Siri Mitchell graduated from the University of Washington with a business degree and worked in various levels of government. As a military spouse, she has lived all over the world, including in Paris and Tokyo. Siri enjoys observing and learning from different cultures. She is fluent in French and loves sushi.
But she is also a member of a strange breed of people called novelists. When they’re listening to a sermon and taking notes, chances are, they’ve just had a great idea for a plot or a dialogue. If they nod in response to a really profound statement, they’re probably thinking, “Yes. Right. That’s exactly what my character needs to hear.” When they edit their manuscripts, they laugh at the funny parts. And cry at the sad parts. Sometimes they even talk to their characters.
Siri wrote 4 books and accumulated 153 rejections before signing with a publisher. In the process, she saw the bottoms of more pints of Ben & Jerry’s than she cares to admit. At various times she has vowed never to write another word again. Ever. She has gone on writing strikes and even stooped to threatening her manuscripts with the shredder.
Her ninth novel, A Heart Most Worthy, follows prior Bethany House releases: A Constant Heart (October 2008), Love’s Pursuit (June 2009), and She Walks in Beauty (Apr 2010). She Walks in Beauty won the inaugural INSPY Award for Historical Fiction in Dec 2010. Two of her novels, Chateau of Echoes and The Cubicle Next Door were Christy Award finalists. Love’s Pursuit was a finalist for the ACFW Carol Award.
Publishers Weekly proclaimed, “Mitchell delivers the historical goods.”
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The elegance of Madame Forza’s gown shop is a far cry from the downtrodden North End of Boston. Yet each day Julietta, Annamaria, and Luciana enter the world of the upper class, working on finery for the elite in society. The three beauties each long to break free of their obligations and embrace the American dream–and their chance for love. But the ways of the heart are difficult to discern at times.
Julietta is drawn to the swarthy, mysterious Angelo. Annamaria has a star-crossed encounter with the grocer’s son, a man from the entirely wrong family. And through no intent of her own, Luciana catches the eye of Billy Quinn, the son of Madame Forza’s most important client.
Their destinies intertwined, each harboring a secret from their families and each other, will they be found worthy of the love they seek?
A Heart Most Worthy is an interesting, if somewhat confusing, novel set in Boston during the first world war. The story is filled with facts about life during that era which include customs of and prejudice against Italian immigrants and unknown (to me) details about anarchist activity in the U.S. At times the multiple points of view, including a sporadic narrator, were almost too much to keep straight. The narrator, in particular, was a quaint but odd and unnecessary touch to the story.
I did enjoy reading about the lives of the three young women but think this tale may have been even more enjoyable in a series of three volumes with each one featuring one of the young ladies. Not a bad book, but I enjoyed several of Ms. Mitchell’s earlier ones more.
Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 85 novels.
She received her first book contract in November, 1992 and saw A Place To Belong published in February 1993 with Barbour Publishings’ Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership’s vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row.
In December, 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers to co-write a series with author Judith Pella. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers.
She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research.
Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests.
Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family–especially her three grandchildren–Rainy, Fox and Max. She’s active in her church as the Director of Women’s Ministries, coordinates a yearly writer’s retreat for published authors, and travels, as time permits, to research her books
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The future should be bright for Deborah Vandermark, who is now pursuing her interest in medicine alongside Dr. Christopher Clayton, who is courting her. But the lumber town is resistant to the idea of a woman physician, and she feels thwarted at every turn.
A more devastating blow occurs, however, when Christopher breaks off their relationship to return home to his troubled family. Despite her own love life going awry, Deborah is still intent to be a matchmaker for both her widowed mother and her brother, who has caught the eye of the spit-fire daughter of the local pastor.
But what will Deborah do when faced with the truth about Christopher’s family? Is there hope for the two of them…or will Jake Wyeth’s attentions finally catch Deborah’s eye instead?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Hearts Aglow, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
As a long-time fan of Tracie Peterson, I was surprised to find that I had difficulty getting into her most recent release. Hearts Aglow started with plenty of action and drama that quickly came to a standstill. At that point the narrative began to focus primarily on everyday activities in the lives of its characters and the romance between Deborah and Dr. Clayton. The romance was pretty ho-hum in my opinion and with a few minor exceptions, the action never really picked up again.
Peterson does manage to convey quite a bit of historical information. To me the highlight of the book was the excellent sermon given by Pastor Shattuck regarding racial issues. Hearts Aglow contains some drama, a bit of humor, several tepid romantic scenes, and some spiritual lessons. Unfortunately, I never really cared what happened to most of the characters. From my perspective, Hearts Aglow does not quite meet the usual standards I expect from a Tracie Peterson novel. Nevertheless, it is an enjoyable story as long as it is not compared with some of Peterson’s earlier excellent novels.
Most readers want to know how authors ‘got started’ writing. My first novel, Threads of Love, was conceived when I was commuting sixty miles to work each day. I wanted to tell the story of a pioneer girl coming to Kansas and the faith that sustained her as she adjusted to a new life. When the book was completed, I tucked it away. I had absolutely no idea how publication of a book occurred and had given no thought to the concept. However, through a co-worker, I was directed to Tracie Peterson who, at that time, worked down the hall from me. Having never met Tracie, I was totally unaware of her writing career, but God intervened. The rest is, as they say, history…
With a graciousness that continues to amaze me, Tracie agreed to read my story, directed me to a publisher, and gave me information on a Christian writers conference. Since that first encounter many years ago, I have been blessed with the publication of numerous books, novellas and a juvenile fiction book. Joyously, Tracie and I had the opportunity to develop a blessed friendship. In fact, we have co-authored several series together, including The Bells of Lowell, the Lights of Lowell and The Broadmoor Legacy. In addition, I have continued to write several solo series.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
For many years, Ilsa Redlich has helped her parents run a hotel in South Amana, but as the United States enters the Great War, she can feel her world changing. The residents of the towns surrounding the Amana Colonies used to be accepting of their quiet, peaceful neighbors, but with anti-German sentiment running high, the Amana villages are now plagued by vandalism, threats, and insults.
Things get even worse when Ilsa finds out her family won’t be allowed to speak German in public–and that Garon, the childhood friend she’s long been smitten with, has decided to join the army. Jutta Schmidt is shocked when several members of the Council of National Defense show up on her family’s doorstep. Sure, the Schmidts once lived in the Amana Colonies, but that was years ago. She’s even more surprised when the council demands that she travel to Amana and report back on any un-American activities.
Not daring to disobey the government agents, Jutta takes a job at the South Amana hotel, befriends the daughter of the owners, and begins to eavesdrop every chance she gets. When Jutta hears Ilsa making antiwar remarks and observes Garon assisting a suspicious outsider, she is torn at the prospect of betraying her new friends.
But what choice does she have? And when Garon is accused of something far worse than Jutta could imagine, can the Amana community come to his aid in time?
A Bond Never Broken is written with the same meticulous attention to detail and historical research that I have come to expect when I open a book by Judith Miller. Through her characters and stories I have learned many things about my nation’s history that I never ran across in history class.
For some reason, A Bond Never Broken moved more slowly for me and I sometimes had difficulty relating to the characters. However, that did not prevent my interest in the events that took place in Amana during the World War I years. I am not sure why I am always amazed at how cruelly humans treat each other at such times since history has certainly repeated itself again and again.
Life in the Amana villages is well illustrated with informative details about its government, customs, clothing, and daily life. The story included a bit of a mystery with fairly obvious suspects. I was not totally satisfied with the resolution of the problem but the outcome probably makes the story that much more realistic.
A Bond Never Broken is not my favorite Judith Miller book but it is still worthwhile reading. If you are a fan of historical novels, this one should be a part of your personal library.
Beginning in 1998, Janelle Mowery coordinated and wrote for the Children’s Ministry of a Christian website called The Invisible Connection. When the holder of that site discontinued the ministry and website in the year 2000, she began writing inspirational fiction romance novels.
Janelle became a member of American Christian Fiction Writers in the year 2002 and is an active member and leader in one of their critique groups, which has provided many opportunities for growth and development. In 2003, she entered her first novel in the Noble Theme contest and was named one of the top ten finalists in the historical category. In 2004, she had a short story titled ‘A Fair Chance’ published in the e-magazine, Romancing the Christian Heart. In 2005, her third novel, entered in the San Gabriel Writers’ League ‘Writing Smarter’ Contest, won first place. Also, Janelle’s fifth novel made it to the top ten finalists in the Noble Theme contest.
In 2006, she signed her first contract with Barbour Publishing in their Heartsong Presents Mysteries line. The novel, Where the Truth Lies, which she co-authored with Elizabeth Ludwig, released in spring of 2008. The second and third mysteries of the series, Died in the Wool and A Black Die Affair, is set for release in 2011.
Janelle has signed with Harvest House for a historical series set in Colorado. Release of the first book is set for early 2011. She has also signed with Summerside Press. Her novel, Love Finds You in Silver City, Idaho, released in October 2010.
Janelle has been married twenty-one years and is the mother of two sons. She is a member of Sandy Point Bible Church and serves as Treasurer. She also assists in the church’s teen program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Bobbie McIntyre dreams of running a ranch of her own. Raised without a mother and having spent most of her time around men, she knows more about wrangling than acting like a lady. The friendship of her new employer awakens a desire to learn more about presenting her feminine side, but ranch life keeps getting in the way.
Ranch owner Jace Kincaid figures the Lord is testing his faith when a female wrangler shows up looking for work. Bobbie has an uncanny way of getting under his skin, though, and he’s surprised when she finds a home next to his heart. But when his cattle begin to go missing and his wranglers are in danger from some low-down cattle thief, can Jace trust God, even if it may mean giving up on his dreams?
An adventurous novel of faith, hope, and love in the Wild West.
Learn more about Janelle and her books on her Website.
MY REVIEW:
When All My Dreams Come True is a fast-moving story set in the old west complete with cowboys, cattle rustlers, and bank robbers. With plenty of action, drama, suspense, humor, and yes, romance, this tale can be read quickly (I read it in an evening).
When All My Dreams Come True is probably more action than character driven but that is not always a bad thing. Sometimes I just like a book to move along without getting bogged down in too much soul searching.
If you enjoy action filled novels with spunky and capable heroines and strong, honorable heroes, then When All My Dreams Come True would probably be right up your alley. Why don’t you give it a try?
Angel Sister is one of those memorable southern tales that should be ranked up right up there with books like “To Kill a Mockingbird”. The story is written in a way that pulls the reader in and makes her feel a part of it. Historical details add a rich background that makes the story all the more believable.
A poignant story featuring the Merritt family, Angel Sister is related predominately by fourteen year-old Kate who is mature beyond her years. Struggling to make ends meet during the difficult years after World War I, the family is further burdened by father Victor’s alcoholism and strained relationships with both Victor and Nadine’s fathers. As the story progresses, reflections from Victor and Nadine begin to fill in the back story that improves the reader’s understanding of the family dynamics. Other pertinent characters add even more depth to the narrative.
Kate finds and takes home Lorena Birdsong, a young girl who has been abandoned by her parents in hope that someone will take care of her. A series of events are set in motion as secrets are revealed that will change the course of their lives forever.
Angel Sister will bring both tears and laughter to the reader as it reveals its story of family, forgiveness and redemption. I strongly suggest that you pick up a copy for yourself. You won’t be sorry.
This book was provided for review by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A Little Girl Abandonded on the Church Steps Awaiting her Angel…
“You have to be an angel.” said Lorena. “Why do I have to be an angel?” asked Kate. “Because mommy said that if I sat here and didn’t cry an angel would come and take care of me…” said Lorena.
Novelist Ann Gabhart, celebrated for her historical novels, weaves a new story from the Depression era in her latest work, Angel Sister (ISBN: 978-0-8007-3381-0, February 2011, $14.99). Growing up, Gabhart’s mother and aunts told many stories about the small community where they lived in Alton, Kentucky, including tales about the odd characters who lived in Alton. “Despite the hard times and some interesting personalities, what came through to me so clearly was the way those people in that small town cared for one another. My mother’s stories left a huge impression on me and planted the seed in my imagination that became Angel Sister,” says Gabhart.
It is 1936 and Kate Merritt, the middle child of Victor and Nadine, works hard to keep her family together during the Great Depression. While her father tries to come to grips with their situation and her sisters seem to remain blissfully oblivious to it, it is Kate who must shoulder the emotional load. Who could imagine that a dirty, abandoned little girl named Lorena Birdsong would be just what the Merritts need?
In this richly textured novel, award-winning author Ann H. Gabhart reveals the power of true love, the freedom of forgiveness, and the strength to persevere through troubled times. Multidimensional characters face real and hard-hitting problems while maintaining their family bonds, all against the backdrop of a sultry Kentucky summer. Readers will be drawn into the story and find themselves lingering there long after they’ve finished the book.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ann H. Gabhart is the award-winning, bestselling author of several books about the Shakers, including The Believer, The Outsider and The Seeker. Living just thirty miles from a restored Shaker village and one mile from the place she was born in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, she has walked the same paths that her characters might have walked in generations past.
Lady in the Mist is a story about secrets – all sorts of secrets. Tabitha’s work as a midwife exposes her to many secrets of her town. Could one of them be the reason for the frightening threats she has received? When she meets Dominick repeatedly out at night after curfew, she suspects that he could be responsible for the mysterious disappearance of young men in the village. For this reason, she fights her growing attraction to Dominick. Then Tabitha’s long lost fiance returns with secrets of his own. As the web of secrets enlarges, evidence seems to point in several directions. Will Tabitha be able to overcome her loss of faith and learn the truth? Will the men responsible for the criminal activity be revealed? Which man will Tabitha end up with – Dominick or her former fiance? I’ll never tell. You MUST pick up a copy of Lady in the Mist and find out for yourself.
Overall, I really enjoyed Lady in the Mist. The setting, characterization, and plot were excellent. The romantic tension was right on target. There was just the right amount of mystery and suspense to keep me wondering almost to the end. Historical facts were intriguing and seemed to be well researched. However, the author had a habit of ending chapters without total resolution to whatever was going on at the time. Then the next chapter would begin at a later time with a totally different topic and it would take awhile to find out what happened when I was left hanging back in the last chapter. But even with that slight problem, I still loved the story.
This book was provided for review by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A Whole Town’s Secrets Held by One Woman… Could anyone get beyond the secrets of her past?
As a midwife, Tabitha Eckles, the woman at the center of Laurie Alice Eakes’ new book, Lady in the Mist, (ISBN: 978-0-8007-3452-7, February 2011, $14.99) knows the most intimate secrets of the women and families she cares for. While the women in town are drawn to her warmth and caring ways, the men are wary at best.
In the little town of Seabourne, Virginia where Tabitha Eckles lives, another standoff is brewing. It is 1809 and relations between America and England rest on the edge of a knife, when Tabitha crosses paths on the beach one morning with a man named Dominick Cherrett. He seems to have his own secrets to keep, including why he, a British aristocrat, is on American soil working as an indentured servant.
One chance meeting leads these two secret keepers through a twisted path of kidnappings, death threats, and public disgrace. Can Tabitha trust Dominick? What might he be hiding? And can either of them find true love in a world that seems set against them?
“Featuring a charming hero with a mysterious past and mission, Lady in the Mist brims with tension, intrigue, and romance.”–Julie Klassen, bestselling author of The Silent Governess and The Girl in the Gatehouse
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Laurie Alice Eakes began to be fascinated by the role of midwives in history during graduate school and she knew that someday she wanted to write novels with midwife heroines. Ten years later, after several published novels and a National Readers Choice Award for Best Regency, the midwives idea returned, and Lady in the Mist was born. Laurie Alice has a master degree in creative writing and writes full time from her home in Texas, where she lives with her husband and sundry dogs and cats.
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