind-tossed hair from her face as she peered up at him. Gray. His eyes were granite gray. “I need to get past you. Thanks. Appreciate it.” She twisted sideways, scrunched down a little and attempted to squeeze by him, catching a faint whiff of citrusy cologne . . . mixed with smoke.

“Don't thank me,” he said. “And stop right where you are.” He stepped in front of her again, halting her in her tracks. His brows, dark like his lashes, drew together as he regarded her, and there was the slightest twitch at the corner of his mouth. Not a smile. He crossed his arms again. “No one can come through here. That's the rules. And I go by the book. Sorry.”

By the book? As if she didn't have policies to follow? Erin opened her mouth, then closed it, forcing herself to take a slow breath. Lord, show me the humor in this . . . She lifted her chin and met his gaze, noticing that he had a small scar just below his lower lip. Probably from somebody's fist.

Actor/famous person

Erin Quinn: Young Nicole Kidman (way back, when she looked fresh and innocent but spunky--maybe in “Far and Away”?

Scott McKenna: Actor Chris O'Donnell of NCIS: Los Angeles

Strengths and weaknesses

Erin:

Strengths: Passionately determined, fiercely protective of her grandmother and her ER team, prides herself on being strong--physically and spiritually.

Weakness: Stubbornly opinionated, defensive, has trouble trusting--even God.

Scott:

Strengths: Responsible, born leader, honest, strong family ties.

Weaknesses: Emotionally wary to the point of loneliness, his own worst critic, blames himself for past tragedy--is sure God does, too.

Quirk (if any)

Erin: Takes her frustrations out via a punching bag--owns red leather boxing gloves. Watch out for her right hook!

Scott: Too “by the book” for quirks--except when he has a karaoke microphone in his hand.

Your inspiration for the character

Erin: My inspiration for Erin Quinn was likely personal--I'm an ER nurse and long struggled with the need to be “strong” before I found the source of true strength: faith in God. Erin also reminds me a lot of my daughter, hence this dedication:

“For my amazing daughter, Brooklynn, who hikes to mountaintops, listens in pristine stillness . . . and knows her strength.”

Scott: This hero is likely a mix of the wonderful and dedicated fire fighter-paramedics I've had to privilege to know and mentor in the ER. Real heroes.

Background to the story

I think the book jacket blurb covers it nicely:

Charge nurse Erin Quinn escaped personal turmoil to work at the peaceful California coast. But when a hazardous material spill places Pacific Mercy Hospital on disaster status and stresses staff, she's put to the test. And thrown into conflict with the fire department's handsome incident commander who thinks her strategy is out of line.

Fire Captain Scott McKenna has felt the toxic effects of tragedy; he's learned to go strictly by the book to advance his career, heal his family, and protect his wounded heart. When he's forced to team with the passionately determined ER charge nurse, sparks fly. As they work to save lives, can they handle the attraction kindled between them . . . without getting burned?

Thanks so much, Candy! Makes me want to read Disaster Status all over again :)

On Thursday, the spotlight shines on Robert Elmer's Pastor Steffen Petersen and Hanne Abrahamsen from his World War II novel, Wildflowers of Terezin.

Relz Reviewz Extras

Reviews of Critical Care and Disaster Status
Character spotlight on Logan & Claire from Critical Care
Interview with Candace
Visit Candace's website and blog
Buy Candace's book at Amazon or Koorong