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 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.
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.
Note: Judith Miller is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her novels, two of which have placed in the CBA top ten lists. In addition to her writing, Judy is a certified legal assistant. Judy and her husband make their home in Topeka, Kansas.
ABOUT THE BOOK :
Johanna Ilg has lived her entire life in Main Amana, one of the seven villages settled by devout Christians who believe in cooperative living, a simple lifestyle, and faithful service to God. Although she’s always longed to see the outside world, Johanna believes her future is rooted in Amana. But when she learns a troubling secret, the world she thought she knew is shattered. Is this truly where she belongs?
Berta Schumacher has lived a privileged life in Chicago, so when her parents decide they want a simpler life in Amana, Iowa, she resists. Under the strictures of the Amana villages, her rebellion reaches new heights. Will her heart ever be content among the plain people of Amana?
Book two in Hunt’s “The Heirs of Cahira O’Connor” series, The Golden Cross recounts the adventures (or misadventures) of Aidan O’Connor, a young woman raised among the riffraff near the harbor of Batavia, Indonesia. When given a chance to improve her artistic abilities and leave her destitution behind, Aidan agrees to disguise herself as a boy and accompany her benefactor aboard ship on a voyage to discover and map unidentified lands. As the expedition progresses, Aidan finds her life threatened at every turn but remains unaware of sinister plots against her and Heer Van Dyck. When Dr. Sterling Thorne accidentally discovers her secret, he becomes her self-appointed protector and Aidan fights her growing attraction to him. Will there be any chance of a future for Aidan and Sterling once he discovers her past? Will Aidan make peace with the God she has turned away from?
The Golden Cross is a fast paced story full of action, drama, and human interest. Characters are realistic with distinct personalities. Life near the wharf and on board ship is rendered skillfully with vivid descriptions. God’s involvement with His children is evident throughout but is subtle and a natural element of the story. Historical elements seem to be well researched and add depth to the narrative.
I would definitely recommend The Golden Cross to anyone who loves a good historical romance.
A review copy of The Golden Cross was provided by WaterBrook Press, a division of Random House.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Aidan O’Connor was raised among pickpockets and prostitutes in a Dutch colony on Java, Indonesia. But when a world-famous cartographer discovers her natural artistic talent, she is given a chance to leave her troubled life behind.
Disguised as a boy, Aidan joins her benefactor at sea and begins the work of drawing the flora and fauna of the new world. This fresh beginning holds far more than adventure, however. It also holds a great love.
But can this love survive the force of Aidan’s past…and her ambitions for her future?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Christy-Award winner Angela Hunt writes for readers who have learned to expect the unexpected in novels from this versatile author. With nearly four million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the best-selling author of more than 100 works ranging from picture books (The Tale of Three Trees) to nonfiction books, to novels.
Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Notewas featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.
Also in 2006, Angela completed her Master of Biblical Studies in Theology degree. She completed her doctorate in 2008 and was accepted into a Th.D. program in 2009. When she’s not home reading or writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers’ conferences. And to talk about her dogs, of course.
Value Fiction For Your Spring Break
Colorado Springs, CO— Fiction lovers don’t need to budget to travel this spring break with Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group’s six full-length novels by beloved Christian authors (WaterBrook, February 16, 2010). At the low cost of only $5.99, these well-read “get-aways” provide quality entertainment at a price that any reader can afford.
Full-length novels offered include:
Secrets
by Robin Jones Gunn – Jessica has moved to a new town to start a new life. But a friendly fire-fighter and a suspicious boss both want to know what she’s hiding.
Beneath a Southern Sky
by Deborah Raney – Daria Camfield is expecting her first child when her husband Nate is reported dead on the mission field. Devastated, she returns to the States and soon marries again. But two years later Nate is found alive in the jungle. How can Daria possibly choose between he two men who love her?
The Golden Cross
by Angela Elwell Hunt – Aidan O’Connor may be a poor barmaid but she’s also a gifted artists. When a famous cartographer takes her on as a student, Aidan is swept into an adventure that will bring her back to her heavenly Father, and into marriage with the love of her life.
Deep Harbor
by Lisa Tawn Bergren – Tora, Elsa, Kaatje, and Karl face trouble, tragedy, and treachery across the Wast, Hawaii, Japan, and the high seas. These four immigrants from Bergen, Norway, each grow closer to God and learn afresh the value of faith, family, and coming alongside each other in times of need.
Faithful Heart
by Al and Joanna Lacy – The adventures of certified medical nurse and dedicated Christian Breanna Baylor continue as she travels by wagon train to visit her sister, Dottie, in California. Little does she know that her most dangerous encounter might be with Jerrod, her brother-in-law, who’s suffering from dementia caused by combat fatigue.
Yesterday’s Promise
by Linda Lee Chaikin – Rogan Chantry faces danger from tribesmen, ruthless politicians, and his own family as he searches for gold in South Africa. In England, his beloved Evy is injured by a mysterious assailant. The greed and intrigue surrounding the diamond mines could very well drive them irrevocably apart.
For those who thrive on Amish fiction, Never Far From Home and the previous installment of the Miller Family series, Widow’s Hope are two more books to add to their to read list. In the tradition of Beverly Lewis and Wanda Brunstetter, Mary Ellis chronicles the daily lives and struggles of members of an Amish family. Never Far From Home focuses on Emma Miller, an industrious sixteen-year-old with her own wool and craft business and who is attracted to James, who is not Amish. Other family members take primary roles also, including Emma’s Aunt Hannah, a newlywed who is having problems dealing with submission to her husband after her independence following her first husband’s death.
The novel is well written and easy to read. However, it had a hard time capturing my attention – most likely because I just couldn’t seem to drum up much interest in the love life of a sixteen-year-old and never got past that. This book would probably be enjoyed by a younger audience who would like to learn more about their Amish counterparts.
A review copy of Never Far From Home was provided by Rebeca Seitz with Glass Road Public Relations.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Mary Ellis follows her captivating Widow’s Hope with a new story from the heart of Holmes County, Ohio. In Never Far From Home, fifteen–year–old Emma Miller finishes school, starts her own wool business, and is longing for someone to court. When the object of her affection is a handsome English sheep farmer, with a fast truck and modern methods, her deacon father, Simon, knows he has more than the farm alliance to worry about.
Emma isn’t the only one with longings in Holmes County. Her aunt Hannah wants a baby and her uncle Seth hopes he’ll reap financial rewards when he takes a risk with his harvest. But are these the dreams God has for this Amish family? With engaging interactions and thoughtful characters, Ellis weaves a story about waiting for God’s timing and discovering that the dreams planted close to home can grow a lasting harvest of hope and love.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mary Ellis grew up close to the eastern Ohio Amish Community, Geauga County, where her parents often took her to farmers’ markets and woodworking fairs. She and her husband now live in Medina County, close to the largest population of Amish in the country. They often take weekend trips to purchase produce, meet Amish families, and enjoy a simple way of life.
Plain Jayne is a refreshingly unique take on Amish fiction. It has a straightforward narrative that relates the story of a young woman’s interaction with an Amish family and their effect on her life. The characters are down-to-earth with intelligent conversations yet each has a distinct personality that makes the book all that much more believable. The contrasts between the plain and modern life are illustrated well without prejudice.
Jayne is a thoroughly modern girl who rides a motorcycle and never wears a dress. She is estranged from her family because she never felt that she could meet their expectations. Her stay with the Burkholder family opened her eyes to the family life she had missed and her friendship with Levi encouraged her to make some changes in her life.
Plain Jayne is a delightful romantic novel with plenty of introspection, humor, spiritual truth, and Amish cooking. I look forward to the next installment to learn more about Sara and the rest of the Burkholder family.
A review copy of Plain Jayne was provided by Rebeca Seitz with Glass Road Public Relations.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Jayne Tate is an investigative reporter for a major daily. When her editor demands she take time off to grieve the death of her father and get her writing back up to par, Jayne instead follows her instincts. She’s certain there’s a story to uncover about the Amish, but where to start?
An initial interview with the intriguing owner of an Amish furniture store opens the door for Jayne to live with the Amish family he left behind. What she doesn’t yet know is that her journalistic observations of this sincere, yet conflicted family are destined to cause reflections of her own childhood.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Hillary Manton Lodge graduated from the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism. She works as a freelance photographer while following her passion to write fiction. The author of Plain Jayne, she and her husband, Danny, live in Eugene, Oregon.
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