New Books
I was going to post about the inspiration behind Love Remains today, but as I needed to concentrate on getting a pivotal chapter of Ransome’s Quest written last night, I couldn’t risk losing my creative energy for RQ by focusing on LR. So that post will wait until next week.
In the meantime, I thought I’d share a little about some of the great books I picked up this week. One of the wonderful things about attending ICRS, besides hanging out with the folks from my publishing houses and wonderful writer-friends, is getting free books . . . and getting some of them well in advance of their actual release dates! Here are some that I picked up that I’m looking forward to reading (probably this fall, after I turn in The Art of Romance):
The 10 Best Decisions a Woman Can Make: Finding Your Place in God’s Plan
by Pam Farrel.
This is the only nonfiction book I picked up—and I didn’t even mean to do so. Pam Farrell, with her husband Bill, wrote the book Men Are Like Waffles, Women Are Like Spaghetti. She was signing at the Harvest House booth when I got there (early) for my meeting with the editorial/marketing staff on Monday afternoon. She had a lull in traffic at her table, so I stepped over to tell her how much I enjoyed the Waffles/Spaghetti book and how I’ve been marketing it for them . . . encouraging fiction writers to read it as a resource to get inside the opposite gender’s head when writing novels. We chatted for a few minutes until a line started forming again, and she signed a copy of The 10 Best Decisions… for me. I’m looking forward to reading it.
The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen.
CHRISTY AWARD WINNER!
Though I’ve already read this book, when I met Julie Klassen at the Christy Awards celebration on Saturday evening, I was determined to get a signed copy of this book. A signed copy personalized to ME of this book. I read this book between finishing Love Remains and starting Ransome’s Quest back in March, and it was the perfect novel to get me in the mindset to re-enter the early 19th century. (So be looking for a giveaway of the unsigned copy of it that I also have.)
A Woman Called Sage by DiAnn Mills.
Going into the Christy Awards, I wasn’t at all nervous. Why? Because I knew DiAnn Mills would win (which she did, for her contemporary romantic suspense Breach of Trust from Tyndale House). I’ve admired her and her writing for a very long time. So imagine my surprise when, at lunch Monday afternoon, she came over to the table I shared with fellow historical romance authors Julie Lessman and MaryLu Tyndall and handed me (and me alone!) a signed copy of her newest historical, A Woman Called Sage—a historical romance about a woman who, after losing her family and ranch, becomes a bounty hunter in late 1800s Colorado. With “murder, intrigue, kidnapping” and “suspense” promised on the back cover, who could resist?
Abbie Ann by Sharlene MacLaren
With her early 20th Century settings for her historical romances, Shar MacLaren’s books have been on my radar for a while. Last year, I met Shar after she stood in line to get a signed copy from me of Ransome’s Honor. I’d heard her name, but didn’t know much about her books, so when I got home I looked her up—and ever since then, I’ve been antsy to read one of her books. So this year, I returned the compliment and stood in line to get her latest.
Kaye Dacus & Sharlene MacLaren, ICRS 2009
A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman.
This is the beginning of a new series, but a continuation of the Passion series, as this is the story of younger sister Katie O’Connor. While I haven’t had the opportunity to read the first series, I have heard wonderful things about it (Julie won Book of the Year from ACFW last year in the Debut Novel category with A Passion Most Pure).
Sharlene MacLaren, Julie Klassen, and Julie Lessman at ICRS 2010
Hatteras Girl by Alice J. Wisler
Alice Wisler was a fellow nominee in the Contemporary Romance category at the Christy Awards, so I was on the lookout for her when I got there. Finally, author Carla Stewart, with whom I was sitting, saw her and pointed her out, so I immediately got up to go introduce myself and congratulate Alice. For my introduction to the world of book awards, I cannot imagine having been nominated with two classier, more lovely ladies than Alice and DiAnn. I only wish I’d had more time to spend with Alice during the event, because I would love to get to know her better. But, at least I now have a signed ARC of her next release!
Alice Wisler and Kaye Dacus, 2010 Christy Awards Ceremony
Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington by Tricia Goyer & Ocieanna Fleiss
I stopped by the Summerside Press booth when I saw Tricia Goyer was signing. I know my friend Ruth loves stuff set during WWII, so I wanted to pick up a copy of Tricia Goyer’s latest for her. (And who could pass up a book co-authored by someone with the first name Ocieanna? ;-)) While I was there, I had a great conversation with Summerside editor Susan Downs who offered me a copy of . . .
The Gathering Storm by Bodie & Brock Thoene
I read a few of their early WWII novels, but as that’s not an era that interests me, I’ve never been an avid reader of theirs. But I know this new release of theirs with Summerside Press is greatly anticipated, so I was thrilled to be able to get a hand on a copy before it releases to the public in a month (again, for my friend Ruth).
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According to the bookstore owners I met at the show, summer is the biggest time of year for book releases (possibly because so many publishers set ICRS as a target release date?). So what are some new books you’ve read or added to your TBR pile in the last few weeks? What other summer releases are you anticipating getting your hands on?
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KayeDacus.com 
Steven James’ “The Bishop.”
Can’t wait. Just a few weeks away!
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There was a big ol’ poster of the front cover of that book at the Baker/Revell booth. It’s creepy in trade fiction size, but it’s even creepier in poster size!
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What an amazing time you must have had. And I have one burning question: You actually have a copy of Hope Undaunted? I didn’t think it was coming out until September.
I just finished reading ‘Waiting Out the Storm’ by Ruth Logan Herne and I LOVED it! Contemporary and inspirational and a fantastic romance.
Currently reading ‘Anna Finch and the Hired Gun’ by Kathleen Y’Barbo and it is so much fun. Historical comedy with tons of zingers and each scene ends on a witty note.
On my TBR pile: ‘Highland Blessings’ by Jennifer Hudson Taylor (Historical — Scotland 1473) and ‘The Apothecary’s Daughter’ by Julie Klassen. I have more — my pile is teetering, but that’s what I can see from where I sit. 🙂
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A Hope Undaunted is an ARC.
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That is a great list of books! I have read one and enjoyed it. I plan on getting a few of those myself.
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I wish I had time to read right now, but those books sitting there will just have to be my inspiration to push through and get both Ransome’s Quest and The Art of Romance finished quickly so I have a little time to read before getting started on Turnabout’s Fair Play.
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I’m currently reading The Silent Governess, and loving it!
Some books I’m eagerly awaiting:
Nightshade by Ronie Kendig
A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman
Head in the Clouds by Karen Witemeyer
The Gathering Storm by Bodie Thoene
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If you pre-ordered Nightshade, it should be on its way to you. Ronie said she was getting messages from folks that Amazon had started sending it out while we were in St. Louis.
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Nightshade is on shelves at Lifeway. Bought it two weeks ago.
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Sounds like you acquired some fantastic reads! And thank you SO MUCH for thinking of me when you stopped by the Summerside booth! I’ve been very excited to see their book lines develop and diversify!
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Next time we get together, I’ll have to tell you some of the info I found out. VERY interesting!
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Ooohh, I’m intrigued…maybe we can have dinner next week or something?
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Oh, forgot to add…GREAT pictures! The show looks like it would’ve been quite fun to walk around. 🙂
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I meant to take lots more pictures this year, but never really had a chance to think about it—too busy signing books or schmoozing with industry professionals or just having fun with other authors.
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I get excited meeting authors online. I can’t imagine how I’d be to meet them in person! As for books I can’t wait to get my hands on (besides LOVE REMAINS), there are a few that have caught my eye. I read the first in Sharlene MacLaren’s series about the sisters (HANNAH GRACE) a few months ago, and after I get caught up with MAGGIE ROSE, ABBIE ANN is definitely on my list. I’m looking forward to Melanie Dickerson’s THE HEALER’S APPRENTICE. Love a good fairy tale. My very good friend Lorna Seilstad’s book MAKING WAVES comes out in August!
Honestly, there are so many coming out, and I already have, literally, a stack of books to read! It’s a good thing I’ve been in a reading binge lately! Just finished RANSOME’S CROSSING and COURTING MORROW LITTLE (Laura Frantz), and am currently reading OZARK WEDDINGS by Anita Higman and Janice Thompson, and GMC – GOAL, MOTIVATION, CONFLICT by Debra Dixon. So many books, so little time.
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I wish I’d thought to get your phone number before I left. I could have called you on my way back Tuesday evening to get together for supper, as I came through Paducah around suppertime.
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That would have been great! We’ll do it sometime!
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Kaye, spending just that eensy bit of time with you at ICRS this year told me one thing–I think I love you!!!!!! haha. I can’t wait to spend more time with you! Hope to see you at the conference in September this year.
Love, Hugs, and God’s rich blessings on your life!
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I will definitely see you at conference in September. I’ll be there on Thursday and will stay through Monday morning. Let’s plan to spend some time together!
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KAYE!!! It was SO much fun finally meeting you, girl! LOVE your books and can’t wait to dig in to Love Remains. Thanks for mentioning Undaunted and I look forward to seeing you at ACFW, okay?
Hugs,
Julie
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Yes–we’ll have to hang out again. Did you ever look up Oded Fehr? Here’s one of my favorite images of him.
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OMIGOSH, he is quite HOT!!! No, I forgot to look him up, but I am SO glad you didn’t forget. YOWZA, there’s something kind of dangerously smoldering about this guy. Thanks for sharing the joy!! 🙂
Hugs,
Julie
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Ronie used him as a template for a character in one of her books, but I can’t remember which one off the top of my head.
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Oh, I read The Silent Governess and thought it was great! Julie Klassen’s next book coming out in December is a must also.
I’m getting ready to order Love Remains and Robin Jones Gunn’s latest book Under a Maui Moon. I’ve really been looking forward to these two for awhile now.
Another book that I just finished and really enjoyed is A Tailor-Made Bride by Karen Witemeyer. Her next book Head In the Clouds is one that I’m really looking forward to also.
At the moment I’m reading Symphony of Secrets by Sharon Hinck. It actually came out in 2008, but I just discovered it and thought I’d read it.
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I had Symphony of Secrets sitting on my shelf for a while, but I finally passed it along to someone who actually has time to read. I may have to borrow it back someday.
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Oh, I forgot to add to my list A Memory Between Us by Sarah Sundin. I loved the first book and the covers for this series are wonderful! Ruth, these are WWII books and if you haven’t read them run out to your nearest bookstore or Amazon and order them right away. The first book is A Distant Melody. ADM is the author’s first book and it has been getting almost all 5-star reviews. AMBU won’t be out until August or September.
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According to Amazon, these are the books with the highest priority: Love Remains (which I see is available now!), A Hope Undaunted, Lydia’s Charm by Wanda Brunstetter, The Thorn by Beverly Lewis, Seek Me with All Your Heart by Beth Wiseman, and The Preacher’s Bride by Jody Hedlund.
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You are so sweet to mention me in your blog! But you forgot to mention how dynamic YOU looked in your blue dress.
God bless!
DiAnn
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Nightshade was the top of my list. Bought and devoured already! I can’t wait for the next one.
Have Ransome’s Crossing already too, but haven’t made it through the stack to that one yet.
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