Character Spotlight ~ Linda Lee Chaikin's Eden Derrington & Rafe Easton

Eden & Rafe

Linda Chaikin returns with her second Dawn of Hawaii historical series, Hawaiian Crosswinds and shares again about her lead characters, Rafe and Eden.

Enjoy!

Rafe Easton

Physical Description

Hair color: ebony, wavy, brushes the collar of his shirt, typical of the period of the 1890s.

Eye Color: earthy-brown, dark lashes, slashing brows

Skin Tone: bronzed by the outdoors.

Build: strong, muscled. He was a pearl diver in his youth, also a surfer with his close Hawaiian friend, Keno.

Distinctive physical characteristics: Chiseled features, and a firm jaw that speaks of his strong will.

Actor/Famous person

The guy on the front book cover looks pretty good to me.

Strengths and weaknesses

Rafe Easton struggles with dislike for his stepfather, Townsend Derrington. Rafe believes that Townsend is somehow responsible for his blood father’s accidental death. That Townsend then married Rafe’s mother and took possession of Hanalei, the Kona coffee plantation established by Rafe’s father, is a bitter cup that he ha to grow up with. Rafe’s determination to regain his father’s plantation and protect his mother from Townsend’s bullying spirit is a strength. He has several weaknesses. His determination can be unrelenting, and his desire for Eden Derrington to follow his dreams breeds frustration between them when her own plans come up against his will.

Quirk (if any)

Likes to stand with hands on hips, or tilts his head with a slight wry smile when Eden frustrates him.

Your inspiration for the character

I grew up in a large family—mostly big brothers!

Background to the story

Hawaii, home of the early missionaries, becomes an empire of sugar and pineapple built by their children and grandchildren. By 1892 the Treasure of the Pacific is caught in a political revolution between those supporting Queen Liliuokalani, and the new Hawaiians determined to see the Stars and Stripes waving over Iolani Palace.

Eden Derrington

Physical Description:

Hair color: ebony.

Hair length and style: Long, thick, and wavy. When she works as a nurse in tropical diseases at Kalihi Hospital in Honolulu, she wears her hair in sedate braids coiled about her head.

Eye Color: green

Skin tone: fair

Actor/famous person

Eden could resemble the late actress Natalie Wood, when the star was in her twenties. Very feminine but strong-willed for the truths of God.

Strengths and weaknesses:

Eden is self-reliant, determined, and courageous, but is she allowing these strengths to detour her on a path that will rob her heart of an equally desirous relationship with the one man she has always wanted, Rafe Easton?

The desired relationship with her father has placed Eden at risk of losing Rafe Easton.

Eden’s desire is to establish a relationship with her long absent father, Dr. Jerome Derrington, is a reoccurring thematic element in the story called a “motif.” Her need for the loving, accepting “father-image,” is the cry of the lonely wounded heart for “Abba Father.” God our Heavenly Father through His beloved Son, Jesus Christ. This theme also applies in other, more shadowy forms to Rafe Easton.

The inspiration for your characters

The theme of early abandonment and ongoing need is fulfilled in our born anew relationship with our Creator through His Son, Jesus Christ. The glorious hymn “Abba, Father!” tells us what we lost in the Garden of Eden in the book of Genesis, but was restored with even greater blessings in Christ. Not only Eden, but Rafe Easton, Keno, Zachary, Silas, and Candace (Eden’s troubled cousins) all have a spiritual Father need. Some of it is subtle and the reader may miss it. But it’s there. Maybe the readers can look for the theme for each character.

“Home Sweet Home,” we often say. For those in Christ, Our True Home is where God is.

Thanks so much, Linda ~ lovely having you back at Relz Reviewz :)

Relz Reviewz Extras

Character spotlight on Rafe & Eden ~ 2010

Visit Linda's website

Buy Linda's books at Amazon or Koorong

Julie Carobini ~ FamilyFiction Plus

I had the pleasure of interviewing Julie Carobini for the May issue of FamilyFiction's digital magazine and can now share the full interview with you.

Enjoy!

What makes your character, Suz Mitchell unique?

Suz is an artist with a big heart. She’s so focused on her goal of keeping her son’s life normal and safe that she puts aside her own needs. She truly faces difficulties with tenacity and faith. Love that!

Share a little about Otter Bay and its inhabitants

Otter Bay is a fictional town along California’s magnificent central coast based upon the combo of “real” side-by-side areas: Cambria and San Simeon. (San Simeon is the home of the famed Hearst Castle.) Otter Bay’s inhabitants love the sea and spend oodles of time outdoors with family, friends, and quirky neighbours.

What inspired you to write Fade to Blue?

Since the inception of the Otter Bay series with Sweet Waters, I’ve wanted to set a book with the famed Hearst Castle as its backdrop. So much intrigue and mystery about the real castle on the hill! Of course, novels are more than their location. So after writing the 2^nd book in the series, A Shore Thing, I longed to know what happens next for big-hearted, single mom, Suz, from that story. Fade to Blue satisfies that curiosity.

How challenging is it to incorporate your faith into your stories?

The last thing I want to do as a Christian who writes is to steer someone wrong. My characters are flawed human beings who need the truth. But so am I. See the challenge? If I’m going to add a faith thread into my books then I must be in prayer. I must also seek wise counsel (Prov. 1:5). There’s a note in the acknowledgments for Fade to Blue thanking my pastor. One Sunday morning as I wrestled with the right, godly answer to the heroine’s situation, my pastor “happened” to preach on the very topic. Yay, God!

What is next in your writing schedule?

I’m working on two more seaside stories, one set in southern California and the other far to the north. I’ve also just re-released my first novel, Chocolate Beach, on Kindle & Nook—with recipes and other bonus content! I keep my website updated, so please stop by periodically for news and events: www.juliecarobini.com

Relz Reviewz Extras

Visit Julie's website, blog and beach shop

Buy Julie's books at Amazon or Koorong

Read FamilyFiction's May/June issue

The winners of Beside Still Waters are.....

Elyssa & Lori (USA) and Annette & Jen H (AUS) ~ congratulations!

Your book will be on its way to you shortly :)

Nightingale by Susan May Warren

"I pray the fulfillment of my promise and the contents of the letter might give you some comfort in the darkness of your hour."

Thus begins the wartime correspondence between medic Peter Hess, acting on a dying man's request and nurse Esther Lange, a young woman living with an unwanted engagement but a beloved child, the result of a night of foolish passion. Despised by her fiance's family yet bound to them by her daughter and circumstances, Esther's loneliness and despair is eased by Peter's caring and attentive letters. Peter's correspondence is a shining light in her life, his faith and compassion mirroring that of his Saviour, gives Esther reason to hope. Just as their friendship edges towards something more, Esther's trust is shattered by a revelation Peter had fearfully withheld.

As Esther reconciles her new found knowledge about Peter, with the tender man she has come to know through his letters, she is once again confronted with news that will turn her life upside down and shatter her tentative steps towards grace. Any book that bears Susan May Warren's name is guaranteed to engage yet she has outdone herself with her latest historical novel, Nightingale. A beautifully told story of a young woman filled with regret and shame, struggling to provide for her young daughter during the final stages of World War II. Peter reflects the love and compassion of Jesus in Esther's life, his letters and generous spirit a highlight of the story. The story provides fascinating information about life on the home front, and a rarely touched on topic in World War II novels, the plight of German Americans, prisoners of war and their role on farms across America during the latter stages of the war. Esther's fractured relationship with her fiance's disapproving parents is painfully authentic as is the vindictiveness of one of Esther's colleagues. More love story than romance, Nightingale is filled with historical detail and is a moving journey towards love, mercy and grace, which I highly recommend.

As seen at TitleTrakk.com


With thanks to TitleTrakk for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras

Review of Sons of Thunder

Visit Susie's website and blog

Buy Susie's books at Amazon or Koorong

Character Spotlight ~ Kaye Dacus' Caylor Evans & Dylan Bradley

Caylor & Dylan

Kaye Dacus us back with her second Matchmakers contemporary romance, The Art of Romance. Enjoy a look behind her latest characters.

Over to you, Kaye:~

Brief physical description

Caylor Evans is a woman who definitely stands out in a crowd—at six feet tall with short, wild, red hair, she’s not afraid of drawing attention (though she does get tired of being asked if she ever played basketball or volleyball). At thirty-five years old, she’s learned to accept her well-above-average height and hourglass figure.

At six foot three, Dylan Bradley is one of the few men Caylor’s ever met whom she doesn’t tower over. With curly dark hair, a few days’ growth of stubble, a couple of tasteful tattoos on his arms, and dark, expressive eyes, it doesn’t matter that he’s seven years younger—she can’t deny the attraction!

Strengths and weaknesses

Caylor’s the strong one, the one everybody else depends on. Caylor’s weakness comes from her strength—five years ago, she willingly gave up her life to move in with her grandmother after her grandfather passed away, because Sassy can’t drive due to poor eyesight. This strength of character has led to her weakness—of letting life pass her by, of becoming a workaholic (between her job as an English professor at a small liberal-arts college and a published author), and of scuttling every opportunity she might have at a romantic relationship because of her commitment to caring for her grandmother—who has a more active social life than she does!

Dylan’s strength lies in overcoming his weakness—in discovering that he’s spent his whole life letting others (his parents and his previous romantic partner) run roughshod over him, convince him he’s not good enough, that his dreams, his desires, his passions aren’t right, aren’t living up to their expectations. Of course, by discovering this, he is in danger of swinging the opposite direction—of assuming that everyone is going to treat him this way. . .including a certain sassy, redheaded English professor.

Quirk (if any)

Dylan and Caylor are both creative types. Dylan is always thinking in terms of art—of painting, of drawing. And he’s pretty sure that if he would just go ahead and give in to the temptation to draw Caylor, he’ll get her out of his head. Caylor’s the quintessential romance author—every situation makes her think of a new story idea. She even sneaks pictures of the cute electrician who comes out to the house so that she can add him to her file of physical “templates” for future characters. (Oops—maybe that part of her is a little too autobiographical!)

For both of them, getting lost in creativity is one of their favorite ways to de-stress, to relax, to get away from the conflicts and turmoil in their lives.

Your inspiration for the character

The inspiration for The Art of Romance came from my developing a “crush” (as I am wont to do!) on the chef I thought should have won the second season of Top Chef, Sam Talbot. He was so quiet, so unwilling to express his emotion—except through his art (food, in real life)—that my brain spent the entire season he was on developing him into a character. An artist. Someone who may not say much out loud, but has a definite, somewhat snarky, continuous monologue going on inside his head. That, and he’s cute, too!

I’d had an image in my mind of Caylor when I first came up with the story idea, based on a model with long red hair and a reserved demeanor I’d seen on a couple of plus-size clothing websites. But that image led to a character who was too quiet, too demure—and I needed someone different from my taciturn artist hero. Then my editor told me they wanted to use stock photos for the book cover, if possible, so I went “shopping” on my favorite stock-image website (JupiterImages.com) . . . and when I found this picture, I knew I had my Caylor.

Background to the story

English professor Caylor Evans moved in with her grandmother five years ago when Sassy’s eyesight became too poor to get her driver’s license renewed. Though she is now writing sweet/inspirational romance novels, Caylor still draws inspiration for her heroes from the portfolio of covers and sample images drawn/painted by Patrick Callaghan for the steamy romances she used to write (as “Melanie Mason”), and dreams of meeting a man like that cover model.

After losing his teaching position and being shunned by the fine-arts community in Philadelphia, artist Dylan Bradley has returned home to Nashville to regroup and determine the next step for his life. His grandparents offer him their guesthouse for as long as he wants it—along with plenty of opportunities to meet young women. Though it was years ago, Dylan is uncomfortable with the fact that his face—only slightly disguised—is on the covers of half a dozen steamy romance novels by Melanie Mason, the artwork he did to put himself through college under the pseudonym Patrick Callaghan. Especially after he meets Caylor Evans, a woman who has her life together in a way he only dreams of. Will Caylor and Dylan learn that the true art of romance is grounded in honesty and truth?

Thanks Kaye ~ you always provide lots of fun detail!

Relz Reviewz Extras

Character spotlight on Zarah & Bobby from Love Remains

Review of Stand-In Groom

Character spotlight on Kaye's William Ransome & Julia Witherington from Ransome's Honor

Visit Kaye's website

Buy Kaye's books at Amazon or Koorong

Coming soon from DiAnn Mills and Tyndale House

Diane Mills' latest contemporary suspense releases this October from Tyndale House.

While I look forward to reading the story, I'm not so keen on the cover. How about you?

Attracted to Fire by DiAnn Mills

Special Agent Meghan Connors’ dream of one day protecting the president of the United States is about to come true. Only one assignment stands in her way. After the vice president’s rebellious daughter is threatened, Meghan is assigned to her protective detail on a secluded ranch in West Texas. Unfortunately, working with Special Agent in Charge Ash Zinders may be as tough as controlling her charge.

Ash has a reputation for being critical and exacting, and he’s also after the same promotion as Meghan. But when the threats escalate and security on the ranch is breached, it becomes clear this isn’t the work of a single suspect—it’s part of a sophisticated plan that reaches deeper and higher than anyone imagined. And only Ash and Meghan can put the pieces together before it’s too late.

October, 2011

The Lightkeeper's Ball by Colleen Coble

Synopsis:~

Olivia seems to have it all, but her heart yearns for more.

Olivia Stewart's family is one of the Four Hundred-the highest echelon of society in 1910. When her sister dies under mysterious circumstances, Olivia leaves their New York City home for Mercy Falls, California, to determine what befell Eleanor. She suspects Harrison Bennett, the man Eleanor planned to marry. But the more Olivia gets to know him, the more she doubts his guilt-and the more she is drawn to him herself.

When several attempts are made on her life, Olivia turns to Harrison for help. He takes her on a ride in his aeroplane, but then crashes, and they're forced to spend two days alone together. With her reputation hanging by a thread, Harrison offers to marry her to make the situation right. As a charity ball to rebuild the Mercy Falls lighthouse draws near, she realizes she wants more than a sham engagement-she wants Harrison in her life forever. But her enemy plans to shatter the happiness she is ready to grasp. If Olivia dares to drop her masquerade, she just might see the path to true happiness.

My take:~

Colleen Coble returns readers to Mercy Falls in her third historical romance, The Lightkeeper's Ball, weaving suspense, family intrigue and the advent of the flying machine in an engaging and pleasing novel. I found this story to be more intriguing than the previous novel in this series. Colleen creates three dimensional characters that readers can connect to easily and invest in their journey so I particularly enjoyed Olivia, a women trying to break out of the mold forced on her by society. Her experience shines as she balances all the elements of an historical romance with her trademark suspense in a story that will keep you guessing to the end. The Lightkeeper's Ball will appeal to Colleen's faithful readers and new readers looking for a solid and interesting story.

With thanks to the B&B Media Group for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras

Reviews of The Lightkeeper's Daughter & The Lightkeeper's Bride

Character spotlight on Addie & John

Visit Colleen's website and blog

Buy Colleen's books at Amazon or Koorong

Character Spotlight ~ Rosslyn Elliott's Ann Miller & Will Hanby

Ann & Will

Rosslyn Elliott's debut novel, Fairer than Morning is the first story in her Saddler's Legacy series. Enjoy meeting her two main characters, who are based on real people.

Over to you, Rosslyn:~

Physical description

Ann Miller is eighteen years old but knows more than her share of adult sorrows. Years ago, her mother died, and Ann had to grow up quickly in order to take care of her two younger sisters. She is very pretty, with wavy chestnut-brown hair. Her brown eyes have the wistful look of a girl who has lost something, and doesn’t know quite where to find it again. She is petite and dainty, but years of farm work have made her strong for her size. Her intelligence makes her a perfect fit to be played by equally bright actress Natalie Portman.

Will Hanby looks like he has seen his share of fights. Years of apprenticeship to a brutal master have beaten him down and starved him to skin and bones, but over the course of the novel he recovers and fills out to a broad-shouldered, healthy frame for an eighteen-year-old young man. He has dark brown hair, wild and unkempt at first, but he cleans up like a gentleman in frock coat and silk hat. His eyes are a deep, clear brown. Imagine Casey Affleck, but with dark eyes.

Strengths and weaknesses

Ann has an unusually compassionate nature. When she sees someone else in pain, she feels it deeply and wants to help. She is also mature for her age in most ways, and determined to be a good mother figure for her sisters. She would give up her own chance at happiness for their wellbeing. Her weakness is that she thinks romantic love is a wonderful fairy tale that will solve all her problems. She has to learn that the superficial appeal of flowers and poetry is very different from a real, deep love based on common values and goals.

Will’s character is as strong as steel under his shabby exterior, and, like steel, he goes through a fiery ordeal to be tempered. His natural bent toward goodness and mercy survives even his horrible years under a master who wants to degrade him. If Will gains confidence instead of doubting himself, he has the potential to become an extraordinary servant-leader and champion of the oppressed. He underestimates himself, but his time of bondage gives him a passion for liberty and a faith that can overcome any trial.

Your inspiration for the characters

Ann Miller and Will Hanby were real people who lived in central Ohio in the nineteenth century. The dramatic story in Fairer than Morning is based in fact, with only a few changes to make the story flow smoothly and give it unity. From the moment I walked into the Hanby House museum in Westerville, Ohio, I knew I had to tell the Hanby family story, so others could be inspired by their example of love and courage.

Background to the story

Ann Miller dreams of a marriage proposal from her poetic suitor, Eli—until Will Hanby shows her that nobility is more than fine words.

On a small farm in 19^th century Ohio, young Ann Miller is pursued by the gallant Eli Bowen, son of a prominent family. Eli is the suitor of Ann’s dreams. Like her, he enjoys poetry and beautiful things and soon, he will move to the city to become a doctor.

When Ann travels to Pittsburgh, accompanying her minister father on business, she meets Will Hanby, a saddle-maker’s apprentice. Will has spent years eking out an existence under a cruel master and his spirit is nearly broken. Anne’s compassion lights a long-dark part of his soul. Through his encounters with Anne’s father, a master saddler, Will discovers new hope and courage even in the midst of tremendous adversity.

When the Millers must return to Ohio and their ministry there, Will resolves to find them, at any cost. If Will can make it back to Ann, will she be waiting?

Thanks Rosslyn ~ it is lovely having you visit! I hope we see you back here again soon with many more books to come :)

Relz Reviewz Extras

Visit Rosslyn's website and blog

Buy Rosslyn's book at Amazon and Koorong

Press release for Ronie Kendig's Wolfsbane

Ronie Kendig Delivers Action-Packed Drama

In Book 3 of the Discarded Heroes Series

Uhrichsville, OH – From up-and-coming suspense writer Ronie Kendig is the latest in her four-part Discarded Heroes series. Wolfsbane is scheduled for release in July 2011. The third novel embarks upon a perilous mission with demolitions expert Danielle Roark and ex-Green Beret Canyon Metcalfe. Holding a secret worth killing for, the two are trapped in the jungle and forced to fight their way out of the nightmare of captivity.

Dani Roark thought escaping from a brutal Venezuelan general was a challenge. Now she’s charged with espionage and returned to the jungle where a new nightmare begins. Will Dani survive or become just another political pawn destined to be lost forever? Canyon is disgusted with the suits on Capitol Hill. Still wrestling with the memories of a mission gone bad, he and Nightshade launch a mission to find Dani. Can Canyon rescue Dani, armed with nothing but raw courage?

Praise for the Book:

“Wolfsbane is rapid-fire fast-paced and will leave you breathless. An incredible story with intense characters who face timeless struggles. Another favorite for our shelf from Kendig!”

– Kimberley and Kayla R. Woodhouse –authors of No Safe Haven and Race Against Time

“Non-stop, fast-paced, machinegun-type action that will leave you exhausted—and yearning for more. . .A definite keeper for your read-again shelf.”

– Lynette Eason –bestselling author of Too Close to Home and Don’t Look Back

“Ronie Kendig’s smooth writing style, realistic scenes, and vivid characters blend beautifully for a must-read experience. A definite keeper!”

– Robin Caroll, author of Deliver Us From Evil and In The Shadow of Evil

“Ronie Kendig serves up a mix of machinegun-fast action, touching romance, and more twists than a coil of detonator wire. Get a good grip on the edge of your seat before you start reading!”

– Rick Acker, author of When the Devil Whistles and Dead Man’s Rule

Meet The Author:

Ronie Kendig grew up an Army brat, married a veteran, and they now have four children and a golden retriever. She has a BS in Psychology, speaks to various groups, volunteers with the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and mentors new writers. Ronie can be found at www.roniekendig.com.

Author Q & A

Q: Each book in your Discarded Heroes series takes a very real look into the lives of former military men. Where did the idea for this series come from?

The series came out of a brainstorming session with my mentor, John Olson. We had a great bare bones structure, but we were searching for the “heart” of that story, which came to me via a real-life story of a young woman in a Sunday school class. Hearing her testimony, her request for prayer (her husband was spec ops), revolutionized my thinking and heart. I knew I could not pen another military-based story without showing the ramifications of what these heroes do and the toll it takes on them and their families.

Q: Throughout the Discarded Heroes series, readers get to know the members of the Nightshade team. How did you develop the entire team, creating each character independently yet keeping them fluid as a unit?

The members of the Nightshade team just sort of came alive on their own. Max burst onto the page with fire and vengeance. He was very hard to write because of his intensity, but if it weren’t for the calming influence of Cowboy, I think Max and I might have parted ways.

Then there was the silent giant, Griffin “Legend” Riddell, who was like steel poured over the backbone of Nightshade. His dedication to the team, to the mission, helped me stay focused. Then there’s Marshall “the Kid” Vaughn. . .and I have to say, I’ve gotten some e-mails lately telling me they love the Kid, and that’s been really nice because he provides some much-needed comic relief, especially when paired with Canyon “Midas” Metcalfe, the brooding medic.

Azzan “Aladdin” Yasir has brought in some more strength to the team, and John “Squirt” Dighton brought some adventure—and both of these men brought some foreign flavor (Aladdin is half Palestinian, half Jewish, and Dighton is Australian-American). I made each man independent with their own strengths and flaws, but also made them each absolutely invaluable to the team. Colton, the sniper. Midas, the medic. Max the leader. Griffin, the “sergeant” that keeps everyone in line. The Kid with his wit and humor eases tension. And so on. They are all unique yet a single unit. It’s been amazing even for me to watch how it all came together. I just wrote Firethorn and bawled my eyes out realizing it was the last book. These men are almost as real to me as you are.

Q: The Discarded Heroes series contains several elements: romance, suspense, and action. Which element of the plot do you enjoy creating the most?

Action. Action. We want Action! A-C-T! I-O-N!

Sorry, the cheer just sort of leapt out of me. Yes, absolutely the action is what I love writing and will probably always write. Although I love suspense and romance (what’s a hero without his heroine and a bit of suspense to keep them apart?), the action is where I seem to hit my stride in each story.

Q: What sort of research did you do in order to keep your Discarded Heroes series militarily accurate?

My “research” started by being a military brat, I suppose. I grew up in a military family, so I had an almost innate respect for our heroes in uniform—in fact, I even married a soldier. He was medically discharged right before our wedding, but his father remained enlisted at the time and retired about 12 years ago. I spoke with Chaplain Carlton D. Hall, who served as a great resource. He works at a VA hospital in central Texas, counseling veterans with post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). He was a great help. I was also was put in touch with a former Army Ranger, who helped me maintain accuracy (as much as possible in a secret black ops group like Nightshade that isn’t technically connected to our military). And last but not least, I spent countless hours poring over articles and books; thesis; independent studies; and medical journal articles about PTSD, combat-related PTSD, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). I also interviewed several veterans and talked with countless others who have a relative with PTSD or TBI. Since research in our country is really just taking off now, I am continuously reading/researching.

Relz Reviewz Extras

View the trailer for Wolfsbane

Read my reviews of Nightshade and Digitalis
Visit Ronie's website and blog
Buy Ronie's books at Amazon or Koorong

Meet the Nightshade team:~
Max (Frogman)
Colton (Cowboy)
Canyon (Midas)
Griffin (Legend)

Character Spotlight ~ Susan May Warren's Caleb Knight

Caleb

Susan May Warren returns to Deep Haven, the location of her much loved stories, Happily Ever After, Tying the Knot and The Perfect Match. I'm looking forward to returning there and meeting Caleb Knight.

Over to you:~

Brief physical description

Bio: Age 29

6’2, rusty blond hair, and light blue eyes.

A little about me:

I’ve always been a champion. I was a medic with the army corps until I was wounded. My dream, however, was to be a football coach. My life was changed by football, and my coach, and I believe it can help turn boys into men. Only problem…I am missing a leg. I really am tired of being known by my disability, and I want to prove myself. I am more than my disability, and I hope to prove that to the town of Deep Haven.

Actor/famous person

I've been told I look a bit like Ryan McPartlin. Who knew?!

Strengths and weaknesses:

I may be a little bullheaded, but I’d like to call it stubborn. Or independent. I’m also generous, and an encourager at heart.

Quirk (if any)

I have adopted a stray dog, and I like to listen to online sports shows.

I'm going to hand over to Susie now!

Susie: Your inspiration for the character

I met a man who had lost his leg...but I had no idea until he told me. He drove a bulldozer, and was a builder and never let his prosthesis get in his way. I began to wonder how a person might overcome such a loss. About the same time, a friend’s father became paralysed, and she mentioned to me how suddenly he felt as if his handicap defined him. People no longer saw him as wise or influential. I wanted to explore this concept and I applied it to our intrepid football coach...as well as others in the story.

Background to the story

My Foolish Heart is about fear, and how it can imprison us. I really grappled with the idea that “Real love casts out fear.” Why? It came to me that when we truly understand the love God has for us, then we can rest in His arms, regardless of what lies ahead. It’s my hope that readers begin to let that truth transform them and break them out of their prisons of fear.

Thanks Caleb & Susie ~ always a delight to have you drop by!

Relz Reviewz Extras

Reviews of Nothing But Trouble, Double Trouble and Licensed for Trouble

Character spotlight on PJ, Boone & Jeremy ~ see how Susie pictures her characters

Visit Susie's website, blog and PJ Sugar's own website, Got Sugar!

Buy Susie's books at Amazon or Koorong

FamilyFicton Magazine ~ May 2011 Issue

The May issue of FamilyFiction's digital magazine is now available.
There are some fabulous articles and author profiles, Q&As, reader feedback and more. Be sure to check out the winners of the 2001 Readers' Choice Awards.


I had the privilege to contribute profiles on authors Ginger Garrett and Julie Carobini, 10 New Voices in Biblical Fiction and a feature article on Summerside's Love Finds You line of romance novels.

Enjoy the magazine here