The Green Veil (Empire in Pine series) by Naomi Musch

Historical Inspirational Romance:

Colette Palmer is a young girl in 1841 when her father follows land speculator Harris Eastman from Michigan to Wisconsin Territory where lumber barons are taking land and timber by right, by force, and by theft. Separated from her childhood love by miles and years, she tries to forget her childish longings for Manason Kade until the day compassion and circumstances compel her to marry another.

But Manason does come and plants his own stake in the Wisconsin lumbering trade. It isn't long before he uncovers illegal practices in the industry and by one company in particular. Now Colette's husband will stop at nothing to crush him.

Then one unsuspecting night, Manason and Colette meet again. As memories revive, and truth is set free, Colette is forced to choose between her first love and her commitment to her marriage vows. But how can she, with her faith and an empire in pine hanging in the balance?


Excerpt:

"Nase is a friend!"
            

             His hand moved so quickly that she didn't see it coming. He struck her across the face with such force that she fell across the bed. Then, bending over her, he grabbed her jaw and thrust her head to the side in a second half-slap before standing up.

"Don't you think I know who he is to you?"

Colette hardly heard him. Stunned by the ferocity of his assault, tears came instantly. Some muscle was pulled in her neck, and even her shoulders ached from the jolt of his blow.

"Why did you want his picture so badly, Lettie? Did you hope he would come to you someday?"

"I didn't want it," she cried softly.

"You did. I know you did. You have it now, somewhere, don't you?"

She buried her face into her pillow.

"Don't think you can lie to me, Lettie. Don't think you can turn my mind with your tears. I've seen enough tears to last me a lifetime."

             Helen's tears? She tried to stop, but only succeeded in coughing.

She heard him hurl something across the room. She heard glass breaking in the fireplace.

"What does it matter?" The words moaned out of her.

"What? What's that you said?" He came over and dropped heavily onto the bed.

             "I'll never even see him again."

             He grabbed her by the shoulders, picking her up and clutching her. The smell of liquor was heavy on his breath and his eyes were wild. "You think so? Well, that's where you're wrong, my dear," he hissed. Then, leaving the white imprints of his hands on her shoulders, he rose and stormed out of the room, slamming the door as fresh sobs tore out of her.

Reviews/Notices/Awards:

"The Green Veil is one of those books where you have absolutely no idea how the book is going to end, but you MUST know." - April Gardner, author of Wounded Spirits

"Her characters were so captivating right from the opening scene, which is a preview from the middle of the story, that I couldn't stop reading." - Lisa J. Lickel, co-author of A Summer in Oakville

"Empire in Pine Book One: The Green Veil by Naomi Musch is forty chapters of a layered Christian Fiction novel published January 1, 2011, by Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc. and all I can say to begin with is--what a book! I absolutely loved it."- Barbara Robinson, author¸ author of Last Resort

Awarded COTT Champion for Best Hook and current contender in the COTT Tournament of Champions.



Why Did Naomi Write The Green Veil?

The lore of the Great Lakes early logging era combined in my imagination with the story of a young girl who might come to the wilderness, leaving behind life-long friends and an unrequited love. What would happen to her, so many miles from all she'd once known and dreamed of?

I was also thinking heavily about the idea of following one's heart. Scripture tells us that "the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. Who can know it?" The reality is that we do often become deceived by our hearts' wishes. We're gullible. It might not always be best to follow our hearts. Thus, a theme was born.

Finally, not since the early 1990s have I seen any inspirational fiction set in the historical framework of the Great Lakes early logging days. It spurred in me a desire to explore the history of my own home town in central Wisconsin where the story is set.

Purchase Links:

Amazon (including Kindle). http://tinyurl.com/3c6cv67

Barnes & Noble (including Nook). http://tinyurl.com/3s46xe4

Desert Breeze Publishing. http://tinyurl.com/3ktb54j



Author Bio:

Naomi loves stories rich in American history, but writes in several other genres as well. Naomi's aim is to surprise and entertain readers while telling stories about imperfect people who are finding hope and faith to overcome their struggles, whether the setting is past, contemporary, or even fantastic.

She and husband Jeff enjoy epic adventures around their home in the Wisconsin north woods with their five young adults. She invites readers to say hello and find out more about her stories, passions, and other writing venues at http://www.naomimusch.com or look her up on Facebook: Naomi Musch - Author, and Twitter: NMusch

 Naomi would like to let everyone know The Red Fury, Empire in Pine series Book 2 will be released on October 15, 2011 from Desert Breeze Publishing.

Taming The Wild Wind by Donita K. Paul

Historical Romance/Prairie Romance:

 

Ida has always gone her own way like a gentle breeze, drifting through social barriers as if they weren't even there. Like the breeze, her comings and goings are hard to keep track of, and her family assumes Ida's activities are the same as the other society debutantes of Pittsburgh. When she responds to the wilder wind of the Oklahoma prairie, she recognizes the untamed quality in her personality. She also comes to realize that even the wild wind has a Master. She submits to the hand of her Creator, her loving Heavenly Father, and allows Him to tame her willful nature.

Excerpt:

           “That house is haunted.”

            Ida Meade nodded wearily at the pronouncement. She’d heard it a dozen times since checking into the hotel a week before. Her response remained the same, “I don’t believe in ghosts.”

           “Haunted,” the brawny man grunted as he hoisted a burlap bag of rice to his shoulder. “That’s what I said.” He carried his load to the waiting buggy.

           Watching Lucas plod back and forth from the storeroom door to the surrey, Ida recalled some of the others in town who’d nervously couched their warnings with snickers.

           “I don’t believe it myself,” the clerk at the front desk of the Granger Hotel had said. He tapped a stubby pencil on the polished check-in desk. He looked cautiously around the lobby before leaning closer to whisper, “But there’s been people seen things. Things that aren’t natural.”

           A day later, Ida interviewed a woman for the housekeeper position at the mission. Her lone applicant was more interested in talking about the haunted house than the job offered. After repeating a fresh bit of ghost gossip, the job applicant quickly assured Ida she didn’t believe half of the rumors.

         “Especially don’t put no faith in O’Reilly’s story,” she confided. “He claimed he nearly galloped right o’er a ghost on the Burnside road.”

          The woman made a noise of disgust. Ida thought for a minute she was going to expectorate in the hotel lobby spittoon, and breathed a sigh of relief when the woman didn’t spit out anything but words.

          “It were night,” continued the woman, “and he mostly drunk, I think. As for me, don’t mind a-going there come the day, but you ain’t gonna get me to sleep there a-coming no night.”

          And then, there had been the livery owner who hitched the buggy for Ida. “I figger I can handle a rattler, a bear, or coyotes," he claimed. "But little girl ghosts, . . .” The man shuddered dramatically and left Ida standing beside the bedraggled surrey. He’d walked off muttering, spit a stream of tobacco at a can by the large wooden door, and shook his head. Ida thought she heard him say, “Fool woman.”

         Is he referring to me? Ida clutched her reticule and scowled at the man’s back. Well, he doesn’t know me. I’m anything but a fool. She let out a sigh. At least, I didn’t think I was a fool until I ended up here.

        Every person Ida encountered had an opinion, a bit of wisdom or nonsense, to impart. She listened attentively and sifted the chaff from the grains of common sense. Having lived all her nineteen years in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she wasn’t prepared for prairie life. She knew it and consciously beat down her pride to take instruction. Nothing would deter her from the Lord’s purpose. He had opened doors, prepared the way, circumvented all obstacles. She would establish the Indian school. She would teach the littler ones in that ramshackle farmhouse. The younger children would get their education without being shipped off to boarding schools.

        Ida Meade refused to let the various horrifying ghost stories be the straw that broke her camel’s back. These references to haunting were merely more inconveniences in a long list of inconveniences that began long before she left her parents’ home in Pittsburgh. That list had seemed to multiply since her arrival by train to Elder Creek, a small town in the Northeast Indian Territory.

Why Donita Wrote Taming The Wild Wind:

I wrote Taming the Wild Wind because at the time I was writing romance. My mother played on the banks of the Wabash River as a little girl pretending she was an Indian princess. When she grew up she learned that her grandfather was part Native American.




Purchase Links:


Amazon (including Kindle). http://www.amazon.com/Taming-the-Wild-Wind-ebook/dp/B005IIRB1K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1315851673&sr=8-1


Barnes and Noble (including Nook).

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/taming-the-wild-wind-donita-kathleen-paul/1105099654?ean=2940013046665&itm=1&usri=taming%2bthe%2bwild%2bwind

Smashwords. http://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=taming+the+wild+wind

Lulu. http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/taming-the-wild-wind/16948433?productTrackingContext=search_results/search_shelf/center/1

Author Bio:

Donita K. Paul retired early from teaching school, but soon got bored! The result: a determination to start a new career. Now she is an award-winning novelist writing Christian Romance and Fantasy. Her books include The DragonKeeper Chronicles, The Chronicles of Chiril and Two Tickets to a Christmas Ball. She says, “I feel blessed to be doing what I like best.” Her two grown children make her proud, and her two grandsons make her laugh.

Wounded Spirits by April Gardner

Historical Romance/Epic Fiction/Action-Adventure

When a distant war among the Natives spills over into a nearby skirmish, Adela's frontier life takes a perilous turn. Deep in enemy territory she must choose between the man she loves and a baby that has yet to be born; will she be strong enough to wait on God's provision?

A peace-loving yet loyal Creek warrior, Totka is forced to align with the extremist Red Stick faction whose purpose is to eradicate the Whites from Creek soil. In the midst of battle, Totka is assigned to protect those he is expected to hate--and kill. Life was simpler before his enemy became a beautiful face with a quiet strength and dignity he cannot resist.

Having lived a life plagued with death and loss, Zachariah McGirth is a man on a mission - he'll have his revenge or die trying. Blinded by grief, he can't see his way clear of yet another tragedy. Why has God taken everything from him...or has He?

Their lives molded by the course of history, can these Wounded Spirits learn to rely on God's grace during one of the bloodiest conflicts in the South?


Excerpt:

      Across the garden, the door to the house opened and closed. Only one person would search for him.

      Totka growled in frustration and willed Adela back inside.

      As her footfall neared, he refused to look at her. He couldn’t. It would do him in.

      “It is late. Go to bed.” Do not leave me.

      Her sleeve brushed against his. “You will wear a hole in the earth if you continue this way.”
     
      Did she know what a balm her voice was to his tortured mind? He closed his eyes and let it flow over him like a soothing breeze.


Reviews/Notices/Awards:

Winner of the 2010 Grace Awards, Action Adventure/Western/Historic Epic Fiction  ~ "Ms. Gardner doesn’t write like a debut author! She kept my attention right from the beginning of this story. I feel that the overall writing of this story, that it was very well-researched and that the character development was so exceptionally well-done merit extra consideration. The pacing of the story was excellent and the setting was well established. The character development and conflict were exceptionally well-done on all points. The writing was very fresh and unique. Great use was made of the vocabulary: The excellent usage of dialect and the utilization of Spanish. The background study pertaining to Zachariah McGirth, Red Eagle, etc… All of these aspects made for a compelling story." ~ Grace Awards Judge

"This historic romance and adventure novel brings a spirit of kindness, and a belief not only in God but in the good, and simple goodness, that is sweet and charming, and so much more. You don't need to be a fan of the inspirational to be left feeling a fuzzy glow from this on - do read." ~ Long and Short of it Reviews

Why April Wrote Wounded Spirits:

Wounded Spirits is the story of my heart. I wrote it as a challenge to myself, but now it's my constant visual of God's loving hand in my life.


Purchase Links:

Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Wounded-Spirits-April-W-Gardner/dp/0981989616/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Barnes & Noble. http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wounded-spirits-april-gardner/1028027465

April's website. www.aprilgardner.com

Author Bio:

April W. Gardner currently resides in Georgia with her two sweet kiddos and a USAF husband. She is an author and the senior editor fo the literary site, Clash of Titles (www.clashofthetitles.com).

Last Resort by BJ Robinson

Romantic Suspense/Suspense

Two desperate people--one last resort, Faith Grace Roussell is stalked by her ex-fiance and forced to search her conflicted heart. In a battle of love, loss, and raging jealousy, she strives to build a new life with peace and contentment, but Matt Allen has eyes like magnets she could get as lost in as unknown woods. Will he prove to be a helpmate or just another strawberry cull? Will she be forced to use The Pink Lady?

Excerpt:

Faith tore out of the jail's parking lot and prayed she wouldn't get a ticket. She turned Old Blue into the flowing traffic. Her heart pumped faster than a race car engine. Dear God, please don't let me be too late. She reached down and punched Matt's number again. Come on, Matt, where are you? Pick up. Still no answer. She snapped the phone shut and focused on the road ahead. Who could possibly have it in for him? He was such a great guy. She gassed the truck as she passed the city limits and left the jail behind. Why wasn't he answering? She'd never had a problem before. This wasn't like him.

Faith whipped into the drive. She jumped from her pickup, strode to the side door, and knocked. No answer. She pulled out her cell and tried again. It rang and rang, then went straight to the voicemail. This time, she hung up without leaving a message.

She yanked the screen door, and it flew open, unlatched. The door knob turned, and she shoved the door open and yelled, "Matt, are you there?"

No response. She briskly marched through the house and called his name. She checked each room. In Matt's office, the swivel chair faced the door. Blood spotted it. Faith's heart lurched. Oh, God, please don't let me be too late. She spotted blood droplets on the carpet and followed them back through the kitchen and to the garage. Matt's truck ran. Dear God, what will I find when I open this door? Please let me be in time. Why didn't Matt use his pistol?

Faith jerked the garage door, but it wouldn't budge. She ran to the kitchen and hit the automatic door opener. The door slowly opened. She raced inside the garage, and the gas fumes nearly knocked her out. She coughed and held her nose with one hand. Her eyes burned, but she yanked open the driver's truck door. Matt tumbled out.

She let go of her nose and turned off the truck. Faith slid her arms under Matt's and locked her hands in front of his chest. She hefted. He didn't budge. She had to get him out of there. Now. No time to waste. She hauled in a breath, grunted, and heaved. He lifted, and she pulled him toward the door. One foot. Two feet. Three more.

"Matt, we're out of the garage." Please, Lord, help me. She couldn't drop him now. The outside air hit her face and tears of relief filled her eyes. She tenderly laid him on the grass by the side of the cement drive and yanked her cell from its holster. She dialed 911.

Assured the ambulance was on its way, Faith closed her phone and felt for his heartbeat. She rubbed her knuckles against his breast bone and stroked his face. So still. She touched his neck and held her breath. No response. She tilted his head and lifted his chin, then put her ear to his mouth and listened. Nothing. She looked for chest movement. Nothing. She listened for air blowing through his mouth or nose, or on her cheek. Nothing. He wasn't going to die if she had anything to do with it.

She ran her tongue over her lip and tasted perspiration. Why did sweat always taste salty, and why would she even think to question that at a time like this? She took a quick, shallow breath and whispered, "Come on, Matt. Breathe! BREATHE!"

It'd been a long time since she'd trained for CPR. Would she remember what to do? A bluish pallor stole over Matt's complexion, and his body became a dead weight. She had no time to lose.

Faith pinched his nose and made a seal over his mouth with her own. She breathed big enough to make his chest rise, let his chest fall, and repeated the rescue breath again. She listened for an intake of breath, an exhale, but the only sound was the pounding of her own heart in her ears.

Reviews/Notices:

B. J. Robinson has numerous poems, articles, short stories, essays, and devotionals published. Her article "Honoring God's Calling" was published in the Fall 2010 edition of Together. Published devotionals include two with MustardSeed Ministries, seven with Standard Publishing in the Spring of 2010, and one in Words to Write By: Author Devotionals compiled by Robin Bayne. "Flat Tires" was recently published in 2011 in Hurray God! Hope, Pray, Believe. In college, her short story won first prize and was published in the university's literary magazine, Gambit. Her first college essay was published. In the third grade, her pet dog story was published in a local newspaper. "Mother's Glimpse of Heaven" was published in FATE Magazine in 2002. "POD Publishing: What's to Gain?" was published in Christian Fiction Online Magazine in March 2009. A short story was published in Pebble Lake Review in the Summer of 2004 and was also published in St. Cloud in the News.


"B. J. Robinson's Last Resort is an inspirational romantic suspense story that keeps you hanging on the edge of your seat -- both to see if the villain is overcome and to see if Matt and Faith end up together. You don't want to miss this one with its twists; it's a great read!" ~  Deb Haggerty, Author and Speaker

"The warm, sweet romance, yet insightful story, will touch your heart with its simplicity and charm."
~ Janet Perez Eckles, Author and Speaker

 
Why BJ wrote Last Resort:

I wrote Last Resort to inspire others to put their hope and trust in Jesus, since He can be their best friend. After losing my mother to cancer and my youngest sister to an eating disorder six years apart, I wanted to illustrate that even in death, there's still hope, and we're never alone. I placed a number of red herrings throughout my novel for an enjoyable read that will keep readers guessing, and the novel weaves a story with twists and turns, but the faith element is important. . Romance, suspense, arson, attempted murder, murder, shattered dreams, fear, hope, faith, prayer, and love are woven together to create a story I hope and pray will touch readers' hearts. I hope my readers realize how short time really is and how a choice made in a few minutes can alter a life forever. And, being a pet lover, I hope readers glean an understanding of how they enrich our lives with unconditional love.

Purchase Links:

Desert Breeze Publishing Storefront. http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/StoreFront.bok 

http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-184/B-J-Robinson-Last/Detail.bok  Read a free excerpt here.

Barnes & Noble. http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/last-resort-b-j-robinson/1030124288?ean=2940012838063&itm=1&usri=last%2Bresort%2Bb%2Bj%2Brobinson

Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Last-Resort-ebook/dp/B005CQ7JQK/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1310918473&sr=1- Barnes & Noble


Author Bio:

"I've never seen anyone so passionate about writing. I know your writing will help others. In fact, you've helped others--for many years." That's how a friend and colleague describes me. I'm a Christian writer who shares my heart and soul through my writing, as well as my passion and love for Jesus. A former newspaper columnist for my hometown newspaper, I'm an award-winning author. My Christian Romantic Suspense novel LAST RESORT will be released July 15, 2011, by Desert Breeze. My article "Honoring God's Calling," was published in the Fall 2010 issue of Together. Two devotionals were published with MustardSeed Ministries and seven were accepted for Devotions with Standard Publishing in Spring 2010. Another has been published in Words to Write By: Author Devotionals Compiled by Robin Bayne, for a total of ten published devotionals. I spend most of my free time writing.If I'm not writing, I'm reading and completing book reviews on my blog. I've been blessed with beautiful sons and daughters and grandchildren, and a fur baby girl, a golden cocker spaniel named Sunflower. Dakota is our German Shepherd, and Frankie is our adopted shelter cat.

Burning Hearts, Nike Chillemi

Murder Mystery/Romantic Suspense/Historical Suspense

Can a sheltered young seamstress, disillusioned by the horrors of WWII, escape an arsonist/murderer who has killed her employer and mentor, while trying to decide if she can trust the dashing war hero who’s ridden into town on his Harley—who some say is the murderer?

Erica Brogna’s parents doted on her and taught her to think for herself. Many boys she grew up with have fallen in the war, shaking her childhood faith. In rides a handsome stranger, at the hour of her most desperate need. A woman who is her best friend and mentor is trapped in a burning house. After making an unsuccessful rescue attempt, Erica stands by as this man rushes into the inferno and carries her friend’s lifeless body out.

Lorne Kincade can’t out run his past on his Harley Davidson WLA, the civilian model of the motorcycle he rode in the war. He’s tried. He’s been a vagabond biker in the year since the war ended. His Uncle Ivar bequeathed him a ramshackle cottage in Sanctuary Point, on the Great South Bay of Long Island, NY and now he’d like to hope for a future again, repair the miniscule place, and settle down. The only problem is, a young woman with hair the color of mink is starting to get under his skin and that’s the last thing he needs.

Excerpt:

Chapter One

Long Island, New York

September 1946

 Erica Brogna hurried down Hill Street, eager to sketch her new design, a forest green taffeta dress with a swirling skirt for a twenty-fifth wedding anniversary -- her first significant assignment. She paused to inhale the salt scent on the ocean breeze, and her gaze lingered on a copse of red, rust, and gold maples near Ada's house and dress shop.

She smiled, pulling her cardigan tight around her, and dropped the newspaper Poppa asked her to bring to her mentor and employer. She retrieved the paper and saw Bess Truman smiling as she entered Walter Reed Army Hospital. With the war over, the First Lady visited broken soldiers in long-term care. Erica slapped the paper closed before rage and depression overtook her. So many boys had not come home.

Chin jutted out, she smoothed the pleats of her skirt and marched toward Ada's house. She'd think on pleasant things and hand the paper over without a fuss as she did every morning. Nothing would ruin this day.

She climbed Ada's wooden front steps and opened the door.

Smoke filled the living room Ada had turned into a fabric shop. Erica waved a hand in front of tearing eyes. Gray vapors, like swirling fog, partially obscured bolts of fabric stacked against the opposite wall.

"Ada! Ada, answer me please." Dropping the newspaper, Erica rushed toward the stairs, trampling Bess Truman's image. "Ada can you hear me?"

Coughing, she grabbed on to the cutting table in the middle of the room, steadied herself, and reached for the phone -- no dial tone. Perhaps the fire melted the line.

She yanked the collar of her blouse over her nose and mouth against the smoke. The stairs loomed before her, seeming as impossible to scale as Mount Everest. She lunged forward, gripping the baluster, and thrust herself up two steps. Since Ada wasn't outside, she had to be upstairs.

As Erica climbed, the smoke thickened and swirled around her. It was darker with each step.

One hand clasped the rail and pulled, and she advanced a few more steps. Heat blasted against her skin from above, and soft crackling sounds drew her gaze to the upstairs landing. Squinting into the smoke, she lost her grip on the banister, missed the next step, and fell backward tumbling to the bottom.

The back of her head smacked against the baluster, and wooziness followed sharp pain. She tried to stand but couldn't get her bearings.

Will triumphed over ability. She hoisted herself, ignoring the dull throb at the back of her skull. Her palms stung, the skin scraped off during her fall. She took a deep breath, and a coughing fit seized her. Shallow breaths were the better alternative.

Planting her penny loafer on the bottom step, Erica began her climb again, shaken but with new resolve. If she could reach the top of the stairs, she could also make it to Ada's bedroom.

Halfway up, the scratches on her palms pulsated as the temperature rose. So did her knees -- must've scraped those, too. The pungent smoke shrouding her darkened, and grit clung to her skin. She couldn't see the banister or the top of the stairs and each breath took effort.

Poppa's lectures on fire drills flashed into mind -- stay low in a fire to get fresh air. She dropped to her knees and crawled, ignoring her pain. A sickening smell made her stomach lurch.

Inch by inch she crept, now three quarters of the way up. Hot, putrid air assaulted her windpipe, and she doubled over, her insides trembling.

Heaving herself forward, she maneuvered up one more step, but the smoke pushed back, choking her. She sobbed, knowing she couldn't make it to Ada, and scrambled down, hoping she could find help.

Reviews/Notices: 

"Right from the start, BURNING HEARTS captured my imagination and tweaked my
curiosity. Nike Chillemi certainly knows how to set a scene and ignite
excitement."  ~ Athol Dickson, three time Christy Award winning author of LOST
MISSION and THE OPPOSITE OF ART.

Why Nike Wrote BURNING HEARTS:

The 1940s era has always captured my imaginatin. It's a time in American history when ordinary citizens had a great deal of dignity and class. It was a time of "can doism" in America when most people believed if they simply applied themselves they could  use their natural talents and abilities to achieve something in their lives. I wanted to portray that noble American spirit. I wanted to show that the guy and gal next door could accomplish a great deal, could face evil and triumph. I wanted to portray in novel form the concept that evil cannot defeat love...love in all it's forms.

Purchase Links:

Desert Breeze Publishing. http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-167/Nike-Chillemi-Sanctuary-Point/Detail.bok

Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Sanctuary-Point-Book-One-ebook/dp/B0050PJSTY/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1

Barnes & Nobel. http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Sanctuary-Point-Book-One/Nike-Chillemi/e/2940012411747/?itm=1&USRI=nike+chillemi

Author Bio:

Nike Chillemi has been called a crime fictionista due to her passion for crime fiction. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the Edgy Christian Fiction Lovers (Ning). She was an Inspy Awards 2010 judge in the Suspense/Thriller/Mystery category and a judge in the 2011 Carol Awards in the suspense, mystery, and romantic suspense categories. She is the founding board member of the Grace Awards, a reader's choice awards for excellence in Christian fiction. She writes monthly book reviews for The Christian Pulse online magazine. BURNING HEARTS is the first book in the crime wave that is sweeping the south shore of Long Island in The Sanctuary Point series, published by Desert Breeze.

The Clouds Roll Away, Sibella Giorello

Suspense/Detective Series/Romantic Suspense

FBI agent and forensic geologist Raleigh Harmon returns to her hometown of Richmond, Virginia in time for Christmas. But instead of goodness and light, the season takes a sudden dark turn. Somebody burns a cross on the lawn of a high-profile celebrity. When Raleigh starts hunting down the perpetrators, the case only grows murkier. And there's no peace at home, either. Her mother's fragile sanity is cracking and her old boyfriend DeMott wants to re-ignite their flame. As the threads of the case begin crossing and double-crossing, Raleigh is forced to rely on her forensic skills, her faith, and the fervent hope that the singular moment will come -- the tiny sliver of time when everything suddenly makes sense, and the clouds roll away.


Excerpt:

Winter rode into Richmond on the chattering breath of the Atlantic. Each year the season blew itself into existence. The ancient elms crystallized and frost crocheted the birches into lace doilies. On this particular December morning, with a bright sun overhead, I drove out New Market Road past fields that glistened like crushed diamonds. For this moment, my hometown looked cryogenically frozen, preserved for future generations to discover Richmond's wide river, verdant soils, and the plantation lifestyle forged through generations -- gone tragically, humanly awry.


Reviews:

Beautifully written with exquisite descriptions, Giorello's mystery also features well-developed characters, such as a rapper who plays classical music on a cello to relax. The themes of redemption and faith rediscovered are subtly integrated into the story. This is the third title in journalist Giorello's excellent Raleigh Harmon series, following The Stones Cry Out (2007) and The Rivers Run Dry(2009). Libraries will want all three.
—Booklist, Starred Review

The clever plot twists will have readers riveted from the start. Tough, edgy Raleigh Harmon and the city of Richmond are beauties with endearing qualities that are hard to resist. Fans of Sue Grafton and Tim Downs should add Giorello to their favorites list.
—Romantic Times, 4.5 stars


Why Sibella Wrote The Clouds Roll Away:

There are many indelible impressions of Richmond in my mind, planted there during my fourteen years working as a reporter. Some of those images are beautiful -- the landscape, the storied colonial history, the graciousness of the South. But others parts are unsettling -- the repercussions of the only war fought on American soil, the continuing strife between races. The Clouds Roll Away was written as my Valentine to the wonderful city that opened its arms to me, revealing its glory and challenge and wonder.

Purchase Links:

http://sibellagiorello.com/clouds-roll-away.php

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Clouds-Roll-Away-Raleigh-Harmon/dp/B004J8I01K/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1301321277&sr=1-1


Author Bio:

Sibella Giorello grew up in Alaska and majored in geology at Mount Holyoke College. After riding a motorcycle across the country, she worked as a features writer for the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Her stories have won state and national awards, including two nominations for the Pulitzer Prize. She now lives in Washington state with her husband and sons, and writes the Christy-award winning series about FBI agent Raleigh Harmon. For more information, go to http://www.sibellagiorello.com

Orphaned Hearts, Shawna K. Williams

Historical/Romance/ Christmas
Pastor David Langley understands six-year old Caleb Holsheyer -- what it feels like to be damaged and alone. His family killed in a fire, and his body severely burned, David grew up in an orphanage, ridiculed and shunned. He couldn’t let that be Caleb’s fate.

When adoption plans fall through, David is desperate to find Caleb a new home. But in the midst of the Great Depression, most families are barely getting by. No one seems willing to take on the responsibility of an extra mouth, especially one belonging to a crippled child.

Except for Sadie Miller, the town spinster. In Sadie, David sees the answer to Caleb's needs. But Child Welfare doesn't agree, and demands other arrangements be found, or the boy be returned to the orphanage.

David and Sadie team up, determined to find a home for an orphaned child, but while searching, might they find a family instead.

Excerpt:
"How could they think Caleb's not normal? He's as normal as any other child." Sadie folded her arms in front of her. "Goodness gracious! You're telling me he can be adopted – just not by me -- but he can't be placed-out to anyone?"

"I'm afraid so."

"I've never heard anything more preposterous. I don't even know where to begin."

"I know, Sadie." David gently placed his hand on her arm. "It makes no sense to me either."

Sadie huffed and then looked down at his hand. Strong, warm... ringless. Caleb could be adopted, but only by a family with a mother and a father. A married couple.
She envisioned how a gold band would look circling the base of his finger and suddenly realized she'd unknowingly extended her own hand and was holding it outward, like she showcased her own imaginary matching ring.

Good heavens! Sadie curled her fingers into a fist and then extended them again, curled and extended. "Guess I spent too much time kneading dough today." She giggled like a silly girl and glanced at David to see if he believed the excuse.
His brow creased with a look of concern. "Does it hurt?" He took her hand and cradled it like a wounded puppy. His tenderness melted her to her core. Why couldn't she be young and beautiful, someone he'd want? How she'd love to share her home with him... her bed... her life. If he married her, they could be Caleb's parents. They could have more children. If she was able. If she wasn't too old.

Sadie watched his beautiful face as he tended to her hand, gently massaging her palm. He might marry her, for Cale--

What was she thinking!

"It's fine," Sadie said, pulling her hand from his. It was a farce. She wasn't hurt; she was just taking advantage of his kindness. Just like she'd be doing if she suggested he marry her for Caleb's sake. He might very well do it. It would be for Caleb's well-being, but her own selfish motivation would be hidden in there as well. David didn't feel that way about her, and she wouldn't use Caleb's misfortune to trap him. What sort of person would that make her?

She side-glanced to find that he stared at her, with something strange dancing in his eyes.

"Sadie, did you know that you're lovely?"

She had to bite her lip to keep from laughing. "You spend too much time in your office."

"But I haven't. I've been spending it with you."

She knit her brow, her heart pounding like thunder. What on earth was he saying?

"There is no one like you, Sadie Miller," he said. The depth in his hazel eyes held an unspoken draw, beckoning her to him. She felt herself leaning, and she tried to resist, but some invisible force seemed to be pulling her closer... and closer... Her eyes started to close.

"You'll make some man very happy someday," David blurted, averting his gaze as he stood. "I should go. I have to be on the road early." He tightened his necktie and straightened his collar, then nodded courteously without looking directly at her. "We will find Caleb a home."

Before she could respond he'd trotted down the steps of her front porch and off into the dark without even saying goodbye.

Sadie sat alone on the swing, heat radiating within her. Her hand went to her mouth. Had she almost kissed him?

Have Mercy! No wonder he'd suddenly run off. How would she face him tomorrow? She looked into the blackness where David had disappeared, the humiliating moment replaying in her mind.

Wait a minute. He was leaning too. Had he -- had he almost kissed her back?

Reviews:
5 stars
It is the season of giving. I received a most delightful gift in reading "Orphaned Hearts" by Shawna Williams.
This novella, only eighty-seven pages long, is full of gifts. There is the gift of the setting: the holiday season of the early 1930's, in the small town of Brady Hill.

The main characters, David and Sadie, are gifts as they show us the things that matter: love, faith, compassion and kindness. They will rise above their own issues to help others, especially the children of the orphanage in nearby Fort Smith.

There is the gift of Caleb, the orphan who will steal your heart the moment you meet him. Only six, he has experienced more tragedy than any child ever should. But the little boy, who loves to run and climb trees and play ball, is still inside and with the love of David, Sadie and the entire town of Brady Hill, Caleb becomes the six year old child he was meant to be.

Lessons learned or those we are reminded of is another gift of "Orphaned Hearts." This book shows us that no matter the issue, no matter the "damage," physical or emotional, all people are created equal and should be treated as such. It shows us that we need to reach out to others who need our help - we cannot ignore those who are in need. And it shows us that faith in God and obedience to Him will bring us through everything we face.

On a scale of one to ten, with ten being the best, I rank "Orphaned Hearts" as a twenty. Buy this book and in the midst of the Christmas rush, take an afternoon, sit in front of the fireplace with a cup of hot tea or cocoa and enjoy this book. It will be the best Christmas gift you can give yourself.--Edwina Cowgill


5 stars
I love Christmas novels and this one was a great one! Set during the Great Depression, it tells of the love story Pastor David Langley with the orphaned children he helps. An orphan himself, David understands that Caleb will have it harder than other orphans. He knows the odds are Caleb, with his disability, will not be adopted. Horribly disfigured in the fire that killed his family, David guards himself from further hurt by shutting others out. He doesn't let anyone see his scars because he is sure they will reject him. He is very familiar with rejection from his years in the orphanage. Sadie Miller is the wealthy town spinster and takes in Caleb temporarily. She loves Caleb and longs to be his mother. Unfortunately the authorities do not think hers is a good placement. David and Sadie must find another home for Caleb. AS they work together it seems like David, Sadie and Caleb form a little family. Will Caleb find a home? Will David and Sadie find what they are longing for? A great romance with a little mystery thrown in and a dramatic conclusion makes for an exciting Christmas story!-- K. Thorne

Why Shawna Wrote Orphane Hearts:
Orphaned Hearts is a story inspired by my granddad. He grew up in an orphanage during the Great Depression. My grandmother's father worked at the orphanage's dairy and this was how my grandmother and grandfather met. The empathy created through his own experiences led my grandparents to serve as foster parents for many years, affecting a great many lives.

The main message of this story is that true love conquers pain, but sometimes the biggest obstacle to accepting it is ourself.

Purchase Links.
Desert Breeze Bookstore
Amazon

Author Bio:
Shawna K. Williams is an Inspirational Romance writer who loves telling a story through flawed characters – the only kind she can relate to. She also likes a good dose of nostalgia, which is why many of her stories are set in rural America during the first half of the 20th Century.

When not writing, Shawna spends time with her husband and three children enjoying life on their ranch. She's also an avid reader, book reviewer, blogger, and jewelry designer.

Read more about Shawna K. Williams at http://www.ShawnaKWilliams.com

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