Posted by Melanie on Friday, April 06, 2012 with 1 comment
Weekend Report is where I share what I accomplished (book-wise) the previous week! Feel free to join along and post your own Weekend Report on your blog/site. If you do, please leave the URL in a comment below.
Posted by Melanie on Wednesday, April 04, 2012 with 3 comments
ABOUT YVONNE LEHMAN
Hearts that Survive – A Novel of the Titanic is Yvonne Lehman’s 50th novel. She is a best-selling, award winning author who founded and directed the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference for 25 years and now directs the Blue Ridge “Autumn in the Mountains” Novelist Retreat held annually in October (www.lifeway.com/novelretreat). She lives in Black Mountain, amid the panoramic views of the Blue Ridge. She mentors students for the Christian Writers Guild. She earned her Master’s Degree in English at Western Carolina University and has taught English and Creative Writing on the college level.
You can visit Yvonne Lehman’s website at www.yvonnelehman.com.
In April 1912, Lydia Beaumont is on her way to a new life with a boundless hope, against all that Craven Dowd desires for her and himself. Her friendship with Caroline Chadwick deepens as they plan Lydia’s wedding on board the “grandest ship ever built.” Then both women suffer tragic losses when the “unsinkable” Titanic collides with an iceberg and there are only 20 lifeboats for 2207 passengers. They struggle to keep their families and dreams together.
Decades later, Caroline’s granddaughter, working at the museum in Halifax, Nova Scotia, plans for the 50th memorial for the sinking and contacts survivors and descendants of survivors. Alan Morris feels like a failure until he discovers he is the descendant of an acclaimed novelist who lost his life when the Titanic sank. He becomes caught up in finding his identity in the past and must come to terms with his present and the meaning of true success.
Characters struggle to answer whether love is more powerful than the pain of loss and learn what it means for a heart to survive.
My rating:
My thoughts:
Hearts That Survive was such a great book. Yes, there was a lot of sadness (that can be expected from a book about the Titanic), but the characters and their journeys were so gripping.
I immediately loved John and Lydia's love story... it was so sweet and just overall wonderful. I cried when certain things happened and especially towards the end with the poem.
It was very interesting how Hearts That Survive covered generations (not just one person's life) - I loved getting to know Caroline, Alan, Beau, and others... it was great!
So, overall, I loved this book and recommend it if you don't mind reading a novel with some sadness... have tissues nearby!
*I received this book for free for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
Posted by Melanie on Tuesday, April 03, 2012 with 28 comments
Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Amber! Will you tell us a little about yourself?
Hi! My name is Amber Garza and I live in Folsom, California with my husband and two children. I work in outreach at Lakeside Church. My favorite thing to do is read and write. My goal with my novels is to write books full of suspense that entertain, but ultimately give the reader a sense of hope and truth.
What is PROWL about?
It’s a young adult thriller about a seventeen-year-old girl named Mackenzie Smith who lives in Washington with her mom. When she is sent to her grandma’s house in Folsom, California for the summer she is fully prepared for the longest, most boring three months of her life. But then she meets Wesley. He tells her exactly what she wants to hear and has information about her past no one else knows. It’s almost like he can read her mind.
Only Wesley isn’t who he seems.
By the time Mackenzie discovers his true identity it may be too late. She’s in too deep and he won’t let her go. Now Mackenzie must call on the strongest power of all in order to save her life.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I’ve loved the written word since I was a little girl and used to make books out of paper and staples. My imagination has always worked overtime, creating people and worlds in my mind. Recently, I found a paper I wrote in second grade stating that I wanted to be a famous author when I grew up. I honestly can’t remember a time when I didn’t love to read and write.
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
Five. My favorite is “Engraved.” It’s an adult suspense novel scheduled for release in summer 2012. The novel mirrors my own story of redemption, so it’s very close to my heart.
Where do you get your information and/or ideas for your books?
Most of them stem from a personal experience and then grow from there.
What would you say is the best and/or worst part about being a writer?
The best part is creating characters, plots and worlds in my mind. There’s nothing more exciting to me then sitting down in front of a blank computer screen, knowing I can take myself on any journey I want.
The worst part is editing. I love writing the rough draft and letting my creative juices flow. It’s hard to then go back and tweak things, check for sentence structure and grammar and stuff. It doesn’t feel creative at that point –it just feels like work.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I have a wonderful husband named Andrew, and two kids – Eli who is 12 and Kayleen who is 9. They keep me pretty busy with sports and extracurricular activities. Outside of writing, my other hobby is singing which I do on a regular basis at church.
What are three things you wouldn't want to do without (besides the Bible, food, and family)?
Novels, music, and my friends.
Is there a place you’d like to visit, but haven’t yet?
Hawaii.
Do you have a favorite song and/or movie?
I’m currently loving John Mark McMillan’s new album, “Economy.” All the songs on it are great.
My favorite movies are sappy love stories like “The Notebook” and “Time Traveler’s Wife.”
Do you have any favorite authors?
I love Alice Hoffman. I think her writing is so haunting and enchanting. The way she strings words together is absolutely breathtaking. Jodi Picoult is another favorite.
For thrillers, my favorites are Ted Dekker and Frank Perretti.
Do you have a favorite Bible verse?
That’s a tough one because I have so many. I love Isaiah 40:30, 31 – Even youths grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall, but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will walk and not grow weary, they will run and not be faint.
I’ve loved that verse since I was a little girl. When we trust in God we find hope and strength. It’s such a powerful message.
I also love all of Ephesians 3. I pray it often as a reminder of how much God loves and cares for us. Are you currently working on any new novels? If so, could you tell us a little about it?
I just finished the second book in the PROWL trilogy – ENTICE. It’s due out by April 2012. I’m just starting to work on UNVEIL, the final book in the trilogy.
Thanks so much for being here! Where can we find you on the web?
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