Edgy Inspirational Romance

Author Interview: JULIE CANTRELL

noreply@blogger.com (Serena Chase) — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 09:04:00 +0000

Julie Cantrell published two children's books before turning her hand to literary romance. A former editor of a literary review, Julie is a teacher by trade and operates a sustainable farming operation with her family in Mississippi. Her debut novel, Into the Free, has garnered acclaim from readers and critics alike.

Serena: Into the Free was an absolutely stunning debut. How long did it take you to flesh out those characters and bring your baby into the world?

Julie: What a wonderfully kind way to start the interview. Thank you! The first draft of the story fell onto the page naturally. I just tuned into my imagination and had fun, recording Millie's story as it came to me. I didn't work from any outline, and I was surprised each night by how the story unfolded. It really was a beautiful journey, and the novel was finished in a few months.

I admire writers who can work from an outline, but I don't have that skill. Instead, I listened to Millie and gave in to the wonder. I hope that allowed me to develop realistic characters who surprise us.The editing phase lasted much longer. I wove in a lot of details after conducting extensive research, and I worked diligently to develop the plot structure and pacing. Thankfully, I had some wonderful early readers and fabulous editors who helped the book become what it is today. I learned so much along the way.

Serena: You've worked as an editor for a literary review — does your experience make it less or more difficult to receive criticism of your own work?

Julie: That's a good question. I have reviewed other authors' works, and I always tried to focus on the strengths. Most reviewers do the same. I doubt I'd be too bothered by a negative review because I keep in mind that it's all subjective. When I reviewed a work or interviewed an author, I never criticized their work. Instead, I was always fascinated by their craft and longed to know more about their process. I'm just grateful folks are giving this story a chance, and I'm enjoying hearing such positive feedback. The most amazing part for me has been hearing from readers who have really connected to Millie and overcome some deep emotional wounds after reading Into the Free. Knowing this book is helping others is incredible to me. I'll take that over literary acclaim any day.

Serena: Do you see your novel as an inspirational title — or do think it will find a more comfortable home amidst a more mainstream audience?

Julie: This is a great question, and thanks for asking. This book is published by David C Cook, a Christian publisher. They've been an amazing team to work with from the start, and I'm extremely grateful they gave this book a chance. However, this book is also being marketed through the ABA (secular) market and that makes me happy, too.

There are powerful messages in this book, but they are woven into the narrative in subtle ways. I think a lot of Christian books preach the same message to the same audience, and I wanted to do something different. In particular, I wanted to reach readers who may not have always had a smooth path in life, especially those who may have fallen to a weak place in their faith.

Millie, like many Christians, questions her faith. She wonders, at some of the lowest points in her life, if God even exists. She faces tremendous struggles and discovers that some of the folks in her life who call themselves Christians are some of the most dangerous people she knows. Yet, she also knows people who exhibit a really deep faith and model for her the importance of forgiveness. These characters do not preach to Millie or judge Millie. They simply LOVE Millie.

While I didn't set out to deliver a certain message to anyone, I do hope this book encourages us to treat each other with love and kindness. We tend to get caught up in certain rules and traditions, but the Bible tells us God is Love. I believe it's really as simple as that.

Serena: Millie's childlike interpretation of her mother's debilitating depression is poignantly described and, although I don't think the word "depression" is ever used by Millie, the diagnosis is clear and keenly felt by the reader. How did you choose the term "the valley" for Millie to describe her mother's dark times?

Julie: Yes, Millie's mother is incredibly depressed. She has a broken spirit and she struggles to be the mother Millie needs her to be. Yet, she loves Millie, and Millie is fiercely loyal to her mother. Millie tells this story first as a young girl and later as a teen. She never really hears anyone mention her mother's difficulties, so to her, it is unnamed. From the time she's very young, she sees it only as The Valley — a deep, dark place her mother visits sometimes. I don't remember giving it much thought, it just seemed to be the way Millie would have understood it at a young age.

Serena: Millie loses so much over the course of the novel, but in her darkest times, visions of a person she's loved and lost comfort her. When you first thought to include these visions, did you see that character as a "friendly ghost" or as a guardian angel?

Julie: I think I always knew he was her guardian angel. I didn't write the book with any intentions of including angels, but this was authentic to Millie's journey. As it came together, it seemed to make perfect sense. This character had meant so much to Millie, and, in her life, he had always represented goodness. As Millie began to fight her own personal battles, it was only natural for her to turn to that source of strength and love.

Serena: Millie's first taste of romance is also her first hope of escape from the uncertainty of her mother's mental state and the violence of her father's personality. Several scenes made me long for Millie to escape, right now, however — and with whomever — she could. Did you ever have a time during the writing that you wanted Millie to just run away?

Julie: Oh, yes. Many times. I don't want to give away the ending, but let's just say, I never quite knew what Millie was going to do until she did it. I hope she keeps the readers guessing as well.

Serena: I'd never thought of "gypsies" in a 20th-century American setting, but you've written of them in a tender way that replaces the "fortune-telling thieves" stigma with wonder — and the idea that it is a gentle, divinely prophetic appointment that brings them to Millie's world each spring. What first fascinated you about the traveler's life?

Julie: I've always been interested in various cultures, surrounding myself with international friends since my college days and teaching students from other countries. However, I had never really thought of the travelers, beyond the stereotypical "gypsy" characters I had observed in movies and books, so I was fascinated to learn that many of them live in the Southeastern United States, including Louisiana (where I lived as a child) and Mississippi (where I live now). I first learned this when I read about the "Gypsy Queen" Kelly Mitchell and her husband, the "King of the Gypsies," Emil Mitchell. Our family visited Rose Hill cemetery in Meridian, Miss., where these travelers are buried, and I was completely engrossed in the legend of Kelly's life, her death, and her funeral, which supposedly drew as many as 20,000 Romany travelers to Meridian in 1915.

I have learned a lot about the Roma by writing this book, and I'm relieved to hear feedback now from travelers who are pleased with how they are portrayed in the story. It's purely fictional, of course, and the characters in the book are not based on real people. But, the "gypsies" in the book travel through town each spring to pay homage to their fallen king and queen, so the historical roots are threaded throughout the novel.

I've posted an interview on my website in which a traveler discusses his life in modern-day America, and more interviews will be posted soon. These travelers are reaching out in hopes of improving cross-cultural understanding, and I am grateful for their willingness to share their stories with us.

Serena: The interview with the Romani-American traveler was fascinating to read, giving a little bit deeper glimpse into the mystery of the travelers. Can we expect to see more of the Roma/gypsy culture in future novels?

Julie: I'm writing the sequel now … but once again, I won't know until it's on the page. Stay tuned.

Serena: There is such a dividing line between cultures in the small Mississippi town where Millie grows up. There's the Rodeo culture, the Society culture, the Help culture and, of course, the gypsies. Millie weaves in and out of each with varying results before finding a place where she is accepted for who she is. But even that acceptance comes with the baggage of her past. Do you think small-town America still operates under this system, or has progress blurred the lines?

Julie: You've done a great job summarizing some of the key themes of the story, as Millie deals with issues of classism, racism, religious hypocrisy and more. While women and minorities certainly have many more options today than they did in Millie's Depression-era Mississippi, most of these themes are timeless. Until we all learn to love one another and find the good in everyone, these issues will still exist.

Serena: As she comes of age, Millie gets to experience two polar opposite romances: one of instant fireworks and passion — and one that grows slowly and cautiously, but still causes her to hold back. Yet neither young man was "the bad guy" in the end — which made Millie's choice even more difficult. Were you ever tempted to keep River from returning to Millie?

Julie: Yes. In fact, this is one of the changes that occurred in editing. The ending was a bit different in the earlier drafts, but I wanted Millie's choice to be purposeful and independent. Not just a matter of chance. This is one of the main points of this book … our choices matter. Every single one of them. In the sequel, Millie's story continues, and while I'm not finished with the story yet … I will say Millie does ask herself, "If I had the chance to choose again, would I make the same choice?"

Serena: I was moved to tears more than once while reading this book. Did you cry while writing it? And if so, which scenes most tore your heart?

Julie: I am glad to hear you connected so deeply with this book. Many readers tell me they cried throughout the book. I also cried while writing it, and I still cry when I read certain scenes. Millie feels so real to me, and I love her dearly at this point. I care about her and I don't like to see her suffer. I think the steeple scene is one of the most difficult ones to read, but I also cried when Millie was in the hospital with her mother. Mother/daughter relationships are so complex, and I feel Millie's pain as she tries so desperately to salvage what's left of theirs.

Serena: You are a speech language pathologist, currently working as an ESL (English as a second language) teacher. Do your students' struggles with language and/or local customs inspire your characters? Or are you able to separate your jobs into their own distinct categories?

Julie: I think everything I do in life plays a part in the stories I write, but I've never penned a character based on any particular person. I don't think I'll ever do that. The last thing I want to do is make my friends and family members insecure around me, thinking I'll put them in a book.

Serena: As a teacher, you have surely witnessed the results of domestic abuse in your students' lives. Was writing about this issue through Millie's eyes a cathartic exercise — or was it painful, making you hypersensitive to the fact that not every child will be rescued from that fate?

Julie: It is certainly heartbreaking to see what some children deal with in their lives. As a teacher, a mother, and a Christian, I have always had tremendous compassion for anyone in need, particularly children. I believe it is our role, as a civilized society, to never turn a blind eye to a victim of domestic violence. Many people feel trapped in abusive relationships. Until we provide safe, convenient escape routes as well as the support required to start a new, healthy life, the cycle will continue. We should stand up for every Millie in the world.

Serena: Beyond writing and your work as an ESL teacher, you live on and help run a farming operation, Valley House Farm. I'm a farmer's daughter from Iowa, so I know it's not all chewing a piece of straw and holding a pitchfork while you wait for the cows to come home. How do you juggle the responsibilities involved in producing sustainable crops, caring for animals, and boarding horses while still finding time at home to write and edit novels?

Julie: Lucky girl … Iowa farmland sure is beautiful! As you know, it's a tricky balancing act. We just became first-generation farmers in Mississippi about a year ago, so we've spent this year working constantly on the farm and trying to get it started. We enjoy the work tremendously, but we sure could use about 40 hours a day to get it all done. At this point, we haven't hired any help. But with our second milking season just around the corner, it may be time to admit we can't juggle it all. Mornings are the toughest, as we're all trying to rush off to our Day Jobs. The only time I really have to write is between about 3 and 5 a.m. Thankfully, I've never required much sleep.

Serena: (picks chin off floor and reminds self to quit complaining about being too busy) When you're not writing, editing, farming, or teaching, what do you do for fun? (Or do you even have time to look up the word "fun" in the dictionary so you can answer this question? LOL.)

Julie: Ha! I do have a VERY busy life, but my top priority will always be my family. For fun, we do all sorts of things. We are a loud, playful, active family, and we spend a lot of time together. We play games, travel, watch movies, read, and we do our chores together each day — everything from mucking stalls to cooking dinner. We are a tight-knit family and we LOVE to laugh. We feel no shame in dancing and singing around the house looking like fools.

Serena: Love it! I know all good writers are also avid readers who grasp every spare minute to dig into a good book. What are you reading now?

Julie: I'm usually reading about six or seven different books at a time. Right now, I'm reading some advanced copies upon request for endorsements. I'm also reading Blindness by Jose Saramago and Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo. I've also always got a few farm books on my nightstand. I just finished The Girl Who Fell from the Sky by Heidi Durrow, and I just reread The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls for a third time.

Serena: Your first two books were children's books, written originally for your own children and promoted by kids you read them to when they came over for sleepovers. Was Into the Free written as a message for a specific person or group?

Julie: I didn't write it with any specific message in mind, but I do hope it gives readers a sense of healing. I hope it encourages people to work toward forgiveness and to always consider the way we treat one another. Even if readers can't identify with Millie's journey on a personal level, I hope they can relate to at least one character in the book and take a closer look at their own choices. I also hope it reminds us all to protect the children in our society and to offer help when it is needed.

Serena: Is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers?

Julie: I am so grateful to everyone for giving this story a chance. I am an avid reader, and I know how many titles are available. Every time someone chooses Into the Free from the shelf or online, they've made Millie's voice a little stronger. Every time they recommend it to a book group, Sunday School class, women's circle or library, they've helped again. I appreciate every single person who spends time in Millie's world, and I will never take that gift for granted.

Serena: You can learn more about Julie Cantrell and her debut novel, Into the Free, by visiting her website. There you'll find a reader's guide for the novel, interviews and lots of extras. You can also connect with Julie on Facebook and Twitter (@JulieCantrell).

(This interview first appeared at USA Today's romance fiction blog, Happy Ever After)

Review: INTO THE FREE by Julie Cantrell

noreply@blogger.com (Serena Chase) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 09:04:00 +0000

Set in Depression-era Mississippi, Into the Free by Julie Cantrell is a literary and romantic tale of love, hate, forgiveness and how the choices we make have the power to shape countless lives.

HERE'S THE SITCH:

When she's not helping her mama through a bout of self-medicated depression or hiding from the violent mood swings of her father, Jack, Millie spends her time hanging out in Sweetie, the big tree she considers a friend. Each spring she watches from Sweetie's branches for the caravan of gypsies to roll into town — and for the white-shirted boy whose freedom and mystery have captured her fascination.

By the time she is 16, Millie longs to escape her small Mississippi town and all the things that tie her to it. When the gypsies arrive, she cannot seem to keep herself from following them to observe a ceremony. Finally invited around their campfire one night, she finds a seat near River, the gypsy boy she's watched for years.

There's more to River than meets the eye — and what meets the eye is beautiful. Well-read, thoughtful and dedicated to the traveler's life, River easily captures Millie's heart. But Millie's plan to escape with River is interrupted by Jack's violence. With her mother's life and sanity hanging by a thread, she cannot bring herself to leave. The gypsies move on — but an old woman leaves Millie with a mysteriously obtained key — and the promise that it will help her know her future.

Millie doesn't know how the gypsy woman got the key, but she knows what box it opens. With a Pandora-like threat hanging over her, she uses the key and discovers much has been hidden from her.

Clinging to River's promise of return, Millie must wade through tragedy and the heartbreaking secrets of her parents' pasts before finding out whether God has truly abandoned her — or if he is still at work, carving a painful path by which Millie might someday escape into the free.

HITS & MISSES

When a novel begins with a strong taste of the literary, I tend to savor it slowly, pulling it out in between other, lighter fare and nibbling on its richness a bite at a time over an extended period. I couldn't do that with this novel, however. It begged to be devoured.

Cantrell's style of prose engages the reader as an intimate and contemporary friend, displaced for a moment in time. In the beginning, the voice of the narrator vaguely reminds one of Harper Lee's Scout from To Kill a Mockingbird, but as the story progresses, Millie is shown to be a tenderly unique girl whose childhood has created a deep and abiding doubt in the love of God and the goodness of man.

Layering tension in a subtle way, Cantrell allows her characters to arc at a believable pace that neither slows the plot nor brings events too quickly to pass. Rich with both the sweet and the savory, I found myself utterly glutted by this story.

On every level, it's a hit.

TO READ, OR NOT TO READ?

It's been a long time since a book managed to break my heart, but Julie Cantrell's Into the Free did just that. The author didn't stop at breaking my heart, however; she also healed it, broke it again — and came back to heal it some more.

But just when I thought everything was coming together for Millie's poignant Happy Ever After, Cantrell threw in a gut-wrenching twist that, although foreshadowed, opened a raw gash in the heart. In time, however, the author provided an exquisite salve for the wound that, while unable to disguise its scar, added to the texture of her tale. When I reached the end it felt so right. So complete. So satisfying. But the author has promised that there is more of Millie's story to tell — and it will be exciting to see the follow-up to this stunning debut.

Certainly an author to watch, Julie Cantrell has penned a beautiful and literary coming-of-age romance that is as close to perfect as I've seen in quite some time. Into the Free is a heartbreaking triumph of a story — a beautiful depiction of how the choices we make determine how hard we fall — or how softly we can land after being broken.

(This review originally appeared at USA Today's romance fiction blog, Happy Ever After)

Serena's rating:

Stay tuned for my interview with Julie Cantrell... coming soon!

How to Haunt Your Heroine 101 by Laura Briggs (and giveaway!)

noreply@blogger.com (Joy Tamsin David) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

When I was writing the manuscript for Ghosts of Romances Past I wasn’t sure it would ever get published. After all, how do you write a Christian “ghost” story without somehow offending a major portion of your reading audience? And since there’s nothing in Scripture to support the idea of departed spirits dispensing helpful advice to the living, I knew I’d have make some creative decisions to keep this idea from edging into the secular market.

From the start, I intended for the book to be a modern re-telling of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, but with a humorous edge and a rekindled romance at its heart. My heroine, a spunky freelance illustrator named Alice, thinks she’s on the right track for happy-ever-after with her “perfect” boyfriend, Warren–until he surprises her with a ring and a question!

Still reeling from the unexpected proposal, Alice takes a tumble down the restaurant staircase and receives a nasty blow to the head. An injury with some very unusual side effects: visions of three female ancestors, women whose own romantic experiences seem to point Alice’s destiny in a different direction. Namely back to her first love, a fellow artist who just happens to be her current collaborator on a workplace assignment.

So here’s what I came up with:

1) Make two of the three so-called “ghosts”–Alice’s Aunt Phylis and Grandmother Ruth–alive and well, and therefore unable to haunt anyone. But instead of seeing them in their current forms, have Alice see them as years younger, the way she remembers them looking when she was a child. This way, it’s more like they’re “memories come to life” than supernatural beings.

2) Since the third “ghost” Alice encounters (her great-great grandmother, MaryAnne) is long dead and never actually met her, make sure they never have a dialogue exchange. After all, Alice has no memories of MaryAnne and wouldn’t be able to “imagine” her voice, mannerisms, or personality in a way the reader could find believable.

3) Alice’s visions of these women should lead her to something real and concrete–like faded letters and journal entries that contain the truth about her ancestor’s romantic experiences. She views discovering these truths as an answer to her prayer for guidance and credits God for opening her eyes to the lessons of the past.

Probably this sounds complicated but I hoped it would work–and it did! It took a LOT of editing, but the story’s most unique angles stayed intact, along with its somewhat edgier plot twists. Because aside from the whole supernatural thing, I faced one more obstacle in the world of Christian Romance Fiction–the fact that only two of the three “ghosts” has a happy ending to their love story.

But the trick remained of how to make Alice’s encounters with these female “ghosts of the past” anything but paranormal. Unlike the spirits in Dickens’s tale, I needed something that could be explained as divinely inspired, something readers would consider to be a sign from God rather than a phantom messenger.

Would traditional romance readers be okay with so many broken hearts and failed chances? I wasn’t sure, but it couldn’t be changed, since it’s those very disappointments that prompt Alice to seize her own chance at romantic destiny. A big part of me hopes readers will enjoy seeing something that deviates just a little from the norm, a story that bends the rules without breaking the standards that set the Christian Fiction industry apart.

Laura Briggs joined the publishing world in 2010 with Only in Novels, a short story from the White Rose imprint of Pelican Book Group. Her other White Rose titles include Ghosts of Romances Past and Christmas with Miss Austen. You can find her at her writing blog: http://www.paperdollwrites.blogspot.com/

Here's an excerpt of Ghosts of Romances Past:

Ghosts were watching Alice Headley.

Photos that crowded her mantelpiece, a cacophony of people and places. Smiling faces and somber expressions, a handful blurred by shadows or grainy blemishes. A black and white image of her grandmother hoeing a garden plot; a color one of her favorite aunt, wearing a smile and a yellow silk dress.

They were friendly ghosts, on whom Alice bestowed a smile as she designed creations for Storyhour Books, one of North Carolina’s most respected publishing companies. Right now, the ghosts were watching Alice argue with her collaborator. Or perhaps argue was too strong a word for the playful tones that laced their lively exchange.

“How about a rainbow?” Jamie Lewison leaned towards the canvas, his brow furrowed in concentration. “Or maybe a couple of beating hearts overhead—something I can animate with the CG software.”

“A little cliché, don’t you think?” Alice let her brush play between her fingers as she studied the image of two lovebirds in green and pink, perched on a branch with wings intertwined and cheeks pressed close together. “I mean, romance isn’t all sunshine and flowers.”

“Well this is for Valentine’s Day.” Her partner’s dark brown eyes sparked with good humor. “Or do you think the most romantic day of the year is a cliché, too?”

“Of course not,” Alice said, tucking a stray curl beneath her do-rag. “It just seems like art should reflect more about real life.”

He snorted. “We are talking about the same project, right? A cute, colorful motif that fits the bill of requirements for a kid’s storybook website?”

“Well, maybe we shouldn’t be encouraging hopeless romantics.” She spun her stool around to face him, her chin tilted in defiance. “That’s how it starts, you know. Kids see stuff like this and they grow-up expecting the fairytale to come true.”

“So what’s wrong with that?” A boyish grin cracked his features. “Some of us like believing in fairytales. I still make a wish on the occasional falling star, for instance.”

“That’s exactly what I mean.” She turned away from the crooked smile that threatened to break down her careful philosophy. “And I still say these little birds are perfect as is. It’s an image that conveys loyalty, security, affection. That’s all most people can really expect out of relationships.”

You can buy Ghosts of Romances Past by Laura Briggs at Amazon or Pelican Book Group.

It's giveaway time!

Laura has graciously offered to give one lucky reader a PDF copy of her novel Ghosts of Romances Past. Between now and March 12 leave your name and email address in a comment below and she'll contact the winner!

A long time coming: my review of Lisa Bergren's MERCY COME MORNING

noreply@blogger.com (Serena Chase) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 08:03:00 +0000

I promised to review this book a long time ago, but after reading the back cover copy, I kept putting it off. And putting it off. And... you guessed it. I put it off some more.

I knew the writing would be smooth. I knew the story would be rich. I knew the characters would slide inside my head and nibble at my heart. So why, you ask? Why would I delay reading a book I knew would be good, written by one of my favorite authors?

Good question.

Bad answer.

I thought it would be a downer.

And... even when I know a story is going to be good, sometimes I'm just not in the mood to get my heart ripped out. But... I had a break in my crazy schedule. And since two more Bergren books were coming up fast & furious on my review schedule (BOURNE, the highly anticipated #3.1 in the River of Time series is an e-novella scheduled for Feb. 28 release and GLAMOROUS ILLUSIONS, a 1920s novel, is scheduled to release June 1) I thought I'd best get it read.

It was wonderful, of course.

And, yes, I cried. I pretty much had a lump in my throat for the whole last 1/3 of the novel, but... once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. I finished it in one sitting (not counting the trip to the hall closet for a new box of Puffs Plus.)

HERE'S THE SITCH:

(from the back cover copy)

There are no second chances.

Or are there?

Krista Mueller is in a good place. She has a successful career as a professor of history; she's respected and well-liked; and she lives hundreds of miles from her hometown and the distant mother she could never please. it's been more than a decade since Alzheimer's disease first claimed Charlotte Mueller's mind, but Krista has dutifully kept her mother in a first-class nursing home.

Now Charlotte is dying of heart failure and, surprised by her own emotions, Krista rushes to Taos, New Mexico, to sit at her estranged mother's side as she slips away. Battling feelings of loss, abandonment, and relief, Krista is also unsettled by her proximity to Dane McConnell, director of the nursing home -- and, once upon a time, her first love. Dane's kind and gentle spirit -- and a surprising discovery about her mother--make Krista wonder if she can at last close the distance between herself and her mother... and open the part of her heart she thought was lost forever.

Having seen the affects of Alzheimers and dementia -- as well as the gasping death of heart failure -- with dear grandparents, I must admit that there were some brief, but vivid scenes that I found a challenge, emotionally, to read. But more than a book on dealing with death, this book was about forgiveness -- and how difficult/impossible it is to forgive -- and to receive forgiveness -- without supernatural intervention.

This is a story about healing. About coming to understand that there is so much more to a person's inability to express love than a child's heart (even an adult child's heart) can understand. But it's also a story about giving love -- romantic love -- a chance, and trusting in someone bigger than yourself to end the cycle of relational dysfunction in your life.

But it's not all pain and trouble and heavy stuff. There's quite a bit of funny, too. And heartwarming romance. Krista has a wonderful, dry sense of humor and Dane is such a humble, patient pursuer of her heart. There's allegory if you want to call it that, and symbolism in the dance... but let's just call it love, okay?

Okay.

TO READ, OR NOT TO READ?

Don't be like me and put it off out of fear. Just. Read. It.

(But do, please, keep your tissues handy.)

And now, a break from our regularly programmed review

to give you a little teaser about Lisa Bergren's next upcoming title!

Eat your heart out ladies, cuz last weekend I had the opportunity to read BOURNE, a novella numbered creatively as "3.1" in the River of Time series (expect that review in March!) And... all I can say (for now!) is "yum."

Now, be a dear and wipe the drool from your chin; there are plenty of other good books out there to read until our favorite Time Traveling Teens & their Super Hot Italian Knights reappear for another ride down the River of Time. (Nothing like a little teaser to get those Amazon cards you got for Valentine's Day all warmed up, right?!?)

SERENA'S RATING for Mercy Come Morning

+ a box of tissues.

Sh....Crud....Book Reviewers Say

noreply@blogger.com (Joy Tamsin David) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Don't let the title bunch your panties, what makes this video so funny is its element of truth (it's clean, promise). Sad so say, I've used a couple of these lines.

Can't say the name of the book blog where I found this without swearing, and since we wouldn't want our more delicate readers to faint away, I'll just link it here.

My Book Boyfriend- Travis McCoy from The Accidental Bride

noreply@blogger.com (Joy Tamsin David) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Book bloggers highlight the characters they fell in love with in My Book Boyfriend, a weekly meme from Missie at The Unread Reader.

I've spent the last few nights with Travis McCoy from Denise Hunter's The Accidental Bride. Travis is a local boy done good. After hitting it big on the rodeo circuit, he returns home to help his childhood sweetheart save her ranch. Their story is heavy (HEAVY!) on the romance and this book boyfriend had my heart beating in my throat. Definitely a five star read!

Travis's description:
wealthy Rodeo star and rancher

"It didn't help that Travis McCoy had transformed from lean wiry boy to brawny cowboy, complete with bull-wide shoulders, slim hips, and long legs. And those stormy gray eyes...those hadn't changed at all. They still had the power to suck her under. Cussed man." (p. 10)

Stubborn jaw, crooked nose (p. 30)

"bold as a grizzly and twice as smug" (p. 176)

"His eyes danced, silver sparks igniting in the evening light. A hint of a smirk tugged at his lips. His jaw bore the stubble of a long day."

In my head Travis looks like...

...a brawnier Ryan Gosling. I can just picture him sleeping on Shay's couch!

What I love about him:
I'm a sucker for a good childhood sweetheart storyline. And there's something about ~~Ryan's~~ Travis's cocksure attitude and barely concealed smirks that are so adorable.

My favorite pick up line:

He pulled back and looked at her. "I love you Shay."

Something swelled inside of her, big and powerful. Her own declaration clawed for release and caught like a rock in her throat.

"If you don't hear anything else, hear that," he said. And then his lips were on hers again, and she was floating on a sea of rapture. (p. 207)

Want to know more about Travis? Here's the book blurb:

When a wedding reenactment turns real, Shay finds she's an accidental bride.

Shay Brandenberger is raising her daughter in Moose Creek, Montana, on her childhood ranch, nestled against the Yellowstone River. Despite the hard work, she can't seem to keep her head above water-and now the bank is threatening to foreclose. She prays for a miracle, but the answer she receives is anything but expected.

Having agreed to play the bride in the Founders' Day wedding reenactment, Shay is mortified to be greeted at the end of the aisle by none other than Travis McCoy, her high-school sweetheart-the man who left her high and dry for fame and fortune on the Texas rodeo circuit.

Then the unthinkable happens. Thanks to a well-meaning busybody and an absentminded preacher, the make-believe vows result in a legal marriage. But before Shay can say annulment, Travis comes up with a crazy proposal. If she refuses his offer, she may lose her home. If she accepts, she may lose her heart.

Shay isn't sure if the recent events are God's will or just a preacher's blunder. Will trusting her heart to the man who once shattered it be the worst mistake of her life? Or could their marriage be the best accident that ever happened?

Did you miss Serena's Accidental Bride review or Denise Hunter's recent interview?

Book Launch- Play it Again by Tracy Krauss

noreply@blogger.com (Joy Tamsin David) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Tracy Krauss, author of edgy inspirational fiction, is launching her book Play it Again Feb. 21. You can help her achieve best seller status by purchasing the book at Amazon.com TODAY – and receive all kinds of cool free gifts while you’re at it!

Here’s how:
1. Go to the landing page on Tracy’s website.
2. Buy the book at Amazon.
3. Go back to the landing page and fill in the form with your name, email and purchase number.

It’s that easy! You’ll be directed to your free gifts and all you have to do is choose which ones you want.

About the book:

An unlikely duo meet in Play It Again, a story of love, life and faith. Sparks fly when an ex-rock and roll junkie and a stuffy accountant rendezvous at a local resort, but neither are prepared for the emotional entanglements, family complications, and threat from the past that unexpectedly resurfaces. Set in the 1980s, this story brings two opposing forces together in a clash of romance and danger, while its musical undertones highlight the theme that God can turn anything into beautiful music. Play It Again is the much anticipated prequel to Tracy’s debut novel And the Beat Goes On. Find out where Mark Graham’s journey began in this, the story of his parents.

What others are saying about PLAY IT AGAIN:

“This is one of the best contemporary novels I've read all year. . . Not only was it well-written, but it was edgy in that the story dared to be honest. . . I can see this touching a lot of people who have thought about God but have been afraid to move forward.”
- Michelle Sutton, author of more than a dozen inspirational novels

“This book is hot property, and grabs your interest from page one.”
- Yvonne Pat Wright, author of From Spice to Eternity

Author bio:
Tracy Krauss is a high school teacher by profession, and a prolific author, artist, playwright and director by choice. She received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Saskatchewan and has gone on to teach Art, Drama and English – all the things she is passionate about. After raising four children, she and her husband now reside in beautiful Tumbler Ridge, BC where she continues to pursue all of her creative interests. Her first two books were both nominated for the Indie Excellence Book Awards for religious fiction in 2011.

FREE STUFF:

Here’s just a sampling of the FREE e-gifts from generous supporters:
-An e-copy of Lisa Lickel’s award winning novel Meander Scar
-Sample chapters from The Promise of Deer Run by Elaine Cooper, Warring Spirits by April Gardner, and The Right Person by Stacy Padula
-Beautiful downloadable art cards by author and artist Brenda Hendricks
-A free subscription to ‘PixApple’
-You copy of Frazzled No More by Shelley Hitz
-A cool ‘Daily Scheduler’ developed by author Janalyn Voigt
-And much more!

All if you buy your copy of PLAY IT AGAIN at Amazon.com on Feb. 21!

DISCLAIMER: This book launch has been coordinated with the help of the John 3:16 Marketing Network and many other generous supporters. The free gifts are deliverable electronically over the internet or by email by individual authors and supporters. They are not in any way associated with, nor deliverable by, Amazon.com or Edgy Inspirational Romance.

Do you write edgy Christian fiction?

noreply@blogger.com (Joy Tamsin David) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Alternative Witness Magazine put out a call for submissions. Their debut issue is March 2012.

From their website:

There are circumstances of life, fact or fiction, which cause people to be in awe of faith. The faithful become living witnesses in a culture who have clung to alternatives other than God. They’ve forgotten Who came first and treat Him as though He is the alternative.

This magazine will showcase short fictional stories (800-3000 words) at a rate of one per week until we are firmly established. The authors who publish with us will be featured in our online ezine as well as have the opportunity to be in a printed ‘best of’ anthology. We’ll also host reader’s choice awards.

We want genre fiction. We want edgy. We want hot button issues that others shy from. Christian Horror, SciFi, Speculative, Contemporary with an Edge? - great! Story of Abuse and bullying – go there. But let’s keep it clean and inspirational. No swearing, no explicit sex or violence.

Send submissions to: alternativewitness@yahoo.com

Has Allie Pleiter gone to the dogs?

noreply@blogger.com (Joy Tamsin David) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

A dog?

My fingers paused over the keyboard as Plug the firehouse dog popped his goofy head into my imagination. Really? A dog?

I’d never had a dog play a major role in one of my books. My So-Called Love Life had a rhinestone-collared Iguana named Marilyn, so I suppose she counts--sort of. She took center stage by sheer oddity, whereas Plug is more of a basic fellow. Simply put, he’s smarter than he looks.

At first, I worried I’d turn off the cat people. Lots of readers are cat people. But then I realized I’d really just appeal to the animal people, because Plug shows how all of us let our guard down around animals. They adore us, even when we mess up. Plug loves troubled teen Nick Nelworth just because that’s what dog do to boys (or anyone, I suppose). Plug gets straight to the heart of Nick’s mom Jeannie and her paralyzing fear of the firehouse across the street. I won’t say how, but it’s the kind of charming directness only a slightly portly, slightly drooly, beagle-ish mutt can get away with. He takes one look at Jeannie and knows what’s up.

Chad Owens, the fire marshall who would prefer not to get tangled up with Jeannie and her son Nick, has Plug to thank for all his new complications. It’s one of those great man-dog relationships: Chad tolerates Plug; Plug adores Chad. When Nick adores Plug who adores Chad---well, you get the picture. Plug sees what we as readers guess in the opening chapters: these three need each other.

My dog is the exact opposite of Plug. Bella is a dainty, uppity, fluff-ball who uses cuteness with ninja-like precision. Could she get me to fall in love?

She’d tell you she already has. I adore that furry diva. So in answer to the question in line one--yes, a dog.

An avid knitter, coffee junkie, and devoted chocoholic, Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and non-fiction. The enthusiastic but slightly untidy mother of two, Allie spends her days writing books, buying yarn, and finding new ways to avoid housework. Allie hails from Connecticut, moved to the midwest to attend Northwestern University, and currently lives outside Chicago, Illinois. The “dare from a friend” to begin writing has produced two parenting books, fourteen novels, and various national speaking engagements on faith, women’s issues, and writing. Visit her website at www.alliepleiter.com or her knitting blog at www.DestiKNITions.blogspot.com

Want more info about Allie Pleiter's Falling for the Fireman? Here's the book blurb:

There's something achingly familiar about the look in fire marshal Chad Owens's eyes. Widowed mom Jeannie Nelworth knows firsthand what it is: loss, hurt and yes—bitterness. Ever since the fire that changed their lives, Jeannie's young son has borne that same look, pushing everyone away. So she's grateful when Chad tries to get through to the boy with the help of his trusty fire station dog.

But the man who's all about safety and prevention keeps himself protected—from loving and losing again. Seems as if Jeannie will have to add his kind, guarded heart to her rebuilding efforts.

Review: HALFLINGS by Heather Burch

noreply@blogger.com (Serena Chase) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 08:02:00 +0000

In Halflings, the new YA novel from Heather Burch, a supernatural love triangle collides with hellhounds, wraiths, angels, demons and … high school.

HERE'S THE SITCH:

When Nikki Youngblood took her sketchbook to the woods she certainly didn't expect to end her day racing away from a pack of crazed creatures that reeked of rotting death. Exhausted, with hellhounds on her heels and no escape in sight, Nikki calls on a God she's pretty sure doesn't exist – for help she's fairly certain will not arrive – and loses consciousness.

When Nikki awakens in her bed at home, she assumes it was all a dream. But if it was just a dream, why are her clothes torn and stained with blood? And if that is her blood – and it must be – where is the wound? Shaken and confused, she remembers the terror of the chase and a mysterious song on the wind -- but beyond that, all she can recall is a flash of light … and the most beautiful blue eyes she's ever seen.

Raven, Mace, and Vine are new to Nikki's high school. These three brothers are not just amazingly h-o-t, they are quite possibly the best-looking boys in existence. But Mace's mesmerizing blue eyes are more than a little bit familiar to Nikki, and it seems that no matter where she goes, at least one of those handsome brothers is nearby.

Determined to find out what part Mace and his brothers played in her frightening "dream," Nikki follows them home and discovers that these three gorgeous guys are more than just brothers, they are Halflings: supernatural beings who are half angel and half human. And they have been assigned to protect her from a menacing, mysterious evil.

Attraction doesn't even scratch the surface of how strongly Nikki is drawn to the beautiful, straight-arrow Mace – and the equally stunning bad boy, Raven. As if falling for two not-quite-human boys wasn't bad enough, however, when Nikki realizes what she may be – and how much of her own past has been kept from her – she begins to question everything about her life. What she cannot possibly understand – but the boys know all too well – is that, regardless of which Halfling Nikki chooses to love, if Raven or Mace let themselves fall in love with her they could lose everything – including their chance at Heaven.

HITS & MISSES:

Although Halflings is published by a Christian imprint, fans of current YA trends shouldn't flinch at the inspy label. A well-written, thoroughly thought-out, and utterly addicting read, Halflings draws inspiration from biblical passages – but it doesn't "preach at" the teens for whom it was written. Labels aside, this novel should be considered as competitive among the offerings of mainstream YA's paranormal romance.

Readers who've enjoyed novels by Cynthia Hand and Tammar Stein will find Burch's concept comfortably original, while fans of Stephenie Meyer will likely note themes reminiscent of Twilight. Similarly, while this book is being marketed to teens, it could easily spawn multigenerational appeal. Should T-shirts start popping up declaring "Team Mace" or "Team Raven" I wouldn't be too surprised if I felt led to purchase one.

For my daughter, of course. (Wink.)

TO READ, OR NOT TO READ?

Spunky, capable heroine? Check. Mysterious villains? Check. Motorcycle chases? Check. Romantic sweet guy? Check. Romantic bad boy? Check. Hunky dudes with mad ninja skills … and wings? Check, check and … check! Burch's novel captivated me from the word go – and the hits kept on coming.

Rumors of "Hollywood options" are already buzzing through the blogosphere and a (free) illustrated e-book prequel is now available through several outlets. Combining those tasty details with the way the novel's ending longs for the September 2012 sequel, well … the word "franchise" certainly comes to mind.

I can't say I object. Burch may be riding the coattails of a mainstream trend, but she's giving the fashion a distinctly fresh cut that will allow it to stand out on the angelic romance runway. I'm excited to watch this series take flight – and curious to see where the next book will take what's sure to become a devoted following.

Packed with action, Halflings is stocked with a feisty, likable cast and a fantastically impossible love-triangle that made my heart flutter, race and sigh. This hard-to-put-down novel kept me up late into the night and burrowed itself into my imagination.

(This review first appeared at USA Today's romance fiction blog, Happy Ever After)

Serena's Rating:

Review: Softly and Tenderly by Sara Evans and Rachel Hauck

noreply@blogger.com (Joy Tamsin David) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Softly and Tenderly is the second in the Songbird series by Sara Evans and Rachel Hauck, and my review is ~~a year~~ (cough) a little overdue. But lucky for me, there is no time limit on great fiction. If you haven't read this series yet, now is the perfect time to pick it up since all three books have been released.

Evans and Hauck fill this story with women who are easy to like. Jade is your best girlfriend and her mother Beryl is an aging hippie with a lifetime of interesting stories. But my favorite character is Jade's mother-in-law, June, who volunteers her pink Cadillac for a road trip adventure Jade's not likely to forget. June is deliciously southern and deeply complex, and the dynamics of her marriage to Rebel make perfect fodder for book club discussions.

Women's fiction is not my genre of choice, but I make exceptions for any novel Rachel Hauck's name is attached to. Still, I knew I wasn't in romance-land anymore when I fell heels-over-kindle in love with a character who was not the hero. Seeing as how Jade's husband's name is Max, wearing my Team Dustin tee shirt to this review is probably inappropriate (but if Sara and Rachel ever give him his own book, I'm breaking it out of storage!)

Fans of women's fiction will find Softly and Tenderly a satisfying, if bittersweet, ride. Just be sure to pack your tissues because you will cry big, fat, chunky tears along the way.

Want more info? Here's the product description (from Barnes and Noble):

Maybe out there in the country she could catch her breath, learn to breathe again . . .

Happily married and owner of two successful boutiques, Jade longs to begin a family with her husband, Max. But when she discovers that Max has an illegitimate son-who he wants her to help raise-Jade's life is turned upside down.

She flees to her childhood home, a rambling Iowa farmhouse, with enough room to breathe. There-while her mother's health grows fragile, and the tug of her first love grows stronger-Jade begins to question everything she thought she knew about family, love, and motherhood. In the wide-open landscape, Jade begins to see a future that doesn't rest on the power of her past but in the goodness of God's tender mercies.

My rating:

Now we've reviewed this entire series. Here are the links in case you missed them:

Serena's review of Love Lifted Me

Christian Fiction Book Club discussion of The Sweet By and By

Do you lean towards loopy on Valentine's Day?

noreply@blogger.com (Joy Tamsin David) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:00:00 +0000

It’s way easy to get swept up in the romance of Valentine’s Day. Flowers, chocolate, love notes. And here’s a radical truth: not one of those things is bad. God loves a good love story, so there’s no shame in enjoying flowers, chocolates and sweet nothings. The problem only comes when we go overboard, when we compromise our values or give ourselves away or put all of those things above the one who loves us most.

So what can we do to keep ourselves grounded while enjoying the good things of Valentine’s Day?

Start with keeping your first love straight. Get swept off your feet by his love. Since God is the author of romance (shoot, he IS romance), let yourself get lost in him. After all, he loves in brilliant color, he writes love notes in the stars and paints sunsets for your pleasure.

Love him first. Then if someone catches your eye or presents you with roses, chocolate caramels and mushy words, you won’t go loopy and make decisions you’ll regret. You’ll be able to enjoy the moment, return the kindness and stay perfectly grounded.

And if you’re still worried – or you’re one to be overly wooed by wildflowers, then bring in some accountability. Ask a friend, parent or sibling to help keep your feet on the ground. It also helps to plan ahead. Don’t put yourself in a position where you’re spending hours alone smooching or steaming up car windows.

Use good judgment, enjoy the day and if you’re weak, surround yourself with strength.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Your friend,

Elsa

Elsa Kok Colopy is passionate about purity. As a Mother of Preschoolers (MOPS) author and former editor for Focus on the Family’s Thriving Family magazine, Colopy understands the profound impact of teen purity on the hearts of young women and on the health of their future families. Colopy is the author of five books, including 99 Ways to Fight Worry and Stress and The Single Mom’s Guide to Finding Joy in the Chaos. She and her husband live in Colorado Springs, CO and are the proud parents of four adult children.

www.elsakokcolopy.com
purelovepurelife.com

Want to know more about Elsa's book?

Some facets of today’s society are hard to ignore, especially for those growing up. In our celebrity-driven, media-dominated world, teens are constantly exposed to temptation. Pop culture’s influence—with the likes of party-hearty Katy Perry and the reality show stars of the minute—may leave the impression that sin is in and wholesomeness is so last season.

But in Elsa Kok Colopy’s new book, PURE LOVE, PURE LIFE: Exploring God’s Heart on Purity, the well-known author uses an honest approach to help young women embrace a pure and unadulterated life by strengthening their relationship with God—demonstrating purity encompasses more than staying abstinent before walking down the aisle.

The book has realistic, heartbreaking, and often humorous anecdotes submitted by real teenagers. Through autobiographical tales of her own rocky teenaged journey, Colopy eloquently shows readers that purity should not be seen as a series of don’ts—don’t think that way, don’t look that way, don’t act that way—but is instead as a positive, God-centered approach to making the right decisions.

“Real purity is not just about virginity—it’s a whole life transformation and commitment that doesn’t have to mean living like a character on Little House on the Prairie,” Colopy writes in the book.

Colopy equips readers with real-life tools for dealing with emotions, dating and relationships, lust, marriage, broken choices, painful setbacks, and second chances.

By ending each chapter with a series of journal-ready discussion questions, Colopy further encourages readers to examine their own values and make connections from the book’s stories to their own lives. Colopy also suggests teen girls gather in a group to read PURE LOVE, PURE LIFE as a way to challenge each other, instill a sense of accountability, and open lines of communication. A rousing addition to any teen girl’s library, this book helps to answer the tough questions that many young women face about sex, love, and purity, as well as give readers a new, freeing view on life.

Valentine Abbey

noreply@blogger.com (Joy Tamsin David) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 18:39:00 +0000

Because these were too cute not to share....

(I first saw these at Ruth's Booktalk and More, who got them from Rachel, who I think got them directly from Chad)

Interview with DENISE HUNTER author of THE ACCIDENTAL BRIDE

noreply@blogger.com (Serena Chase) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 15:23:00 +0000

Denise Hunter began writing in earnest after the loss of a family member prompted her to live each day to its fullest — and to chase after her dreams. Since then she has published more than 20 novels and several novellas. Her latest release, The Accidental Bride, takes place in Montana. It is the second book in her Big Sky Romance series.

Serena: A lot of romance novels end with a wedding — but The Accidental Bride starts with one! Did you giggle just a little bit when you got the idea to build a romance … backward?

Denise: I have to say, I had a ball writing The Accidental Bride! Readers love a marriage-of-convenience story because the hero and heroine are in close quarters for much of the story, ratcheting up the tension. The "accidental marriage" is my twist on that, and since I love a story in which the hero and heroine have a rich, complicated history, I added that element also.

Serena: Shay likes to dance, but she tenses up at certain song lyrics. If Travis and Shay's relationship had a theme song, it might be …

Denise: Definitely "Bless the Broken Road" by Rascal Flatts

Serena: Your series often introduce new main characters in a series-familiar locale. In those cases, do you begin the series with each book's protagonist in mind, or does a particular minor character from one book capture your heart and demand her own story along the way?

Denise: Originally A Cowboy's Touch (the first book in the Big Sky Romance series) was supposed to be a stand-alone. Then single-mom Shay popped onto the page all spunky and begging for a hero, and … the Big Sky Series was born. Shay quickly wormed her way into my heart and became a favorite of mine. She's strong and feisty, and a mite stubborn, especially where cowboy Travis McCoy is concerned.

Serena: How much time do you generally spend in a particular location doing research before you feel ready to let your characters live there?

Denise: Usually several days. I'd love to linger longer, but with teens at home, it's hard to get away. Researching settings has become a thing my hubby and I do together. We had a blast gallivanting all over Montana for the Big Sky Series.

Serena: Of all the locations you've visited and/or written about, which are you most likely to return to for a pleasure trip?

Denise: I always choose places that I think my readers would like to visit — after all, they actually are going there in their imagination (and so am I!). I tend to gravitate toward small mountain towns like Moose Creek, Mont. — the setting for the Big Sky series. I've also had stories in North Carolina; Jackson Hole, Wyo.; Nantucket; Vermont … I couldn't possibly choose between them!

Serena: The Big Sky Romance series features several horse-loving characters. Are you a horse lover? Do you ride … or, like Travis in The Accidental Bride, do you rodeo?

Denise: I do love horses, but frankly, I'm pressing my luck just to stay in the saddle. I wanted to get it right for the series, though, so for all those horsey details, I turned to a Montana rancher and his wife, Billy and Marci Whitehurst. They were so kind to explain the daily workings of a ranch to this greenhorn city girl.

Serena: Travis and Shay's love life takes an interesting turn when chores morph into a literal roll in the hay. Do you look at barns differently now (LOL) than you did before writing that scene?

Denise: Well, admittedly, a barn is an unusual place to consummate one's vows, but sometimes passion flares when (and where) we least expect it. But in all seriousness, I do like to leave these things to the reader's imagination by closing the, er, barn doors.

Serena: Your husband claims to be the inspiration for the strong romantic element in your books. Do any other friends or relatives inspire other story elements (or characters) in your novels?

Denise: "Claims" being the key word there (smiles). One of my relatives once said, "I hope no one thinks all this comes from our family!" LOL. Almost everything in my books is straight out of my imagination. Almost.

Serena: Describe the place in which you write.

Denise: I have a lovely office. It's large, nicely lit, with a built-in desk, and is beautifully decorated in my favorite colors. Do I write there? Of course not. I kick back on the living room sofa.

Serena: You've contributed to several anthologies/novella collections, such as the recently released Smitten (written with Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, and Diann Hunt). Do you find it easier or more difficult to pen a shorter story?

Denise: The thing I love about writing novellas is that I can write them quickly. A book is a long-term commitment — usually about six to seven months for me. Of course, there are challenges with a shorter format, such as realistically building a love relationship in 100 pages. Smitten was especially fun, because it was written with three friends. We had such a blast, and now it's a series, so there are more good times coming. You can read more about Smitten, hear the song written just for the book, and sign up to win free stuff at SmittenVermont.com.

Serena: What writing project is next on deck for you?

Denise: I just turned in the third book in the Big Sky Series, The Trouble with Cowboys (October 2012). It features a heroine who's contracted to write a lovelorn column — only problem is, she's never even been in love. When she turns to the town Casanova for answers, she ends up with more trouble than she bargained for.

Serena: Sounds like fun! Did you always know you wanted to be a writer, or was it a desire/calling brought about by a specific event or time in your life?

Denise: I've always been an avid reader, but I didn't start dreaming of writing a novel until I was in my early 20s. By then I was busy with young children, and I put it on the back burner. It wasn't until my grandfather's passing that God pricked my heart with the truth: No one is guaranteed another day on this earth, and a dream worth dreaming requires a plan of action. I started my first manuscript the next week, writing while my boys napped. It was later published as Stranger's Bride (Barbour Publishing).

Serena: Have you had any formal training as a writer/novelist, or have you picked up skills along the way?

Denise: I actually majored in commercial art in college. Once I decided to take the plunge and write my first story, I must've read 100 library books on the subject. I still read books on writing and attend conferences. There's so much to learn. Writing is a craft to be honed, and I never tire of finding new ways to tell a better story.

Serena: Do you ever have two (or more) projects competing for supremacy in the battle for your time and/or imagination?

Denise: Oh, yes! Especially now that I'm writing a book every nine months and a novella (for the Smitten series) every year for Thomas Nelson. Which one wins? The one with the nearest deadline! But I'm actually thinking about multiple stories all the time. I'm often jotting notes on paper napkins, on the backs of church bulletins, or typing them into my iPhone.

Serena: As a mom, how do you structure your day to balance writing and family time?

Denise: I need quiet to write, so I get my work done while the boys are in school. Summers are a little more challenging — I find myself writing in the car during sports practices or holing up in the bedroom for a few hours. But somehow, it all gets done.

Serena: Do you read much outside of the inspirational market and, if so, what sort of books do you read?

Denise: I read in both markets. In the inspirational market I tend to read romance/women's fiction like Francine Rivers, Jenny B. Jones, Rachel Hauck and Susan Meissner. Reading in the general market helps me keep up with trends, so mostly I read best sellers like The Help by Kathryn Stockett.

Serena: Is there one writer from your childhood or teen years who sticks out as a particular inspiration for your own storytelling?

Denise: The Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder initially got me hooked on reading. I always had my nose in a book when I was a kid. Still do, in fact.

Serena: Are you a holdout to traditional books or have you converted to e-book reading?

Denise: I'm a convert! I own a Nook and read almost exclusively on it now. I say almost because sometimes when I'm browsing in a bookstore, a beautiful cover woos me, and I have to take it home.

Serena: Valentine's Day is just around the corner. How do you celebrate the Day of Love?

Denise: My hubby usually gets me chocolates, the really good stuff. But then, he's often bringing home little treats for me. I say spread the romance out a little — why confine it to one day?

Serena: Oh, I agree — one day isn't nearly enough! So where do you see yourself and your career 10 years from now?

Denise: When I started writing 15 years ago, my goal was simply to finish a full-length manuscript. I had no clue that God's plan for me would include 20-plus published novels. His dreams are bigger than mine (and infinitely better), so I'm just going to keep plugging away, writing the best novels I can, and leave the rest up to him.

I'm so grateful to my readers for trusting me with a few hours of their time. It's a privilege I don't take for granted. I love keeping in touch with my readers, so I'm active on Facebook and Twitter. I often have giveaways there and on my website for those who are signed up for my newsletter. You can also read the first chapter of The Accidental Bride there.

(This interview originally posted at USA Today's romance fiction blog, Happy Ever After)

Review: ROSE'S PLEDGE by Sally Laity & Dianna Crawford

noreply@blogger.com (Serena Chase) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:02:00 +0000

Saturated with vivid historical detail,Rose's Pledge introduces readers to Rose Harwood, the eldest of three British sisters who sell four years of their lives into indentured servitude in the colonies. Co-authored by Sally Laity and Dianna Crawford, Rose's Pledge is the first book in the Harwood House series.

HERE'S THE SITCH:

Rose Harwood has always been the most responsible member of her family. It is no surprise that Rose takes it upon herself to rescue her family from ruin when one of her father's business deals goes awry. To save her home — as well as her father's business and reputation — Rose Harwood sells herself into indentured servitude in the American Colonies.

Unwilling to be separated from the sister who helped raise them, Rose's two younger sisters join her in the trip across the Atlantic. Assuming their indenturing papers will be purchased to serve the same family, Rose is distraught when each Harwood sister is sent in a different direction. So consumed with concern for her sisters, Rose gives little thought to the danger she will face heading into the uncivilized frontier with Eustice Smith, the grizzled old trader who, desiring a talented cook for his ailing belly, purchases her bond papers.

Nate Kinyon loves his life of freedom, working as a trapper alongside his half-Indian friend, Black Horse Bob, in the wilderness. When his path crosses with Smith's caravan of goods, he is drawn to Rose, feeling an unusual — and a tad unwelcome — drive to protect this dainty but determined young woman. Nate devises a plan to buy Rose's bond papers from Eustice — but can he see her settled in a more civilized location without having to "settle down" with her himself? The more Nate feels his heart tugged toward Eustice's gentle and beautiful cook, the more he wonders if, even if he is willing to give up his commitment-free lifestyle, will he ever be good enough for the lovely but pious Rose?

HITS & MISSES:

Rose loves her father very much and holds him in high esteem, but as a reader I found it exceptionally difficult to respect — let alone feel any affection for — a man who would allow not one, but all three, of his daughters to be shipped off to the Americas to help settle his debts. From his first appearance, Mr. Harwood came off as weak — and the brief explanation of how Lily and Mariah came to cross the Atlantic with Rose did nothing to improve my opinion of him. Instead, it expelled a fairly large hiccup in my suspension of disbelief and seemed like a device by which the authors could more easily turn their story into a multinarrated series.

On a positive note, once the girls were auctioned off, the story took on a much more authentic feel, focusing on Rose's experiences in this strange new land. The locales and details of this historical romance seemed very well-researched and were portrayed in a believable way. And, although Nate's thoughts were voiced in a little more refined vocabulary than that by which he spoke, overall the characters' voices were easily identifiable and remained constant throughout the story.

TO READ, OR NOT TO READ?

The authors do a good job of growing Rose's affection for her bondsman, as well as her more romantic feelings toward Nate. Although there are times when the story lags and the passage of time is a bit unclear, the authors have penned a pleasing, if not entirely believable, historical romance.

Rose's Pledge is sure to entice historically inclined inspirational romance fans to follow the Harwood sisters through the rest of the Harwood House series.

This review first appeared at USA Today's romance fiction blog, Happy Ever After)

SERENA'S RATING:

REVIEW: FIRST DATE -- new YA from Krista McGee

noreply@blogger.com (Serena Chase) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:37:00 +0000

When I first read the premise for First Date, a new romance for young adults, it seemed a little bit silly and a whole lot done. As in, "Yes, I've seen three different versions of that Disney Channel movie" done. But what I thought would be a tired, comic romp through the White House turned out to be a tender teen tale of love, friendship and faith -- set against the backdrop of a reality TV show. And, like the scores of viewers who tune into reality television each week, it took barely any time at all before I was utterly addicted to Krista McGee's version of the First Family Teen Romance.

HERE'S THE SITCH:

Addy Davidson is a good student who works hard in hopes of earning a scholarship to an Ivy League school. She's got friends, but Addy is certainly not the most popular kid in school. She's just … normal. So why, out of all the outgoing, beautiful cheerleader-types at Addy's school, did her principal pick her to go on a new reality TV show? She has no desire to compete for a chance to go to senior prom with Jonathan Jackson, the son of the president of the United States, but regardless of her protestations, she's on her way.

The show is being filmed at a historic mansion near Nashville and when Addy, the 97th of 100 contestants, arrives she is even less happy to be there than she was reluctant to come in the first place. Tired and irritable, she meets Jonathan Jackson at the door of the mansion, like all the other girls, with the cameras rolling. But whereas the other contestants have concocted clever phrases to impress the president's son, Addy just wants the quickest ticket home – and she tells him as much, once she recovers from coming face-to-face with Jonathan's movie-star good looks. And the cameras catch every rude word.

Addy is sure that, come decision time, she'll be sent home, but her honesty backfires. America, of course, falls in love with "everygirl" Addy -- and Jonathan? Well, he's a little intrigued, too. Rather than fulfilling Addy's wish to go home, Jonathan pushes her through to the next round. But as much as America seems to like Addy, the other contestants do not. Her only ally is Kara, whose quick Long Island tongue and loyal friendship help to insulate Addy against the attacks of the catty, grasping contestants out to win their place at Jonathan's side.

As Addy moves forward in the competition, her attitude toward Jonathan – and the competition – changes. But when new enemies arise, will she be brave enough to stand up for what she believes in? Or, win or lose, will she go home having thrown away the opportunity to accomplish something of significance to God?

HITS & MISSES

The author makes it very clear that Addy's school is a struggling, tuition-based Christian school. Keeping that in mind, it seemed a little off to me that the principal of the school would not only endorse a reality TV dating show, but would see it as an acceptable tool to help increase enrollment for the next year. But once I got over that little hiccup in my suspension of disbelief I found this story so darn addicting that that momentary squirm in the beginning was barely a twitch compared with the smiles the rest of the story gave me.

McGee handles issues of Christian hypocrisy, anti-God sentiment, and inter-faith friendships with a light but steady hand, avoiding preachy passages for the most part while still making her characters' faith and feelings clear. Teens will appreciate the trueness of McGee's main characters and will identify with the difficulty Addy faces in being honest about her faith after having displayed a less-than-Christ-like attitude her first few days on the show.

TO READ, OR NOT TO READ?

Other than that brief moment of squirm at the very beginning, I found this book to be a touching, fun, edifying, campy, quick and downright delicious teen read. First Date is a great debut from an author who's sure to make a splash in the inspy YA market.

If you're not a fan of YA romance, or if you're looking for something deep to stretch your brain, this may not be the book for you. But if you're in need of a pure escapist read that sings with tender teen honesty, you'll fall in love with Krista McGee's Addy Davidson -- and her First Date.

(This review first posted at USA Today's romance fiction blog,Happy Ever After)

Review: LOVE LIFTED ME by Sara Evans with Rachel Hauck

noreply@blogger.com (Serena Chase) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:01:00 +0000

Country music superstar Sara Evans has once again teamed up with award-winning inspirational fiction author Rachel Hauck for the final installment of their Songbird series. Introducing a few new characters into the cast of well-crafted familiars, Love Lifted Me moves the troubled Benson family into a new setting that tests their faith and resolve.

HERE'S THE SITCH:

Jade Benson's life looks pretty good from the outside. Her vintage clothing store is about to be featured in a magazine, she lives in the beautiful home of her dreams, and she finally has a child to hold in her arms. But not all is what it seems. Her husband, Max, is addicted to prescription drugs and has been away for months at a residential rehab in Texas. The little boy Jade is raising is not her biological son, but the result of a one-night stand Max indulged in right before their wedding, and Jade's own past is littered with pain. Theirs is not a fairy tale romance.

Max has now completed the rehab program and is ready to come home and resume his life, but Jade isn't sure what to expect. She wants her marriage to survive, but trust is something that must be earned – and love, once damaged, must be proved true before she can let herself believe in it again.

When Max receives an unexpected offer to take over a troubled football program at a Texas high school, Jade is torn. She doesn't want to abandon the Tennessee town she has grown to love, nor the business she has fought to build, but she knows she must surrender her heart to God – and eventually to her husband – if her little family is going to survive. Texas – and football – might be the fresh start Jade and Max need to fall in love again.

HITS & MISSES:

The story is told from alternating points of view of Max and Jade, allowing the reader to empathize with both characters' struggles, failings and fears. Hauck and Evans don't pussy-foot around issues of relational dysfunction and pain, nor do they pour glitter over the results of their characters' past mistakes. Instead, the authors get into the head and heart of betrayal and shame to carve out a timid path toward forgiveness. The result is a touching and emotive love story that sizzles with passion even while the characters remain believably gun-shy about fully giving their hearts – whether it be to each other or to a calling.

This story is fine as a stand-alone novel, but readers will have a much better appreciation for the rutted road that split Max and Jade apart if they read the preceding Songbird novels (The Sweet By & By and Softly and Tenderly) before diving into this one.

TO READ, OR NOT TO READ?

With echoes of Remember the Titans and We Are Marshall resounding throughout the well-written football scenes, Hauck and Evans engage even the most football-illiterate of readers into the relational metaphor of overcoming the past by fighting for a fresh win. Love Lifted Me is a beautiful story of hope tackling betrayal and love manning up to win the game.

(This review originally appeared at USA Today's romance fiction blog, Happy Ever After)

*************************************

STAY TUNED AS WE CONTINUE TO CELEBRATE "RACHEL HAUCK WEEK"

with an interview and, of course,

A GIVEAWAY!

One lucky winner will win a copy of Love Lifted Me -- autographed by both Rachel Hauck AND country music superstar Sara Evans!

--- DETAILS TO COME!---

Serena's rating:

Author Interview with RACHEL HAUCK

noreply@blogger.com (Serena Chase) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:04:00 +0000

Rachel Hauck published her first novel in 2004. Since then she has become an award-winning (and best-selling) author of 11 more novels — with more to come. Her latest novel, co-written with country music superstar Sara Evans, is Love Lifted Me — the final novel in the duo's Songbird series.

I recently caught up with Rachel to talk about vintage clothing, Texas football and, of course, her latest book.

Serena: How did you and Sara Evans initially hook up to write the first Songbird novel?

Rachel: Our publisher, Allen Arnold at Thomas Nelson, approached us separately with the idea of writing together. First, Sara — to see if she was willing to take on a fiction project. Then me — to see if I wanted to work with her. I was at a place in my career where a partnership sounded fun and challenging so I gladly took on the project. Sara was working on a new album and gearing back up to be on radio, but had enough time to give initially to the book series.

Serena: The working relationships of co-writers look as different as the writers themselves. What does your co-writing relationship look like?

Rachel: Sara and I have a great partnership. From the beginning we knew our roles in this journey. She fed me ideas and I developed them. Sara has great story-telling instincts. It was my job all along to be the writer. It was, and is, hers to be the voice and the face of the series.

Serena: You've written about the costs of the writer's life, one of which is the necessity of leading a fairly solitary existence. Have you found the co-writing life to be more (or less) socially fulfilling?

Rachel: Writing is writing. With a co-writer or not, it's solitary. To develop characters with heart, the world has to be shut off. If I had questions or ideas that I needed Sara's input on, I'd e-mail her. We'd go back and forth for a bit and then settle on what we wanted to do. But most of the time it's me, in my office, backside in the chair, writing.

Serena: Solo vs. co-writing: Overall, which do you prefer?

Rachel: Great question. The lazy part of me says "co-writing." Why not have a constant partner to bounce ideas off of and get input? I'm envious of television writing teams who gather in a war room and hash out ideas together. I have a writing partner I call, Susan May Warren, when I need help. I'm blessed to have her. But we live many states apart!

The creator part of me says "solo." Novel writing is so much about pulling the emotions and creativity out of "you," the author, that it would really be hard to partner as a full-time process. Sara and I are blessed to have clicked from the beginning. A lot of partnerships don't fare as well as ours. We've been blessed.

Serena: Some reviewers are touting Love Lifted Me as a stand-alone member of the Songbird series. Do you see the novel that way, or do you think new readers could be confused if they haven't read the preceding two books?

Rachel: We wrote the novel to be stand-alone, but certainly readers will gain more of Jade and Max's perspective, and develop a deeper affection for them, if they've read the previous books. But readers will not be confused if they read Love Lifted Me first instead of third.

Serena: The Songbird series hits on a lot of touchy subjects for the inspirational genre, such as adultery, abortion, substance abuse and divorce. What made you want to tackle the relational fallout of these issues?

Rachel: Life. People deal with weighty topics every day — either in their own lives or of someone they know. Just because my characters may be Christians doesn't mean they don't have serious issues to face. So, instead of shying away from sin or shame, we jumped in so we could show the power of true hope in God.

I've experienced pain in my own life, much like my characters, and my faith and hope in Jesus rescued me. So that kind of inspiration and epiphany is a natural outcome of my writing.

Sara has also experienced God's grace in her life. She wants other women to know there is true and real hope.

Serena: Your books don't shy away from showing physical desire as part of a healthy (or unhealthy) romantic relationship. Have you taken any flack from more conservative readers? Or do you find that the inspy audience is becoming more open to this "edgier" content?

Rachel: No fallout that I know of, but I don't read all the reviews. If readers are upset, I'm unaware. I've had many readers write to say they appreciated real emotion and true desire shown in a palatable way. The reader gets what's going on sans the in-depth details.

The inspirational audience seems to be divided on the kind of content they expect in a CBA (Christian Booksellers Association) book. My goal is to write emotion and desire that's true to the story. Not every book will have the passion of Jade and Max. But for this story, a married couple reuniting, I felt that sexual tension was fitting.

Serena: Texas football plays a pretty big role in Love Lifted Me. Are you a football fan?

Rachel: Both Sara and I are football fans. She roots for the Crimson Tide, while I support my Ohio State Buckeyes.

Serena: Have you always been a football fan, or was that something that developed over the course of writing the novel?

Rachel: Longtime football fan. I was really excited to write a football kind of story.

Serena: Was any AstroTurf harmed in the writing of this book? LOL

Rachel: LOL. None whatsoever. All real grass and AstroTurf is safe!

Serena: You and Sara did a great job of making the football scenes come alive. My football vocabulary consists of about four words: touchdown, cheerleader and halftime show. I'm not much of a football fan (truth be told, I was something of a band geek back in my high school days), but I found myself engaged in the Warriors' fight for a win. How much high school football did you watch in order to write those scenes with such energy and still manage to make them accessible for the football-challenged readers like me?

Rachel: Football is a universal sport to me. It speaks to life: winning, losing, triumph, failure, working as a team to achieve the goal. Football is about growing up. It's about leadership and effort. We see in the character Tucker how wrecked his confidence was until he was forced by his coach to man-up and learn to kick the ball. We watched him fail. Then we finally watched him succeed and he started to change. I actually teared up at that scene when I was going over the final galley. Football is about "doing it" even on the hard days and staying true until results are achieved.

Don't we all want that kind of success? I apply this thinking to my own writing life. If you took those football scenes and made them about … riding, a spelling bee, the debate team, writing a novel, or even about being in the marching band, the truths and emotions of those characters would still apply. At least that was our goal! I hope it worked! Football was more of a setting than a "sport."

Serena: Jade, the main character of the Songbird series, operates a vintage clothing shop. Are you a fan of vintage duds? And, if so, what's your favorite piece?

Rachel: I am a fan of vintage, but I am a horrible shopper so I don't find as many pieces as I'd like. I loved the vintage thread in this story because it was really a reflection of Jade, her heart and character. It was her way of creating a past she could live with.

Serena: The moment Jade discovers that Chanel LBD is priceless. Do you have a cherished shopping memory you drew from to write that scene?

Rachel: I wanted to BE Jade in that scene. Are you kidding? Ha! I just imagined what it would be like to find a real, true Chanel Little Black Dress. The more I researched the history of the dress, the more Jade's scene came alive to me. I drew completely from Jade's point of view. What a find!

Serena: Will there be any more novels in the Songbird series?

Rachel: Love Lifted Me is our swan song in the Songbird series. We are working on a fourth book, though — and the premise is super fun!

Serena: Do you prefer writing series or stand-alone titles? What are the pros and cons?

Rachel: Every title is a stand-alone to me, but if I find a thread in a story that would make a sequel, then I go for it. We hear all the time "series don't sell well," yet readers seem to love visiting characters and settings over and over. It's like being with good friends.

What I loved about this series with a continuing character is the emotional attachment I had to the cast. I knew them so well it was easier than normal to write their story. The con to that is you must be consistent with the story across the novel series. You're locked in!

The pro of writing stand-alone is you can do whatever you want, and when the book is done, it's done. The author is free to create something completely new. That's exciting. But the story and character development start all over again.

Serena: What is the weirdest/oddest/coolest research you've attempted in the process of writing a novel? Was it a success?

Rachel: I believe in research, even for contemporary novels. I try to travel to my settings. I call people for the tiniest bit of information. For Softly and Tenderly, the second Songbird novel, I researched and researched old Cadillacs to find out where the convertible top release was positioned. I know, crazy. But the top played a role in the story and I wanted to know if Jade reached to the right side of the steering wheel or the left to release the top. And I found a guy in California who gave me my answer.

For one of my books, Love Starts with Elle, I had an artist friend help me paint a picture because Elle was an artist. I've sat in kitchens to learn the restaurant business. For Love Lifted Me, I called up a high school football coach for an interview. He was running PE classes so I followed him around asking questions.

It's fun …

Serena: The face of publishing and book promoting is changing. How much time do you allow yourself per (day/week/etc.) for promoting your work?

Rachel: I am online constantly with e-mail or social media. When a book comes out, I just make the required time needed to do promotion. I think the real question for me, and for some authors, is, "How much time do you allow yourself in a day to actually write!?" LOL.

Serena: With all the possible e-venues added to the standard physical book signing and personal appearance opportunities, do you find you are needing to spend more time promoting your work now — or has the increase of social media streamlined the process for you?

Rachel: Authors must be on social-media platforms. I'm not sure anyone can get away from it these days. I'm good friends with a very successful, nationally known author and this year she got on Facebook. Social media is about a dialogue. I can't just promote myself or I'll lose ground in the social-media arena. I have to join the conversations that are happening, as best I can, and gain readers or followers that way.

I use a promotional company in tandem with my publisher to promote my books when they come out. But on a day-to-day basis, with Facebook and Twitter, authors have to be "on" at least a few minutes each day. If I don't have anything worthy to share, I try to share the news of author friends.

Serena: What's your favorite part of writing and/or promoting a new novel?

Rachel: My favorite part of writing is having had written a book. It's done. Turned in! Finished. I love that feeling! My favorite part about promotion is connecting with readers, talking about the story and the characters, hearing what impacted them or not, discovering how they might have interpreted a situation in the story that I never even considered. I love talking about writing and books, so promotion is always fun!

Serena: How do you "get away from it all"?

Rachel: Is there a get-away-from-it-all? Just kidding … I ride my bike. Watch a movie with my husband. Read. Lunch with friends. I love a good prayer and worship meeting too!

Serena: Are you making any New Year's resolutions this year?

Rachel: Pursue love.

For more about Rachel Hauck and her books, visit her website, RachelHauck.com.

(This interview originally appeared at USA Today's romance fiction blog, Happy Ever After)

RIP Picnik.com

noreply@blogger.com (Joy Tamsin David) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 02:21:00 +0000

Bloggers, how are you going to edit images now that Picnik is closing shop? Just about every picture we post on this blog is manipulated in some way using Picnik's internet software. I'm not sure can blog without them. What am I going to do now? Quick someone talk me off this ledge...

Review: THE ACCIDENTAL BRIDE by Denise Hunter

noreply@blogger.com (Serena Chase) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:40:00 +0000

Inspirational romance author Denise Hunter writes novels with settings bold enough to almost be considered characters within the story. Her latest novel, The Accidental Bride, takes place in Moose Creek, Montana, a small town along the Wyoming border. It is the second book in the Big Sky Romance series.

HERE'S THE SITCH:

Bad luck seems to follow Shay Brandenburg – especially when a wedding is involved. But when her doll-making elderly friend, Miss Lucy, asks her to play the bride in Moose Creek's annual Founder's Day re-enactment, she can't weasel out of it. No one can say no to sweet old Miss Lucy.

Abandoned by one man at the altar, then married to – and divorced from – another, Shay wonders if even a fictional wedding can go off without a hitch if she's involved. Against her better judgment, Shay slips into the historical wedding gown and begins her walk down the aisle toward her fictional groom. Standing by the preacher, however, is not the man she expected to play the part of the groom, but Travis McCoy, her first love – and the man for whom she bought her first wedding dress.

Fourteen years ago Travis McCoy suffered an attack of cold feet that pressed his truck's accelerator all the way to the Texas rodeo. He loved Shay, but he knew marrying her would trap him in Moose Creek forever. Shay would never leave the third-generation ranch on which she was raised. Travis had bigger dreams than eeking out a living in Moose Creek and, in a split-second decision to drive away from his wedding, he chose his rodeo dreams over Shay.

Travis achieved both wealth and acclaim on the rodeo circuit, but all his success can't make up for the empty places where memories of Shay still occupy his heart. When temporary circumstances allow him to return to Moose Creek for an extended visit, Travis hopes to reconcile with his past mistakes. He wants to earn back Shay's trust and love, but the well-deserved disdain he receives from her when they cross paths leaves Travis with no idea where to start.

A last-minute upset to the Founder's Day celebration places Travis in the role of groom opposite Shay. And when an old piece of memorabilia – he and Shay's original marriage license – is mistakenly signed and filed by the absent-minded preacher, Travis sees his accidental-but-legal marriage to Shay as an opportunity to right his wrongs and prove his love is not only true, but that it has matured enough to stay.

After what she's been through, Shay has no faith in any man's staying power – least of all Travis McCoy's. But his help could help save her ranch from foreclosure – at least for a little while, so she agrees to keep up the farce of their marriage for a trial period. But living with Travis underfoot isn't as easy as she thought it would be. And keeping her distance from the handsome, sexy, grown-up version of her first love may prove impossible.

HITS & MISSES:

As with the setting of her Moose Creek community, Hunter's characters are clearly drawn and each voice is unique to its owner. Shay is a strong woman whose wounds have made her skittish and insecure; still, she knows what she is about and, though stubborn to a fault, Shay is uncompromising on what she believes to be true. Travis' upbringing and success have given him a cocky sort of confidence that is offset by the tender and humble way he tries to woo Shay back. On the other hand, he has a weaker will than Shay and, once discouraged, it takes awhile for Travis to recover his mojo. Their interactions are entertaining, to say the least, and the physical attraction between the two sizzles with desire.

I would have liked to have seen a little bit more from eccentric Miss Lucy, whose presence serves as the plucky comic relief. Who doesn't like a character who asks her dolls for advice? Call me crazy, but I wanted more Miss Lucy; not necessarily because the story needed more to move forward, but just because she's such a quirky character. And I'm a glutton for quirk.

TO READ, OR NOT TO READ?

The Accidental Bride is one of those books that plants a smile on your face and draws your heart into even the most farcical aspects of its plot. A fun weekend read with equal parts spunk and spice, Denise Hunter's The Accidental Bride will keep readers lassoed up tight 'til the cows come home.

(This review originally appeared at USA Today's Romance Fiction blog, Happy Ever After)

Review: The Wishing Pearl by Nicole O'Dell

noreply@blogger.com (Serena Chase) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 08:02:00 +0000

New YA from Nicole O'Dell

THE WISHING PEARL: A Diamond Estates Novel

Popular Christian author, speaker, and teen radio host Nicole O'Dell's latest novel introduces readers to the fallout of mishandled loss. Telling the story of Olivia, a talented musician who longs for the day when she will go to college and get away from her unhappy home, The Wishing Pearl, A Diamond Estates Novel, is written for teens.

It should be noted that Olivia, the novel's main character, is a victim of sexual abuse at the hands of her stepfather and that her quest for escape leads her to experiment with alcohol and drugs. As a mom, however, I found NO ISSUE with the real, yet careful way O'Dell portrayed these sensitive subjects and I have no qualms about recommending this book to teens.

Here's the sitch, from the back cover:

Sixteen-year-old Olivia Mansfield dreams of a land far, far away... A land far away from her stepfather's abuse and torment. A land far away from her mother's blind eye. A land far away from the haunting memories of her past.

But then reality sets in, and Olivia knows she must make the best of her dire situation -- at least until her high shcool graduation. But when poor choices lead Olivia to the brink of a complete breakdown and she finds herself dealing with the unexpected death of her best friend, she comes to a crossroads.

Will Olivia find the path to ultimate hope and healing that her heart longs for Or will the demons from her past prove too much to bear?

My Take On It:

Emotively written in a teen-appropriate manner, The Wishing Pearl tackles sensitive subjects without gratuitously over-detailing the icky parts -- yet, at the same time, O'Dell does not gloss over the heartbreaking results of its characters' actions. Well done.

The Wishing Pearl has a spare bit of boy attraction-action, but the romantic subplot is not the main thrust of this book -- it's more about the complexity of relationships when abuse is present in a person's life; and about chasing the hope that feeds a hungry, hurting soul.

My thanks to Nicole O'Dell and Barbour Publishing for sending me a copy of this novel. My fourteen-year-old, high school freshman daughter read The Wishing Pearl also -- and this review comes with both of our recommendations. Not only did we both enjoy it, we are also looking forward to the next Diamond Estates Novel.

Serena's Rating:

Review- The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen

noreply@blogger.com (Joy Tamsin David) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen is fun, light romance and a pleasant way to spend a lazy afternoon. I enjoyed reading about life below stairs for the servant class, the setting reminded me a little of Deeanne Gist's Maid to Match in that way.

The plot line requires some suspension of disbelief. Margaret seems to think a pair of spectacles, a wig, and an inconsistent accent are enough to disguise her from the man who once proposed. But she's not fooling Nathaniel (and how she ever fools herself is the unbelievable part).

Like Nathaniel, the reader waits to see how Margaret's little charade will play out, amused by the process along the way. And the payoff is worth the buildup, because sparks fly when Nathaniel finally confronts his former flame with the truth.

Fans of historical romance can't go wrong with Julie Klassen, she delivers every time.

Want more info? Here's the book blurb:

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

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

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

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, go HERE

My rating:

Gratuitous Fozzy Photo

noreply@blogger.com (Joy Tamsin David) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Joy and Serena's Faves of 2011 (the general market edition)

noreply@blogger.com (Joy Tamsin David) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

This may be a Christian fiction blog but Serena and I both love a good mainstream market read, so we're breaking character today and giving you a list of our faves from outside the CBA. Don't worry CF fans, we'll return to regularly scheduled programming tomorrow!

1. Favorite book read -- it's unanimous! (or duo-naminous, anyway!)

Joy: Divergent by Veronica Roth
Serena: Divergent by Veronica Roth

2. Most Powerful Book

Joy:The Help by Kathryn Stockett (I could easily put this in favorite book read too).

Serena: I didn't read a whole lot of "powerful books" this year (I got The Help for my birthday in December, but haven't had the chance to crack it open yet!), but I have to admit that I found The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente to be powerful in an unconventional sort of way. I was utterly delighted with this book and with "the classic storyteller" way it fabled its way through an entirely original moral tale.

3. Brilliantly Funny

Joy: Eh, Jenny B. Jones was funnier than anything I read in the general market this year.

Serena: Skulduggery Pleasant: Scepter of the Ancients by Derek Landy
(pub. in 2007, this one was new to me, but not the rest of the world, in 2011). This book reads like the best kind of buddy-comedy action movie, except the buddies are a middle school girl and a hundreds-of-years-old detective -- who just so happens to be a skeleton with mad ninja skills and a wicked collection of sarcastic one-liners. Brilliant.

4. Best ache-y, break-y tear jerker read:

Serena: Crossing Oceans by Gina Holmes (this is CBA, actually, and was released in 2010, but I'm counting it because I didn't read it until 2011 and I was utterly moved to tears by the story!)

5. Best rainy day comfort read:

Joy: After historical inspy, the celeb memoir is my go to genre for a comfort read. I consumed Rob Lowe's Stories I Only Tell My Friends in one afternoon from a comfy chair in Barnes and Noble, and it was delish!

Serena: These aren't new, but as when one visits Narnia, I find the richness of the tales grow as I do, so it is not uncommon for me to reach for: the Harry Potter set, in order -- but if I have to pick my faves for a rainy day, they would be: 1, 3, and 5. (Of course this only works if you have a string of rainy days, you understand!)

6. Adrenaline fueled un-putdownable award:

Serena: I'd have to say... Divergent by Veronica Roth, again. I think I read it the day I downloaded it.

Joy: I agree. I read this one on my cruise and there were times I'd rather be in my room reading it than out enjoying myself.

7. Beautiful Prose Award:

Joy: Linger and Forever by Maggie Stiefvater. Stiefvater is a master of writing subtext, her characters frequently discuss life altering issues without ever actually talking about them at all. Sam, Grace, Isabel and Cole's personalities are so deep and complex, writer wannabes like myself should take notes.

Serena: The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente (see picture under #2). This might seem an odd choice for a beautiful prose award, but I loved the voice of the narrator, the symbolism, and the beautiful nuggets of truth hidden within the text. (There's even a character whose name is Truth. She is made of soap.) This is one I got from the library but plan to purchase, highlight, and read aloud to my girls -- even the highschooler (you're never too old to listen to a great book!) It's just a lovely, lovely story.

8. Most vivid, atmospheric setting:
Serena: Again, Divergent by Veronica Roth. Even now, I can see that world-gone-wrong in my head.

9. Most Haunting story:

Serena: Kindred by Tammar Stein. There is no pretty-bow ending on this unusual tale of spiritual warfare -- told from the point of view of a contemporary Jewish teen -- but the ending is not only satisfying, but thought provoking; and in that way, it is haunting.

10. Had no idea I would love this so:

Joy: Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan. When I posted a list of 5 titles to read in the event of a zombie apocalypse, my blogging buddies chimed in with a bunch of zombie romance recs. Equal parts disturbing and engaging, they left me grasping for more. I finished Ryan's entire series and now I'm looking for the next zombie author I can sink my teeth into.

11. Wanted to love it but it didn't do it for me:

Joy: Bossypants by Tina Fey wasn't nearly as funny as I hoped it would be.

Serena: The Vespertine by Saundra Mitchell. I loved the cover and sometimes the story almost lived up to its gothic, otherworldy beauty, but... not enough to make me rush out for the sequel.

12. Best Plot Twist/Revelation:

Joy: Minny's Terrible Awful from The Help.

Serena: The ending of Cascade by Lisa T. Bergren. I know this one is considered CBA, but... it's so crossover that I have no qualms listing it among general market titles. There is a serious "Oh no you did NOT just leave me hanging like that!" at the end of that book -- and it was beautiful and unexpected and opened all kinds of worm cans for the next book(s?!) in the series.

Joy: Oooh, I agree, great cliffhanger on that one.

13. Best love triangle:

Joy: I have a love/hate relationship with the love triangle. But I would have been happy with Gabry and either Catcher or Elias in Carrie Ryan's The Dead Tossed Waves.

Serena: Cassia/Xander/Ky in Matched, a dystopian YA by Ally Condie (the triangle continues, I believe, in Crossed, which was just released and is sitting in my house waiting for me to read it!)

Joy: Good choice! I finished Crossed this week and I'm still not sure if I'm Team Xander or Team Ky.

14. Favorite couple:

Joy: Isabel and Cole from Forever by Maggie Stiefvater. These broken side kicks stole the show.

15. Favorite Cover Art:

Serena: Entwined by Heather Dixon. If I could buy a print of this and hang it in my office, I totally would. I love this cover. And for a former-little-girl who dearly loved the story of The Twelve Dancing Princesses, I'd have to say: the book was pretty doggone good, too.

And as for a cover that was perfect for the book? I'd have to go with Matched by Ally Condie (see pic above)-- it got the dress right (so many covers are a poor reflection of what the character is supposed to look like according to the text!) and it captured the essence of Cassia's existence. Perfection.

Special thanks to Inkcrush for creating such a neat book blogging meme.

Joy and Serena's Best Inspy Romances of 2011!

noreply@blogger.com (Serena Chase) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 09:04:00 +0000

I love the reading wrap ups bloggers post at the end of the year. I keep those posts bookmarked and refer back to them when I'm looking for something good to read next.

If you're looking for some inspirational romance recommendations, you've come to the right place. Of the 59 books I read in 2011, 30 were inspy romance. Instead of choosing a third of them and doing a top 10 list, I decided to whittle the pile down to five (Serena read way more romance than me, so her list is longer).

In no particular order, the top five inspirational romances I read this year are:

1. Save the Date by Jenny B. Jones.

Snarky humor and a hot hero, wish all my books came this way.

2. Waterfall by Lisa Bergren.

Props for originality! And I'm a sucker for teen-aged angst.

3. Lilly's Wedding Quilt by Kelly Long

An edgy Amish. Who knew?

4. Yesterday's Tomorrow by Catherine West

Completely unlike anything I've seen in Christian romance before. Gritty, powerful, and oh-so-romantic. It's easy to see why this one took the 2011 INSPY award for romance.

5. The Colonel's Lady by Laura Frantz

Really good kissing (and the story's well done too).

Serena's Top 10 List: Fave Inspy Romances of 2011

okay, I cheated a little. I had a "tie" -- but, hey, I read a lot.

(click on the book title to link to my review!)

10. Kiss of Night by Debbie Viguie -- I thought I was done with sexy vampires. I was wrong.

9. TIE! Protection for Hire by Camy Tang AND The Merchant's Daughter by Melanie Dickerson -- PFH is a new romantic suspense series with the flavor of chick lit that I love so much. Looking forward to the next books in the series! And TMD is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast that is fresh and lovely.

8. A Billion Reasons Why by Kristin Billerbeck -- a killer soundtrack and a "my book boyfriend" who wears a fedora on a regular basis? I'm in.

7. A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander -- "Belmont, hail my alma mater..." It was so much fun to see the history of Belmont Mansion & its lady come to life!

6. To Die For by Sandra Byrd -- The writing in this book was just. so. GOOD. Sandra drew my heart into the story of Meg and her friend, Anne Boleyn. Can't wait for the next book in the series (June 2012!)

5. Save the Date by Jenny B. Jones -- still snorting. Ex-football hero turned politician needs a fiancee to up his rating in the polls? Pick me! Pick me!

4. Cascade by Lisa T. Bergren -- ahhhhhhhh. The sequel to Waterfall. The prequel to Torrent. I cannot believe how much I adore this series. I ahhh-dore it. BTW: Marcello, Luca: call me. I miss you.

3. There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones --- It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me want to go to Ireland with a vampire (actor)

2. Torrent by Lisa T. Bergren -- I've got two words for you, ladies: LORD GRECO.

1. Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren -- This is the book that started me on a mild (some could argue the "mild" part) obsession with Italian knights. I could gush about this book for hours. Hours. Or I could just stare off into space and imagine my hand fitting the impression inside an Etruscan tomb and then traveling through time where I -- ahhhh -- land in Marcello's arms....

Oh, you're still here? Seriously? When you could be downloading these books?

I hope your reading adventures were as wonderful as mine were in 2011 -- and Joy and I wish you the very best in 2012!!!!