by admin | Oct 3, 2013 | Books, Questions & Answers
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 Anita Higman has written over 30 books, both fiction and nonfiction, some of which have been best sellers. Anita has also won numerous awards for her books and her contributions to literacy. Her most recent novel “Winter in Full Bloom” was published in July and “A Marriage in Middlebury” will be released in November. |
| GIVEAWAY: Anita has generously offered to give one reader of this blog a copy of “Winter in Full Bloom”. To enter, please leave a comment on this post with a reason(s) that you would like to read this book. I will choose a winner on Monday, October 7 by using Random.org. U. S. Residents only please.
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The following questions and answers give readers some inside information about Anita and “Winter in Full Bloom”.
Q & A:
Winter in Full Bloom is set in Texas as well as Australia. What made you want to set the novel in these two places?
Well, I live in Texas, and so I wanted to make use of my home state. After living here for about thirty years I have a soft spot for Texas now. Also, I’d visited Melbourne, Australia for about three weeks and had taken notes, and since it was such an exotic place and I’d had such an amazing time there, I wanted to share some of my experiences with readers.
The cover is beautiful. Did you have any input in this cover?
Yes, actually, I did. The publisher sent me a few samples to look at, and I chose this one. But the cover you see now was tweaked a number of times. One of the changes was the addition of the red tulips all along the snowy path. I’m so glad the publisher was open to changes. I’m very happy with the final cover. It reflects the story even better than before, and I think that bit of unexpected intrigue along the road will be eye-catching to the bookstore browser.
That title is unique. How did you come up with Winter in Full Bloom?
Sometimes I brainstorm titles, and then sometimes I use a phrase I find within the manuscript that works well as a title. Winter in Full Bloom was created during one of my brainstorming sessions. As a side note, there are a couple of meanings to this tile. The heroine’s name is Lily Winter. Also, half of the book takes place in Houston at the advent of winter, but when she flies to Melbourne at the same time of the year, Australians are experiencing the beginning of spring. So, even though Lily has begun getting ready for winter, she suddenly enters into a season of springtime—literally and in her personal life.
Are the characters from your imagination, or do they come from real life?
My characters are a mixture of both. I’ll be watching someone at the airport or the mall or at church, and I’ll think, “Wow, that gesture or laugh or walk is perfect for my character.” Then some of my character’s traits will come straight from my imagination. Usually, it’s a fun brew of all the above.
Do you and your husband travel a lot?
We travel much more now that we have empty nest. Last year we went to Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada. This year we’ve been to Mexico, California, and right now as I type this answer, my husband and I are waiting at the airport to fly to Ireland. Can’t wait. I’m hoping to set one of my future novels in Ireland.
Why do you write?
I have a real need to express myself creatively—guess I was born that way—and writing and I fit well together.
Your heroine, Lily Winter, is experiencing empty nest. Why did you add that element to the story?
I was going through this same rough phase of motherhood, and I thought it would be good to add this to the story. I hope it added an element of authenticity to the tale. And too, forcing myself to write about the pain surely helped me deal with it better.
How long have you been writing?
I’ve been in this profession for about thirty years. It’s been a long, stumbly kind of journey. I’ve had some dark hours—those moments when I really didn’t know what I was doing or why I was doing it. Moments when rejection swept me under like a scary undertow. Moments when getting published seemed pretty much impossible. But I never gave up, and I’m glad I didn’t. I’ve had thirty-four books published in many genres, and even though it’s been a rough ride, it’s also been deeply satisfying.
This story is about twin sisters? Are you a twin and do you have a sister?
I’m afraid I have to say no to both of those questions, but I’ve always wanted to have a sister. And that desire I suppose fueled the dialogue and some of this story.
Winter in Full Bloom is a love story but also a story of family reconciliation. Have you experienced that last part in your own life?
Yes, I have known the miracle of family reconciliation, and it has brought me great joy!
Any final words for your readers?
If you have ever taken the time to read one of my novels, I thank you with all my heart. I sincerely hope that Winter in Full Bloom inspires you and makes you laugh, and when you come to the last page and close the book, I hope your heart and your step feels just a little lighter.
You can purchase a copy of Winter in Full Bloom HERE.
You can purchase a copy of A Marriage in Middlebury HERE.
by admin | Oct 1, 2013 | American Revolution, Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have always enjoyed historical fiction, particularly that pertaining to my own country’s early history. Melanie Dobson’s “The Courier of Caswell Hall” presented me with an entirely different look at the Revolutionary War than I have experienced in other novels. In it I found a more personal look at life in Virginia during that crucial period for our nation . It was a time when friends and neighbors and even family members disagreed on where to place their loyalties knowing their decisions could separate them from those closest to them. It was a time when their loyalty could cost them everything they owned or even their lives. And sometimes that loyalty was not rewarded as expected but taken for granted or even misused.
Many novels about this era focus on the battles won or lost but “The Courier of Caswell Hall” takes the reader behind the scenes into the lives of those who risked their lives to pass along vital messages to the Patriots. Lydia was one such young woman who found herself participating as a courier despite her family’s loyalist stand. Other family members and friends also played critical roles in Virginia’s struggle for independence.
I thoroughly enjoyed “The Courier of Caswell Hall”. The characters were exceptional and the plot was perfectly orchestrated. The author succeeded in presenting each character’s viewpoint and illustrated clearly how the war affected the people of the area. I was also made aware of historical facts that my high school classes did not cover. A couple of romances added a nice touch but were not the primary emphasis of the book. I enthusiastically recommend this book, especially those who enjoy early American historical fiction.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
An unlikely spy discovers freedom and love in the midst of the American Revolution.
As the British and Continental armies wage war in 1781, the daughter of a wealthy Virginia plantation owner feels conflict raging in her own heart. Lydia Caswell comes from a family of staunch Loyalists, but she cares only about peace. Her friend Sarah Hammond, however, longs to join the fight. Both women’s families have already been divided by a costly war that sets father against son and neighbor against neighbor; a war that makes it impossible to guess who can be trusted.
One snowy night Lydia discovers a wounded man on the riverbank near Caswell Hall, and her decision to save him will change her life. Nathan introduces her to a secret network of spies, couriers, disguises, and coded messages—a network that may be the Patriots’ only hope for winning the war. When British officers take over Caswell Hall and wreak havoc on neighboring plantations, Lydia will have to choose between loyalty and freedom; between her family’s protection and her own heart’s desires.
As both armies gather near Williamsburg for a pivotal battle, both Lydia and Sarah must decide how high a price they are willing to pay to help the men they love.
Part of the American Tapestries™ series: Each standalone novel in this line sets a heart-stirring love story against the backdrop of an epic moment in American history. This is the fifth book in the series.
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melanie Dobson is the author of twelve novels; her writing has received numerous accolades including two Carol Awards. Melanie worked in public relations for fifteen years before she began writing fiction full-time. Born and raised in the Midwest, she now resides with her husband and two daughters in Oregon.
Find out more about Melanie at http://www.melaniedobson.com.
Welcome to the blog tour for Melanie Dobson‘s latest release, The Courier of Caswell Hall. An unlikely spy discovers freedom and love in the midst of the American Revolution in the newest book in the American Tapestries™ series.
Enter to win 1 of 5 copies of the book!
Five winners will receive:
- The Courier of Caswell Hall by Melanie Dobson
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 5th. All winners will be announced October 7th at the Litfuse blog.
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit the Litfuse blog on the 7th to see if you won one of the books!
by admin | Sep 30, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Medical, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingThe Nurse’s Secret SuitorLove Inspired (October 1, 2013)byCheryl WyattABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Not even Cheryl Wyatt’s closest friends would dream that this sweet, shy intercessor plots mayhem during announcements at church. She is a Registered Nurse turned stay-at-home-mom, wife and writer who loves Jesus with all of her heart.
Joyful chaos rules her home, and she delights in the stealth moments God gives her to write. She stays active in her church and in her laundry room. She is convinced that having been born on a Naval base on Valentines Day destined her to write Inspirational Military Romance.
Cheryl loves to laugh and to make others laugh, so she often plans comedic moments for her defenseless characters in spite of their grumbling. She says it’s payback for when they refuse to obey the plots she’s set out before them.
Prior to publication, six of Cheryl’s manuscripts placed in ten RWA Contests. Two of Cheryl’s stories also placed First in ACFW’s Noble Theme Contest 2005 (Contemporary Romance Category), as well as ACFW‘s Genesis Contest 2006 (Mystery/Suspense/Thriller Category).
She currently writes for Love Inspired. Her Wings of Refuge Series, about a team of USAF Pararescue Jumpers and the ladies who capture their hearts, can be purchased anywhere books are sold.
Learn more about Cheryl and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A Strong-Willed HeartTrauma nurse Kate Dalton can handle any challenge—except love. The combat veteran dreams of settling down, but heartbreak is one risk she won’t take. Then a chance encounter opens her heart to a masked stranger…who might not be a stranger after all! Caleb Landis, the army medic behind the disguise, has always admired Kate, even though she only saw him as her best friend’s brother. What will it take for Kate to discard her fears and discover the man she’s always hoped to unmask?
Eagle Point Emergency: Saving lives—and losing their hearts— in a small Illinois town
If you would like to read the first chapter of The Nurse’s Secret Suitor, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
The Nurse’s Secret Suitor was a fun and entertaining book yet it included several highly emotional personal scenes and some intense medical ones as well. From the masquerade wedding that began the book to the storybook ball at its end, the author incorporated several unusual ideas into a very unique novel. Cheryl even has photos and links on her Facebook page to some of the projects described within the story.
I enjoyed the characters of The Nurse’s Secret Suitor, especially hero Caleb and Tia. That child Tia kept me laughing with her quips throughout the book that added just the right touch of humor. I also enjoyed touching base with characters from Cheryl’s previous books in this series.There were times I was a bit frustrated with Kate’s dependance on her mystery man when Caleb was such a caring person who was right there with her the entire time. I was so happy to watch how the Lord taught both Kate and Caleb how to trust him with their past hurts and to allow others past their self-imposed walls.
by admin | Sep 29, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
The first two books of Guidepost’s Home to Heather Creek series, “Before the Dawn” and “Sweet September”, chronicle the lives of the Stevenson family as grandparents Bob and Charlotte attempt to make a home for their daughter’s orphaned children. The adjustment is not easy as the three children, two of whom are teens, seem to resent the move from suburban California to a Nebraska farm to live with grandparents they barely know. Both books have a down-home feel and the transition from the first to the second is smooth despite being written by different authors.
“Before the Dawn” is the first book in the series which covers the first months of change in the lives of the family complete with all the conflicts both with the grandchildren and between Bob and son Pete who farms with him. Charlotte and Bob are not always in agreement on how to handle their grandchildren and Charlotte is fearful that they will make similar mistakes to those in raising their own children.
“Sweet September” continues the family story as harvest time approaches. The grandchildren have settled in but are still somewhat resistant to life on the farm. Christopher seems to be hiding something and Sam is falling behind in school. Emily has made a good friend but is still unhappy with her new life. On top of that, the conflict between Bob and Pete seems to escalate and someone or something is stealing eggs and vegetables right out of the garden while they sleep. Charlotte is so stressed she doesn’t know which way to turn.
The first two books in the Home to Heather Creek series are stories about second chances. Charlotte and Bob have a chance to make a difference in the lives of their grandchildren and even a second chance with their two remaining children. They are stories about relationships, about when to discipline and when to just love. There is a lot of wisdom within their pages and a strong emphasis on turning problems over to God. These books can be enjoyed by both young and old alike.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOKS:
When the world around you falls apart, could it be that God is giving you a second chance? This is just one of the questions on Charlotte Stevenson’s mind as she brings her three grandchildren to live on the family farm in Guidepost Books’ Home to Heather Creek series.
Before the Dawn begins just one week after the funeral of Charlotte’s daughter, Denise. Denise’s three children barely have time to process the death of their mother before they must move to the Heather Creek Farm they have never visited with grandparents they barely know. At age 16, Sam is fiercely protective of his younger siblings. Emily is 14 and desperately misses her friends. Young Christopher is only 8 and just wants to fit in. While Charlotte tries to help her grandchildren adjust to their new life, she also wrestles with her own grief and the enormous task of bringing her family together. Bob believes the fastest path to adjustment is a firm routine, with structure and chores, the same way they raised their own kids. However, that route led to Denise running away from home as a teenager and an estranged relationship with her family. Charlotte is worried about making the same mistakes she made with Denise. Is this her chance to make things right?
It is spring when the children arrive, and as Charlotte looks around the farm, she hopes the new life around them will signify hope and healing. The miracle of new life, along with God’s healing touch, reminds all of them that it’s always darkest just before the dawn.
Sweet September picks up at harvest time, as the children are settling into a new school year. While the harvest should be an exciting time, the children don’t seem to be getting into the spirit. Emily is struggling with farm life, Christopher spends most of his time alone, and Sam is failing school. Trying to learn from what did and didn’t work with her own kids, Charlotte is determined to get her grandchildren back on track.
As tenuous family bonds threaten to break apart, a mystery on the farm might be the one thing that can bond the family together. Charlotte sets out to uncover the truth, and as the kids unite to find answers, this cobbled-together family learns more about one another and the love that binds them together.
The lives of the Stevensons and their grandchildren unfold in this captivating story of the remarkable change that comes from the love of family, the kindness of others, sheer persistence and unshakable faith. As readers follow the Stevensons’ inspiring stories, it’s almost impossible not feel a part of this friendly, loving community, where God’s grace can be seen in every circumstance.
Purchase a copy of the books here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kathleen Bauer is the pen name for a team of writers who have come together to create the Home to Heather Creek series.
| Before The Dawn — Written by Carolyne Aarsen.A transplanted city girl, Carolyne moved to the country when her fiancee and now husband, decided he wanted to farm. The move took quite well and Carolyne learned to milk cows, herd cows, drive a tractor, can, freeze, garden, bake, cook and preserve. She and her husband raised four wonderful children and took in numerous foster children. Somewhere along the way Carolyne decided she wanted to recreate her own version of the romance novels she loved reading. In her writing she yearns to show redemption and change and the chance to start over. Coming home to faith and love is a thread that is woven through every story she writes. |
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| Sweet September – Written by Tricia Goyer. |
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Guideposts is celebrating the launch of Home to Heather Creek with a Paperwhite Kindle Giveaway!
One winner will receive:
- A Paperwhite Kindle
- Before the Dawn and Sweet September by Kathleen Bauer
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 5th. All winners will be announced October 7th HERE.
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit Litfuse blog on the 7th to see if you won! (Or better yet, subscribe to their blog [enter your email in the blog sidebar] and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox!)
