by Roseanna White | Oct 26, 2010 | Uncategorized
I read with great delight the first two novels in the Darkness to Light Series centered around the Huguenots’ plight in 17th century France, so I was really looking forward to this final installment about the son of the first two’s heroine. Where Hearts Are Free travels to the New World and takes up residence in Pennsylvania–and in the reader’s heart.
Philippe Clavelle, once French royalty, is forced to become an indentured servant to help pay for his family’s passage from France when their money is all stolen on the ship. He’s lucky–he ends up with a kind family on a plantation outside Philadelphia. His brother Charles doesn’t fare so well and is bound to a cruel master in the city.
Bridget Barrington’s perfect childhood is marred by a scene she witnessed years ago, a terrible murder that has haunted her. The only person she ever dared tell about it is their groom, Philippe. There’s something about the young Frenchman. Something that, as she grows up, makes her heart blossom in love. She doesn’t care that he is a servant and she an heiress–she sees the nobility in him, the honor. But he cannot see past her Catholicism, and her parents arrange instead an engagement to a man more of her station. But Edward Moorehead isn’t what he seems, and when Philippe realizes the danger she is in, his own heart comes into focus.
Where Hearts Are Free is a story of romance, danger, and faith. Both characters struggle with where heart and duty collide, with being true to their heritage versus being true to themselves. I adored the sweet strength of Bridget–loved how it could lead her either to rebellion or obedience, depending on what seemed necessary at the time. And Philippe! Ah, now there’s a hero. He combines a characters of nobility with an integrity that has embraces the value of hard work–and he must work for everything. For his freedom, for his brother, for the woman he loves, and for his family’s approval where she is concerned. But my favorite part, aside from the beautiful love story, was watching the faith of the characters deepen through the pages of the book.
While there were wonderful glimpses into the lives of the Clavells we loved from the first two books as they took up farming, it never overwhelmed the main story of Philippe and Bridget, which makes this story stand on its own feet quite solidly.
Those who have read the other Darkness to Light novels definitely won’t want to miss this final book. And those who haven’t, but love historical romance, should pick this one up anyway. It combines Old World charm with the basic longings we all feel–that need to be free, both in our persons and our hearts. Where Hearts Are Free is a fabulous novel that will enrich you as it entertains you. I can’t recommend it enough!
*This book was a complimentary copy given to me for review purposes.
by Roseanna White | Oct 25, 2010 | Uncategorized
So, knowing it was going to be a fairly crazy weekend, given my daughter’s 5th birthday party, when I chose a book to read on Friday, I went for something I knew would be light, quick, and interesting–I picked up a Nora Roberts my mom had lent me. I don’t read mainstream fiction all that much anymore, so it feels like a break from the norm when I do.
This one has made me grin in several places. It’s contemporary, as almost all of Nora Roberts’ books are. Only, this contemporary was written some 17 years ago. It’s kind of funny. And hammers home the little ways a manuscript can get dated when we try our darnedest not to let it happen. The biggest of the key items . . .
1.) Fashion – obviously when we’re describing our characters and how gorgeous they look in their this or that, we touch on what the this and that is. Never imagining that nearly two decades later someone will be reading our book going “A silver jumpsuit?? Really?” and “A short-sleeved sweatshirt? Oh, wow, dude. That’s, um . . . something.”
2.) Technology – do you remember the world before cell phones? When it was cutting-edge to have a car phone? When there were phone booths on every corner? That’s the world this book is written in. Obviously an author has no choice but to work with the technology available, but it’s still funny to think how now we have to go out of our way to explain a lack of cell phone if we want out characters cut off and vulnerable.
Anyone else have any fun examples of ways contemporaries can suddenly strike you as being not-so-very-contemporary? Not that these detract from the story, mind you. But they’ve given me a few grins.
by Roseanna White | Oct 22, 2010 | Uncategorized
Today I’m thrilled to welcome my friend Melanie Dickerson to my blog. Melanie and I are both members of the most wonderful historical writers group ever, HisWriters, whose focus is on European-set historicals. Melanie’s here to talk about her debut novel, The Healer’s Apprentice, which is the book of the month at the ACFW book club and being discussed RIGHT NOW!! Fun stuff!
I reviewed this book a while back, so it may sound familiar to y’all. Well, Melanie has offered a signed copy to one lucky reader, so as always, leave your comment below with an email address. And be sure to click “Follow” if you haven’t already!
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About The Healer’s Apprentice
When destiny sleeps, it can only be awakened by true love’s kiss.
In this historical romance loosely based on the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale, a woodcutter’s daughter becomes the town healer’s apprentice. Rose’s job is to care for the sick and injured in Hagenheim Castle. But she gets sick at the sight of blood and is more suited to making up stories than sewing up wounds. She is determined to overcome her weakness and prove herself a competent healer, or she faces marrying a disgusting old merchant her mother has picked out for her.
Lord Hamlin, the future ruler of the region, is injured and Rose must overcome her squeamishness to save him. He is everything that is noble and good, but loving him is forbidden. He is already betrothed to a mysterious woman in hiding.
With two noble-born brothers vying for her affections, Rose learns that the people of Hagenheim are not always who they seem.
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About Melanie
Melanie Dickerson earned her bachelor’s degree in special education from The University of Alabama and has taught in Georgia, Tennessee, Germany and the Eastern European country of Ukraine. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA), she now spends her time writing and taking care of her husband and two daughters near Huntsville, Alabama.
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What’s your latest book?
The Healer’s Apprentice is my debut novel, published by Zondervan and released Sept. 14, 2010.
And it is sooooo awesome! I’m really excited to be talking about it at the ACFW book club this month! What do you hope your readers will get out of the story?
I think the main thing I tried to get across is that God has a plan for you, and it’s better than the plan you have for yourself, so don’t twist yourself into a pretzel trying to force your own plan to work out. Leave room for God to work out his perfect plan for your life.
Trust God. God says he delights in those who put their hope in his unfailing love. What an awesome God, that he wants us to put our hope in his love, and that he actually delights in us when we do.
I also want readers to understand that a guy who isn’t committed to God, and isn’t willing to commit to them, is not a safe person to fall in love with. They need to hold out for a Godly man!
I love the way you bring God’s ultimate will to light in this book. Very awesome. Is there a theme to this book?
Loyalty and determination are two themes that run through the story. Also, taking responsibility for your own feelings and actions, and doing what honors God instead of just going after your own selfish interests.
Yes, I definitely took that away from it. It’s not often you come across a book about responsibility, but this one was just beautiful in it. What’s your favorite genre to write? To read?
My favorite genre to read and to write is historical romance. I read other genres, but not very often!
With you there. =) As you well know. Is there any one thing or reference you keep handy when writing? Anything you kept around for this particular book?
I did a lot of research on the internet for this book. I keep my subscription to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary current so I can regularly check on words that were used in the middle ages. I try to avoid using words or objects that were not in use in the 14thcentury, although it’s virtually impossible to completely eliminate them all. But it was helpful to check on the origin of words. And it’s just plain fun. Let’s face it. I’m a word geek.
Oh, we have so much in common!! What lessons have you learned through the publication process that you wouldn’t have guessed as a pre-published writer?
There are many stresses and problems that come along with getting published. I was told that ahead of time, but I didn’t really know how things would be until I experienced it for myself. I had so many questions, but the people with the answers had jobs to do and I often didn’t even know who to ask. And there was so much marketing I wanted to do, and only so many hours in the day! Many problems and anxieties cropped up that I hadn’t anticipated. It’s been a whirlwind! But at the same time, I wouldn’t trade this wild ride for anything.
Crazy, isn’t it? Aside from writing, what takes up most of your time?
Marketing stuff, definitely. I try to do my part to get the word out about my book, but I never realized how all-consuming it could become. And the fact that the experts say the first three months after a book is released are the most critical, well, that just makes me put more pressure on myself! But I am trying to get back into the book I was writing a few months ago, before things got so crazy.
Do you remember where you were when you got The Call about your book being contracted?
I was taking a nap in my bedroom on Veterans’ Day, 2009, and my husband and kids were at the Veterans’ Day parade. I had been praying, just before I fell asleep, that God would make Zondervan love my book and that they would publish it. (I knew the editor was taking the book to the publishing board some time that month but I didn’t know when.) And I prayed that if Zondervan decided not to publish it, that God would help me not get too depressed. So when my agent called and woke me up, I was in shock. It took a while for it to sink in.
LOL. Think it was a dream? =) Any upcoming releases we should keep our eye out for?
I am hoping Zondervan is going to publish my second YA medieval fairy tale retelling, a Beauty and the Beast story that is on my editor’s desk right now. They were really fast getting The Healer’s Apprentice out, so it might not be that long before you’ll see the next one! I hope!
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Thanks for visiting, Melanie! I’m praying Zondervan buys that next book too, because this one was truly a delight. Readers, you can check out her website at www.melaniedickerson.com
and find her books at Amazon, ChristianBook, and CrossPurposes.
Void where prohibited. Entry into the contest is considered verification of eligibility based on your local laws. Chance of winning depends on number of entries. Contest ends 10/28/10. Winner will have two weeks to claim prize.
by Roseanna White | Oct 21, 2010 | Thoughtful Thursdays, Uncategorized
So on Saturday, my first baby turns 5. This feels pretty landmark to me. Five means school (yes, we’ve been doing that for two months already, but it still felt ahead of the game). Five means a more focused attention span. Five means endless coloring and playing with one toy rather than running around in circles (most of the time, LOL). Five means a KID rather than a baby, toddler, or preschooler. Sheesh. When did my baby get so big?
I’m enjoying this transition, for the most part, and we’re having fun planning her party for Saturday. Unlike past years when the family gathered at my house, this year we’re gathering at Chick-Fil-A instead. The kids will all get meals (I’d like to say on the house, but they’re on me, ha ha), t-shirts, and balloons. Moreover, they’ll get to tear around the play area rather than my living room. Mwa ha ha ha.
I’m still in charge of the cake, and this is what we’ve decided on. Though Xoe requested a scarier face. Which I find totally funny, since this girl’s a scaredy cat. =) (For anyone wondering how this cake is made, it’s actually really easy. Two bundt cakes, one turned upside down so the flats are against each other. The stem is an ice cream cone covered in icing. Cool, eh?)
And yes, that’s the extent of my brilliant musing today. I haven’t had my coffee yet, and my brain won’t kick into gear. My only other prevalent thoughts concern a vacation being forced upon me that I really don’t want to take, but why waste a blog post with whining? 😉
Oh, in good writing-related news, my first crit partner just got edits back to me on Jewel of Persia and now loves the ending she was iffy about on the first draft. Which is good, because I added a ton to the end as I deleted from the beginning. She’s the first to have read both, and I was sooooo hoping she agreed with me on its level of better-ness. Woo hoo!
Now. Coffee. Coffee, coffee, coffee, coffee, coffee . . .
Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary.