Relz Reviewz

Janice Thompson ~ What's Cooking?

2009-11-27T23:34:00.000+11:00

Most of my books are wedding themed and many people don't know this, but I make wedding cakes (and other types of celebration cakes) on the side. I don't do this for money. I started doing it when my four daughters all got married within four and a half years of each other! (We spent $500 on my oldest daughter's wedding cake and only half of it was eaten. After that day I vowed, "Never again!" and started making the cakes myself.) Readers will notice that Aunt Rosa (in the Weddings by Bella series) makes all of the cakes for the family's wedding facility. I got this idea from my own story!

One of my favorite cakes to make (recently) is called an oreo cake.
Here's how I make it.

Janice's Oreo Cake

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

A large round pan. I use an 11 inch pan.

Two boxes of devil's food cake mix

One box of white cake mix (I use Pillsbury, pudding in the mix)

Cream cheese frosting (homemade or from a can)

A full package of Oreos

Mix up the devil's food cake mix in one bowl and the white cake mix in another. You need to end up with a total of three cakes: two chocolate and one white. Depending on the size of your pan, you might have some left-over batter. You can always toss it or use it to bake a small cake for the kids.

When the three cakes are baked, get busy on your cream cheese frosting. Here's how I make mine from scratch: one rectangular block of Crisco shorting, one package of cream cheese, a couple of tablespoons of milk, clear vanilla flavoring. Blend these ingredients till creamy, then add powdered sugar until it is the right consistency. You don't want it too thick or too thin. When the frosting is done, crumble about 1/3 of the bag of Oreos into the frosting and mix well.

Now, to assemble the cakes. Start with a chocolate one on bottom. Add a layer of the cream cheese/oreo frosting. Now put the white cake on top of that and frost it. Then add a chocolate cake on top of that and frost the whole cake, top and sides. Apply the cream cheese frosting liberally! I usually finish the cake off by taking the remaining Oreos and pressing them all around the bottom of the cake, forming a ring around the bottom. People love the look of the cake and gobble it up at parties! Best of all, when you cut into it, it looks like an Oreo, with the white in the middle! Yum!

Sounds like a good one, Janice :) Love the story behind your wedding cakes!

Janice's Books

Love Finds You in Poetry, Texas ~ Fools Rush In ~ Swinging on a Star (2010)
Spring Creek Bride ~ Allegheny Hopes

Relz Reviewz Extras

All things Thompson @ Relz Reviewz
Visit Janice's website
Buy Janice's books at Amazon or Koorong

Character Spotlight ~ Maggie Brendan's Josh McBride & Juliana Brady

2009-11-26T22:48:00.001+11:00

Today the spotlight shines on Josh McBride & Juliana Brady

Maggie Brendan's second Heart of the West novel delves into the life of a sheepherder in Montana, and the young woman who catches his eye. It was interesting to read about sheep rather than cattle for a change! I hope you enjoy this look behind the scenes of this story. Over to you, Maggie:~

Brief physical description

Josh McBride is a sheepherder with a muscular build about 5' 9”. He has nice warm eyes the shade of amber with a smooth baritone voice.

Juliana Brady is a slender, young lady with long brown curly hair. She has enormous blue eyes that Josh compares to the Yogo sapphires.

I think Dale MidKiff is perfect for Josh and Zooey Deschanel is just right for Juliana.

Strengths and weaknesses

Josh has strong faith in God but lack self-esteem when it comes to Juliana and thinks he's too old for her. He struggles with trying to make it without his cattle baron father's help in sheepherding.

Juliana's has a self-determination that's strong in her ability to make it on her own, but doesn't trust men because of her past experience.

Your inspiration for the character

My inspiration for Josh came to me after travelling to Montana and reading about the Yogo sapphires. I modelled him after the sheepherder that really discovered the gems on his property.

Juliana was purely a figment of my imagination although I wanted her to have the cornflower blue eyes like the Yogo stones.

Background to the story

My story is set in 1890's Montana. Juliana is drawn to the amber eyes of a sheepherder she sees in a sketch. Once they meet, sparks fly when he considers mining for sapphires for a living. Mining lured her own father from his family.

Both of them must make a choice for their future--the riches of the world or the eternal value of love.

Thanks Maggie, for again sharing about your characters - much appreciated!

Tune in on Monday for a spotlight on Sandra D Bricker's Cassie Constantine & Richard Dillon, from Love Finds You in Holiday, Florida ~ watch out for the pink flamingos!

Relz Reviewz Extras

Reviews of No Place for A Lady and The Jewel of His Heart

Character spotlight on Crystal & Luke

Interview with Maggie

Visit Maggie's blog

Buy Maggie's books at Amazon or Koorong

Getting to know Julie Carobini

2009-11-26T09:32:00.001+11:00

Julie Carobini has been a favourite author of mine since reading her debut novel, Chocolate Beach. Julie imbues each of her stories with humour, grace and the sights and smells of the ocean! Be sure to check out her latest novel, Sweet Waters and the 2010 sequel, A Shore Thing, released by B&H Fiction.

Over to you, Julie:~

If you could have chosen your own name, what would it be?

Julie Marie (the name my parents gave me :)

Your first pet’s name?

Swissy (the cat)

Your best friend’s name in primary (elementary) school?

Stephanie

Did you have a special toy that went everywhere with you when you were young? Please describe.

Haha...hm. Probably my Donny Osmond doll.

If you could meet a famous person, who would it be and why?

I'd want to meet Billy Graham and ask him dozens of questions about theology, politics and his family. His efforts for Christ have had such far reaching effects that I think I'd just like to hear him in his own voice talking about his life.

If you were stranded on a desert island what one object would you want with you? (Besides your Bible of course)

A pen. I could always write my next novel on my hands and arms.

What's your favourite ice cream flavour?

Jamoca Almond Fudge from Baskin Robbins

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I grew up in LA and wanted to be an actress (pretty much the dream of every other little girl in LA.) I took acting lessons and became part of the Burbank Little Theater for a while, but then realized I didn't really like being on stage all that much :)

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

I'd like to go to Northern Italy where my husband's family is from, then fly down to Sicilia to visit my sister in law's relatives.

Besides God, who has influenced you the most?

My mother. She's sweet and tough. Love her.

What's your favourite book?

Tough question because I read all kinds of things, but Jan Karon's At Mitford series sticks out in my mind. I loved almost all of them and can pick one up randomly and be instantly transported to that little town of Mitford...

What part of your daily routine do you enjoy most?

My morning latte, especially when my husband Dan makes it for me :)

What's your favourite movie?

Sleepless in Seattle ~ such a sucker for romance. Wish they would've made a sequel, though.

What will we find you in the most – designer dress & heels, Tank top and boardies, jeans and a t-shirt?

Jeans, soft cotton blouse, flip flops--even in winter.

Where's the most interesting place you have been?

Bath, England (Jane Austen once lived there!)

What's your most fervent prayer?

For my children. Always for them.

What's the bravest thing you've ever done?

Admitted sin to someone else.

What gift have you received that you will always treasure?

My marriage to Dan (ripply sigh here)

What is your favourite Bible verse (or "one" of your favourites) and what does it mean to you?

Col. 3:23 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord and not men..."

What was your most embarrassing moment in High School?

Not making the Drill Team. Thanks for causing me to relive that.

You’re visiting Australia (I can always hope!), where do you go first ~ Sydney Harbour, Great Barrier Reef or Uluru (Ayers Rock)?

Great Barrier Reef!

Favourite beach activity?

Watching my youngest daughter run amok with Charlie the Dog

How did your husband propose?

Showed up at my apartment one night after work with a bouquet of roses and a shy smile on his face. He asked me to marry him ~ then called my parents even though I was already a grown woman living on my own. Super sweet.

Please ask each of your children to describe you with one word and share!

Oh, boy. Okay, here goes:

18 year old son: Booyah! (Honestly, that's what he said.)

15 year old daughter: Animated (Her 2nd choice after I told her that 'psychotic' was unacceptable.)

11 year old daughter: Entertaining (The only one who didn't take longer than 5 minutes to come up with something, Lol)

Sweet Waters

What or whom inspired your characters?

I read the verse “Hear the word of the LORD, O nations; proclaim it in distant coastlands…” (Jer. 31:10) and thought, “Hm, what if a person had to be physically moved from one place to another in order for God to get her attention? From there, I played the ‘what-if’ game. While this story is fiction, I realized that God had done a similar thing in my own life, and that once removed from the things that kept me from him, I finally heard him clearly.

Are you most like Tara, Mel or Camille?

I can relate best to Tara because I too am the oldest child and with that spot in the birth order comes lots of responsibility (or at least the perception of often overwhelming responsibility ;)

You write fun stories with a serious side – how do you find the balance?

I've lived through tough times involving major illness, a broken heart and financial woes. In spite of all the yuck, God has given me the ability and desire to laugh and I so love him for that! I think this is why I try to convey seemingly contradictory emotions onto the page. The trick, I believe, is not to downplay the serious stuff, but also to acknowledge the hope that we can find through faith in God. I think of my beachy novels as stories offering "Waves of Grace."

Please describe each of your main characters from Sweet Waters with one word

Tara: Sensible
Mel: Sarcastic
Camille: Flighty

What was your favourite scene to write?

I find birth order and sibling rivalry fascinating, so I'd have to say that my favorite scenes to write were those where the sisters 'sparred' in some way.

What do you hope readers take away from this story?

I hope Sweet Waters demonstrates that sometimes when we get what we wish for, it isn’t ‘all that’? And yet if we surrender it all to God, his plans for us are better than we could have concocted for ourselves.

A Shore Thing releases in July, 2010 ~ care to share?

The second of the Otter Bay Novels, A Shore Thing will be released in July 2010. New characters ~ same gorgeous setting. This story centers around Callie Duflay and her fight to keep a huge development from destroying the central coast—while also protecting her heart from the charming architect on the proposed project.

What is in your writing pipeline now? A sneak peek, please?

I'm having a ball writing the as-yet untitled 3rd Otter Bay Novel! It involves the famed Hearst Castle and heartbreak and restoration...can't wait for you to read it :)

Thanks so much for sharing with us, Julie ~ it's been a delight getting to know you better!

As seen at TitleTrakk.com

Relz Reviewz Extras

Review of Sweet Waters & Chocolate Beach

Character spotlight on Tara & Josh from Sweet Waters

Visit Julie's website, blog and beach shop

Buy Julie's books at Amazon or Koorong

Stand-In Groom by Kaye Dacus ~ Tracy's Take

2009-11-25T19:37:00.004+11:00

Publisher’s Synopsis:

When professional wedding planner Anne Hawthorne first meets the handsome Englishman George Laurence, she wonders if God has finally answered her prayers for a husband. But when the “best man” for her turns out to be a client – and someone else’s to-have-and-to-hold – Anne quickly realises that planning his wedding will be no honeymoon. Can she remain professional while falling for the groom?

A personal assistant for a wealthy man who wishes to keep his identity – and his engagement – a secret, George Laurence has come to Louisiana to plan his employer’s wedding and pose as the groom. Not only is this a challenge to the tenets of his Christian faith, but he can’t stand the fact that he’s deceiving Anne, the first woman who ever made his heart really sing. Will George ultimately risk his career to keep the woman he loves?

And what will happen when Anne finds out the groom’s true identity? Can Anne and George find a way to a happy ending, or will this “I do” ruse destroy their chance at love?

What I thought:

Kaye Dacus displays her expertise in her craft with flair in ‘Stand-in Groom’. On the surface this book may appear to be an example of predictable Christian romance. However, dig a little deeper and Kaye deftly weaves deeper values and challenges the reader to action over issues that each one of us face at some point in our lives.

I love the way Kaye develops Anne’s character throughout the story. I also found the development of Anne and Laurence’s relationship to be nothing of the cliché I expected. Instead, Kaye has managed to construct her storyline in a way that feels entirely realistic. Anne and George encounter their fair share of communication snags throughout the story, which adds weight to what might otherwise be a light-hearted romance.

Throughout ‘Stand-in Groom’ I was challenged by Anne’s difficulty in pursuing forgiveness for the way she had been treated and I was inspired to be diligent in seeking out ways to communicate effectively with the people I love most. ‘Stand-in Groom’ highlighted, for me, the need to communicate thoroughly and with integrity that is God-honouring.

With thanks to Barbour Publishing for this review copy

Guest reviewer:~ My friend Tracy from Beyond My Picket Fence

Relz Reviewz Extras
Character spotlight on Kaye's William Ransome & Julia Witherington from Ransome's Honor
Visit Kaye's website
Buy Kaye's books at Amazon or Koorong

Character Spotlight ~ Tracey Bateman's Nina Parker

2009-11-23T23:16:00.001+11:00

Today the spotlight shines on.............................Nina Parker

Tracey Bateman is a multi published author, well know for her Chick Lit and romance novels. With Thirsty, Tracey turns her hand to a novel of addiction, suspense and redemption.

I hope you enjoy this insight into Nina. Over to you, Tracey:~

Brief physical description

Nina Parker: Exotic, dark skinned, almost native American-looking, but white. Dark, long, completely straight hair. Dark brown eyes, beautiful, tiny, but curvy where it matters.

Actor/famous person

Demi Moore is probably the closest, but not exactly. I see her face softer than Demi, her eyes more gentle and vulnerable. Maybe a long-haired Demi Moore from Ghost.

 Strengths and weaknesses

She is fiercely loyal, loves at any cost. But that's also her weakness because she takes every criticism, every raised-eyebrow look straight to her heart and it drives her forward to good things but also destructive behaviors. She has an addictive personality and a need for approval. Struggles as a recovering alcoholic.   

Quirk (if any)

This might be my first heroine ever without a quirk.    

Your inspiration for the character 

Myself and a compilation of people I know with a need to please and addictive personalities.

 Background to the story

Nina lost her vet business and her family because of her alcoholism. She returns to Abbey Hills to pull it all together.

The background as far as writing the story...

I decided to draw from my family addictions and parallel it to the vampire's addiction to blood.

Tracey ~ thanks for sharing about Nina and the inspiration behind this book.

On Thursday, I will be spotlighting Juliana Brady & Josh McBride from Maggie Brendan's The Jewel of His Heart. Stay tuned!

Relz Reviewz Extras

Buy Tracey's books at Amazon or Koorong

Coming in 2010 from Zondervan

2009-11-21T16:14:00.005+11:00

Here's a look at some of Zondervan's 2010 releases. Click on the links for more :)

Love Terri's cover - how about you?

A Promise of Hope by Amy Clipston

In A Promise of Hope, the second installment in the Kauffman Amish Bakery series, bestselling author Amy Clipston compellingly unfolds the tensions, loves, and faith of the inhabitants of an Amish community and the family bakery that serves as an anchor point for the series. When Sarah Troyer tragically loses her husband Peter, she is left to raise infant twins alone. Overwhelmed and grieving, she lives with her parents in the Amish community of Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania. Sarah is taken completely by surprise when a stranger arrives claiming connections to Peter’s past—Peter had told her he was an orphan with no family. From Luke, she learns her husband hid a secret life, one with ramifications that will change her own. Sarah’s family, concerned for her and the future of her twins, encourages her to marry again. It should make sense … but Sarah’s heart says no. She feels trapped. Should she marry a man she doesn’t love? Or discover if her growing interest in Luke can be trusted?

Releasing April, 2010

Predator by Terri Blackstock

The murder of Krista Carmichael’s fourteen-year-old sister by an online predator has shaken her faith and made her question God’s justice and protection. Desperate to find the killer, she creates an online persona to bait the predator. But when the stalker turns his sights on her, will Krista be able to control the outcome? Ryan Adkins started the social network GrapeVyne in his college dorm and has grown it into a billion-dollar corporation. But he never expected it to become a stalking ground for online Predators. One of them lives in his town and has killed two girls and attacked a third. When Ryan meets Krista, the murders become more than a news story to him, and everything is on the line. Joining forces, he and Krista set out to stop the killer. But when hunters pursue a hunter, the tables can easily turn. Only God can protect them now.

Releasing May, 2010

Life in Defiance by Mary E. DeMuth

In a town she personifies, Ouisie Pepper wrestles with her own defiance. Desperate to become the wife and mother her husband Hap demands, Ouisie pours over a simple book about womanhood, constantly falling short, but determined to improve. Through all that self-improvement, Ouisie carries a terrible secret: she knows who killed Daisy Chance. As her children inch closer to uncovering the killer’s identity and Hap’s rages roar louder and become increasingly violent, Ouisie has to make a decision. Will she protect her children by telling her secret? Or will Hap’s violence silence them all? Set on the backdrop of Defiance, Texas, Ouisie’s journey typifies the choices we all face—whether to tell the truth about secrets and fight for the truth or bury them forever and live with the violent consequences.

Releasing May, 2010

Take Four by Karen Kingsbury

After Chase Ryan returns to his family and a job in his hometown, his best friend and fellow filmmaker Keith Ellison pairs up with former Hollywood heartthrob Dayne Matthews to finish following the dream—making movies that might change the world. The Above the Line series follows two best friends through three years in Hollywood as they seek to transform the culture through the power of film. In Take Four, filmmakers Keith Ellison and Dayne Matthews have finally inked a deal to have the nation’s top young actor star in their current film. But at the same time, the actor takes a very public fall that threatens his reputation among his fan base. Meanwhile, healing happens for Andi Ellison in her relationship with God, her family, and those she loves, but is it too late? The new producers find they must truly act as missionaries in order to help save the film, their families, and the young movie star. Breakthroughs take place that the public will never know about, as the possibility of saving the world through film is finally a very real possibility.

Releasing July, 2010

A Matter of Character by Robin Lee Hatcher

The Sisters of Bethlehem Springs series delivers exactly what readers have been waiting for—smart, confident women who are not afraid to defy convention, live their own dreams, and share their lives if the right man comes along. In A Matter of Character, book three in the Sisters of Bethlehem Springs series, it's 1918, and Daphne McKinley, heiress to a small fortune, has found contentment in the town of Bethlehem Springs. But Daphne has a secret. A series of dime novels loosely based on local lore and featuring a nefarious villain known as Rawhide Rick has enjoyed modest popularity among readers. Nobody in Bethlehem Springs knows the man behind the stories … except Daphne. When newspaperman Joshua Crawford comes to town searching for the man who sullied the good name of his grandfather, Daphne finds herself at a crossroads, reassessing the power of her words, re-thinking how best to honor her gifts, and reconsidering what she wants out of life.

Releasing July, 2010

Deceit by Brandilyn Collins

Skip Tracer Joanne Weeks knows Baxter Jackson killed his second wife—and Joanne’s best friend—seven years ago. But Jackson, a church elder and beloved member of the town, walks the streets a free man. The police tell Joanne to leave well enough alone, but Joanne is determined to bring Jackson down. Using her skip tracing skills, she sets out to locate Melissa Harkoff, now twenty-two, who lived in the Jackson home at the time of Linda Jackson’s disappearance. As Joanne drives home on a rainy winter night, a hooded figure darts in front of her car. In her headlight beams she glimpses the half-concealed face of a man, a rivulet of blood jagging down his cheek. She squeals to a stop but clips him with her right fender. Shaking, she gets of our her car in the pouring rain. The man will not let her see his face. Before he limps off into the night he warns her not to talk to police. As Joanne tries to find Melissa, someone seems to be after her. Who was the man she hit on the road. Is Baxter Jackson out to silence her? Or is some other skip she’s traced in the past now out for revenge?

Releasing August, 2010

Trish Perry ~ What's Cooking?

2009-11-20T19:38:00.006+11:00

Trish Perry

I never use a recipe to make this dish, so don’t get all retentive about these ingredients. These measurements should get the job done, but you can go over or under the line on the measuring cups and spoons without anyone being the wiser.

Chicken Stroganoff

Ingredients

4 T butter

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces

¾ C fresh, sliced mushrooms

½ onion, thinly sliced

1 T flour (and maybe a bit more)

¾ C chicken broth

¼ C white cooking wine

1 t salt

½ t pepper

¾ C sour cream

Cooked rice (white or brown)

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Melt 2T butter in large skillet. Over medium heat, sauté cut-up chicken until just cooked through. Spoon chicken pieces in bowl and set aside.

In same skillet melt remaining 2T butter and sauté sliced mushrooms and onion until softened. Lower heat, sprinkle flour over mushrooms and onion, and blend.

Once flour is blended, slowly add broth and wine, stirring continuously. Add salt, and pepper. Bring to a quick boil and then lower heat. Allow sauce to thicken and then add chicken back in and stir to blend all the juices together. Heat until chicken is fully cooked.

If the sauce seems too thin, take a little bowl and mix a few tablespoons of the sauce with approximately 1 teaspoon of flour, adding another tablespoon of sauce until mixture is thin enough to pour into skillet. Bring to quick boil and then lower heat again and allow that to simmer until thickened.

Once sauce is thickened add sour cream and turn off heat. Mix thoroughly.

Add salt and pepper to taste.

Serve over cooked rice, along with a fresh green salad and a steamed veggie of your choice. That way you can serve cookies after, and no one will feel terribly guilty.

Love the sound of this, Trish - thanks :)

Trish's Books

The Guy I'm Not Dating ~ Too Good Too Be True ~ Beach Dreams ~ Sunset Dreams

Relz Reviewz Extras
All Things Perry @ Relz Reviewz
Buy Trish's books at Amazon or Koorong

Character Spotlight ~ Christina Berry's Craig & Denise Littleton

2009-11-19T23:55:00.000+11:00

Today the spotlight shines on.........Craig & Denise Littleton

I "met" Christina Berry a number of years ago, actually before I started blogging, through another very special lady and author, Donna Fleisher (hey Donna!). I have kept tabs over the years on Christina's writing and personal journey and I'm am so thrilled she is now published and appearing on my blog :)

Be sure to check out The Familiar Stranger next time you are in the bookstore ~ it is garnering some stellar reviews!

Over to you, Christina:~

Brief physical description

Craig Littleton is a blue-eyed, fit forty-six-year old with most of his brown hair sticking around.

Denise, his wife, is a hazel-eyed, fake honey-blond mother of two who enjoys her affluent lifestyle. (Ah, but all that is about to change ...)

Actor/famous person

Christina Applegate comes pretty close to the way I picture Denise, but I'd like to add a few years. Same with Christian Bale as Craig. Wouldn't they be great in a movie together, though?

Strengths and weaknesses

Craig's strengths are his charisma and ability to provide for his family, but weaknesses for other women and a huge amount of pride threaten his family.

Denise struggles with self-worth and setting boundaries, but as the book progresses, she discovers she's capable of far more than she thought. Her greatest strength is her willingness to listen to the Lord.

Quirk (if any)

Craig, being a dentist, always notices people's teeth.

Wave a Krispy Kreme donut in front of Denise's face, and you'll probably see some quirky behavior. Oh, and she loves to clean!

Your inspiration for the character

Denise and Craig’s story is based on the lessons of forgiveness God taught me when my marriage fell apart … the first time. Accordingly, many of the emotions Denise goes through correspond to what I felt, though our situations differ. However, I also wanted to really understand the male perspective, so Craig had parts of me in him as well. The path away from God and following temptation is something we can all recognize and, unfortunately, identify with.

During the editing process and years after my husband and I reunited, our marriage of thirteen years unexpectedly ended. The words I had written as a happily married woman ministered to me in my singleness. My heart’s hope is that this book will lead people to people to Live Transparently--Forgive Extravagantly!

Background to the story

I had been looking for a fictional vehicle to share what I had learned about forgiveness. Then, in the summer of 2006, two stories appeared in the American newspapers. One was a huge, national story; the other a smaller, local-interest item. I wondered what it might look like if those two stories conceived a child. Boom! I had the entire plot for The Familiar Stranger.

It will be interesting to see if readers can figure out which stories inspired the book.

Christina - yippee, you are a published author! Congratulations and thank you so much for sharing about your characters and personal journey. Hugs!

Stay tuned as on Monday, I will be spotlighting Tracey Bateman's Nina Parker from her recently released suspense novel, Thirsty.

Relz Reviewz Extras

Visit Christina's website and blog

Buy Christina's book at Amazon or Koorong

Coming in 2010 from Ted Dekker & Center Street

2009-11-19T03:58:00.000+11:00

Looks like Ted is going to freak us out again with his release, The Bride Collector ~ no doubt there will be more twists than you can poke a stick at ;-)

Enjoy this sneak peek!

The Bride Collector by Ted Dekker

FBI Special agent Brad Raines is facing his toughest case yet. A Denver serial killer has killed four beautiful young women, leaving a bridal veil at each crime scene, and he's picking up his pace. Unable to crack the case, Raines appeals for help from a most unusual source: residents of the Center for Wellness and Intelligence, a private psychiatric institution for mentally ill individuals whose are extraordinarily gifted. It's there that he meets Paradise, a young woman who witnessed her father murder her family and barely escaped his hand. Diagnosed with schizophrenia, Paradise may also have an extrasensory gift: the ability to experience the final moments of a person's life when she touches the dead body.

In a desperate attempt to find the killer, Raines enlists Paradise's help. In an effort to win her trust, he befriends this strange young woman and begins to see in her qualities that most 'sane people' sorely lack. Gradually, he starts to question whether sanity resides outside the hospital walls...or inside.

As the Bride Collector picks up the pace-and volume-of his gruesome crucifixions, the case becomes even more personal to Raines when his friend and colleague, a beautiful young forensic psychologist, becomes the Bride Collector's next target. The FBI believes that the killer plans to murder seven women. Can Paradise help before it's too late?

Releasing April, 2010 from Center Street

Author Alert ~ Ronie Kendig

2009-11-18T23:20:00.012+11:00

There is nothing more exciting than discovering a new author in your favourite genre other than realising their book meets your every expectation and then some!

Let me introduce you to Ronie Kendig and her debut romantic
suspense novel, Dead Reckoning

Dead Reckoning releases from Abingdon Press in March, 2010 but here's a look at some of the synopsis and snippets of my review!

Underwater archeologist Shiloh Blake is consumed with passion for the water and inflamed at the injustices of life, blaming her secret agent father for her mother's death. When her first large-scale dig traps her in the middle of an international nuclear arms clash, she flees for her life and is followed by an unknown man. Who is he? How is he always one step ahead?

My thoughts:~

Brilliantly executed in every way, Ronie Kendig has a winner on her hands with her debut novel, Dead Reckoning..................Ronie Kendig ups the stakes in Dead Reckoning, reminiscent of Sydney Bristow and Alias in novel form.

Trust me, you want this book on your wish list :) My complete review will be posted close to the release date.

Author Alert Info

Ronie's website and blog

Preorder Dead Reckoning at Amazon

Introducing Author Alert

2009-11-18T10:07:00.000+11:00

Author Alert is a new way I will be highlighting authors, particularly debut authors, to introduce you to up and coming authors and their books ~ I hope you enjoy it.

I will have no schedule for this, just expect them to pop up from time to time, when I make a new discovery :)

Your feedback is always welcomed so feel free to comment or email me about my blog, books, authors, recommendations or anything you would like me to consider introducing to my blog.

I appreciate each one of you who takes the time to stop by and your comments are a great encouragement to me.

With thanks!

Desert Fire by Shannon Van Roekel

2009-11-17T21:54:00.001+11:00

Synopsis:~

On assignment in Darfur, Sudan, journalist Julia Keegan hopes to open the eyes of average Americans to the atrocities taking place there-and to distance herself from the shadow cast by her father. Even as she steels herself to face the horrors of genocide, Julia isn't prepared to face her own past. In the United States, Fred Keegan, a convicted murderer dying of cancer, asks young lawyer Joel Maartens to deliver a letter to his estranged daughter, Julia. When Joel and Julia meet in Sudan, they find their lives suddenly redefined by the injustice and violence around them, and both are forced to face truths they would rather leave concealed.

My take:~

The cover of Desert Fire caught my eye immediately and the prologue reinforced my view that this book would be a challenging yet rewarding read and I was not disappointed.

Desert Fire exposes the horror that many Sudanese are living today at the hands of their oppressors, through the eyes of American journalist, Julia Keegan. Desperate to escape her own inner turmoil when lawyer Joel Maartens brings her news of the father she has been trying to forget, Julia determines to bring awareness to the genocide the world wants to ignore.

Shannon Van Roekel confronts issues of suffering and evil, sacrifice and unbearable injustice with sensitivity and complexity. She shows a willingness to ask hard questions without resorting to pat answers. Readers who seek more than an entertaining escape will find this book thought provoking and challenging on matters of faith and forgiveness and convicting as the tragedy that is Darfur continues unabated.

With thanks to Kregel for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras

Visit Shannon's website and blog

Buy Shannon's book at Amazon or Koorong

Character Spotlight ~ Linda S. Clare's Muri Pond

2009-11-16T22:11:00.003+11:00

Today the spotlight shines on...............................Muri Pond

Linda S. Clare is a multi published non-fiction author who has turned her hand to fiction with her debut novel, The Fence My Father Built. With an intriguing and personal premise, why not check out this book when you are out and about!

Over to you, Linda:~

Brief physical description

Muri Pond is a quarter Native American. She's slender, with long dark hair and a slightly tan complexion, but green eyes. The cover art is a good, approximation of Muri, but in my head it's always been Sandra Bullock.

Strengths

Educated, loves to read, compassionate, open-minded, a spiritual seeker with a strong sense of needing to find her place in the world.

Weaknesses

She has a little temper when it comes to her teen daughter Nova. She resists organized religion (at first) and is rather cynical about relationships, because she's going through a divorce.

Quirk (if any)

Muri isn't really quirky but many of her “new” relatives are, including her now deceased father, who built a fence from old oven doors.

Your inspiration for the character

Sshh--don't tell but in my head she looks similar to one of my neighbours. The neighbour doesn't know it. My real-life Aunt Shirlee retired as head district librarian in Tempe, Arizona schools, so she's the reason Muri's a librarian. And I searched for my own part-Native American bio dad until I we met a few years ago. He's still living, though.

Background to the story

Muri Pond has always longed to know her biological father, who left when she was a small child. Years later, she's still reeling from learning that it's too late: Her father, a half-Nez Perce Indian named Joseph Pond, has died, leaving her an inheritance of property in Central Oregon. As Muri and her two children, Nova, 16, and Truman, 11, make their way from Portland out to the tiny town of Murkee, Muri has lost a lot: her librarian job, her marriage and her faith in God. When she arrives at her newly-inherited property, she's shocked: it's little more than a ramshackle trailer, surrounded by a fence made from old oven doors.

As she tries to make the best of things, she grapples with Joe's charismatic sister Aunt Lutie, her husband, Tiny, who keeps potbellied pigs and mountains of bicycle parts for needy kids and Linc Jackson, a conniving neighbor who threatens to sue over water rights. Muri struggles to accept her father as he was and in doing so rediscovers the faith he somehow never abandoned.

Thanks for sharing, Linda. I love that your story was inspired by your own search for your father.

On Thursday, the spotlight shines on Christina Berry's Craig and Denise Littleton from her debut novel, The Familiar Stranger ~ you won't want to miss this one :)

Relz Reviewz Extras

Visit Linda's blog

Buy Linda's book at Amazon or Koorong

Coming soon from John Aubrey Anderson and Fidelis Books

2009-11-15T13:49:00.003+11:00

I am so thrilled that John Aubrey Anderson has a book releasing next year from Fidelis Books, an imprint of B&H Publishing and I think it looks fantastic.

Be sure to check it out and his three gripping previous novels at Amazon, and add it to you wish list!

The Cool Woman by John Aubrey Anderson

At some point, most boys think they want to grow up to be pilots. With this kid, it was different . . . he knew.

The orphaned son of a Tuskegee Airman, Bill Mann was a staid, single, and sober lieutenant when he reported to Williams Air Force Base, Arizona; he was there to begin living the life he had been planning since he was six years old. After fifty-four weeks of pilot training, he would earn his wings. Three months after that, he’d be fully qualified in the fighter aircraft of his choice and on his way to the war in Viet Nam. Lt. Mann was planning to amass a combat record that would propel him toward the general officer ranks. That was June of 1970.

May of 1972 finds Mann in Bangkok, passed out on the floor of his hotel bathroom. The gifted young fighter pilot is fighting wars within a war . . . he's a borderline alcoholic, his wife of ten months is divorcing him, and he’s short days away from learning . . .There are worse things than dying.

Releasing July, 2010

Christy Awards Reading Challenge

2009-11-14T16:22:00.005+11:00

Did you know there are annual awards for books considered the best in Christian Fiction? Yep, the Christy Awards, named in honour of Catherine Marshall's novel of the same name and her dedication to the growth of Christian Fiction.

Two of my favourite blogging friends, Amy and Deborah, together with Shauna have created The Christy Awards Reading Challenge, a reading challenge that spotlights Christian Fiction and the nominees and winners of the prestigious Christy Award, over the past ten years. You can pick your challenge and read as many or as few books as you like, and you've got just a little over a year to do it. Here are the levels you can choose from:~

Total Christian Fiction Newbie

This is only for those who have read no Christian fiction before...the challenge is to read one book from any of the Christy Awards Winners!

Baby Steps

1st Tier - 2009 Favorite Category Read All Nominated Books 3-4 books
2nd Tier - Any ONE Years Favorite Category - 3-4 Books or mix 3-4 winners from any category

It's All in the Winners

3rd Tier- 2009 Winners - 9
4th Tier- Any ONE Year's Winners 7-9 or mix'n'match 7-9 winners

Dedicated

5th Tier - Read 2009/or ANY Year All Books 36-40 Books

Hardcore

6rd Tier - Read all the nominees in your favorite category
7th Tier - Read all of the winners in every category

The Christy Challenge--Perpetual Challenge

Read all of the books nominated and awarded the Christy challenge throughout the course of your lifetime.

You can browse the list of 2000-2009 Winners and Nominees here before you make the decision on which level you'd like to challenge yourself. Given the load of reading I already have, I'm planning on joining in at the 4th tier - mix & match option - but I am still considering my book selections! Finding ones I haven't already read might be a challenge in itself ;-) I'll let you know in due course.

Anyone care to join me?

Gone to Green by Judy Christie

2009-11-14T09:44:00.000+11:00

City print journalist, Lois Green, enjoys her fast paced life as city editor for The Dayton Post, relishing the hustle and bustle of the newspaper and its employees.

When her mentor bequeaths her ownership of a small town newspaper in Green, North Louisiana with the requirement she stays for a year, Lois swallows her pride and determines to leave as soon as possible.

Upon arriving in Green, her pre imagined ideas of a quaint town with a cohesive community are soon challenged as she confronts underhanded tactics and gossip mongering. And yet, as friendships form, Lois begins to reconsider her future.

Judy Christie has penned a delightful story of one woman's transformational journey through a change of scenery, lifestyle, relationships and heart. Gone to Green is gently paced to match small town life and character driven by both the charming and the disingenous townsfolk of Green. Judy reminds us that first impressions and outward appearance can often be misleading and it is through relationship and understanding that a person or town's true nature is revealed. With Judy's authentic insight into the world of print media, Gone to Green is a heart warming tale that I'm pleased to say continues with Goodness Gracious Green in 2010.

With thanks to TitleTrakk.com for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras

Visit Judy's website

Buy Judy's books at Amazon or Koorong

Marlo Schalesky ~ What's Cooking?

2009-11-13T19:22:00.006+11:00

Marlo Schalesky

Can you tell I like dessert? ;-)

Pumpkin Crisp

Ingredients:

1 large (or 3 small) cans of pumpkin
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
3 eggs
1 butter pecan or yellow cake mix
1 cup chopped pecans
3/4 cup melted butter

Directions:

Mix pumpkin with salt and spices (or use a large can of ready-made pumpkin pie filling and forget adding your own spice).
Taste and adjust seasonings to your preference.
Add beaten eggs and mix thoroughly.
Spread in greased 9X14" baking pan.
Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the top of the pumpkin, and top with the pecans. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top.
Bake at 375 degrees for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
Serve warm or cool, and top with whipped cream if desired.

Mmmmm.....pumpkin with cream ~ interesting! But I'm willing to give it a go :) Thanks Marlo!

Marlo's Books

Beyond the Night ~ If Tomorrow Never Comes ~ Shades of Morning (June 2010)
Veil of Fire ~ Cry Freedom ~ Freedom's Shadow ~ Only The Wind Remembers

Relz Reviewz Extras

All things Schalesky @ Relz Reviewz

Visit Marlo's website and blog

Buy Marlo's books at Amazon or Koorong

Character Spotlight ~ Kimberly Stuart's Mia Rathbun

2009-11-12T21:55:00.001+11:00

Today the spotlight shines on..........................Mia Rathbun

Love books with humour and bite?! Be sure to check out Kimberly Stuart's offerings. I have only read Stretch Marks but have it on good authority that her other books are just as fun and fabulous :)

Enjoy - over to you, Kimberly:~

Brief physical description

Medium height, cute and curvy build, shoulder-length curly (at times unruly) light brown hair. Nice smile, bright eyes, furrowed brow, particularly when pondering her carbon footprint and the influence of conservative talk radio.

Note: Mia experiences WILD weight fluctuations between the front and back covers. This part of character development endured many, many hours (months, even) of research on the part of the author, so please be appropriately appreciative.

Actor/famous person

I'll just let you guess which one is Mia and which one is her misguided boyfriend, Lars.

Actually, that would be a bit dressy for Mia, who does own her fair share of natural fabrics and hemp necklaces. She'd look more like this:

…only without the skates and orange cones. I've never seen Mia skating between orange cones.

Strengths and weaknesses

Mia works hard and has every intention to save the world, or at least her world. She's also loyal and earnest and proficient at Downward Dog.

She's not such a quick judge of character. She tends to hold grudges. And she does not treat herself as well as she should, particularly in the area of relationships with mooch-men (my word, not hers).

Your inspiration for the character

My inspiration for Mia came alongside the inspiration for Babs, her mother. I loved imagining how a granola-crunching, urban dwelling PETA member would react to having a straight-ticket Republican, beef consuming, cruise ship hostess for a mom. It still makes me giggle to think about it and the book's done!

Background to the story

I lived in Chicago for a spell and wanted to write a story that took place there. Mia and Babs came to me in one fell swoop and I had SUCH a great time hashing out their relationship for them. Add in a tasty but worthless boyfriend and a Persian grocer, and Stretch Marks was well on its way to being a modern, urban romance of sorts, with a healthy helping of family drama thrown in.

Love it, Kimberly - thanks for sharing :) I'll be checking out your backlist!

On Monday, the spotlight shines on Linda Clare's Muri Pond from The Fence My Father Built.

Relz Reviewz Extras
Review of Stretch Marks

Visit Kimberly's website and blog

Buy Kimberly's books at Amazon or Koorong

Kreativ Blogger Award

2009-11-12T21:04:00.005+11:00

I rarely post about such things but wanted to today!

Thanks to lovely new mum, MJ from Creative Madness I have a new award, the Kreativ Blogger award - thanks MJ!

As a winner I have to list 7 of my favourite things and pass this award on to 7 other bloggers whose sites I love!

So....7 of my favourite things are:~

1. Mr Compassion & Hilarity ~ my husband
2. Flamingo, Tiger & Chimpanzee ~ my fabulous girls (no, they aren't their real names, just fun animal names that reflect something special about them!)
3. Photography
4. My gals ~ (we love praying, movies and weekends away!)
5. Mangos
6. The West Wing
7. Books

And some of my favourite bloggers:~

1. Beyond My Picket Fence
2. Book Splurge
3. My Buckling Bookshelf
4. So Many Books...So Little Time
5. Books, Movies & Chinese Food
6. A Peek at My Bookshelf
7. Southeastcountrywife

Coming in 2010 from Gary E. Parker and Revell

2009-11-12T13:42:00.003+11:00

I haven't read any of Gary's books but this one coming from Revell has caught my eye!

I must admit that his protag's name, Rick Carson, is very similar to another playboy character ~ Rick Castle from the show, Castle - love it!

The Constantine Conspiracy by Gary E. Parker

Nationally known and sought-after playboy Rick Carson stumbles onto a murder--and finds himself the prime suspect. Innocent people don't run, but Rick finds that his life depends on it. Closing in behind him is a park ranger who is more than she seems. And what starts as a simple crime begins to look like part of something much bigger--and much more sinister. Even Rick's powerful family is implicated. In a place where no one is who they say they are and danger lurks around every corner, who can Rick trust? Will he risk his fortune, his love, and possibly his life to expose the truth?

Exciting plot twists and nail-biting chases make this suspense novel a must-read. Readers will be swept up in this thrilling tale of international intrigue, conspiracy, and the power of truth.

Releasing August, 2010

Rebecca's Promise by Jerry S. Eicher ~ Tracy's Take

2009-11-11T07:53:00.000+11:00

Publisher’s Synopsis:

She loves one man…but long ago made a promise to someone else.

Rebecca Keim has just declared her love to John Miller and agreed to become his wife. But she’s haunted by her schoolgirl memories of a long-ago love – a promise made and a ring given. Is that memory just a fantasy come back to destroy the beautiful present…or was it real?

When Rebecca’s mother sends her back to the old home community to be with her aunt during childbirth, Rebecca determines to find answers that will resolve her conflicted feelings.

What I thought:

Jerry Eicher’s first book in the Adams County Trilogy begins with an expected take on Amish life. I was instantly intrigued with the plot and his development of the characters of ‘Rebecca’s Promise’.

‘Rebecca’s Promise’ is quite a study in opposites. On the one hand, Rebecca experiences deep personal conflict over a childhood promise, despite being ready to move into adult privileges and responsibilities. Her struggle to discern how committed to a childhood promise an adult woman should be bespeaks a woman of great depth and integrity. The interplay between Rebecca and her extended family is heart-warming. Although the final resolution to Rebecca’s dilemma seems a little too easy I was thoroughly engrossed in whether or not Rebecca would find a way to move on with her adult life and truly leave childhood behind.

On the other hand, there is Luke and his mother Rachel, driven to see justice after Rachel’s father leaves his house and land holdings to his sister. I found Rachel’s obsession with money and her drive to regain what she believes is hers to be an unusual plot for an Amish fiction book and perhaps a little out of character for a people whose lives are associated with rejecting the pursuit of wealth.

The characters of ‘Rebecca’s Promise’ reminded me that taking a step back and allowing God to direct our footsteps is a much wiser course of action than trying to orchestrate events and circumstances to our own purpose.

With thanks to Harvest House for the review copy

Guest reviewer:~ My friend Tracy from Beyond My Picket Fence

Relz Reviewz Extras
Learn a bit about Jerry
Buy Jerry's books at Amazon or Koorong

Character Spotlight & Blog Tour ~ Athol Dickson's Fray Alejandro & Lupe de la Garza

2009-11-10T07:47:00.001+11:00

Today the spotlight shines on.........................Fray Alejandro & Lupe de la Garza

Athol Dickson is an award winning author and his latest novel, Lost Mission, is already garnering multiple accolades for it's intriguing storyline and exceptional prose. I hope you enjoy this insight into two characters living centuries apart in this story. Over to you, Athol:~

Brief physical description

Probably the best way to answer this is to quote from LOST MISSION. There are two main protagonists in the novel. One is Alejandro, a Franciscan friar living in the 1700’s. Here’s what LOST MISSION says about him:

“The Franciscan stood five feet four inches tall, an average Spaniard’s height in the eighteenth century. He was broad and unattractive. Heavy whiskers lurked beneath the surface of his jaw, darkly threatening to burst forth. Fray Alejandro’s brow was large and loomed above the recess of his eyes as if it was a cliff eroded by the pounding of the sea and ready to crash down at any moment. The black fullness of his hair had been shaved at the crown, leaving only a circular fringe around the edges of his head. His nose, once aquiline and proud, had become a perpetual reminder of the violence that had flattened it at some time in the past.

“For all its ugliness, Fray Alejandro’s visage could not mask the gentleness within. His crooked smile shed warmth upon his fellow man. His hands were ever ready with a touch to reassure or steady, or to simply grant the gift of human presence. When someone spoke, be they wise or not, he inclined his head and listened with his entire being, as if the speaker’s words had all the weight of holy writ. In his eyes was love.”

The other protagonist is Lupe, a Mexican shopkeeper from a small village, who enters the USA illegally in order to preach the gospel to us here. LOST MISSION describes her in terms of another man, a stranger, whom she has just met:

”From his appearance this man might have been her brother. Like Lupe, he was not tall. Like Lupe his features called to mind stone carvings of the ancient Mayans. Like Lupe, he had a smooth sloped forehead, pendulous ear lobes, and cheekbones high and proud. His golden skin was flawless, as was hers. Like hers, his lips were thick and sensuous, his teeth the flashing white of lightning, his eyes a pair of black pools without bottoms.”

Actor/famous person

Danny Trejo could play Alejandro, although Mr. Trejo is older than Alejandro is in the novel

The picture of Lupe is a photo I found of a woman who looks much as I imagine Lupe does (I don’t know who this woman is)

Strengths and weaknesses

Both Lupe and Alejandro have a simple faith, which is therefore a strong faith. I think that’s part of what Jesus meant when he said we must come to him as little children do. When a child believes, it is with total commitment, without doubts or complications. That’s how Alejandro and Lupe believe. Their doubts are always centered on themselves, never on God.

While Lupe and Alejandro share similar strengths, their weaknesses are different. Lupe is completely willing to suffer in God’s service, but in her willingness she has come to equate service with suffering, as if one cannot exist without the other. So when a great gift and a blessing comes for her, she misses it, because she cannot bring herself to believe it’s possible to serve God and also become richly blessed in earthly ways.

Alejandro, on the other hand, being a Franciscan friar, has already decided to shun all earthly blessings, so his flaw is different. He sees his fellow friars crossing ethical and moral lines, and recognizes what they’re doing for what it is, but he is so afraid of crossing the line into judgmentalism himself that he fails to hold his brothers accountable.

Quirk (if any)

I don’t know if you’d call this a “quirk,” exactly, but Lupe’s faith is so complete, when she experiences a miracle that would rock any normal person’s world, she accepts it as a normal part of life.

The strange thing about Alejandro is, although he fears judgmentalism in himself to the point of being paralysed in the face of other people’s sin, he is absolutely fearless when it comes to risking his own life for others.

Your inspiration for the character

I’ve heard other authors say they base characters on people they meet, or combinations of several personalities they’ve met, but I very seldom create a character based on anything in real life. Instead, I usually have a novel’s theme in mind at the very beginning, and I work out a plot that will explore that theme through action and symbolism. Then I pick or imagine a setting that supports the events of the plot, and only then do I get around to creating characters. So the characters in most of my stories were really inspired by the plot. In other words, I pick personality traits for each character based on what that character needs to do to take the plot where I want it to go. Then I think about the character’s back story, asking myself what events in their past might have led to their personality and life situation in a logical and believable way. Sometimes the physical features of a character are also based on what I need them to do to support the story. At other times, if the physical characteristics are irrelevant, I’ll remember someone I’ve met and describe them, but the physical features of a person are pretty much the only aspects I ever draw from real life, and I only do that occasionally. It’s far more common for me to give a character their physical features completely from my imagination.

Background to the story

LOST MISSION is set in two times, but one place. In the late 1700’s we have Fray Alejandro, a Franciscan, founding a mission to the pagan Indians of what was then called “Alta California.” In the same place, which is now called southern California, we have Lupe de la Garza, an undocumented immigrant who comes to the USA to preach the gospel to Americans, whom she believes are in desperate need of it. Here’s a quote from the press release sent out when the novel was launched:

“Lupe de la Garza, a simple shopkeeper in a mountain village in central Mexico, believes God wants her to go to America to preach the gospel. She is guided on her quest by her people’s greatest treasure: an altarpiece painted by the eighteenth century Franciscan friar who founded her village after fleeing the mysterious destruction of his California mission outpost. When Lupe is distracted by desire for a young minister, and when her preaching in a southern California beach town inspires only apathy and laughter, she begins to lose faith in her quest. Then the slumbering evil that destroyed the friar’s Franciscan mission rises up again after two hundred years, and Lupe once more looks to the altarpiece for guidance, only to find the true purpose of her quest in the midst of her single greatest fear.”

Thanks for sharing, Athol ~ it's been fascinating :) My review of Lost Mission will be coming soon to TitleTrakk.com.

On Thursday, join me as the spotlight shines on Kimberly Stuart's Mia Rathburn from Stretch Marks ~ thankfully she has finished feeding the baby ;-)

Relz Reviewz Extras

Visit Athol's website and blog

Buy Athol's books at Amazon or Koorong

What is everyone else saying about Lost Mission? Check out the whole blog tour!

Contest!

Tweet this and be entered to win signed copies of Athol’s award winning books:

Tweet 4 words that describe Athol Dickson’s #LostMission along with this link: http://tr.im/BPD1

Or

Athol Dickson’s redemptive tale #LostMission is a MUST read! Gripping story about mistakes and miracles! http://tr.im/BPD1

(To be clear – to be entered into the contest your tweet must have these 2 elements 1. Athol Dickson’s #LostMission 2. this link: http://tr.im/BPD1).

Fit to be Tied by Robin Lee Hatcher

2009-11-09T21:42:00.002+11:00

Synopsis:~

It's 1916, and Idaho rancher Cleo Arlington knows everything about horses but nothing about men. So when charged with transforming English aristocrat Sherwood Statham from playboy into cowboy, she's totally disconcerted. So is Statham, who's never encountered a woman succeeding in a "man's world." Their bumpy trot into romance is frustrating, exhilarating, and ultimately heartwarming.

My take:~

What can I say about Robin Lee Hatcher that hasn't already been said? Probably not much but that won't stop me letting you know she has another satisfying historical romance on her hands with Fit to be Tied.

I admit though, even with Robin's mastery of the historical romance genre, I wondered whether she could pull off a credible romance between a practical and accomplished cowgirl with an over-indulged English aristocrat. It did take a little time for me to warm to both characters but Robin managed to inveigle them into my affections in short order and create a fun and pleasurable reading experience. Readers of the series will enjoy the return of Morgan and Guinevere from A Vote of Confidence and highly anticipate Daphne's story in A Matter of Character, releasing in 2010.

With thanks to Zondervan for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras

Character spotlight on Cleo Arlington & Sherwood Statham
Interview with Robin
Visit Robin's website and blog
Buy Robin's books at Amazon or Koorong

Irene Hannon ~ What's Cooking?

2009-11-06T13:01:00.006+11:00

Irene Hannon

I love to cook—and cooking scenes often work themselves into my novels. For example, in the bestselling first book of my Heroes of Quantico series, Against All Odds, the heroine cooks to relax. And she needs to relax after the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team shows up to protect her from a terrorist threat. She ends up making a fabulous dinner for the two operators assigned to protect her, and finishes the meal with these warm-from-the-oven cookies.

Hope you enjoy them as much as the hero, Coop, did!

OATMEAL CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

Ingredients

1 cup shortening

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1 cup granulated sugar

2 beaten eggs

1 tablespoon vanilla

1 ½ cups flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

3 cups quick-cooking oatmeal

1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

Cream shortening and sugars. Add eggs and vanilla. Beat well. Add flour mixed with salt, baking soda and baking powder. By hand, fold in oatmeal and chocolate chips. Drop onto ungreased cookie sheet by teaspoonfuls.

Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes—no more! DO NOT OVERBAKE.

Yield: About 6 dozen

I can almost smell these, Irene :) Thanks for the recipe - I'll be testing it out on my girls.

Irene's Books

Against All Odds ~ An Eye for an Eye ~ In Harm's Way (April, 2010)

Tides of Hope ~ The Hero Next Door ~ Apprentice Father

& more.......

Relz Reviewz Extras
All things Hannon @ Relz Reviewz
Visit Irene's website
Buy Irene's books at Amazon or Koorong

Character Spotlight ~ Kay Marshall Strom's Grace Winslow

2009-11-05T22:11:00.000+11:00

Today the spotlight shines on.......................Grace Winslow

Kay Marshall Strom is a prolific non-fiction author who has channelled her passion to voice the injustice of slavery into writing the Grace in Africa trilogy, starting with The Call of Zulina. The trilogy focuses on the life of an innocent woman living in a corrupt and dangerous world. I hope you enjoy this insight into Grace Winslow.

Over to you, Kay:~

Brief physical description

Grace Winslow is the lovely daughter of an English seaman and his African princess wife, owners of the area's major slave holding fortress. With silky mocha skin and auburn tints in her black hair, she is a girl with one foot in the white world and one in Africa, but she belongs to neither. Raised behind the walls of her parents' compound, with almost no access to the world outside, Grace is educated and laden with lovely things, but she is conveniently ignorant of her parents' cruel trade.

Think Halle Berry!

Strengths and weaknesses

Weaknesses

Spoiled, impulsive, headstrong

Strengths

Able to grow and learn, empathetic and sensitive, strong will, decisive leader, has the gift of grace

Quirk (if any)

Strangely innocent

Your inspiration for the character

In writing the book, Once Blind: The Life of John Newton, a biography on the 18^th century slave ship captain turned preacher and abolitionist who penned “Amazing Grace,” I virtually met a couple from his life--an English seaman and his African wife who ran a slave camp in the 1700s. At the time I asked myself: “If they'd had a daughter, who would she be--English or African?” That story question was the beginning of Grace Winslow.

Background to the story

While I was in West Africa working on yet another book, I visited a slave fortress off the coast of Senegal. In one cell I saw a pair of baby manacles chained to the wall. My heart froze in horror. It was there that Grace Winslow began to weave herself into a story.

Thanks for sharing with us, Kay ~ I hope her stories bring more light to the darkness that slavery hides behind.

On Thursday, the spotlight shines on Maggie Brendan's Juliana & Josh from The Jewel of His Heart.

Relz Reviewz Extras

Visit Kay's website

Buy Kay's books at Amazon or Koorong