Wednesday, 17 August 2011

The Colonel's Lady by Laura Frantz

Synopsis:~

In 1779, when genteel Virginia spinster Roxanna Rowan arrives at the Kentucky fort commanded by Colonel Cassius McLinn, she finds that her officer father has died. Penniless and destitute, Roxanna is forced to take her father's place as scrivener. Before long, it's clear that the colonel himself is attracted to her. But she soon realizes the colonel has grave secrets of his own--some of which have to do with her father's sudden death. 

Can she ever truly love him?

My take:~

With resplendent imagery, striking characterisation and eloquent storytelling, Laura Frantz transports readers into eighteenth century frontier Kentucky in the midst of the Revolutionary War with her latest novel. Laura tenderly unveils an unexpected attraction between the imposing Colonel and a gentle yet resilient women resigned to spinsterhood. Their blossoming attraction is tempered by Cass' secret pain and Roxie's self doubt and just when they begin to overcome the fears that haunt them their tenuous romance is shattered, enabling Laura to run the gamut of human emotion. Chronicling the harsh environment of a military outpost, from the austere conditions to the soldiers' hopes and dreams, showcases Laura's commitment to historical accuracy and makes for fascinating reading. Evocative, poignant and joyous, The Colonel's Lady is a story to savour again and again.

With thanks to Revell for my review copy

Available August 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Relz Reviewz Extras
Character spotlight on Cassius & Roxanna
Reviews of Courting Morrow Little and The Frontiersman's Daughter
Character spotlight on Lael Click
Character spotlight on Morrow Little
Visit Laura's website and blog
Buy Laura's book at Amazon and Koorong

Tuesday, 16 August 2011

Surrender the Dawn by MaryLu Tyndall with Australian giveaways

Synopsis:~

Baltimore’s Cassandra Channing will do anything to provide for her family—even if it means hiring the town rogue as a privateer. Luke Heaton is a handsome rake with a tortured past who is blackmailed by the British into selling supplies to their ships just off the coast. Cassandra and Luke’s worlds collide as they are drawn into danger, secrets, romance, and war. But when the British begin to bombard Fort McHenry, how long can they protect their love—and each other?

My take:~

Surrender the Dawn is vintage MaryLu Tyndall as adventure, danger, love and war collide in this engaging and delightful tale. I was whisked away to 1812 and immersed in the political tension of the day as British forces blockaded the Atlantic coast and the Battle of Baltimore began. Luke and Cassandra's verbal battles epitomise their intriguing relationship as their ideals clash with their ever growing attraction. While MaryLu provides plenty of action and historical detail, it wouldn't be a MaryLu story without a reminder of the transforming power of faith. Luke's journey from restless rogue to spiritual seeker is a reminder that second chances are the blessing of a forgiving God. Surrender the Dawn is a fitting finish to the Surrender to Destiny series so be sure to enjoy each one!

With thanks to Barbour for my review copy
Relz Reviewz Extras
Character spotlight on Cassandra & Luke
Reviews of The Red Siren and The Blue Enchantress 
Character spotlights for The Raven Saint, The Red Siren and The Blue Enchantress 
Visit MaryLu's website and blog 
Buy MaryLu's books at Amazon or Koorong

Monday, 15 August 2011

Character Spotlight ~ Penny Zeller's Hailee Annigan & Nate Adams with giveaway

Hailee & Nate

Penny Zeller's final story in her Montana Skies trilogy, Hailee, is available now.  Enjoy meeting her latest characters.

Over to you, Penny:~

Brief physical description

Hailee Sophia Annigan is beautiful with long wavy dark blond hair with golden highlights framing her face. She has large blue-green eyes the color of the ocean and is 19-years-old. She is 5’5” and slender with fine features.

Hailee is an orphan and the oldest of three children. She was born into a poor working family and raised in Cincinnati in the late 1800s.We get glimpses into her difficult childhood and are taken back into a time when she struggled to find her place in life.

Maxwell Nathaniel Adams, Jr. or “Nate” as he is fondly referred to, has gorgeous deep blue eyes, thick sandy blond hair and is nearly 6’ tall. He has the “boy-next-door” appearance with strong arms, a physically fit build, and a gentle smile.

Nate was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, but his heart yearned for a life different from that into which he was born. He is the son of the wealthy and well-known Worthington-Adams family and was raised by a nanny and attended boarding schools.

Actor/famous person

Hailee looks as she appears on the cover of the book.

Mikey Jerome is a soap star. He is exactly as I pictured Nate, and his picture was taped to my computer the entire time I was writing the book. :) At one point, my husband even asked, “Who is that guy?”

Hailee’s strengths

Hailee is resilient and reacts well in emergency situations, of which she’s had many. Hailee is nurturing and takes great pride in teaching her younger brothers, not from textbooks, but from memories of what she learned in school when her life afforded her the luxury of being a student.

Hailee is strong in her newfound faith. She is also sweet, kind, thoughtful, spirited, feisty, and competitive!

Hailee’s weaknesses

Hailee tends to be a bit of a worrywart. :)

Nate’s strengths

Nate is a prolific speaker, caring of others, a gifted pastor, and is a Godly man of integrity. He is compassionate, dedicated, and tenderhearted.

Nate’s weaknesses

Nate struggles with things that are beyond his control.

Quirk (if any)

Hailee is clumsy when moving at a slower pace, however, when she’s running, she’s extremely surefooted. Her father used to tell her she “could run like the wind!”

Nate likes to tease and has an exceptionally witty personality.

Your inspiration for the characters

Hailee was inspired by a piece of mail I received regarding orphanages. I knew I wanted to write a story about a girl placed in an orphanage and how she came to find herself in that predicament.

I introduced Nate in the second novel in my series, Kaydie, and was excited to expound on his character and follow his struggles in answering God’s calling on his life.

Background to the story

Hailee is the final book in my Montana Skies Historical Romance trilogy. Nate is McKenzie and Kaydie’s nephew (their sister, Peyton’s son). Following is the blurb:

For years, orphan Hailee Annigan was just a ragamuffin in the Cincinnati streets, stealing food to keep her two younger brothers fed. Her thievery landed her in a home for delinquent youngsters, where her life was changed, thanks to her teachers. Now, nineteen-year-old Hailee excitedly heads to Montana to be a teacher, yet she's still plagued by her shameful past and the fear of never seeing her brothers again.

Based on his upbringing in high-society Boston, no one would have guessed that Maxwell Nathaniel Adams Jr. would attend seminary and become a church pastor in rugged Montana. Even now, Nate's parents refuse to put aside their own plans for his future and accept his calling.

When their paths converge, an immediate attraction draws Hailee and Nate together, even as the pressures and demands of others pull them apart. Can the unlikely pair come to terms with their pasts and face the future together?

Thanks Penny ~ it is a pleasure having you share :)

Relz Reviewz Extras
Visit Penny's website and blog
Buy Penny's books at Amazon or Koorong

Sunday, 14 August 2011

Book trailer for Ginny Yttrup's Lost and Found

Ginny Yttrup's debut novel, Words, was a beauty and I think her second story will shine as well.
Enjoy the trailer for Lost and Found from B&H Fiction :)

Saturday, 13 August 2011

Character Interview ~ Luca from Lisa T Bergren's River of Time series


Introducing Luca Forelli, cousin and closest friend of Lord Marcello Forelli, loyal, courageous, funny and completely devoted to Lia Bettarini :)


Luca

Rel:~ You have been family and best friend to Marcello your whole life ~ what do you admire most about him?

Luca:~ [shrugs with one shoulder] He is Lord Forelli. Lord Forelli. [pauses, as if that explains it all] Everything he does is for the good of his people. Are you going to ask me what I like least about him? [cocks brow, casually sits back]

Okay, what do you like least?

He didn’t heed my counsel. I told him to break his betrothal to Lady Romana long before he did.

Why didn’t he?

Honor. Loyalty.

Do you ever wonder that the dispute between Siena and Firenze is futile?

‘Tis life. If it wasn’t Siena and Firenze, it’d be Siena and Pienza, or Siena and Pisa, or Siena and Venezia. Territory is a commodity; men will forever fight for more of it.

What was it about Evangelia that first caught your eye?

She is like an angel who has just parted the clouds and descended—who could look away? Only a blind man.


Tell us what a typical day looks like for you, please (when you are not safeguarding Lia & Gabi!)

[peers at me oddly, as if everyone does what he does] I rise with the sun, pray in the chapel and break my fast. I confer with Marcello to find out what he has planned and my part in it, send a group of knights out on patrol, then oversee sparring exercises with the others. We typically spend several hours on that each morning. After our noon meal, I go with the second group of knights on patrol. We return, take our dinner with the rest of the castle in the Great Hall, then listen to a reading.

You know about the time tunnel where Lia and Gabi appeared from. Are you ever tempted to visit their century?

[shudders] Nay. That is a strange and fearsome magic. I prefer to keep to things I understand. And the sooner Evangelia stays on this side of the tunnel, the better I shall like it. I fear she shall go, and never return. Even she doesn’t understand it.


What do you most value in life?

Love. Laughter. People I love and laugh with.

What makes Gabi a good match for your friend, Marcello?

She is as stubborn as he. [laughs] Passionate, as well as beautiful.

What is your favourite activity to do when you aren’t fulfilling your duties as a knight and defender of Castello Forelli?

Aside from following Lady Evangelia about? [grins]

Yes, aside from that!

Ahh, then ‘twould be dancing with Lady Evangelia. Or serving as her escort on a ride about the Tuscan hills. Or watching her sketch. Or listening to her read…

What about when Lia is gone?

Ahh, in such dark days, the only thing that lifts my spirits is beating Lord Marcello at any game I can.

Thanks for talking with me, Luca ~ hope we get to read more stories of your adventures one day!

Relz Reviewz Extras
Character interviews with Lia, Gabi and Marcello
 

Reviews of Waterfall & Cascade
Character spotlight on Gabi, Marcello, Luca & Lia
View the trailer for Cascade
Visit Lisa's author website and her travel website
Buy Lisa's books at Amazon or Koorong

Friday, 12 August 2011

Coming in 2012 from B&H Fiction

Here's a look at some of B&H's Pure Enjoyment line releasing in early 2012.  These women are all excellent writers so I'm looking forward to their books.

How about you?

Also, be sure to check out my previous post on Robin Caroll's January release Injustice for All here.

The Guardian Duke by Jamie Carie

The Guardian Duke is award-winning novelist Jamie Carie’s most exciting story yet, a uniquely arranged Regency-era romantic adventure where hero and heroine know each other through written letters but have yet to meet.

Gabriel, the Duke of St. Easton, is ordered by the King to take guardianship over Lady Alexandria Featherstone whose parents are presumed dead after failing to return from a high profile treasure hunt. But Alexandria ignores this royal reassignment, believing her parents are still alive and duly following clues that may lead to their whereabouts. Gabriel, pressured by what are actually the King’s ulterior motives, pursues her across windswept England and the rolling green hills of Ireland but is always one step behind.

When they do meet, the search for earthly treasure will pale in comparison to what God has planned for both of them.

February, 2012



Lost and Found by Ginny Yttrup

It appears Jenna Bouvier is losing everything: beauty, family, and wealth. When her controlling and emotionally abusive mother-in-law accuses Jenna of an affair with her spiritual director and threatens to expose them, Jenna also risks losing her reputation as a woman of faith. Will she capitulate to her mother-in-law’s wishes again or fight for what she holds dear? As Jenna loses her life, will she find it?

Andee Bell has found exactly what she wanted: fame, fortune, and respect. There’s also a special man in her life—Jenna’s brother. Despite her success, a secret quells Andee’s contentment. As memories torment, will she find peace in a relationship with God, or will she sabotage herself while also taking down the only person she cares about? As Andee finds her life, will she lose it?

Moving between San Francisco and the Napa Valley, Jenna and Andee form an unlikely relationship that leads them to a crossroad. They can follow familiar inclinations, or risk it all and walk in faith.

February, 2012



Gone to Ground by Brandilyn Collins

Amaryllis, Mississippi is a scrappy little town of strong backbone and southern hospitality. A brick-paved Main Street, a park, and a legendary ghost in the local cemetery are all part of its heritage. Everybody knows everybody in Amaryllis, and gossip wafts on the breeze. Its people are friendly, its families tight. On the surface Amaryllis seems much like the flower for which it’s named—bright and fragrant. But the Amaryllis flower is poison.

In the past three years five unsolved murders have occurred within the town. All the victims were women, and all were killed in similar fashion in their own homes. And just two nights ago—a sixth murder.

Clearly a killer lives among the good citizens of Amaryllis. And now three terrified women are sure they know who he is—someone they love. None is aware of the others’ suspicions. And each must make the heartrending choice to bring the killer down. But each woman suspects a different man.

March, 2012




Beyond Hope’s Valley by Tricia Goyer

After an extended stay in Montana, where Amish traditions are different than in her home state, Marianna Sommer returns to Indiana for two reasons, first to help her brother and his girlfriend prepare for a baby and their wedding. Second, to plan her own wedding to Aaron Zook -- a marriage she’s been dreaming about ever since childhood. And yet, although she had missed the idyllic farms and families of her upbringing, Marianna is surprised that Indiana is somehow making her long now for Montana.

As months pass, secrets that were hidden in winter’s frozen grasp thaw and take on a life of their own. The truths about a child, about a past relationship, and about God’s plans are being revealed. Walking through a valley of questions, Marianna must hold on to hope as she decides where and with whom her heart truly belongs.

April, 2012

Thursday, 11 August 2011

Character Spotlight ~ Sarah Sundin's Ray Novak & Helen Carlisle

 Ray & Helen


Sarah Sundin's World War II novels are drawing readers back to a time where men and women made sacrifices many in today's society can't begin to imagine.  Meet Ray and Helen!

Over to you, Sarah:~

Brief physical description

Helen Carlisle: 22 years old, wavy blond hair, golden-brown eyes. Pretty in a girl-next-door kind of way.

Lt. Raymond Novak: 31 years old, straight black hair, gray eyes, and handsome.

Actor/famous person

Helen reminds me of a combination of the two women in these posters.

Ray—well, this is fun. Revell’s cover art department got about as much description as you did in the previous question, and the man they used as the cover model for Ray looks exactly like the Ray in my mind. Exactly.

Strengths and weaknesses

Helen is energetic, organized, dedicated, and determined. Her town’s charitable organizations would fall apart without her at the helm. Her weaknesses are using busyness to avoid pain, and sometimes putting work above relationships.

Ray is thoughtful, kind, an excellent peacemaker, and a born pastor. However, his love of peace means he sometimes avoids saying the hard things, and he wonders if he has the courage to be a man of action in addition to being a man of words.

Quirk (if any)

Helen turns to work whenever there’s stress or pain in her life. Due to childhood polio, she has a slight “foot drop” which gets worse when she’s tired or stressed, making her limp—which she despises.

Ray always carries a little notebook with him to jot down ideas. He tends to get lost daydreaming.

Your inspiration for the character

For Helen, I was inspired by several “superwomen” in my community. You know the type—the PTA president who organizes the band fundraiser, coaches all her kids’ soccer teams, and runs the church soup kitchen. I’ve never figured out how they do it, so it was fun to pretend to be in one of those energetic and organized heads.

Ray wasn’t inspired by anyone. I knew he was the most gentle of the Novak brothers, and the thought of giving him the biggest, most harrowing adventure simply delighted me.

Background to the story

Blue Skies Tomorrow arose from my need for happy endings. In my first novel, A Distant Melody, Helen and Ray were side characters. Helen was widowed at only twenty-one, and Ray was dumped by his fiancée. I mentally introduced Helen and Ray, and the mutual attraction was strong. This novel allowed me to complete the story of the US Eighth Air Force in World War II to victory in Europe, and to cover the Port Chicago Explosion, which occurred close to Antioch, California, where Helen and the Novaks live.

Lovely to have you visit again, Sarah :)  Glad to have spotlights on all the Novak men now!
Relz Reviewz Extras
RBC Book Club interview with Sarah ~ Part 1 & Part 2
Character spotlight on Jack & Ruth
Review of A Distant Melody
Character spotlight on Allie & Walt
Visit Sarah's website and blog
Buy Sarah's books from Amazon or Koorong

Wednesday, 10 August 2011

Pure Enjoyment!

One of my favourite publishers is B&H ~ as a blogger they are amazing to work with and as a reader their books are fabulous.   They also care a great deal about their authors and it shows. Watch this video and you will see what I mean :)  Then check out the author links below for more!



Visit their fabulous authors:

Ginny Yttrup ~ contemporary
James L Rubart ~ speculative
Jamie Carie ~ historical romance
Maj. Jeff Struecker ~ military thriller
John B Olson ~ speculative
Julie Carobini ~ contemporary romance
Kim & Kayla Woodhouse ~ romantic suspense
Leanna Ellis ~ contemporary
Pamela Ewen ~ contemporary
Patti Hill ~ contemporary
Robin Caroll ~ romantic suspense
TL Higley ~ historical
Tosca Lee ~ Biblical fiction
Tricia Goyer ~ Amish

Tuesday, 9 August 2011

Indelible by Kristen Heitzmann

Synopsis:~

Rescuing a toddler from the jaws of a mountain lion, Trevor MacDaniel, a high-country outfitter, sets in motion events he can’t foresee. His act of bravery entwines his life with gifted sculptor Natalie Reeve—and attracts a grim admirer.

Trevor’s need to guard and protect is born of tragedy, prompting his decision to become a search and rescue volunteer. Natalie’s gift of sculpting comes from an unusual disability that seeks release through her creative hands. In each other they see strength and courage as they face an incomprehensible foe.

When a troubled soul views Trevor as archangel and adversary, Redford’s peaceful mountain community is threatened. Together with Police Chief Jonah Westfall, Trevor presses his limits to combat the menace who targets the most helpless and innocent.


My take:~

Kristen Heitzmann has penned another finely crafted psychological thriller, shaped around the lives of two broken and unique people in Trevor and Natalie.   Delving deep into their psyches, Indelible is character driven and darkly mysterious glimpse into the heart of a gifted woman and man driven to succeed beyond all measure. Their attraction is powerful yet regrets and fears keep their hearts at a distance and Kristen draws this tension out well.  Jonah and Tia from Indivisible feature as Jonah's deepest fears are realised as do Miles and Piper.  While the excerpts of the predator distracted me, the rest of the story is an intriguing blend of meaningful characters, intelligent suspense and the power of love and redemption. I hope Kristen returns to Redford, Colorado soon.

Relz Reviewz Extras
Reviews of Indivisible, Freefall, Echoes & The Edge of Recall
Interview with Kristen
Visit Kristen's website
Buy Kristen's books from Amazon or Koorong

Monday, 8 August 2011

Character Spotlight ~ Kaye Dacus' Salvador & Shaw

Salvadore & Shaw


Ransome's Quest is the final story in Kaye Dacus' Ransome Trilogy so enjoy meeting the bad guys ~ pirates Salvador and Shaw!


Over to you, Kaye:~

Brief physical description

Tall with dark hair, brown eyes, patrician features, El Salvador de los Esclavos is the very image of a swashbuckling pirate—right down to the scar across his forehead and down into his left eyebrow. On sight, he could pass for Spanish, but his accent marks him as English.

A tall man, with shoulder-length, straight hair that has been bleached by the sun, contrasting with the dark whiskers scrubbed across his jaw as if he has not shaven in several days, Shaw is the pirate everyone in the Caribbean fears. Behind his dimples and sparkling blue eyes beats the heart of the wickedest pirate to sail the Caribbean since Blackbeard himself.

Actor/famous person

Salvador: Rand Gamble

Shaw: Josh Holloway

Strengths and weaknesses

Salvador never set out to become a pirate, but when the ship he was on as a young man was taken by pirates, he was given a choice—join the crew or die. Because of the strong morals instilled in him by his family, as soon as he was old enough (and had enough money) he broke with that crew, bought his own ship, and gathered his own crew pirating the way he thought it should be done—which was to liberate as many slave ships as he could. Salvador’s biggest weakness is also his biggest strength—his sense of morality and ethics. . .and he’s lost many crew members over the years because of his refusal to do outright wrong.


What Shaw believes is his strength is, indeed, his biggest weakness: his desire for revenge. Believing himself wronged by others as a young man, Shaw has spent most of his adult life wreaking vengeance on others—even those with nothing to do with what happened to him in the past. What he lacks in mercy, he makes up for in pride and cruelty, knowing he is the most fearsome pirate to have sailed these waters in more than a century, since the end of the Golden Age of piracy.

Quirk (if any)

Salvador, because of that high sense of morals and ethics, keeps ledgers and account books detailing every ship he’s ever taken, each life he’s saved, each shilling he’s confiscated, never taking more than he needs to pay his crew and keep his ship in repair, and giving as much as he can to the slaves he liberates to help them start new lives.

For Shaw. . .is liking to hurt and demean others a quirk?

Your inspiration for the character

When the idea for the Ransome story—which became the trilogy—first came to me, I knew there would be a pirate. And I knew exactly who that pirate would be. (And finding the images of actor Rand Gamble cemented him in my mind!) But then, when the story expanded from one book to three, I knew one pirate wouldn’t be enough—so I needed another pirate. Since I already had Salvador, the “Robin Hood of the Caribbean,” I needed one who would provide a counterbalance to him—as bad as Salvador is good. And, when re-watching the first and second seasons of LOST, the character of Sawyer (portrayed by actor Josh Holloway) started giving me ideas for a pirate whose handsome, be-dimpled exterior is in direct contrast to the type of person he really is.

Background to the story

Ransome’s Quest is the conclusion of the action-adventure romance Ransome Trilogy, following Ransome’s Honor and Ransome’s Crossing.

The pirate El Salvador de los Esclavos has haunted the waters of the Caribbean for almost ten years. When he snatched Charlotte Ransome, it was a case of mistaken identity. Now Charlotte’s brother, Commodore William Ransome, whose reputation in battle is the stuff of legend, is searching for him with a dogged determination. But another rumor has reached Salvador’s ears: Julia Witherington Ransome has been kidnapped by the man feared by all other pirates—the pirate known only as Shaw. The violent and bloodthirsty savage from whom Salvador was trying to protect her.

When word reaches William of his wife’s disappearance, his heart is torn—he cannot abandon the search for Charlotte, yet he must also rescue Julia. Captain Ned Cochrane offers a solution: Ned will continue the search for Charlotte while William goes after Julia. William’s quest will lead him to a greater understanding of faith and love as he must accept help from sworn enemy and have faith that Julia’s life is in God's hands.

Thanks Kaye ~ your spotlights are always full of great detail!  Be sure to check out more images from Kaye's trilogy with her image set here and the book trailer.

Relz Reviewz Extras
Character spotlight on William Ransome & Julia Witherington
Visit Kaye's website
Buy Kaye's books at Amazon or Koorong

Sunday, 7 August 2011

Sketchy Behavior by Erynn Mangum

Synopsis:~

Drawing Conclusions or Drafting Disaster? Other than harboring a somewhat obsessive fondness for Crispix and completely swearing-off boys after a bad date (don't ask), sixteen-year-old Kate Carter is about as ordinary as they come, except for her two notable talents: art and sarcasm. After an introduction to forensic sketching in her elective art class, Kate discovers a third and most unexpected gift: criminal profiling. Her photo-quality sketch helps the police catch a wanted murderer and earns her celebrity status in South Woodhaven Falls. But when that murderer appears to be using his friends to exact revenge, Kate goes from local hero to possible target. Will she manage to survive? Will life ever be normal again? And will local news anchor Ted Deffle ever stop sending her flowers?

My take:~

Erynn Mangum ticks all the boxes with her latest release aimed at teens, but still a story I adored, too. With a more serious storyline than her previous Lauren Holbrook and Maya Davis novels, Sketchy Behavior remains imprinted with Erynn's trademark humour, spot on first person voice and a spiritual message. Particularly appealing is the focus on the mystery element which makes it perfect for readers looking for something other than a romance for this age group. The interaction between Kate and her parents is authentic as Kate's perception of them alters as danger comes close. Kate is an engaging character, witty, quirky and honest. I'd love more stories about Kate, her best friend Maddy, Detective Masterson and Silent Justin ~ here's hoping!

Thanks to Zondervan for my review copy via NetGalley

Relz Reviewz Extras
Visit Erynn's website and blog
Buy Erynn's books at Amazon and Koorong

Saturday, 6 August 2011

Coming in 2012 from Tyndale House

Here's a sneak peek at some of Tyndale's early 2012 releases and I love you to join in the conversation!

Cover wise, I can't go past The Search Committee!  I love the sheep and their symbolism ~ it is quirky and different.  Chris Fabry's, too, given it is a male dominated cover.  Not sure when I last saw that on a CF cover ;-)  Susie's cover looks awfully similar to another book...can you guess?

Love Susie and Chris' books so really looking forward to them and keen to see what former police officer, Janice Cantore has to offer given her experience on the force.  Cathy Gohlke's is one of a handful of books you will see in 2012 surrounding the Titanic.

Don't be shy ~ what do you think?


The Shadow of Your Smile by Susan May Warren

A beautiful blanket of snow may cover the quaint town of Deep Haven each winter, but it can’t quite hide the wreckage of Noelle and Eli Hueston’s marriage. After twenty-five years, they’re contemplating divorce . . . just as soon as their youngest son graduates from high school. But then an accident erases part of Noelle's memory. Though her other injuries are minor, she doesn’t remember Eli, their children, or the tragedy that has ripped their family apart. What’s more, Noelle is shocked that her life has turned out nothing like she dreamed it would. As she tries to regain her memory and slowly steps into her role as a wife and mother, Eli helps her readjust to daily life with sometimes-hilarious, sometimes-heartwarming results. But can she fall in love again with a man she can’t remember? Will their secrets destroy them . . . or has erasing the past given them a chance for a future?

January, 2012



Accused by Janice Cantore

Detective Carly Edwards hates working in juvenile—where the brass put her after an officer-involved shooting—and longs to be back on patrol. So when a troubled youth, Londy Atkins, is arrested for the murder of the mayor and Carly is summoned to the crime scene, she's eager for some action. Carly presses Londy for a confession but he swears his innocence, and despite her better judgment, Carly is inclined to believe him. Yet homicide is convinced of his guilt and is determined to convict him.

Carly's ex-husband and fellow police officer, Nick, appears to be on her side. He's determined to show Carly that he's a changed man and win her back, but she isn't convinced he won't betray her again.

As the investigation progresses, Carly suspects a cover-up and strikes out on her own, uncertain whom she can trust. But when danger mounts, she begins to wonder if she made the right choice.

February, 2012



Not In The Heart by Chris Fabry

Truman Wiley used to report news stories from around the world, but now the most troubling headlines are his own. He’s out of work, out of touch with his family, out of his home. But nothing dogs him more than his son’s failing heart.

With mounting hospital bills and Truman’s penchant for gambling his savings, the situation seems hopeless . . . until his estranged wife throws him a lifeline—the chance to write the story of a death row inmate, a man convicted of murder who wants to donate his heart to Truman’s son.

As the execution clock ticks down, Truman uncovers disturbing evidence that points to a different killer. For his son to live, must an innocent man die? Truman’s investigation draws him down a path that will change his life, his family, and the destinies of two men forever.

February, 2012



Promise Me This by Cathy Gohlke

Michael Dunnagan was never supposed to sail on the Titanic, nor would he have survived if not for the courage of Owen Allen. Determined to carry out his promise to care for Owen’s relatives in America and his younger sister, Annie, in England, Michael works hard to strengthen the family’s New Jersey garden and landscaping business.

Annie Allen doesn’t care what Michael promised Owen. She only knows that her brother is gone—like their mother and father—and the grief is enough to swallow her whole. As Annie struggles to navigate life without Owen, Michael reaches out to her through letters. In time, as Annie begins to lay aside her anger that Michael lived when Owen did not, a tentative friendship takes root and blossoms into something neither expected. Just as Michael saves enough money to bring Annie to America, WWI erupts in Europe. When Annie’s letters mysteriously stop, Michael risks everything to fulfill his promise—and find the woman he’s grown to love—before she’s lost forever.

February, 2012



The Search Committee by Tim Owens

A mismatched team of seven hit the road in an Econoline church van on a mission to find a new pastor. They don't agree on much other than the stops at Hardee's for coffee and a biscuit. But they stick to the call, trying to slip undetected into worship services across the Southeast—all in hopes of stealing a preacher for their congregation.

Each member is wrestling to balance their own busy life and personal struggles. And they're trying to keep their issues to themselves. Forced to spend countless hours together, these very different personalities from different generations begin to bond. And their lives are profoundly changed as they love and support each other through the difficulties in each of their lives.

February, 2012

Friday, 5 August 2011

Coming in 2012 from Zondervan

Here's some more cover love for you to chat about, this time from Zondervan.  I'm also keen to read these books.

I actually really like these covers!  Yes, Covenant of War and The Chase have faces  but I like the darker colours and grittiness of them both, especially Cliff's book :)  

Coming Home looks fabulous ~ love the roses and simplicity of it.

Your thoughts?

Covenant of War by Cliff Graham

The year is 993 BC. After years of bloody civil war, Eleazar son of Dodai, one of King David’s most elite warriors, wants nothing more than to finally live peacefully in the land.

But on the plains near the Great Sea, a terrifying army of Philistines has mobilized to crush the Hebrew tribes once and for all. In the sun-drenched valleys and dark forests of the hill country, Eleazar and his warriors make their stand against Israel’s deadliest enemy. The fate of an entire nation rests on the courage of a small band of heroes known as the Mighty Men.

In a land torn by conflict, depleted by drought and threatened by treachery, the horrors and heroism of the ancient battlefields come to life.

Covenant of War is the second book in the Lion of War series—the intense, gritty, and stylistic portrayal of the Mighty Men of Israel, a rag-tag band of warriors who came to King David in his most desperate hour and fought with him while he claimed the throne he was destined to fill. Their legendary deeds are recorded in 2 Samuel 23 and 1 Chronicles 11.

February, 2012


Coming Home by Stacy Hawkins Adams

If forgiving your ex-husband was easy, everybody would do it.

Brent had cheated on Dayna and coldly said goodbye to her seven long years ago—dashing her hopes of having children or growing old with the love of her life. Working hard to make herself successful as a hospital executive, Dayna has moved on, finding comfort in a new dating relationship with a faith-filled colleague, Warren.

But when Brent resurfaces on her doorstep at just the wrong time, Dayna’s heart threatens to come unglued. Why is Brent asking for forgiveness now? And why are he and his new wife, Tamara, interested in reconciliation with Dayna? The unbelievable answers begin to surface  as Brent boldly asks Dayna to support him at the most crucial time of his life.

While Tamara’s heart brims with guilt, both women will discover what it means to reach beyond pain and baggage to love unconditionally, leaving the consequences to God.

February, 2012



The Chase by DiAnn Mills

To the FBI it’s a cold case. To Kariss Walker it’s a hot idea that could either reshape or ruin her writing career. And it’s a burning mission to revisit an event she can never forget.

Five years ago, an unidentified little girl was found starved to death in the woods behind a Houston apartment complex. A TV news anchor at the time, Kariss reported on the terrifying case. Today, as a New York Times bestselling author, Kariss intends to turn the unsolved mystery into a suspense novel.

Enlisting the help of FBI Special Agent Tigo Harris, Kariss succeeds in getting the case reopened. But the search for the dead girl’s missing mother yields a discovery that plunges the partners into a witch’s brew of danger. The old crime lives on in more ways than either of them could ever imagine. Will Kariss’s pursuit of her dream as a writer carry a deadly price tag?

Drawing from a real-life cold case, bestselling novelist DiAnn Mills presents a taut collage of suspense, faith, and romance in The Chase.

March, 2012

Character Spotlight ~ Tamara Leigh's Bridget Pickwick Buchanan & J.C. Dirk with giveaways

Bridget & J.C.


Tamara Leigh has written some of my favourite characters, especially her leading men!  Enjoy meeting J.C. and the lovely Bridget :)


Over to you, Tammy:~

Brief physical description

Bridget Pickwick-Buchanan is the 5’6” 33-year-old heroine of my new novel, Restless in Carolina. This tree huggin’, animal lovin’, ever grievin’ widow has pale green eyes and long blonde dreadlocks—yes, dreadlocks, but this part of her “widow’s weeds” comes undone early on in the story.

Then there’s my 36-year-old hero, J.C. Dirk, an environmentally conscious developer with a secret agenda. If I may say so myself, this guy is attractive. At 5’9” he’s buff and broad-shouldered, has light brown hair, bright green eyes flecked with gold, and occasionally sports the lightly stubbled look.

Actor/famous person

I’ve gone back and forth on the actress I believe best represents the character of Bridget and have landed on Elizabeth Mitchell of the television series “Lost” and “V”. Thought Elizabeth’s eyes are blue and Bridget’s are green, they share the same sparkle.

As for J.C., here’s looking at Simon Baker of “The Mentalist” series. In fact, Bridget even likens J.C. to the actor. See, my little gal might be up to her elbows in composting, but she does watch television from time to time.

Strengths and weaknesses

Bridget has two outstanding strengths: devotion to family—not only her departed husband but her extended family—and disregard for materialism. However, both strengths translate into weaknesses when she perseverates on them (i.e. clinging to grief over the loss of her husband).

Like Bridget, J.C.’s strength lies in his devotion to family. Unfortunately, his weakness is that of holding grudges and his determination to personally render justice.

Quirk (if any)


Bridget is the queen of quirks. So where do I start? She has a pet possum that can’t quite get the “playing possum” thing right, is overly protective of personal space, resents technology (though it does have its uses), is hypersensitive to perfumes and colognes— Enough already!

J.C.’s quirk is the high energy that makes him overly expressive, restless, and, at times, noisy (key and coin jangler).

Your inspiration for the character


Though I don’t come close to being a stereotypical tree hugger, I believe my concern for the environment is the seed out of which Bridget grew…and grew. I didn’t want her character to be on the extreme end of environmentalism, but I wanted her to exhibit a greater concern than my own—the kind that daily manifests itself regardless of inconvenience.

Background to the story

Restless in Carolina is the third and final book in my Southern Discomfort series. It tells the story of the last female cousin, Bridget Pickwick-Buchanan, who has taken four years—and counting—to come to terms with being a widow. When it falls to Bridget to entice an eco-friendly developer to buy her family’s estate in order to keep it out of the hands of those who would ruthlessly exploit it, she hunts down J.C. Dirk whose green property developments have earned him national acclaim. What she doesn’t know is that J.C. has his own agenda that could mean the end of everything she’s worked for…and break her recovering heart.

Tammy ~ as always, I love your spotlights and your characters :)  And choosing an Australian actor for J.C. is a plus for me!

Relz Reviewz Extras
Review of Restless in Carolina
Review of Leaving Carolina and Character spotlight on Piper & Axel
Review of Nowhere, Carolina and Character spotlight on Maggie & Reece
Interview with Tamara
Visit Tamara's website
Buy Tamara's books at Amazon or Koorong

Wednesday, 3 August 2011

News & Notes


Tessa Afshar, author of the exceptional Pearl in the Sand, has a marvelous contest running at the moment put together by the fabulous folk at PulsePoint Design.  Here's what is included:


• An ornate, hand-painted, gold-encrusted jewelry box from Israel (pictured above)
• A keepsake bottle of multi-colored sand from the Negev desert
• A freshwater pearl necklace from the Middle East
• A set of three perfume bottles from Israel, containing Spikenard, Frankincense, and Myrrh
• An exquisite red silk hand-embroidered women’s prayer scarf, created by Israeli designer Yair Emanuel

Click here and follow the prompts to enter and tell a friend!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This month there are some fabulous books free to your Kindle or Kindle for PC and other ereaders.  As I own a Kindle, I'm just posting the Kindle links for you :)  Check these out!


Lisa T Bergren's Waterfall
Yvonne Harris' The Vigilante's Bride
Richard Mabry's Code Blue
Erynn Mangum's Miss Match
Kaye Dacus' Ransome's Honor
& more......

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


I'm not always going to highlight free Christian Kindle books but I know a fabulous website that does!  Be sure to add the lovely Keiki Hendrix's Vessel Project to your reader or subscribe to email and you will never miss a thing on Kindle or Nook.

Keiki has a lot of great series on her site so be sure to check them out as well:

& more........
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Thomas Nelson are running an I Love Christian Fiction sweepstakes with a prize of $10,000!

Answer a short survey and you are in the draw :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...