by Roseanna White | Mar 29, 2011 | Uncategorized
I am a HUGE MaryLu Tyndall fan, so when a signed copy of Surrender the Night arrived on my doorstep, I did a little jig. I loved Surrender the Heart and couldn’t wait to read the second book in the Surrender to Destiny Series. But alas–it was third at the time in my to-be-read stack.
Then life descended in the form of a 5-year-old who decided bedtime was a good time to move to Tantrum Town. I haven’t read at all in the past week, other than a little snippet last Saturday. But last night, when she finally went to bed like a normal kid (which means some “But I’m not tired!” whining, but no fits), I cracked open Surrender the Night again. Ah, bliss.
I’m only four chapters in, but already I’m loving this book. Rose lives on a farm outside of Baltimore, where she does her best to hide from the memories of all the British took from her–her parents, her home, and her innocence. But when British soldiers again invade her world, and she again finds herself at the mercy of a brutal soldier, she prays the Lord will be merciful and let her die.
Instead, 2nd Lieutenant Alexander Reed stands against his superior, risking a court martial when his conscience forbids the attack on one more innocent woman. Perhaps he saves her life, but he knows well his own is forfeit. For if the British Navy doesn’t punish him, the Americans surely will when the fair damsel he rescued turns him in.
Rose hides the man in the barn as long as she can so she can nurse him back to health, but when a fever sets in, she fears this man will yet be her ruin. Her only goal is to get him back on his feet and away from her . . . but of course, the back of the book cover promises love intervenes. =)
That’s as far as I’ve gotten, but golly. I’m already in love. A tomboy beauty who prefers the company of pigs to men . . . a handsome hero who chose nobility over the war that wasn’t his own . . . perfect. I am seriously looking forward to reading more when peace and quiet (or at least the absence of fits) permits! You can be sure I’ll post a full review after I’ve finished. =)
by Roseanna White | Mar 25, 2011 | Uncategorized
Today I’m happy to welcome Cathy West to the blog to tell you about her debut novel, Yesterday’s Tomorrow (isn’t that just an AWESOME title??).
Cathy has generously offered a copy in giveaway, so please leave your comments below with an email address to be entered.
~*~
About Yesterday’s Tomorrow
She’s after the story that might get her the Pulitzer. He’s determined to keep his secrets to himself. Vietnam, 1967. Independent, career-driven journalist Kristin Taylor wants two things: to honor her father’s memory by becoming an award-winning overseas correspondent and to keep tabs on her only brother, Teddy, who signed up for the war against their mother’s wishes. Brilliant photographer Luke Maddox, silent and brooding, exudes mystery. Kristin is convinced he’s hiding something. Willing to risk it all for what they believe in, Kristin and Luke engage in their own tumultuous battle until, in an unexpected twist, they’re forced to work together. Ambushed by love, they must decide whether or not to set aside their own private agendas for the hope of tomorrow that has captured their hearts.
~*~
About Cathy
Educated in Bermuda, England and Canada, Catherine holds a degree in English from the University of Toronto. When she’s not at the computer working on her next story, you can find her taking her Border Collie for long walks or tending to her roses and orchids. Catherine and her husband live on the beautiful island of Bermuda, with their two college-aged children. Catherine is a member of Romance Writers of America, and American Christian Fiction Writers, and is a founding member of International Christian Fiction Writers. Catherine’s debut novel Yesterday’s Tomorrow, will release in 2011, through Oak Tara Publishers.
Website:
http://www.catherinejwest.com Oak Tara Website:
http://www.oaktara.com
~*~
What’s your latest book?
My latest release is called Yesterday’s Tomorrow, due March 2011, through Oak Tara Publishers.
I’ve heard such great things about it! What’s your favorite part of the story?
Yesterday’s Tomorrow is a love story. And since I absolutely adore happy endings, without giving too much away, I’d have to say the ending!
=) Happy endings are a MUST! What was the hardest part to write?
The story takes place during the Vietnam War. I did a lot of research for the book, and I think the hardest parts for me, were the scenes where Kristin had to deal with what was going on around her—death, destruction and the devastating results of a war on a nation, both in Vietnam and back in the US.
I’m not really old enough to remember that time, not even American, so I basically just had to try really hard to put myself in Kristin’s shoes and hope I got it right!
Yeah, I know that feeling, LOL. What do you hope your readers will get out of the story?
So many things. Even though a lot of the story takes place within a warzone, I wanted to show that there is hope to be found in even the darkest of places. I think one can see the frailties of human nature, the need for forgiveness and the ultimate victory that is found in redemption.
Lovely. Is there a theme to this book?
It struck me while I was writing this story, that truly, ‘There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.’ John 15:13 NLT That’s the spiritual theme of the book—remembering what countless brave men and women on the frontlines have done, and a reminder of what Christ did for us.
Wow–so touching! What’s your favorite genre to write? To read?
Romance all the way! I love a good romance from beginning to end, with plenty of twists and turns to keep me guessing. Of course we know it’ll turn out the way we hope, but there’s nothing like a little anticipation to keep a reader turning those pages! I also enjoy reading literary fiction, and big sweeping family sagas that span generations.
I tend to stick to writing contemporary romance, although I have written a women’s fiction novel.
Hear, hear! Are there any people (family, writing group, editors) who you rely on when writing?
I can’t say enough about American Christian Fiction Writers. Honestly, had I not joined this group six years ago, I seriously doubt I’d be sitting here looking at my first published novel. From the comraderie that takes place between writers, to the teaching, the critique groups and the annual conference, this group is amazing, and I’d be utterly lost without them! I also have a few wonderful critique partners and friends who keep me going when I’m ready to chuck it all out the window, and of course my fabulous agent, Rachelle Gardner. She’s always there to bounce ideas off, and ready to give me a swift kick in the derriere when I need one!
That would be where I “know” you from. =) Aside from writing, what takes up most of your time?
I love to garden – I grow roses and orchids. I also keep active with my two year old Border Collie, as well as weekly volunteering with Bermuda Riding for the Disabled. And I try to read as much as I can.
I would love your garden. =) Roses and orchids are two of my favorites. What are you writing right now?
Right now I’m working on two manuscripts. The first is called Reprisal – a family saga, heavy on the romance of course, that I hope to have finished in the next few months. The second story is a straight romance, First Harvest, about a young woman who travels to Sonoma to help convince her grandfather to sell his winery and move back east, and soon realizes, once she meets her grandfather’s vintner, that she’s in for quite a fight!
Oo, they sound great! Is there another author who has greatly influenced your writing?
Yes, there are several. Deborah Raney was probably the first Christian author I read. After I finished A Vow to Cherish, I thought, I’d really love to write like that! Imagine my surprise to find Deb was a member of ACFW. As it turns out, she was one of the first people to show interest in Yesterday’s Tomorrow, and gave me some great insight into the story. Her valuable input, advice and encouragement has meant so much to me over the years. She is a great mentor to many writers.
~*~
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 4/1/11. Winner will have two weeks to claim prize.
by Roseanna White | Mar 24, 2011 | Thoughtful Thursdays, Uncategorized
I’ve been reading through the Psalms lately, which is my go-to place in the Bible when I’ve finished up another book and am not sure where I want to head next. I know they’re a go-to for many other people too, and the one I read today hammered home why.
David (and the other psalmists too, I’m sure, though I’ve been in his lately) is so real in the psalms. You can feel his heartache. You can hear the tremor of pain in his voice. You can smell the incense he sends wafting up in prayer. But more, you can taste the hope on his tongue.
Here’s a bit from Psalm 41, which I just read. (starting at verse 9)
Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted,
Who ate my bread,
Has lifted up his heel against me.
But You, O Lord, be merciful to me, and raise me up,
That I may repay them.
By this I know that You are well pleased with me,
Because my enemy does not triumph over me.
As for me, You uphold me in my integrity,
And set me before Your face forever.
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel
From everlasting to everlasting!
Amen and Amen.
This is but one of many examples of what appeals to me about these songs. David had real, honest-to-goodness problems he’s dealing with here. A best friend that has turned against him. People trying to sully his name. In the verses above these, he says how his enemies want him to die and his name be blotted out forever–which gave me a big “Ha!” since he’s one of the most well-known men of all times!
David isn’t afraid to let loose those negative feelings, to cry out to God with the hurt and pain he feels. He utters words that could be considered whining, complaining, and bellyaching. I mean, yeah, sure, people were actually trying to kill him, LOL, but just looking at the words above–who hasn’t been in a position where a friend has turned against him? Who hasn’t felt as though his heart has been totally crushed by it?
It’s okay to share those feelings with God. He knows, He’s been there, and He cares. Go ahead, pour out all your aching complaints to Him! He won’t call you a whiner. 😉
But what I love about this psalmist is that he always, always, always goes back to the hope that’s to be found in the Lord. Always. He knew that no matter how bleak things seemed, God had his back. God blazed the path before him. God protected his flank. Sometimes the battle probably looked pretty dire, with the enemy closing in, but David knew that victory didn’t lie in telling his adversaries off–it lay in embracing the Lord.
He upholds our integrity. He sets us before His face. Who cares what the backstabbers are doing when the glory of the Lord’s before us?
I’m an eternal optimist, forever hopeful that good will come from bad. This is why I kept writing, writing, writing even when I kept getting rejection after rejection. I have twenty finished manuscripts in my computer. Twenty. Trust me, I came across some nay-sayers over the years. I heard from people who said it should only take so many years, or so many finished books . . . I even heard that the industry was in lockdown, and I simply wouldn’t sell, not because I wasn’t good enough, but because it just wasn’t going to happen.
But I hope in the Lord, trusting in him. And now I have a new contract that should be arriving any day, as well as a small company of our own that’s suddenly growing in amazing ways. Have I “made it”? Um . . . do you ever? LOL. But it’s reassurance that I am indeed on the right path. Right where He wants me to be.
God is good. He has set me before His face. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting! Amen and amen.
by Roseanna White | Mar 23, 2011 | Remember When Wednesdays, Uncategorized
One of those crazy mornings (both kids had their check-ups this morning), following one of those crazy days yesterday when I was too sleep deprived to do something as logical as schedule a post. So you can Remember When with me next week. =) For now, I’m going to get tomorrow’s post ready so I don’t make y’all wonder if I’m alive again. 😉
by Roseanna White | Mar 22, 2011 | Uncategorized
For those who pay lots of attention, you know that Shadowed in Silk is the next title due out from our publishing company, WhiteFire Publishing. I’ve probably even shared a bit about it. But now that we’re about five or six weeks away from digital release and have the full cover in our possession, I’m thrilled to get to talk about it in more depth.
She was invisible to those who should have loved her.
After the Great War, Abby Fraser returns to India with her small son, where her husband is stationed with the British army. She has longed to go home to the land of glittering palaces and veiled women . . . but Nick has become a cruel stranger. It will take more than her American pluck to survive.
Major Geoff Richards, broken over the loss of so many of his men in the trenches of France, returns to his cavalry post in Amritsar. But his faith does little to help him understand the ruthlessness of his British peers toward the Indian people he loves. Nor does it explain how he is to protect Abby Fraser and her child from the husband who mistreats them.
Amid political unrest, inhospitable deserts, and Russian spies, tensions rise in India as the people cry for the freedom espoused by Gandhi. Caught between their own ideals and duty, Geoff and Abby stumble into sinister secrets . . . secrets that will thrust them out of the shadows and straight into the fire of revolution.
~*~
Usually I share my own summary of the story rather than back cover copy, but given that Christine and I wrote the back cover copy . . . =)
This isn’t going to be a typical review, but I’m going to share with y’all what caught our attention about this book, and why I’m loving it more, the more times I read it.
First and foremost, Christine researched the Indian culture for years, and that comes through brilliantly. Within the first few pages, the reader is plunged directly into the India of the British Raj. She describes in amazing (but never overwhelming) detail the sights, the smells, the feel of this land that she and her characters adore. You can feel the pain of the Indian people, the disdain of the British memsahibs, the hope and dread of the officer and American/British heroine who only want fairness for the people of their hearts. You can smell the bazaar, feel the brassy sun upon your head, and taste the fear when your realize there’s a Russian spy underfoot.
It’s brilliant.
I’m nearly done edits on it, and many of my last few comments have been “This scene is amazing.” “Another perfect scene.” “My favorite line in the whole book.”
And how did she achieve it? By being passionate about her subject. I know Christine through a historical list, and I know that she has a special place in her heart for India, where her own British forefathers served in the cavalry. This story is, in its abstract anyway, her family’s story. And that connection comes through and excites the reader. As does Christine’s love for the Christian ministry trying to win over the souls of the great sub-continent.
Plenty of experts have written about how setting can be a character–that’s definitely the case in Shadowed in Silk, and through this book I have fallen in love with India as surely I have with plucky Abby and honorable Geoff. I am so, so thrilled to get to help bring this amazing book to life and get it into the hands of readers, and so, so thrilled to be a fellow-author with Christine on WhiteFire’s list.
The digital version of Shadowed in Silk will be out May 1, and the print September 1. Rest assured I’ll remind everyone when it’s available! =)
by Roseanna White | Mar 18, 2011 | Uncategorized
Special announcement bringing me out in the evening! I wanted so badly to share this yesterday, but I had to wait until things were official. And official they are!
That
Annapolis story I’ve been working on? Summerside Press bought it!
Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland will be coming out this December, and I am honored and thrilled to be joining the illustrious ranks of Summerside authors.
So here’s the dish on getting the Call. My kids had spent Monday night at their grandmother’s, and she brought them home just in time for me to pack them up for Story Time at the Library. I had them buckled in and realized I’d forgotten my car keys. Ran down to the house . . . where the door was locked. So I ran back up, grabbed my house keys, and ran back down. Just as I grabbed the keys, the phone rang. My husband had heard me trying to get back in and emerged from his office to unlock the door, so he grabbed the phone. “It’s Janet,” he said.
Now, my agent doesn’t call me just to talk about the weather, but I was standing there with keys in hand and kids in the car, and my thoughts were a little scattered. So I answered, my heart thudding, but not with the single-minded clarity I would have expected.
“Are you sitting down?” she asked.
My mind flashed the kids in the car, who were hopefully not screaming, LOL. “No,” I said. “Should I be?”
She chuckled. “Yes. Sit down.” Once I was–on the step stool, mind you–she said, “We’ve got a sale! Summerside is buying
Annapolis.””
Me: “Oh, glory hallelujah!”
David made some positive kind of gesture–I couldn’t tell you what–and hugged me. Janet’s going on to talk deal points, I’m trying to crane to see if the kids have killed each other in the car, and David’s going, “What do you want me to do?”
So I send him out with the kids–one worry down–and then sink back down onto my step-stool to try to take it all in. Advance numbers. Royalty rates. Publication dates, dates the manuscript is due . . .
And inside, the Hallelujah Chorus is still gaining in volume. After getting the gist of the offer, I promise to talk to my agent later and squeal my way out the door. The kiddos–who don’t quite grasp the importance of a book deal with a big house–think Mommy has lost her mind as I sing and steering-wheel-thump my way to the Library. My mom was going to be there with my niece, so I knew I’d get to tell her in person. So I called my best friend and crit partner, Stephanie, totally not caring that it wasn’t even 9:00 in her time zone. Gave her a good start to her morning!
Now, let me just say that it’s hard to sit still through kids’ St. Patrick’s Day books when you’re buzzing with this kind of news. I managed it–barely–and then while they were chowing down on green cupcakes, Mom and I and the librarian let the glow
Shine and indulged in a few squeals and bounces.
Naturally I had to share with my friends right away, but it wasn’t until Friday that I was given leave to share with the world. So share I am!
It’s hard to believe that after a year of waiting for an answer, this is going to happen so fast! Nine months, in December, and my book will be out. On shelves. In stores. EEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!! (Still a little giddy, LOL.) And this release date is just perfect for the story, which is set in the winter, from November through February. Awesome, awesome, awesome.
I’ve done a lot of praising over here these last few days. It was a twisty, turning path a lot of the way, but the Lord has brought me right here, right now, leading me firmly each step of the way. I’m so thrilled to be able to join the Summerside family, and to add this story of early American history to my roster list of books–a departure from the Biblical, but a fun one.
Now, here’s a little one-paragraph blurb about
Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland:
In 1784 peace has been declared, but war still rages in the heart of Lark Benton. Never did she think she’d want to escape Emerson Fielding, the man she’s loved all her life, but then he betrays her with her cousin. She
flees to
Annapolis, Maryland, the country’s capital, and throws herself into a new social circle with new friends–-ones that force her to examine all she believes. Emerson follows, determined to reclaim his bride. But he soon comes to realize that in this new country he calls his own, duty is no longer enough. He must learn to open his heart and soul to something greater . . . before he loses all he should have been fighting to hold.
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.