Sixty Acres and a Bride by Regina Jennings

Destitute and grieving, Louise Garner and her beautiful Mexican daughter in law, Rosa, return to Texas and the ranch she called home only to discover that an insurmountable amount of back taxes are due if they wish to retain the property.

Determined to do what she can to assist her disbelieving mother in law, Rosa soon discovers that the vivaciousness and directness that comes naturally to her culture is not always appreciated by the citizens of Caldwell County, Texas.  Scrambling not to offend her mother in law, Rosa despairs as she tries to understand and mimic the customs of the ladies who look upon her with suspicion and even derision.

Weston Garner, a wealthy rancher and nephew to Louise, notices Rosa's beauty and effervescent personality but is disinterested in pursuing any initial attraction he might feel.  Riding himself hard with regret over his wife's death, Weston does not intend to place a woman at risk again.  As Rosa tires of humiliating herself in front of Louise's reserved and somewhat aloof nephew and lives in fear of a neighbour with unsavoury intentions, Louise prompts her to take action in a way that surprises her and changes her life forever.

Regina Jennings' Sixty Acres and a Bride is an excellent debut novel and aside from taking a few chapters to settle into a good rhythm, it is hard to imagine this is Regina's first published work.  Loosely based on the Biblical story of Naomi, Ruth and Boaz, rather than a retelling of the story, there is much for historical romance readers to enjoy.  Weston and Rosa are both heartfelt characters, driven by the joy and torment of their pasts and what they imagine for their futures.  Cultural differences, deeply held fears and plenty of misunderstandings make this an emotional and engaging story of faith, family, love and healing.  Regina's talent with words tells of Rosa and Weston's incandescent attraction with authenticity and respect.  Readers of Rosslyn Elliott, Elizabeth Camden and Kathleen Morgan will want to look up Sixty Acres and a Bride.

With thanks to Bethany for my review copy

As seen at TitleTrakk.com

Relz Reviewz Extras
Character Spotlight on Rosa & Weston
Visit Regina's website and blog
Buy Regina's books at Amazon and Koorong

Character Spotlight ~ Rachel Hauck's Charlotte, Emily, Daniel and Tim

Rachel Hauck's acclaimed novel, The Wedding Dress, is now available from Thomas Nelson.

Synopsis

Charlotte owns a chic Birmingham bridal boutique. Dressing brides for their big day is her gift . . . and her passion. But with her own wedding day approaching, why can't she find the perfect dress…or feel certain she should marry Tim? 

Then Charlotte discovers a vintage dress in a battered trunk at an estate sale. It looks brand-new-shimmering with pearls and satin, hand-stitched and  timeless in its design. But where did it come from? Who wore it? Who welded the lock shut and tucked the dog tags in that little sachet? Who left it in the basement for a ten-year-old girl? And what about the mysterious man in the purple vest who insists the dress had been "redeemed." 

Charlotte's search for the gown's history-and its new bride-begins as a distraction from her sputtering love life. But it takes on a life of its own as she comes to know the women who have worn the dress. Emily from 1912. Mary Grace from 1939. Hillary from 1968. Each with her own story of promise, pain, and destiny. And each with something unique to share. For woven within the threads of the beautiful hundred-year-old gown is the truth about Charlotte's heritage, the power of courage and faith, and the timeless beauty of finding true love.

Enjoy meeting Charlotte, Tim, Emily & Daniel!

Photo: Alexx Henry/2009 Crown Media

Brief physical description

Charlotte – Dark. Olive skin, hazel eyes, dark hair.. Famous actress might be Jennifer Esposito from Blue Bloods.

Emily – fair,, brown hair. Has a pompador. Young Greer Garson

Daniel – dark hair.. Can’t remember his eyes. Think Robert Wagner when he was young!

Tim – Taylor Kitsch. Nuff said. ;)

abc.com

Strengths and weaknesses

Emily is strong enough to stand up for what she believes in and confront social norms and racism. But not quite strong enough to defy her father and marry the man she loves. At first…

Charlotte can dress any bride but herself.

Daniel loves Emily but gives up too easily. Yet, he’s a man of honor.

Wikipedia

Tim can’t quite grow up until he realizes he might lose the love of his life.

Your inspiration for the character

Inspiration came from all over the place. The dress had to be a central point of the book so I worked at creating characters that would understand and define the gown.

Background to the story

I’d gone to Nashville for a girl’s weekend and we got to talking about weddings and wedding dresses. Something in the conversation triggered my creative juices and I was off in story land dreaming of a hundred year old wedding gown and all of the possible “what ifs.”

This book just seemed to write itself. It’s a rare for idea hit fast and stick but I knew The Wedding Dress would be a book. I pitched it to my editor a few days later and she was sold on the idea as much as I. I’m glad. I love this story!

Relz Reviewz Extras
Reviews of Dining with Joy, The Sweet By and By, Love Starts With Elle, Sweet Caroline and Diva NashVegas
Interview with Rachel
Visit Rachel's website
Buy Rachel's books at Amazon or Koorong

Getting to know Beth Vogt

It is my delight and privilege to introduce you to Beth K Vogt, one of four 
delightful debutantes whose books are officially releasing this May.  

Look for a series of upcoming interviews, character spotlights, giveaways and 
reviews on my blog highlighting Beth, Dani Pettrey, Olivia Newport and Katie Ganshert 
along with some spectacular news regarding the....

Debutantes' Story Soiree - coming May 15th. 

Four books. Four authors. One EPIC event! Stay tuned for more info!!

Beth Vogt

What appeals to you most about writing fiction? 

I love the ability to weave truth into imaginary characters’ lives. And I love the challenge of becoming not just a good writer but a storyteller.

Why Christian fiction? 

I’ve heard it said that the word “Christian” isn’t an adjective. :) I’ve heard writers toss around terms like “inspirational” and “faith-based.” Whatever. My faith is an integral part of who I am—it influences everything I do: How I relate to my husband, how I raise my children, how I write books. Every writer weaves something they consider true – their values – into the stories they write. I have found truth and peace and purpose in my faith.

Rel: I wish there was a better descriptor, too!

Name five things you can’t live without

1. Laughter

2. Falling asleep in my husband’s arms

3. Watching a good football game with no one telling me to “Tone it down!”

4. God’s lavish grace

5. Dinner reservations

Favourite book ~ The first book I ever read because it opened the door to all the other books I ever read. So, yes, this was probably something along the lines of “See Dick run. See Jane talk.” (My husband came up with that last line.)

Favourite movie ~ The Magic of Ordinary Days, a Hallmark movie I watch over and over again.

Favourite TV show ~ Lie to Me, which I only started watching on NetFlix after it went off the air!

Where is the most interesting place you have been?

“Interesting” is such a vague word, Rel. I lived in Turkey for two years way-back in our “military family” days when I had three children under the age of five. Now that was i-n-t-e-r-e-s-t-i-n-g.

Rel: Yep, Turkey even without kids would be challenging, I imagine!!

What did you want to be when you grew up? 

A writer. Isn’t wonderful? I’m living my dream.

What are two things people might be surprised to know about you?

• I have a twin sister, Brenda. We’re fraternal twins. I’m older than her by four minutes. When we were growing up, we couldn’t even convince people we were sisters, much less twins.

• I met my husband in a karate studio when he knocked me down—I mean, when he swept me off my feet. Really.

Rel:  Now, there's a book waiting to happen, right there, Beth!

Wish You Were Here

Allison Denman is supposed to get married in five days, but everything is all wrong. The huge wedding. The frothy dress. And the groom.

Still, kissing the groom's brother in an unguarded moment is decidedly not the right thing to do. How could she have made such a mistake? It seems Allison's life is nothing but mistakes at this point. And pulling a "Runaway Bride" complete with stealing, er, borrowing her best friend's car doesn't seem to solve her problems.

Can Allison find her way out of this mess? Maybe she just needs to stop orchestrating everything. Allison prefers being the one in control, and giving it up is not going to be easy. But to find her way again, she will have to believe that God has a plan for her and find the strength to let Him lead.

What was your favourite scene to write in Wish You Were Here or share your favourite paragraph

Allison is talking to her Aunt Nita as she struggles to figure out what’s the right thing to do:

“Why does doing the right thing cut off my breath? It’s like . . . like someone hands me an outfit and says, ‘Put this on.” And then I shove myself into this dress two sizes too small. Cram my feet into shoes that pinch my toes and scrape my heels. I go and stand in front of the mirror and try to convince myself it looks fine. That I look fine. I tell myself to just buy the outfit. And the whole time, I want my yoga pants, cotton top, and flip flops.”

Which character did you connect to the most?

Allison – I loved watching her change, discovering who God created her to be. I admired her courage.

Which character was the most difficult to write? 

Seth. He actually didn’t start talking to me until the second draft of the manuscript. My agent, Rachelle Gardner, wanted to hear more of his story.

What’s next in your writing pipeline? 

I’m working on a stand-alone story with the working title Catch a Falling Star. It’s also a contemporary romance set in Colorado that wrestles with the question: What do you do when life doesn’t go according to plan? Do you keep forcing Plan A? Do you opt for Plan B? Or do you just settle?

Rel: Sounding good, Beth!

 

Connect with Beth

Author Website: www.bethvogt.com

Author Blog: http://thewritingroad.blogspot.com.au/

Author Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/beth.vogt

Author Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bethvogt 

 

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Visit Beth's website

Buy Beth's books at Amazon or CBD

Character Spotlight ~ Tricia Goyer's Marianna Sommer

To celebrate the final Big Sky novel, Beyond Hope's Valley, I'm reposting the spotlight on Tricia Goyer's leading Amish lady, Marianna Sommer.

Synopsis

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.

Enjoy meeting Marianna!

Brief physical description 

 

Marianna Sommer is a petite Amish young woman with light brown hair and grey eyes.

Actor/famous person 

Rachel McAdams.

Strengths and weaknesses 

Strengths: She's dedicated to her family and the Amish way of life. She has a loving a caring heart. She's great in the kitchen and she has a fun sense of humor and quick wit—which many “Englischers” don't expect.

Weaknesses: She cares about what others think more than she should. She also battles between how she's been raised and what her heart it telling her to be true about God and others.

Your inspiration for the character
 

Marianna was inspired by Amish friends of mine. Spending time with them I found them fun, surprising and yet thoughtful, too. Sometimes we think that simple people are boring, but that's not the case with my friends or Marianna either.

Background to the story

Every great novel starts with a bit of fact. This story started with more than that.

A few years ago I was asked if I'd ever consider writing an Amish novel. The truth is, I hadn't. But the first seed of an idea was planted and my mind started to feed and water it. That's how novels usually start.

Later that day, I remembered that my daughter had a friend, Saretta, whose parents were raised Amish. They moved from an Amish community in Indiana to Montana, and that is how we met. I also remember my daughter telling me Ora Jay and Irene lost two daughters in a buggy accident.

Hmmm, I thought. I'd love to hear their story. Maybe someday, if I see them again, I'll ask. The next day, my daughter Leslie and I went out for some mom and daughter time. We went to a bookstore to browse and get coffee. As we looked over the bargain rack guessed who walked in … Saretta. We hadn't seen her for six months at least and there she was. “Saretta,” I told her. “I think I'm supposed to talk to your parents—hear their story.” “Sure, I'm sure they'd love to talk to you!”

Less than a week later Ora Jay and Irene sat in my living room. They told me about being Amish, about losing their daughters, about their move. They also talked about their faith. They shared what the meant to be Amish. They shared how their faith had grown after moving to Montana. They shared many ways God had changed their lives and their hearts. I listened amazed. Their story added more water—the Living Water—and sunshine to the seed of a novel planted in my hearts. After talking to Ora Jay and Irene, I met many other Amish women from the West Kootenai Community. I was honored as they shared their lives with me.

 

While this story is still a work of fiction, I've tried to be as true to the lifestyle and faith of this Amish community. As you may know, each Amish community is different, depending on the place and rules of the church. While I may not have gotten everything right, I've tried hard that my words reflect truth. I trust they do.

Relz Reviewz Extras
Review of Love Finds You in Lonesome Prairie, Montana

Character spotlight on Julia Cavanaugh

Visit Tricia's website and blog
Buy Tricia's books at Amazon or Koorong

Character Spotlight ~ Susan May Warren's Lilly

Susan May Warren has just released her second Daughters of Fortune novel, Baroness, available now from Summerside Press.

Synopsis

 Lilly and Rosie, daughters of an empire coming of age in the roaring twenties, can have anything they want except freedom. Expected to marry well and to take the reins of the empire, they have their lives planned out for them. But Lilly, Esme's daughter longs to return home to Montana, to adventure outside the confines of New York City. And Jinx's daughter Rosie dreams of the bright lights of the newly emerging silver screen. But following their dreams - from avant garde France, to Broadway, to the skies in the world of barnstormers and wing-walkers will take all their courage. And if they find love, will they choose freedom or happily ever after?

Enjoy meeting Lilly!

Brief physical description

Petite, brown hair, a hint of trouble in her brown eyes. Lilly grew up out west and is more cowgirl than society girl. She is down to earth, strong, brave and more than her physical appearance suggests.

Actor/famous person

British actress Carey Mulligan

Strengths and weaknesses

In Lily’s own words:

“I’m 20 years old, former cowgirl who is now trapped in the big city. When my mother said we should go and visit my grandparents in NYC, I never guessed that we’d end up living here. I have tried to fit in – letting my mother, my aunt Jinx and my cousin Rosie dress me and introduce me to society life, but mostly I just feel out of place. My favorite place is Central Park, but not long ago, I was riding Charity, my horse through the park and met a number of Rosie’s friends who made fun of me - riding two legs over the horse like I was. I just don’t fit in. And I don’t want to – I am not made for New York, and I don’t like it. I especially don’t like my mother’s new husband, Oliver. He’s a little bossy and is always hovering – as if I might break or run away. Mother’s been awfully ill these past few months – we’re going to Paris for a vacation now that she is better. I hate Paris even more. I just want to fit in, and I’ll do anything to get back to where I’m from. Even if it means I’m a little impetuous.”

Quirk (if any)

I jump too quickly into adventure and...trouble. But I’m brave and willing to hold onto my dreams even if I might get hurt.

Your inspiration for the character

Amelia Earhart, and all the young barnstormers of the 1920s.

Background to the story

I wanted to write a story about two women, Lilly and Rosie, daughters of wealthy families who were coming of age in the roaring twenties. These ladies could have anything they want…except freedom. Expected to marry well and to take the reins of the empire, they have their lives planned out for them. But, Lilly, Esme’s daughter longs to return home to Montana, to adventure outside the confines of New York City. And Jinx’s daughter Rosie dreams of the bright lights of the newly emerging silver screen. I wanted to build characters representative of the times – both the flappers, but also the adventurers of the era, like Amelia Earhart, and other flyers. So, while Rosie embodies the showgirl, early Hollywood starlet, Lilly embodies the adventure driven pilots and wing walkers. They both follow their dreams – from avant garde France, to Broadway, to the skies in the world of barnstormers and wing-walkers. And if when they find love, they have to choose freedom or happily ever after. Throughout the book I ask the question – what does it really mean to be free? 

Relz Reviewz Extras
Character spotlight on Jinx Worth
Reviews of Heiress, Nightingale & Sons of Thunder
Visit Susie's website and blog
Buy Susie's books at Amazon or Koorong

Character Spotlight ~ Regina Jennings' Rosa & Weston

Regina Jennings debut novel is a 19th Century take on the story of Ruth and Boaz.  Sixty Acres and a Bride is available now from Bethany House.

Synopsis

With nothing to their names, young widow Rosa Garner and her mother-in-law return to Texas and the family ranch. Only now the county is demanding back taxes and the women have only four months to pay. 

Though facing eviction, Rosa can't keep herself from falling in love with the countryside and the wonderful extended family who want only her best. Learning the American customs is not easy, however, and this beautiful young widow can't help but catch wandering eyes. Where some offer help with dangerous strings attached, only one man seems honorable. But when Weston Garner, still grieving his own lost love, is unprepared to give his heart, to what lengths will Rosa go to save her future?

Enjoy meeting Rosa & Weston!

Brief physical description

Rosa is all about color and movement. It’s hard to get a good description of her physical features because she doesn’t sit still, but the men certainly notice the diminutive señora.

As a young man Weston had the whole TDH package going (tall, dark and handsome) and while events have wiped away his confidence, maturity certainly hasn’t harmed his appearance.

Actor/famous person

Rosa - Jaci Velasquez

Weston - Jim Caviezel

Strengths and weaknesses

Rosa’s strength is her determination. She is willing to work hard for no recognition, but she won’t be victimized, either. Her weakness is that she’s always keeping score. She can’t accept help.

Weston values responsibility. That’s good when it comes to looking out for his family, but it’s a weakness when he holds himself accountable for choices that others have made.

Quirk (if any)

Having grown up near silver mines Rosa is fearful of being trapped. She gets nervous thinking about small places like the root cellar, closets or a hulking, masculine four-poster bed.

Weston’s sister enjoys tormenting him over his prudish behaviour. He’ll even shut down one of her poetry readings if he thinks the discussion is inappropriate.

Your inspiration for the character

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Rosa – Every year my husband and I spend a week in Mexico working with a seminary and church planters. The enthusiasm is contagious. You don’t just get a handshake. You are bear-hugged and cheek-kissed. Laughs are louder, tears are freer, and singing is at full volume. I couldn’t help but think how cold our welcomes must feel to our Mexican friends. Then I took it a step further. What if a passionate, sincere Mexican woman found herself in 19th century America when manners were even more subdued?

Weston came about as the perfect foil for Rosa. He sees everything in black and white. According to Weston there’s only one way to do things, and Rosa challenges his thinking. He has to re-evaluate which customs of theirs are really a matter of right and wrong and which are only preference.

Background to the story

With nothing to their names, young widow Rosa Garner and her mother-in-law Louise return to their Texas family ranch to find that they only have three months to pay the back taxes.

Louise’s nephew Weston has also returned home from the cattle trail looking for a fresh start after his own personal tragedy. He is ready to lead the family, but he is unprepared for Rosa. When her situation becomes desperate Rosa must decide to what lengths she will go save her future.

Relz Reviewz Extras

Visit Regina's website and blog

Buy Regina's book at Amazon or Koorong

Character Spotlight ~ Dorothy Love's Carrie & Griff

Dorothy Love returns with her second Hickory Ridge novel, Beauty for Ashes, available now from Thomas Nelson.

Synopsis

She’s a beautiful young widow. He’s a charming Charlestonian with a taste for adventure. Both need a place to call home.

For Carrie Daly, life seems to consist mostly of mourning and ashes. Widowed when her young husband died at the battle of Shiloh, Carrie has spent the intervening years living quietly on her family’s farm with Henry, her older brother. But then Henry marries Mary Stanhope, a difficult widow with two rowdy sons in tow. Feeling that there is no longer a place for her on the farm, Carrie moves to the genteel but shabby Verandah Ladies Hotel and takes a job at Nate Chastain’s book shop, intending to make a new life for herself.

But a chance meeting with Griff Rutledge, a newcomer to Hickory Ridge, changes everything.

It will take a leap of faith on both their parts to redeem the hurts of the past and claim God’s promise of beauty for ashes.

Enjoy meeting Griff and Carrie!

Brief physical description

Carrie: Coppery hair, blue eyes, small and shapely

Griff: Tall, dark, handsome, with a thin white scar above his upper lip

Actor/famous person

Griff reminds me of a young Gregory Peck only with a Southern accent. In the 1950’s there was a beautiful actress named Rhonda Fleming who has Carrie’s coloring. I don’t pay attention to modern day celebrities, so I have no clue which modern day celebs Carrie and Griff might resemble.

Strengths and weaknesses

Carrie’s strengths are her faith, her resourcefulness and her independence of mind. Her weaknesses are impatience and sometimes, stubbornness.

Griff’s strengths are his sense of humor, his self confidence, and his compassion for others. His weaknesses are that he is slow to forgive, and sometimes too quick to judge the motives of others.

Your inspiration for the character

Carrie is a composite of the thousands of real-life Southern women who were forced to carry on alone after the losses of the Civil War. I admire their bravery, their resourcefulness, and the great faith it must have taken to keep going. When I created Carrie for the first Hickory Ridge book, I intended for her to remain a secondary character—one of Ada’s friends in the church quilting circle. But the more I wrote about Carrie, the more I wanted her to cast off her mourning and find love and joy again. The lesson of her life is that God is able to give us back our joy, to make beauty from the ashes of our sorrows and failed dreams.

This is the thread running through Griff’s life as well. Feeling like the “black sheep” of his family, he has spent years travelling from one place to the next, claiming to love his footloose and adventurous life while all the time longing for roots and a home. It takes meeting Carrie and her patchwork family to show him what he has been missing.

Background to the story

Widowed when her young husband Frank Daly was killed at Shiloh, Carrie has spent her life keeping house for her bachelor brother, helping him run their family farm. When the story opens in 1876, she has long since given up on finding the kind of heart-stopping love she knew all too briefly with Frank. For some time Carrie has had an understanding with Nate Chastain, the local bookshop owner. But unwilling to settle for what is attainable, she has put off accepting his proposal. Then Charlestonian Griff Rutledge arrives in Hickory Ridge...and Carrie is instantly smitten.

This is the second novel in the Hickory Ridge series, following last year’s BEYOND ALL MEASURE.

The series wraps up late this fall with publication of EVERY PERFECT GIFT where readers will catch glimpses of Carrie and Griff and their life in Hickory Ridge.

Relz Reviewz Extras

Visit Dorothy's website and blog

Buy Dorothy's books at Amazon or Koorong

Enter Today and Save the Date-3/20!

The Sound of Red Returning by Sue Duffy

Talented concert pianist Liesl Bower has made a comfortable life for herself, putting her tragic past behind her including the suspicion that fifteen years ago she has colluded with her mentor and friend to betray her country to the Russians. As she performs an intimate concert in the White House, it is not the president's presence that intimidates her but another face in the audience, one she had hoped never to see again. That night Liesl's life erupts into one of fear and danger as American and Russian agents fight to discover a secret Liesl didn't know she had.

With agents pressing her for revelations, Liesl returns to her beloved Charleston home and into the lives of a grandfather and grandson whose faith and fortitude challenge Liesl's prejudice and self-protection. As a new Cold War edges closer, Liesl must choose the extent to which she is willing to sacrifice for her country, and for love.

Sue Duffy has written a gem of a suspense novel with a whisper of romance, set amidst political intrigue and international espionage. With likeable protagonists wrestling with complex relationships, Sue creates great pacing and suspense as Liesl and her small entourage seek to find the key that the CIA and Russian spys are racing to discover. Joining forces with unemployed journalist Cade O'Brien and his feisty grandfather Ian, gives Liesl opportunity to wrestle with her damaged faith and this aspect of the novel is woven in smoothly. Ian is a great character, an old school patriot whose presence injects plenty of humour and heart into the tale. Russian, American and Israeli involvement leads the reader through numerous twists and turns while Liesl and Cade's attraction unfolds and a family tragedy takes a surprising turn.  While the involvement of civilians in the protection of an important American asset seemed a little unrealistic, Duffy has penned an engaging story reminiscent of Cold War spy novels and films and has given readers much to anticipate in this ongoing series.

As seen at TitleTrakk

With thanks to Litfuse for my review copy

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Character Spotlight ~ Julie Klassen's Margaret & Nathaniel

Julie Klassen writes exceptional Regency romance novels and her latest story, The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, is available now from Bethany House.

Synopsis

Pampered Margaret Macy flees London in disguise to escape pressure to marry a dishonorable man. With no money and nowhere else to go, she takes a position as a housemaid in the home of Nathaniel Upchurch, a suitor she once rejected in hopes of winning his dashing brother. Praying no one will recognize her, Margaret fumbles through the first real work of her life. If she can last until her next birthday, she will gain an inheritance from a spinster aunt--and sweet independence. But can she remain hidden as a servant even when prying eyes visit Fairbourne Hall? 

Observing both brothers as an "invisible" servant, Margaret learns she may have misjudged Nathaniel. Is it too late to rekindle his admiration? And when one of the family is nearly killed, Margaret alone discovers who was responsible. Should she come forward, even at the risk of her reputation and perhaps her life? And can she avoid an obvious trap meant to force her from hiding? 

On her journey from wellborn lady to servant to uncertain future, Margaret must learn to look past appearances and find the true meaning of "serve one another in love." 

Enjoy meeting Nathaniel & Margaret!

Brief physical description

Margaret Macy is a blond and blue-eyed well-born lady, but she spends much of the novel wearing a dark wig and disguised as a housemaid named Nora.

Actor/famous person

I modelled my main character after actress Romola Garai, who portrayed the title role in a recent adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma. She has appeared in movies as a blond, brunette, and red-head--and looks good no matter what her hair color.

Strengths and weaknesses

Margaret is a bit spoiled and tends to judge (people and situations) by appearances and often incorrectly at first. However, she is devoted to her brother and sister and determined to do whatever it takes to protect their futures. And, though she has never done a lick of work in her life, when she is hired as a housemaid she does her best to carry out her duties.

Quirk (if any)

Margaret has difficulty sleeping--which leads to a few interesting late-night rendezvous. :)

Your inspiration for the character

My novels are set in the early 1800s (Regency England) when live-in servants were common, so I’ve wanted to write a book like this for quite some time. I’ve also been inspired by programs like Upstairs, Downstairs and Downton Abbey, which portray the life of servants as well as the people they serve.

Background to the story

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall is about a well-born lady who disguises herself as a housemaid to avoid marriage to a dishonourable man. But she never planned on actually working as a servant. And certainly not in the home of two former suitors! As she fumbles through the first real work of her life, she is soon entangled in intrigues both below-stairs and above.

Nathaniel Upchurch

Brief physical description

Nathaniel Upchurch has a tall, athletic build, dark hair, long nose, stern mouth, and piercing bluish green eyes.

Actor/famous person

I modelled my hero after actor Richard Armitage of North and South fame. 

Strengths and weaknesses

Nathaniel Upchurch has a bad temper, but is responsible, protective, and still in love with Margaret though she spurned him years before.

Quirk (if any)

Fences regularly with his steward for exercise.

Your inspiration for the character

I was inspired by the character of John Thornton in Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South, who shoulders heavy responsibilities for his family. Like Thornton, Nathaniel Upchurch has a stern and haughty exterior, which masks a protective and passionate soul.

Relz Reviewz Extras
Reviews of The Maid of Fairbourne Hall,  The Silent Governess, The Apothecary's Daughter & Lady of Milkweed Manor
Character spotlight on Olivia and Lord Bradley
Character spotlight on Mariah & Matthew

Character spotlight on Lilly
Visit Julie's website
Buy Julie's books at Amazon or Koorong

The Shadow of Your Smile by Susan May Warren

Tragedy and despair has driven them apart ~ another heartbreak may shatter their marriage completely.

Eli and Noelle Hueston's marriage is on the brink of divorce when an accident results in significant memory loss for Noelle, hurtling her back to college life without any recollection of her husband, marriage or children.  Fearful of the imposing man calling himself her husband, Noelle is shocked at how her life has turned out and searches for answers about the loss of her youthful dreams and desires.

Eli Hueston is surprised by the woman who emerges from unconsciousness, so different to the withdrawn and aloof Noelle he has been avoiding by seeking alone time fishing at his ice house and helping our the widow of his best friend.  

In high school, Emma Nelson was a little bit in love with her best friend's brother but Kyle Hueston never gave her the time of day.  An unexpected meeting proves nothing has changed when Kyle doesn't even recognise her.  Trying to chase someone else's dream has left Emma weary and homesick but nothing will ever make her return to the town of Deep Haven.

The Shadow of Your Smile, a beautiful story of loss, love and discovery, is refreshingly honest with both funny and poignant moments scattered throughout, and is Susan May Warren as her best.  Written with heartfelt emotion and deeply layered characters, Noelle and Eli's journey is captivating, both in its tender moments and the occasions when you want to stop a them from making an inevitably  foolish decision.  Eli and Noelle are intriguing and authentic characters, trying to make the best of a difficult and awkward time as they negotiate their future based on a past only one of them knows.  Emma and Kyle's tentative relationship is equally enthralling as they negotiate the impact of attraction on their divergent future plans and commitments. Susan explores serious themes that impact marriages and relationships with authenticity and honesty, while maintaining the charm and whimsy of that have marked her Deep Haven stories.  If you haven't read any of Susan's books, The Shadow of Your Smile is a great place to start and will undoubtedly garner her readers for life.

As seen at TitleTrakk.com

 

With thanks to Tyndale & Litfuse for my review copy via NetGalley 

Relz Reviewz Extras
Reviews of My Foolish Heart, Hook, Line & Sinker, Waiting for Morning, Nothing But Trouble, Double Trouble and Licensed for Trouble
Character spotlight on PJ, Boone & Jeremy 
Visit Susie's website and blog
Buy Susie's books at Amazon or Koorong