Coming soon from Summerside Press

I love previewing books and cover art and here are some of the latest from Summerside Press from their Love Finds You, new American Tapestries and When I Fall in Love series. Heiress and From This Day Forward are part of their historical line.

Love to hear your thoughts, as always!


Heiress by Susan May Warren

The beautiful heiress daughters of newspaper magnate August Price have been given everything their hearts desire. But what if they want only to be loved—without an enormous price tag attached?

When one daughter pursues a desirable marriage, she secures for herself a comfortable and glamorous life. But among the duties of privilege, will she also find the happily-ever-after she seeks? Her sister rejects the trappings of wealth, choosing instead to build a new life on the still-untamed frontier. Will she find happiness in independence or discover that she's left her heart behind in New York's glittering society?

Set in the opulent world of the Gilded Age, each woman discovers that being an heiress just might cost her everything-including the chance for true love.

July, 2011




Love Finds You in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania by Annalisa Daughety

Two women with nothing in common except the need for a friend and a fresh start. When Amish-born Lydia Ann Raber and Southern belle Caroline DeMarco discover a shared history of loss, the unlikely duo decides to open a gift shop in beautiful Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Lydia Ann is surprised to find herself drawn to handsome woodworker Simon Zook. When God offers her a second chance at love and family, will she take it? Or will the secret Simon harbors cause her even more heartbreak?

For Caroline, love comes in the way of newspaper reporter Michael Landis. Their low-key romance is a dream come true for Caroline, a fugitive from an infamous past. Is Michael to blame when the paparazzi start hovering once again, or can Caroline trust him with her heart?

July, 2011




Love Finds You in Branson, Missouri by Gwen Ford Faulkenberry

Ellie Heinrichs dreams becoming a famous Broadway actress. Instead, Ellie is cast as a rural heroine in Branson’s outdoor drama, The Shepherd of the Hills. In a grudging attempt to get in touch with her character, Ellie translates her great-grandmother’s diary and is soon swept up in a tale of love and loss, wisdom and faith.

As Ellie grows close to Will Howard, her director and a descendant of the original shepherd of the hills, she finds her grandmother’s experiences merging with her own. And when the past offers a chance to repeat itself, Ellie must decide whether to pursue her dream at all costs…

August, 2011





Love Finds You in Sundance, Wyoming by Miralee Ferrell

Angel Ramirez is tired of living a lie. But can she live like a lady?

On the run from a dangerous outlaw, Angel works her way across several states disguised as a boy and working as a varmint tracker and horse wrangler. After taking a job on a Wyoming ranch owned by a bachelor and his widowed sister, she finally reveals her true identity and must fight to prove her worth as a ranch hand while somehow discovering her role as woman.

Hiring a woman doesn’t sit well with Travis Morgan, and the dark-haired beauty is causing a ruckus among his cowboys. Just as Angel decides she’ll never be able to please her boss, an unexpected surprise arrives from across the ocean and makes trouble on the ranch. Will Angel leave with the person who’s come so far to claim her?

August, 2011




From This Day Forward by Margaret Daley

Penniless, pregnant, and newly widowed immigrant Rachel Gordon doesn’t believe her situation could get any worse...until she meets her new neighbors.

Shortly after the War of 1812, Rachel and her husband set out from England for a plantation in South Carolina, which he had purchased sight unseen. However, while en route, Tom Gordon fell overboard and drowned, leaving Rachel, frightened and alone, to make a home for her and her newborn.

Can a battle-scarred American physician who comes to her rescue also heal her wounded heart?

September, 2011





The Wedding Kiss by Hannah Alexander

A kiss can be life-changing.

When Keara and Elam Jensen share their first kiss on their wedding day, a marriage of convenience becomes much less convenient! It also becomes more than they expected when God shows them what He really has in store for their lives. Will their mysteriously injured visitor ruin their future, or will her influence—and her personal battle—draw them into deadly danger?

Visit Eureka Springs, Arkansas, in 1901, and discover for yourself what excitement and romance await along the White River Hollow.

September, 2011






Baby, It's Cold Outside by Susan May Warren

Dottie Morgan has no desire to share her home—or her heart—over the Christmas holidays. After all, her Christmas spirit froze over when she lost her son in World War II.

But when a blizzard of the decade traps Dottie in her home with four near strangers, she just might discover that opening her door might also open her heart to a Christmas miracle…and a new reason to celebrate Christmas.

September, 2011

Coming in 2011 from Summerside Press

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

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

How about you? Any going to make your wishlist?

Signature Series

The Blackberry Bush by David Housholder

Who are You, and what are you doing here?

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

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

June, 2011

When I Fall in Love Series

Love Letters in the Sand by Diann Hunt

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

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

June, 2011

Unforgettable by Trish Perry

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

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

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

March, 2011

Historical Romance

Under A Desert Sky by DiAnn Mills

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

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

June, 2011

An Ocean Away by Lisa Harris

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

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

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

March, 2011

Love Finds You Series

Love Finds You in Tombstone, Arizona by Miralee Ferrell

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

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

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

February, 2011

Love Finds You in Camelot, Tennessee by Janice Hanna

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

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

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

February, 2011

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

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

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

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

April, 2011

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

Artist Waverly Brennan wants a fresh start.

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

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

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

April, 2011

Love Finds You in Groom, Texas by Janice Hanna

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

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

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

June, 2011

Love Finds You in Amana, Iowa by Melanie Dobson

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

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

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

June, 2011

Character Spotlight ~ Miralee Ferrell's Margaret Garvey, Andrew Browning & Nathaniel Cooper

Today the spotlight shines on Margaret Garvey, Andrew Browning & Nathaniel Cooper



Miralee Ferrell's Love Finds You novels are garnering five star reviews everywhere. Her latest takes the reader to the beautiful historical town of Bridal Veil where Margaret has to choose which man is right for her!

Enjoy this look behind the scenes. Over to you, Miralee:~

Margaret Garvey

Margaret was such a joy to get acquainted with, as she’s the kind of woman I’d love to have as a friend. She’s incredibly loyal and goes out of her way (even at her own expense) to meet the needs of others in her small community. At almost twenty-one years old, she’s been a teacher in Bridal Veil for three years and is an only child of her widowed father. She fell in love at the tender age of sixteen and got her heart broken just six months later—and she’s never forgotten that man. Margaret rarely thinks of her own outer beauty—she’s a petite, gorgeous girl with long, red-gold hair—inner beauty is most important to her, both in herself and in those around her.

This picture of Joanna Garcia is an excellent depiction of how I think of Margaret….perky, happy, friendly and more than cute…very pretty!

Strengths:

Gracious, kind-hearted, generous to the point of putting others needs ahead of her own, and loves children.

Weaknesses:

She can be a bit quick tempered at times and has a hard time letting go of old hurts. Recently she’s been struggling with trusting God in all areas of her life.

Inspiration:

I’ve known a number of people like Margaret, but a childhood friend probably came the closest, mixed with my daughter for another aspect of Margaret’s life. My friend will go out of her way to heal another person’s wounds and gives of herself whenever she sees a need. My daughter isn’t afraid to stand up for what (or who) she believes in, even if it other people disagree. That’s a quality Margaret had in abundance….when two orphaned children run away and arrive in Bridal Veil, Margaret goes against the wishes of those close to her and takes them in. If she thinks something is right then no one can dissuade her from her course.

We have two potential heroes in this book and I can’t just spotlight one, or you’d know who wins Margaret’s heart. I’ll put them in order of how they appear in the book and your readers will have to decide who they’re rooting for!

Andrew Browning

Andrew is warm-hearted, with sandy brown, curly hair and has gorgeous dimples when he smiles. He’s not tall, but has a husky, logger’s build, a heart-melting grin and sparkling eyes. Andrew has lived in Bridal Veil for two years and has been smitten with Margaret for the past few months, but isn’t sure how to let her know. He works at the local planer mill, but he used to be a tree feller, which accounts for his strength and love for the outdoors. He’s kind, generous and wants a family of his own.

If I had to pick an actor who reminds me of Andrew I’d have to say Chris O’Donnell, with his roguish smile and somewhat stocky (but nicely built) frame. Both men have a bit of the devil-may-care, happy attitude about them, as well.

Strengths:

Calm, outgoing, loyal, loves kids and animals, trustworthy and believes in others. He’ll support Margaret in whatever she wants to do.

Weakness:

Has a tendency to be over protective toward those he cares for to the point they may feel he’s trying to direct their lives (although he’s really not, he just cares deeply). When backed into a corner or falsely accused, his temper flares up and he’s ready to fight.

Nathaniel Cooper

Nathaniel left Bridal Veil four years earlier, after secretly courting Margaret against her father’s wishes. He’s a bit of a drifter when it comes to work, but he’s returning to Bridal Veil determined to take charge of his life and find out if Margaret still cares. He’s never had a relationship with a woman that’s lasted very long, but truly believes it could be different with Margaret. He’s never completely recovered from the wound inflicted when he left Bridal Veil. Now he’s returning to the area to take a new job at the upper saw mill only two miles away. He’s still single but hoping that might change in the future.

I chose David Boreanaz as the character who (in looks anyway) most closely depicts Nathaniel, although Nathaniel has a mustache and I couldn’t find pic of David with one.

Strengths:

He’s developed some good leadership qualities that will serve him well in Bridal Veil when a murder is committed. He’s a strong man with definite opinions and loyal to those he cares for. Kind and compassionate, but he’s not afraid to speak out when he believes the occasion warrants.

Weaknesses:

Nathaniel tends to be a bit too suspicious of those he doesn’t know or trust. He has a jealous nature and struggles with doing the right thing at times, but truly believes that what he does will prove to be right in the end.

I had a hard time deciding which of these men should win Margaret’s heart. She cares for them both and for a long time she couldn’t make up her own mind, which didn’t help me at all! Both men are decent, hard-working, and very attractive, and in their own way, both adore Margaret. One will prove to be the better choice before it’s over, and Margaret’s eyes will be opened. I was so grateful when she finally let me know…and when one of the men tipped his hand that he might not be the best and the other proved that he was! You’ll just have to read it yourself to see ‘the best man win’ our heroine’s heart.

Background for the story:

It’s 1902 in the small logging and saw mill community of Bridal Veil, Oregon, just twenty miles east of Portland, in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. Margaret Garvey’s father has been keeping a secret for four years that could destroy Margaret’s faith in him, and he goes to his grave without being able to confess. She fell in love with Nathaniel Cooper four years ago, and he left town without saying goodbye. Now she’s teaching school in Bridal Veil and beginning to care for Andrew Browning, a local saw mill worker who was also a friend of her father’s. Life seems to be settling down for Margaret when her father’s death and the return of her old flame, Nathaniel, sends her life into turmoil. Add a murder of a local logger and the arrival of two runaway orphans and Margaret has her hands full—especially since she’s come to care for the children and the simple-minded brother could be the person who committed the murder. Margaret musts fight to save the children, as well as her own reputation, and decide if Nathaniel or Andrew is the man she wants to marry.

Thanks, Miralee - you certainly make it a difficult choice for Margaret :) Looking forward to reading the book and discovering her decision!

On Thursday, the spotlight shines on Jennifer AlLee's Maura Sullivan and Nick Shepherd from her latest novel, The Pastor's Wife from Abingdon Press

Relz Reviewz Extras

Review of Love Finds You in Last Chance, California

Character spotlight on Alexia & Justin

VIsit Miralee's website and blog

Buy Miralee's books at Amazon or Koorong

Love Finds you in Last Chance, California by Miralee Ferrell

Alexia Travers adored her father and always imagined working with him on their horse ranch but with his sudden death, she is left alone in world that doesn't take kindly to woman taking on a man's job. Battling the bank, land hungry suitors and her own fears, Alexia dreads being unable to fulfil her father's dream.

Accused of being an outlaw his first day in Last Chance doesn't bode well for Justin Phillips and his little boy bit he is determined to fulfill the last request of a friend.

When Justin and Alexia's paths intersect, their faith will be challenged and their future rewritten.

Summerside Press launched their Love Finds You line with the intention to set an inspiratonal love story in each of the 50 American states. With multiple authors writing a tale in a town with a unique name, this series is sure to gain many a faithful follower. In Love Finds You in Last Chance, California, Miralee Ferrell takes the reader back to 1877 with ease, drawing Alexia with depth and credibly establishing the conflict between her independant spirit and the social constraints of the day. Miralee constructs an easily imagined community from its well defined people to the scenery and beyond. The romance between Alexia and Justin is pleasing for its authentic dialogue and moments of real friction and frustration. Blending mystery and romance with the characters' multi layered spiritual journey makes for a satisfying and enjoyable read.

As seen at TitleTrakk.com

Relz Reviewz Extras

Character spotlight on Alexia & Justin

VIsit Miralee's website and blog

Buy Miralee's books at Amazon or Koorong

Character Spotlight ~ Miralee Ferrell's Alexia Travers & Justin Phillips

Today the spotlight shines on...................................Alexia Travers & Justin Phillips


Miralee Ferrell's addition to Summerside Press' new Love Finds You series has garned multiple five star reviews on CBD and Amazon. Don't miss your chance to sneak a look behind the scenes of this historical romance.

Over to you, Miralee:~

Brief physical description

Alexia Travers is tiny boned and slender, with long, wavy brown hair sprinkled with highlights. She doesn't like wearing dresses, but she's very modest when she does. She prefers wearing pants and casual shirts...it needs to be comfortable riding attire.

Justin has short, dark blond hair, dark brown eyes, wears cowboy hats, looks great in jeans, with wide shoulders and slender hips.

Actor/famous person

Jennifer Garner is a down to earth person with tomboy leanings, much like Alexia, and neither are flashy, flamboyant women. I could easily see the two being friends and maybe even taking a horseback ride together.

George Strait (when he was young) with his gorgeous, heart-stopping smile would be the perfect Justin if he had dark blond hair instead of dark brown. Justin has the same sweet spirit that you see in George, and they both look great on a horse!

Strengths and weaknesses

Alexia's strength is her wonderful, independent spirit that constantly drives her to succeed, and her ability to accept people for who they are, without judging. But her independence is also one of her weaknesses, as is so often the case. She has a hard time asking other's for help and balks when other people try to force her to fit into what they deem to be an acceptable mold. She doesn't understand why the women in town can't accept her for who she is, trousers and all...and accept that she might not care to be married even though she's twenty-three years old.

Justin's biggest strength is his love for his four-year-old son Toby, and his passionate desire for a family. His greatest weakness is not being able to forgive himself for what he sees as "the sins of his past". He worked hard to care for his wife, and after her death he blamed himself for not shouldering more of her problems.

Quirk (if any)

None that I can think of.

Your inspiration for the character

My inspiration for Alexia came from two places, with the primary one being my grown daughter, Marnee (Marnee & Swede pictured). She's a very independent, clear thinking young woman who was raised loving and riding horses, and worked one summer as a cowgirl on a ranch. Some of Alex's personality and character traits were my daughter's and some of the idea for Alex grew out of research on women in the old west running their own ranch. The primary one was Kittie Wilkins, an amazing woman who ran a highly successful horse ranch in the late 1800's.

Background to the story

It's 1877 and Alexia Travers is alone in the world. Her father has died unexpectedly, leaving her burdened with a heavily mortgaged horse ranch. Marrying one of the town's all-too-willing bachelors would offer an easy solution, but Alex has no interest in marriage. Instead, she dons men's trousers and rides the range, determined to make the ranch a success on her own.

But despite Alex's best efforts, everything seems to go wrong: ranch hands quit, horses are stolen, and her father's gold goes missing. Alex is at her wit's end when wrangler Justin Phillips arrives in Last Chance with his young son, looking for a job. But there seems to be more to Justin's story than he's willing to share. Will Alex ever be able to trust him? More importantly, will the independent woman finally learn to depend on God?

Thanks Miralee for this great look behind the scenes of your novel! Now I can't wait to delve into the story myself :)


On Monday, come back to check out Amanda Cabot's Sarah Dobbs and Clay Canfield from her debut novel, Paper Roses. We are having a little historical fest at Relz Reviewz!!

Relz Reviewz Extras

Visit Miralee's website and blog

Buy Miralee's books at Amazon or Koorong