Debbie Roome – Embracing Change

From the Back Cover:

Embracing Change is an inspirational story of personal challenge. When Sarah Johnson’s fiancé is killed by a hijacker in South Africa, Sarah carries out his wish to continue with their plan and moves to New Zealand, taking his ashes to scatter there. In her grief she hasn’t counted on her gradual healing coming from two unexpected sources: Jesus Christ, and His new plan for her: Joel Baxter.

But will Joel’s old flame, Mandy, succeed in destroying Sarah’s fragile progress in both her spiritual and earthly paths? And will she ever break free of the oppressive power still held over her by the hijacker who murdered her fiancé and attacked her, too? It takes a journey halfway back across the world for Sarah to face her demons, and finally forgive.

Amanda’s Review:

I found this novel intriguing, primarily because I’ve recently made some new South African friends and they way they describe South Africa is exactly how Debbie Roome portrays it. Of course, the journey of Sarah, not only to a new country, but to a new man and a whole new life was captivating as well. This novel gave me some insight into what it’s like to shift not only from one country to another, but to another culture as well.

I especially loved the way Sarah confronted her past in the end, but you’ll have to read it to find out for yourself. It brought many a tear to my eye. And Joel, was a wonderful example of Christianity, as well as being the kind of guy every woman dreams about. If you love a good romance, read Embracing Change.

About the Author:

Debbie Roome was born and raised in Zimbabwe and later spent fifteen years in South Africa. In 2006 she moved to New Zealand with her husband and five children. Writing has been her passion since the age of six and she loves to write stories that touch people’s lives and turn them towards God.

Over the years she has won many awards and trophies for her work, including placing first in the Rose & Crown Novel Writing Competition in 2009. Debbie’s writing has opened doors for public speaking and she is often asked to share her life story and her experiences as a writer.

Published in: on 29th August, 2012 at 11:23 am  Comments (2)  
Tags: , ,

Siri Mitchell – The Messenger

From the Back Cover:

A Riveting Tale of Faith and Romance by an Acclaimed Novelist.

Hannah Sunderland felt content in her embrace of the Quaker faith

…until her twin brother ran off and joined the army and ended up captured and in jail. Suddenly Hannah’s world turns on end. She longs to bring her brother some measure of comfort in the squalid, frigid prison where he remains. But the Quakers believe they are not to take sides, not to take up arms. Can she sit by and do nothing while he suffers?

Jeremiah Jones has an enormous task before him. Responsibility for a spy ring is now his, and he desperately needs access to the men in prison, whom they are seeking to free. A possible solution is to garner a pass for Hannah. But while she is fine to the eye, she holds only disdain for him–and agreeing would mean disobeying those she loves and abandoning a bedrock of her faith.

With skill and sensitivity, Mitchell tells a story of two unlikely heroes seeking God’s voice, finding the courage to act, and discovering the powerful embrace of love.

Amanda’s Review:

One thing I love about reading historicals is the inside view you get of what it might have been like at certain times and/or events in history. The Messenger was great in that respect. Set during America’s Revolutionary War, with a Quaker for a heroine and an embittered and damaged, ex-soldier for a hero, I was intrigued from the start. How would Siri Mitchell bring two characters, who were poles apart in beliefs and nature, together by the end? How do you get a Quaker to not only become involved in the war goings-on, but act as a spy as well?

For the answers to these questions, you will have to read The Messenger yourself. What seems impossible, slowly becomes possible as the story progresses, written with a deft hand. It will suffice to say that I loved every minute of this book and found it hard to put down. If you love historical romance, you will love it too.

About the Author:

Siri Mitchell, author of She Walks in Beauty and A Heart Most Worthy, has written nine novels, two of which were named Christy Award finalists. A graduate from the University of Washington with a business degree, she has worked in many levels of government and lived on three continents. She and her family currently reside in the DC Metro Area.

For more information, go to www.sirimitchell.com

Published in: on 15th August, 2012 at 10:23 am  Comments (2)  
Tags: , , ,

Andrea Grigg – Insight

Rather than offer Andrea Grigg a standard interview, I asked her to share part of her life with us – either a story about how she met her partner, a story about how she became a Christian, or a story of heritage from her family’s past. Andrea offered to share an interesting story about her heritage. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

The Old Conundrum …

I’ve heard it said that our ‘core worldview’, the one that influences our thinking and attitude towards life, is formed by the time we are two years old. Add in a bit of ‘nature versus nurture’ and you’ve got an interesting discussion on the table.

 I’ve always known I was adopted, and it definitely has affected my core worldview. But as to the other? Well, you be the judge.

 I used to go the library with my Dad, every Friday night. I’d select around ten books, and whenever possible, one of them was to do with the Vikings. Fiction or non-fiction, it didn’t matter.

 Fast forward several years. I’m at my friends’ house for dinner, along with a medical student and two Japanese doctors he’s brought over for a good Kiwi meal. One is a plastic surgeon, and the other a cosmetologist. Both these men are staring at me, and I’m becoming uncomfortable. After all, I’m only twenty.

 Finally, one says, ‘I believe your ancestors come from Scandinavia.’

‘Sorry,’ I say, ‘but I have no idea. I’m adopted.’

‘Ah,’ says the other, ‘but we can tell by your bone structure. You are definitely from Scandinavia.’

 Fast forward another sixteen years, when, at the age of thirty-six, I track down my birth family. I’m one of seven siblings no less – all with the same parents, and all adopted out. And where is our paternal grandfather from? Denmark.

 So … nature or nurture? Chicken or egg? One thing I do know is that our times and places are in God’s hands. That sums up my worldview nicely, thanks.

Thanks Andrea, for sharing this story with us. I reviewed Andrea’s novel A Simple Mistake last week. You can read it here, along with more information about Andrea Grigg. What can we look forward to next from Andrea?

I have several books on the go, including the sequel to A Simple Mistake. Can’t guarantee which one I’ll finish first, but I plan to have one completed by the end of the year. I have a feeling it might be the one entitled No Angel … but then again, no promises!

Published in: on 8th August, 2012 at 10:02 am  Comments (2)  
Tags: , ,

Andrea Grigg – A Simple Mistake

From the Back Cover:

When teenage sweethearts Nick and Lainey meet again after more than a decade, so much has changed. Nick is now a famous celebrity and Lainey is the girl he left behind. As a member of a highly successful band and with an emerging acting career, Nick can have any girl he wants. Now he wants Lainey back.

Despite Nick’s promise to keep in touch when he left to seek fame and fortune, Lainey never heard from him. Now that so much time has passed, she has moved on from what she felt. Or has she?

After discovering what kept them apart for so long, they tentatively rekindle their past romance. The feelings are just as strong as before but can Lainey accept Nick’s lack of faith? And can their new relationship survive Lainey’s secret?

Amanda’s Review:

I really enjoyed this book. The cover has a fresh summery appeal to it for starters. This novel showed how one simple error can change the course of a person’s life. But is it for better, or is it for worse? You will have to read it to find out.

The thing that stood out to me most about A Simple Mistake, was Andrea’s portrayal of the Christian walk. It gives an honest view of our daily struggles, temptations and decisions we make based on faith, that aren’t always easy or painless. Andrea showed how God wants to be part of our everyday life, without sounding preachy or pushy.

Aside from this, the storyline was great and kept me up reading past my bedtime for a number of nights. I loved the chemistry between Nick and Lainey, that kept drawing them back together. The romantic side of me was very satisfied. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a great contemporary romance.

About the Author:

Andrea Grigg grew up in Auckland, New Zealand, but has lived more than half her life in Australia. She lives with her husband on Queensland’s Gold Coast, where they have raised their three adult children – two daughters and a son. If she isn’t teaching ten-year-olds, being a domestic executive or socialising, Andrea can be found in her cave, writing stories.

 Andrea Grigg lives with her husband on Queensland’s Gold Coast, where they have raised their three adult children – two daughters and a son. If she isn’t teaching ten-year-olds, being a domestic executive or socialising, Andrea can be found in her cave, writing stories.

You can also find Andrea Grigg at: http://www.andreagrigg.com/

Come back next week when Andrea will share a story from her own life with us! Looking forward to it. 🙂

Published in: on 1st August, 2012 at 11:41 am  Comments (4)  
Tags: , , ,

Anna Patricio – Asenath

From the Back Cover:

Two Destinies…One Journey of Love

In a humble fishing village on the shores of the Nile lives Asenath, a fisherman’s daughter who has everything she could want. Until her perfect world is shattered.

When a warring jungle tribe ransacks the village and kidnaps her, separating her from her parents, she is forced to live as a slave. And she begins a journey that will culminate in the meeting of a handsome and kind steward named Joseph.

Like her, Joseph was taken away from his home, and it is in him that Asenath comes to find solace…and love. But just as they are beginning to form a bond, Joseph is betrayed by his master’s wife and thrown into prison.

Is Asenath doomed to a lifetime of losing everything and everyone she loves?

Amanda’s Review:

I really enjoyed Asenath. Anna Patricio has woven a wonderful romance against the backdrop of ancient Egypt. With the use of modern dialogue, the Egyptian society in some ways reflects our current way of life — yet in other ways, it is so different. Like many others, I had never given much thought to the wife of Joseph and what her life might have been like, but Anna has taken this on and brought her to life. The romance between Asenath and Joseph is beautiful.

Throughout the novel, there is a message of searching and of hope. From losing everything to becoming the wife of one of the most powerful men in Egypt, Asenath’s story is truly remarkable in the way Anna has portrayed her. Never doubt that God can bring great things from devastation. I recommend this book to anyone who loves romance.

About the Author:

Anna Patricio is a lover of ancient history, with a particular interest in Egypt, Israel, Greece, and Rome. She is also intrigued by the Ancient Near East, though she has not delved too much into it but hopes to one day.

She undertook formal studies in Ancient History at Macquarie University. She focused mostly on Egyptology and Jewish-Christian Studies, alongside a couple of Greco-Roman units, and one on Archaeology. Though she knew there were very limited job openings for ancient history graduates, she pursued her degree anyway as it was something she had always been passionate about.

Then, about a year after her graduation, the idea to tackle historical fiction appeared in her head, and she began happily pounding away on her laptop. ASENATH is her first novel.

Recently, she traveled to Lower Egypt (specifically Cairo and the Sinai), Israel, and Jordan. She plans to return to Egypt soon, and see more of it. In the past, she has also been to Athens and Rome.

Anna is currently working on a second novel, which still takes place in Ancient Egypt, but hundreds of years after ASENATH.

For more information please visit www.annapatricio.blogspot.com

Published in: on 18th July, 2012 at 10:24 am  Comments (2)  
Tags: , , ,

Melanie Dickerson – The Merchant’s Daughter

From the Back Cover:

An unthinkable danger. An unexpected choice.

Annabel, once the daughter of a wealthy merchant, is trapped in indentured servitude to Lord Ranulf, a recluse who is rumored to be both terrifying and beastly. Her circumstances are made even worse by the proximity of Lord Ranulf’s bailiff—a revolting man who has made unwelcome advances on Annabel in the past.

Believing that life in a nunnery is the best way to escape the escalation of the bailiff’s vile behavior and to preserve the faith that sustains her, Annabel is surprised to discover a sense of security and joy in her encounters with Lord Ranulf. As Annabel struggles to confront her feelings, she is involved in a situation that could place Ranulf in grave danger.

Ranulf’s future, and possibly his heart, may rest in her hands, and Annabel must decide whether to follow the plans she has cherished or the calling God has placed on her heart.

Amanda’s Review:

Wow! What can I say? This has to be my best read so far in 2012. The Merchant’s Daughter was, for me, a heart-pounding, toe-curling, sleep-stealing experience. I knew within a few pages of reading I did not want it to end.

Speaking as an author for a moment, this novel made me forget all about style, grammar, spelling, structure — basically everything to do with writing. I was so caught up in the story, that was all that existed. Isn’t that what it’s all about?

Dickerson did an excellent job of  setting this story in a medieval time, and although she used modern dialogue, it definitely carried that Olde World feel. The Merchant’s Daughter is a re-telling of the beloved fairy tale (and my favourite of them), Beauty and the Beast. Dickerson did not let me down at all in her version of this wonderful story. I loved every minute and every detail.

If you love a fairy tale, a romance and/or a medieval story, you cannot miss this book.

About the Author:

Melanie Dickerson is the author of 2010’s The Healer’s Apprentice, her debut novel which won Best First Book at the National Readers’ Choice Awards and came in fourth at the Family Fiction Awards. The novel was also a Christy Award, Maggie Award, Carol Award and Golden Quill finalist, and earned the HOLT Medallion Award of Merit. She lives in Huntsville, Alabama, with her husband and two daughters. www.melaniedickerson.com

Published in: on 27th June, 2012 at 10:04 am  Comments (2)  
Tags: , , , , , ,

A Chance to Daydream

Who would like a holiday in a tropical paradise? Perhaps I should rephrase that — who wouldn’t?!

Fellow author, Rose Dee, has just released her second novel, Beyond Resolution, the second in her Resolution Series. To celebrate she has teamed together with Daydream Island Resort and Spa and Koorong Bookstores, to bring an awesome promotion with a chance to win two nights accommodation plus a few extras.

All you need to do to go in the draw is buy her new novel, or one of the other Australian books listed. It’s that easy. And with Mother’s Day coming up, now is the perfect time to purchase them. If you don’t want to read these novels for yourself, chances are you know someone who does.

Let’s get on board and support our Aussie authors through this exciting opportunity, by sharing the news around as well as getting hold of these great books.

For more information, go to: http://www.koorong.com/estore/rosedee.html

Published in: on 2nd May, 2012 at 4:41 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , ,

Martin Roth – Prophets and Loss

From the Back Cover:

Forgiveness is the most attractive of the virtues. Until you actually have someone to forgive. When Melissa Stonelea’s born-again Christian husband Grant is found strangled in the bondage room of the city’s classiest brothel, a page of the Bible stuffed in his mouth, she doesn’t need to hear more of her pastor’s sermons on the healing powers of forgiveness. She needs revenge.

Enter private detective Johnny Ravine, seeking the quiet life in Australia after more than twenty years as a freedom fighter in East Timor. The murdered man was his best friend. But, as he starts to investigate the slaying, a mysterious phone call and then a bullet through his window plunge him into the heart of a deadly terrorist conspiracy. Suddenly he finds himself locked inside a shady world of stock market manipulators, sex workers and underground militia, while desperately hunting the killers. But Johnny is concealing a violent past and demons of his own. Can he crack the mystery before he himself cracks?

Amanda’s Review:

When I first saw Prophets and Loss, I thought it would be a self-help book for financial prosperity, so I didn’t look twice at it. I couldn’t have been more wrong. When I had the benefit of meeting the author early this year, I learned it was in fact a murder-mystery novel. Of course, then I had to read it, and I am so glad I did. I loved it. It was Australian through and through — particularly Melburnian in flavour. Even Roth’s metaphors bore an Aussie feel, which delighted me no end.

Roth’s hero, an unlikely subject — being an illegal immigrant with a past which haunts him — was very believable. I almost felt as though I sat in the room with him as he unfolded his story. Johnny Ravine’s spiritual journey was interesting to follow as well, as he had plenty of questions of his own, and not all of them were answered, leaving the reader with something to seek.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It kept me turning pages, apart from a short part in the middle where I felt it slowed pace a little, but then it revved up again, keeping me up past my bedtime. I’m now looking forward to the next Johnny Ravine mystery… Hot Rock Dreaming.

About the Author:

Martin Roth is a leading Australian financial writer. After graduating in law from Auckland University, he embarked on a career in journalism, and has worked on daily newspapers in New Zealand, Australia, England and Greece. For seventeen years he lived in Japan, and as a Tokyo-based foreign correspondent his reports from Asia appeared in publications around the world, including the Guardian in the UK and the Wall Street Journal in the US. He has also spent six months working on kibbutzim in Israel, and was for seven years a securities analyst with British merchant banks. He now lives in Melbourne with his Korean wife and three sons, and is the author of many books.

For more information, go to www.military-orders.com, or see his author page at Amazon.

Published in: on 5th April, 2012 at 9:00 am  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , ,

Penelope McCowan – Insight

Rather than offer Penelope McCowan a standard interview, I asked her to share part of her life with us – either a story about how she met her partner, a story about how she became a Christian, or a story of heritage from her family’s past. Penelope offered a humorous story about how she met her husband. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

On Meeting Charlie…

There I sat, on the end of a row in an enthralling accounting lecture (is that an oxymoron?) wondering what in the world I was doing there, when the door opened and in sauntered the most interesting thing that Lecture Room 209 had coughed up in a long time.  In a room full of aspiring executive types, he wore jeans, riding boots and a football jersey (which really worked for me, being a country girl) and he chose the seat beside mine.  Our first conversation was hilarious – unfortunately too long to write about here – but I really enjoyed his sense of humour and sense of fun.

So love blossomed against a backdrop of debits and credits – or should I say in spite of – and day after day, on my morning run, the love of my life would meet me in the park with a single red rose.  Happily I never thought to ask where the red roses came from, as university students aren’t known for their healthy bank balances, but I now suspect that some poor gardener paid a high price for planting his rosebush near the front fence.  But I am so very glad he did as Charlie won my heart, and last month we celebrated seventeen years of marriage.

That God can build something so wonderful between two imperfect people is truly amazing… and not only that, I’m sure He has a great sense of humour too… I still scratch my head and wonder how an unmathematical, extroverted, dyed-in-the-wool romantic like me ever ended up in an accounting lecture in the first place.  Only God could do it!

Thanks Penny, for sharing this story with us. I reviewed Penny’s novel Heidi’s October last week. You can read it here, along with more information about Penelope McCowan.
Published in: on 29th March, 2012 at 9:00 am  Comments (2)  
Tags: , , ,

Penelope McCowan – Heidi’s October

From the back cover:

For Heidi Jordan, young and lovely, life is neatly mapped out and right on target. Her university grades are high, her future in the medical field all but guaranteed and her only dark secret is well kept. Until the first of October, that is, when Heidi discovers that reckless choices can have desperate consequences, and pain and anguish cannot be outrun.

For Annaliese Miller and her handsome fiancé Ben, the party on the evening of October the first was just the beginning of their brand new life together. But by midnight, Annaliese is lying on the cold flagstones in a pool of blood, her devastated husband-to-be kneeling in horror beside her.

Will Heidi return and face those she has shattered? Can healing happen when relationships and dreams have been ripped apart? Or are some things just too big to forgive?

Amanda’s review:

A lot can happen in one month. In fact, one month can change the course of your life. That is what happens to Heidi Jordan in Penelope McCowan’s debut novel, Heidi’s October. Heidi’s life is on track and heading for success, when a series of bad decisions turns her world on its head. That happens at the beginning of October and she spends the rest of the month facing and dealing with the far-reaching consequences of those mistakes. Will anything ever be normal again?

This novel deals with forgiveness on a deep level. The Christian message is very much at the forefront of the story and it is clear all of the main characters have to find a way to forgive to move forward in life. Heidi’s October demonstrates how forgiveness can work and bring healing in people’s lives.

I loved Penelope’s writing style and the book kept me turning the pages, wondering how Heidi was going to sort through everything. There was also a touch of romance in there – her love interest is a great character. Heidi’s October will appeal to young adult readers who enjoy a Christian novel with drama and romance.

About the author:

Penelope McCowen is a Christian author and speaker with a deep desire to see lives transformed by the power of Jesus Christ.  She also…

  • Lives on a sheep and cattle property in the New England region of New South Wales
  • Is eternally grateful that Jesus pursued her until He caught her
  • Adores her husband and children
  • Wonders why we need to have winter
  • Did Registered Nursing and a Bachelor of Commerce before she stopped trying to be sensible and instead followed her dream of writing fiction
  • Thinks life on the land is beyond wonderful
  • Loves dark chocolate
  • Grew up on the plains of north-western New South Wales
  • Has too many pairs of shoes
  • Is writing Novel  #2 – The Boatshed
  • Likes her standard schnauzer when it’s not eating the children’s pet duck
  • Loves tennis
  • Is deeply moved by the power of well-used words
  • Is singularly unmoved by the game of golf and has absolutely no talent for it
  • Loves bright colours
  • Lives in a home without television
  • Once learned to fly aeroplanes
  • Has, on occasion, sung in tune
  • Loves running on the beach
  • Loves the beach even more than running on it
  • Is very grateful to Amanda for this interview!

 For more information visit www.penelopemccowen.com

Published in: on 22nd March, 2012 at 9:00 am  Comments (5)  
Tags: , , , ,
Newer Entries »