Missions of Mercy Blog Tour

Point of No Return

An American boy and a warlord's engaged daughter have disappeared-together-in an Eastern European border country. Only one man can find them in time to prevent an international meltdown-Chet Stryker. But Chet is taken aback when he realizes the boy is the nephew of Mae Lund, Chet's former flame. When Mae insists on rescuing her relative herself, Chet knows he has to protect her from the enemy on their trail.

Yet can he protect himself from falling for Mae again?

My take:~

I loved Susan May Warren's Mission: Russia series so it was great to see the conclusion to Mae's story, whom we first meet in that original series. Susan creates good dialogue between Chet and Mae as the tension between them escalates. There is plenty of action and I enjoyed the back story, especially Chet's. That said, the minimal word count of the Love Inspired format makes everything feel a bit rushed, even with an author of Susan's calibre. Point of No Return is still a solid, entertaining read.


Mission: Out of Control

Brody "Wick" Wickham is a former Green Beret turned security agent-with a 100 percent mission success rate. No way is his new assignment changing that. Even if it's protecting a diva American rock star while she's on tour in Europe. Except Veronica "Vonya" Wagner isn't just a beautiful celebrity used to having her way-she's the daughter of a U.S. Senator. And she's hiding a dangerous secret.

When Wick discovers what's at stake, how far over the line will he go to keep them both alive?

My take:~

Mission: Out of Control combines the usual elements in a romantic suspense: action, conflict, danger and romance. Add in a fabulous location, a female rock star and a hardened Green Beret and you have a powder keg of emotion and sparks. I loved that most of the book is set in Prague where Wick resides, a city I have travelled to and adored. It was fun to visit again in the story. I did struggle with Vonya's character. She is in her late twenties but for much of the book she comes across as significantly younger which I found distracting and did detract from my enjoyment of the story. I love Susan's writing but I felt this one wasn't up to her usual exceptional standard.

Undercover Pursuit

The only way to get security agent Luke Dekker to a wedding?

An undercover mission as groomsman. He'll bust the groom, a drug cartel heir, before anyone can say "I do." Then Luke can escape all this love and romance nonsense-and the too pretty bridesmaid/agent assigned as his "fiancee" for the weekend. Until Luke discovers that sweet, vulnerable Scarlett Hanson isn't his contact. Isn't an agent. Isn't trained for the high-stakes mission now trapping them both. And worse, Luke's falling for her-which is not part of the assignment.

My take:~

Undercover Pursuit is a fun, albeit unlikely story, of a case of mistaken identity, pseudo bridesmaids and an agent suddenly torn between his mission and keeping an innocent woman safe. Scarlett and Luke are great characters who end up in a boatload of trouble, where danger and heartbreak abound. With plenty of suspense, attraction and peril that doesn't let up, Undercover Pursuit will keep you turning pages in this quick and satisfying read.

With thanks to Litfuse for my review copies

Relz Reviewz Extras

Enter Susie's Missions of Mercy Flip HD camera giveaway

Visit Susie's website and blog

Buy Susie's books at Amazon or Koorong

Missions of Mercy Giveaway

Susan May Warren is thrilled to announce the release of her 3 book Missions of Mercy series!

Three heroes, all on missions of mercy, who discover that God not only saves us from evil, but from the darkness inside.

Point of No Return: Can God deliver us from our mistakes? This question is posed to Chet and Mae as they race to save Mae’s nephew from an evil warlord in the Republic of Georgia. More here.

Mission: Out of Control: Does God turn his back on us when we fail? Brody and Vonya discover the answer as they conspire to capture an international smuggler and free a child soldier from war. More here.

Undercover Pursuit: What if we deliberately sin and harbor bitterness in our hearts? Is there a rescue from the dark places inside? Luke and Scarlett find out as they work to protect a bride-turned-informant whose courage could dismantle a human trafficking web. More here.

To celebrate the series, Susan is giving away a Missions of Mercy Prize Pack worth over $200! One grand prize winner will receive:

* A brand new FLIP HD Camera

* The entire Missions of Mercy series

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. You may enter once per email, facebook, and twitter. The contest ends on May 31st. Tell your friends! Winner will be announced on June 1st at the Litfuse Publicity site and at Susan May Warren's website. (While you're there, check out her rockin' new website!)

Code of Justice by Liz Johnson

Synopsis:~

"Follow the drugs."

Her sister's last words shake FBI agent Heather Sloan to the core. They also convince her that the helicopter crash only Heather survived wasn't an accident. Sheriff's deputy Jeremy Latham is assigned the case-he's the one who can help Heather find the person responsible.once she convinces him they should work together. As they dig for the truth, they learn to trust and care for each other. Will they lose it all when the killer targets Heather? She's willing to risk her life to find her sister's killer-but her code of justice could cost her the chance to win Jeremy's love.

My take:~

Liz Johnson has penned another entertaining novel for the Love Inspired Suspense line, hooking readers who enjoy a sweet and speedy romance with a twist of suspense. As with her previous books, Liz provides the requisite appealing hero but her heroine, an FBI agent, is not about to swoon at his feet, despite her physical injuries from a helicopter crash that takes her sister's life. If you are looking for an intriguing diversion from a mundane evening, be sure to pick up a copy of Code of Justice and escape into the danger and drama as Heather and Jeremy track down a killer and discover love is possible, almost at first glance!

With thanks to the author for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras

Reviews of Vanishing Act and The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn

Character spotlight on Myles & Kenzie

Visit Liz's website and blog

Buy Liz's book at Amazon or CBD

Formula for Danger by Camy Tang with signed giveaways

Synopsis:~

Someone wants dermatologist Rachel Grant's latest research, and they'll do anything to get it. Including trashing the plants needed for her breakthrough scar-reducing cream-and trying to run Rachel down. Desperate for help, she turns to Edward Villa, the only man she trusts. But the greenhouse owner knows too much about Rachel's research, and now he's a target, too. Break-ins, muggings, murder.the would-be thief is getting desperate-and getting closer. Edward vows to protect Rachel at all costs. Yet with time ticking away, Edward knows they have to uncover the madman shadowing Rachel before their chance for a future is destroyed.

My take:~

Camy Tang serves up another little Love Inspired Suspense gem with Formula for Danger. Returning to the familiar setting established in Deadly Intent, the Joy Luck Life Day Spa run by the Grant family, this story focuses on dermatologist Rachel Grant and her innovative research into a scar reducing cream. As always, Camy's characters shine with originality and their direct speech is always refreshing. Mix in some good old family tension, plenty of twists and a slowly evolving romance and Formula for Danger will keep you entertained from start to finish.

With thanks to the author for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras

Review of Deadly Intent

What's Cooking? with Camy
Interview with Camy

Visit Camy's website and blog

Buy Camy's books at Amazon and Koorong

Vanishing Act by Liz Johnson

Synopsis:~

Eighteen months ago, Nora James watched as her father was shot in an alley—and then she fled. She changed her name, her appearance and her job, hoping to keep her father's shooter at bay. For months, it worked…but now her luck has run out. A ruthless assassin is on her trail, and soon Nora, now known as Danielle, will be found. But this time, she has FBI agent Nate Andersen by her side—right? The handsome agent would give his life to protect Danielle, but he's wary of giving his heart…until a deadly confrontation leaves him with both on the line.

My take:~

Liz Johnson returns with her second romantic suspense for the Love Inspired line, replete with danger, conflict, romance and multiple suspects. Readers will love Special Agent Nate Anderson, bound to protect the vulnerable mechanic, Danielle but conflicted in his feelings for her because of his past. Fear has made Danielle independent and wary, determined to keep running from the danger that stalks her. Vanishing Act is a quick and easy read, with all the elements that make a good romantic suspense even some witty one liners that will make you smile.

With thanks to the author for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras

Review of The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn

Character spotlight on Myles & Kenzie

Visit Liz's website and blog

Buy Liz's book at Amazon or CBD

Steadfast Soldier by Cheryl Wyatt

Synopsis:~

Rescuing people is his job…But the one person pararescue jumper Chance Garrison can't seem to help is his own ailing father, who refuses his much-needed physical rehabilitation. That is, until Chance hires unconventional occupational therapist Chloe Callet. To his surprise, Chloe and her sweet black Lab, Midnight, work wonders. And not only on the elder Garrison. Chance just may have met the woman who can get through his own toughened exterior. Can he persuade the lovely Chloe to take a chance—on him?

My take:~

Cheryl Wyatt brings her writing skills, military brat experience and love of romance to her Wings of Refuge series for Love Inspired. Steadfast Soldier provides her readers with everything they desire including a handsome pararescue jumper, a vibrant and caring woman damaged by her preacher father's betrayal, sparkling attraction and conflicted emotions. Cheryl writes sweet romance yet is not afraid to tackle significant issues as Chloe struggles with Chance's plans to be a youth pastor as a result of her father's past behaviour. Lovers of Love Inspired novels will be thrilled with Cheryl's latest endeavour.

With thanks to the author for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras

Reviews of A Soldier's Promise, A Soldier's Family and Ready-Made Family

Character spotlight on Ben Dillinger

Interview with Cheryl

Visit Cheryl's website and blog

Buy Cheryl's books at Amazon or Koorong

Camy Tang ~ What's Cooking?

Camy Tang

The best part about writing novels is that I get to include little personal things in my books. I absolutely love food, so I always include one or two foods in my books that are special to me.

In my romantic suspense, Deadly Intent, the heroine’s family is having a get-together with friends and family. At get-togethers with my family, my mom will usually make Chinese chicken salad. It’s a really yummy dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. It’s also not too exotic (unlike some other Asian food I grew up with).

As kids, we loved it, and my mom was happy since we were eating our veggies. :)

Chinese Chicken Salad


1-2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded
1 head iceberg lettuce
1/4 c. cilantro, coarsely chopped (optional)
1 package won ton skins (optional)

DRESSING:

1-2 teaspoons sesame oil
1/2 cup salad oil
2 Tablespoons sugar
3 Tablespoons rice vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
freshly ground black pepper
finely shredded celery (optional)

Whisk together dressing, adding or subtracting quantities to personal taste.

(Optional) My mom will sometimes soak the celery in the vinegar for a few minutes, then remove the celery and make the dressing.

Toss the celery with the other salad ingredients later.

(Optional) Cut won ton skins into strips and deep fry until golden brown.
Drain and cool.
Shred lettuce.
Toss all ingredients together.

Serve immediately.

Now when you read about the get-together and the Chinese chicken salad in DEADLY INTENT, you’ll feel like you were there!

Thanks Camy! Just not sure how many veggies you were really eating - LOL!


Camy's Books

Sushi for One? ~ Only Uni ~ Single Sashimi
Deadly Intent ~ Formula for Danger (Sept, 2010)

Relz Reviewz Extras

All things Tang @ Relz Reviewz

Visit Camy's website and blog (be sure to check out her weekly giveaways)

Buy Camy's books at Amazon and Koorong

Crescent City Courtship by Elizabeth White

Synopsis:~

Abigail Neal dreams of someday escaping her life in the slums of New Orleans. But how can a woman alone and unprotected ever fulfill her dreams of becoming a doctor? Then, young medical student John Braddock comes to pay a call on a neighbor. Though the scars left on her heart have taught her never to trust anyone, Abby is drawn to John's caring nature. Soon an unlikely friendship develops between the son of privilege and the poor daughter of missionaries. But when Abby's mysterious past comes back to haunt her present, will she call upon her faith to help right a wrong and make a new life with her very own Prince Charming?

My take:~

Elizabeth White is a talented and engaging writer who always provides an intriguing story, multi faceted characters and sweet romance. Her latest historical novel, Crescent City Courtship ticks all those boxes and more. Not only did the story appeal but Elizabeth's research adds fascinating detail of medical practices of the day together with much insight into the difficulties faced by the courageous women who were pioneers in pursuing a career in medicine. Prejudices abound as John makes assumptions about Abigail's past and the medical students ridicule her inquiring mind. With a dash of intrigue and threads of faith, Crescent City Courtship is a satisfying and enjoyable read.

Relz Reviewz Extras

Reviews of Redeeming Gabriel and Tour de Force

Character spotlight on Gabriel Laniere from Redeeming Gabriel & Crescent City Courtship

Visit Beth's website

Buy Beth's books at Amazon or Koorong

Character Spotlight ~ Camy Tang's Naomi Grant

Today the spotlight shines on..........................Natalie Grant


The bubbly Camy Tang has turned her writer's hand to romantic suspense with Deadly Intent and has met with success and this spotlight is part of the blog tour celebrating its release! Check out her character, the determined Naomi Grant, and her very own Mr Knightley (Austen fans will know what this means!).

Enjoy:~


Brief physical description

Naomi is half Japanese and half Caucasian, so she has very pretty, slightly exotic features. She has straight, medium brown hair and hazel eyes.

Think Natalie Portman

And the man...Dr Devon Knightley, think Alex O'Loughlin (from Moonlight)

Strengths and weaknesses

Naomi is strong and fearless, but at the same time, her independence has allowed her to trust more in herself than in God. She has rarely ever not been in control of her life, but when she is framed for a client's murder, she is forced to trust in God's hand over everything.

Your inspiration for the character

Naomi has a bit of myself in her, in that she is confident in her work, but insecure when it comes to men. She has liked the hero, Dr. Devon Knightley, for a while, but while he's been friendly, he's never shown active interest in her, and she doesn't have the courage to reach out to him if he doesn't think of her that way.

Background to the story

Naomi's father, Augustus Grant, owns the Joy Luck Life day spa in Sonoma, California, which caters to some very wealthy and high profile clientele. When Augustus has a stroke, he puts his middle daughter, Naomi, as acting manager of the spa, in addition to her duties as head massage therapist at the spa. Naomi's aunt Becca Itoh (her mother's sister) has lived with the family since her mother died, and Aunt Becca is the spa hostess.

When the story opens, Dr. Devon Knightley walks into the spa. Naomi knows Devon--she has sat next to him at the ZOE International charity dinner every year for the past 2 or 3 years, and they always get along during the evening, but Devon has never shown more interest in her beyond that. He asks for one of Naomi's clients, glamorous Jessica Ortiz. But in looking through the spa for Jessica, Naomi discovers bloody towels in the women's locker room, and then Jessica's bloody body in her massage therapy room. Jessica dies in her arms.

Thanks for having me, Rel!

An absolute pleasure, Camy :) Looking forward to more suspense from you.

On Monday, I will be spotlighting the inimitable Amanda Bell Brown from Claudia Mair Burney's Amanda Bell Brown mysteries, the latest being Deadly Charm. Can't wait!

Relz Reviewz Extras

Review of Deadly Intent

Friendship Friday with Camy

Read my interview with Camy

Visit Camy's website and blog (be sure to check out her weekly giveaways)

Buy Camy's books at Amazon and Koorong

Character Spotlight ~ Liz Johnson's Myles Parsons & Kenzie Thorn

Today the spotlight shines on Myles Parsons & Kenzie Thorn


Liz Johnson is a delightful person! I have had the pleasure of working with her as a result of her day job and was excited to learn she was not only an aspiring writer but now a published one :) Liz's debut novel is a great read and I recommend it to you.

Check out her lead characters:~


Brief physical description

Myles is tall with dark hair that’s often mussed and out of place. He has piercing blue eyes and broad shoulders, and he walks with a bit of a lip from an old knee injury.

Kenzie is a petite redhead with fair skin and a turned up little nose. Her wild curls drive her a little crazy, so she’s always flipping her hair over her shoulders. She’s kind of the opposite of Myles in stature, but her personality makes up for it. In my mind Kenzie always looked a lot like a young Debra Messing with her wild red curls and thin frame.

Myles was a lot harder to cast in my mind. But when my writing buddy suggested that Adam Baldwin from Chuck and Firefly might be a good fit, I knew he was perfect! Adam is strong and macho enough to play an FBI agent, yet he just seems like the type to really care about people.

Strengths and weaknesses

Myles works hard and believes in doing his job well. He’s smart and analytical. His strength of character gives him compassion for Kenzie. But he also struggles with being too focused on work. He’s been a bit of a workaholic to the point of not seeing an opportunity that’s right in front of him.

Kenzie also loves her job and really cares for the inmates that she teaches. She believes in the good in people and genuinely gives of herself to help them. But she has a bad habit of putting people on a pedestal and being crushed when they let her down.


Quirk (if any)

In The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn Myles is injured for most of the story. He’s always struggling with a mountain lion wound that keeps acting up. He’s perpetually injured, but fights through the pain to keep Kenzie safe.

Your inspiration for the character

There wasn’t one person or other specific inspiration for either character. Really they both came to life as I wrote the book.

Background to the story

Myles Parsons is just another inmate in Kenzie Thorn's GED course…until his abduction plan succeeds. Terrified, Kenzie doesn't want to believe his explanation. That he's Myles Borden, FBI agent— placed under cover because someone wants her dead.

Now that Myles has got her out of harm's way, his plans start to fall apart. He attempts to take Kenzie to a safe house—but the stubborn woman won't go! He struggles to protect her even as she takes care of him. He tries to keep his distance…and finds himself falling in love.

Woo hoo, Liz ~ I'm so excited to have you at Relz Reviewz! Thanks for joining in the fun.

As promised, I have another Steeple Hill romantic suspense leading lady to spotlight on Thursday ~ Naomi Grant from Camy Tang's debut suspense novel, Deadly Intent.

Relz Reviewz Extras

Review of The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn
Visit Liz's website and blog
Buy Liz's book at Amazon or Koorong

Ready-Made Family by Cheryl Wyatt

Amelia North needs refuge, and finds it—in Refuge, Illinois. Stranded there after a car wreck, the single mother expects to be cold-shouldered. After all, she's already been rejected by her parents, her church and her daughter's father. Instead, she finds a town full of people with open hands and open hearts…including pararescue jumper Ben Dillinger.

Ben wants to help Amelia and her daughter find safety and stability. Instead, he finds himself free-falling—right into love with the ready-made family.

My take:~

Cheryl Wyatt knows how to pull a sweet romance together and include a little kick for added substance. In Ready-Made Family the usual ingredients are included ~ a destitute yet devoted mother, a cute as a button little girl and a respected and decorated hero, with requisite good looks, of course! Cheryl develops the romance well and adds in extra conflict with Amelia's father dead set against inter racial relationships and derisive of Ben's Asian heritage. Ready-Made Family is an easy, enjoyable read - perfect for a lazy afternoon!

Relz Reviewz Extras

Character spotlight on Ben Dillinger
Reviews of A Soldier's Promise and A Soldier's Family
Interview with Cheryl
Visit Cheryl's website and blog
Buy Cheryl's books at Amazon or Koorong

The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn by Liz Johnson & Aussie Giveaway

Myles Parsons is just another inmate in Kenzie Thorn's GED course…until his abduction plan succeeds. Terrified, Kenzie doesn't want to believe his explanation. That he's Myles Borden, FBI agent—placed under cover because someone wants her dead.

Now that Myles has got her out of harm's way, his plans start to fall apart. He attempts to take Kenzie to a safe house—but the stubborn woman won't go! He struggles to protect her even as she takes care of him. He tries to keep his distance…and finds himself falling in love.

My take:~

Liz Johnson dives in the deep end with an intriguing prisoner, a frightening kidnapping and a wild mountain lion in her debut novel, The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn and scores a 9.0 from this judge!

Kenzie and Myles' attraction sparks from the first meeting, the story is engaging and the suspense proceeds at a brisk pace. While the premise is somewhat improbable, Liz held my attention throughout the entire story, kept me guessing and invested in Kenzie and Myle's relationship. The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn is an admirable start to Liz's writing career and I am anticipating enjoying more of her books to come.

Relz Reviewz Extras

Visit Liz's website and blog
Enter Liz's contest to win a signed copy of her book
Buy Liz's book at Amazon or Koorong
Check back soon for a character spotlight on Kenzie & Myles

Aussie Giveaway

I have a signed copy of Liz's book to give away ~ thanks, Liz! To enter post a comment leaving your contact details by Sunday 21st June, telling me your favourite romantic couple - book or movies!

Deadly Intent by Camy Tang & multiple giveaway

The Grant family's exclusive Sonoma spa is a place for rest and relaxation—not murder! When Naomi Grant finds her client Jessica Ortiz bleeding to death in her massage room, everything falls apart. The salon's reputation is at stake…and so is Naomi's freedom when she discovers that she is one of the main suspects! Her only solace is found with the other suspect—Dr. Devon Knightley, the victim's ex-husband. But Devon is hiding secrets of his own. When they come to light, where can Naomi turn…and whom can she trust?

My take:~

Deadly Intent is Camy Tang's first foray into romantic suspense and she has made a solid start. I always enjoy Camy's characters ~ no shy wallflowers for her ~ and Naomi Grant is no exception. Murders abound and Naomi does not hesitate to search out the offender herself. Attraction and suspicion wage war within her regarding Devon Knightley and their dialogue is suitably feisty. While the story didn't flow as smoothly as I hoped, Deadly Intent has all the ingredients you look for in this genre.

Relz Reviewz Extras

Read my reviews of Sushi for One?, Only Uni and Single Sashimi

Friendship Friday with Camy

Read my interview with Camy

Visit Camy's website and blog (be sure to check out her weekly giveaways)

Buy Camy's books at Amazon and Koorong

US & Aussie Giveaway

Thanks to Camy's generosity, I have five signed copies of Deadly Intent to giveaway to Aussie readers and two signed copies for US readers :) A perfect way to spend a very cold evening with a blanket and a hot chocolate!

To enter, post a comment by Sunday 14th June and be sure to leave your contact details if I don't already have them with an AUS or USA at the bottom of your post si I know which draw to place you in.

Character Spotlight ~ Cheryl Wyatt's Ben Dillinger with giveaway

Today the spotlight shines on.............................................................Ben Dillinger


I don't read many Love Inspired books but I love Cheryl Wyatt's :) Action, romance and great characters all add up to engaging reading. I am looking forward to getting into Ready-Made Family when it arrives, especially after reading the insight Cheryl has provided into Ben!

Over to you, Cheryl:~

Brief physical description:

Extraordinarily tall for an Asian man. Military haircut, black and shaved above his ears. Tallest Asian man the heroine has ever seen. Due to Ben's career as a US Air Force Pararescue Jumper, he is in top physical form and uses all those magnificant muscles to rescue people from dangerous places. Mostly he rescues downed allied pilots, but his team also takes part in rescues during natural disasters.

Resembles actor Ben Affleck...only an Asian version. His mother is Asian, his father Caucasian. Ben resembles an Asian Ben Affleck.

Rel: I morphed Ben Affleck and Lost actor, Daniel Dae Kim for this photo of Ben ~ so what do you think, Cheryl ?!

Strengths:

Generous. Giving. Compassionate. Strong. Man of his word.

Ben is generous and giving of his time and his friendship which is how he met the single-mom heroine and her daughter. Ben has a brother with Mosaic Down Syndrome who he takes in for a period in order to enable his parents to do a stint of world-travel they'd always dreamed of.

Weaknesses:

Sometimes his generosity and compassion causes him to overcommit and he struggles with balancing responsibilities. But he does so with a good heart.

Quirk:

He is Asian who cannot stand to eat Asian cuisine and he's addicted to NASCAR racing.

My inspiration for this character:

With all the NASCAR races I go to, I brought my author friend Camy Tang to one, who pointed out how few Asians there were in the crowds. So, because I love flipping stereotypes on their heads, I thought it would be fun to create an Asian character who loves NASCAR.

Background to the story:

I met a woman at Disney World in Florida who inspired the story. As we sat by the pool, she talked about how she once passed out from an electrolyte imbalance while alone with her children and how terrifying that was. She determined after that to start taking better care of herself health-wise. So that sparked an idea, which I shared with her over the next hours as we chatted, about a single mom who happened to get the flu while traveling from one state to the other (different scenario completely from my poolside pal). Basically the heroine is at a pharmacy and, while pulling away with her young daughter in the car, she passes out at the wheel and crashes her car into a light pole. The woman's daughter rushes out and finds the hero (Ben) who runs over to help. He realizes the young mother and her daughter have fallen on hard times and determines to help them through out the book. In the process, he receives the blessing of romance and a ready-made family.

I also attend a multi-ethnic church that values people of all colors, shapes, sizes and socio-economic status. So that inspired me to write an interracial romance. Heroine is Caucasian and Ben is half-Asian. The book handles delicately the subject of prejudice as well, but it's mostly an action-and-emotion-driven romance.

Fantastic, Cheryl! Loved this insight :) Can't wait to read how the story pans out.

On Monday, I will be spotlighting Sally Stevens from Patti Lacy's What the Bayou Saw, a contemporary tale about a woman struggling with her past secrets.

Relz Reviewz Extras

Reviews of A Soldier's Promise and A Soldier's Family

Interview with Cheryl

Visit Cheryl's website and blog

Buy Cheryl's books at Amazon or Koorong

Open Giveaway

Cheryl will be signing a copy of Ready-Made Family for one of my readers!

To enter, post a comment by Sunday 26th April, 2009 leaving contact details and telling me how many people their are in your immediate family! We stand at five ~ hubby, three girls and me!

Character Spotlight ~ Elizabeth White's Gabriel Laniere

Today the spotlight shines on........................................................... Gabriel Laniere

I have loved Beth White's stories since reading her novella, The Trouble with Tommy, in the anthology, Sweet Delights. You will have to wait a little longer for Tommy's spotlight but for now I have Beth's latest leading man, Gabriel Laniere from her recent release, Redeeming Gabriel. Enjoy!

Brief physical description

Gabriel Laniere, hero of Redeeming Gabriel, is half Creek Indian, half French-Canadian. He's dark-complected, dark-eyed, with black hair. As the foster son of a blacksmith, he's tall and strongly built. Think Michael Greyeyes...

Strengths and weaknesses

Having trained as a physician, Gabriel is a brilliant scientist and linguist, which leads to a somewhat cocky attitude - especially since, at the beginning of the story he is pretty far away from God. He is a chameleon, able to charm or intimidate as the need arises (he is a spy for the Union navy). But....as God gets his attention and he falls in love with Camilla Beaumont, going his own way begins to seem less and less a good idea.

Your inspiration for the character.

I dreamed up Gabriel nearly ten years ago when I visited the Mobile Museum and learned a bit about the Hunley submarine, a Civil War vessel built on the Gulf Coast, then sent by rail to Charleston, South Carolina, where it sank a Union gunboat. I knew I wanted to write a spy story with some medical elements. As I studied Mobile history, I became fascinated with the fate of the Creek Indians who were forced to leave South Alabama just before the Civil War began. So Gabriel's character took on a little of all those elements....and he became an intelligent, exotic and charismatic man worthy of my abolitionist heroine.

Synopsis

Spying for the Union army has taken a heavy toll on Gabriel Laniere. With deception a constant in his life, he can't allow himself to get close to anyone- not even God. Yet Camilla Beaumont, daughter of the Confederacy, just might be the exception. Camilla has a dangerous secret that rivals Gabriel's...and the unlikely partnership they forge could be the key Gabriel seeks to a soul-shaking truth larger than any conflict-love.

Thanks Beth - I really liked Gabriel! You do know how to create great leading men with substance and style!


On Monday, the spotlight will shine twice!

Once on Linda Leigh Hargrove's Isaac Hunt and twice with a special Christmas spotlight on Kevin Alan Milne's fascinating characters from The Paper Bag Christmas.

Relz Reviewz Extras

Review of Redeeming Gabriel

Visit Beth's website

Buy Redeeming Gabriel from Amazon or Koorong

Redeeming Gabriel by Elizabeth White

The Union and the Confederacy, the abolitionists and the slave owners, the believers and the atheists. In this melting pot of conflicting ideas and avowed opposites, Gabriel Laniere and Camilla Beaumont meet, a couple destined to be separated by their divided loyalties, family background and issues of faith.

As Gabriel spys on Camilla's family, ferreting our secrets for the Union Army, Camilla is knee deep in her own secret life - ferrying slaves away from the South as part of the Underground Railway.

Thrown together time and time again, sparks of attraction ignite but will the very circumstances that brought them together tear them apart forever?

Elizabeth White never disappoints and in this historical romance, she knits together all the elements of attraction, danger, honour, devotion and sacrifice in a sweet and satisfying tale.

Gabriel is dashing and intriguing with his mixed heritage and a heart hardened by the secrecy and deception his work requires. Camilla is charmingly innocent yet her devotion to helping others is unmatched and captivates Gabriel as she risks her life for others, resting in the protection of the God Gabriel ignores. Readers of civil war historicals will fall in love with the characters, intrigue and the interesting history of the first working submarine, The Hunley in Redeeming Gabriel.

Relz Reviewz Extras

Reviews of Controlling Interest, Off the Record and Fair Game

Interview with Beth

Visit Beth's website

Buy Redeeming Gabriel at Amazon and Koorong

Be watching soon for a great Character Spotlight on Gabriel Laniere.