THREE THINGS

A drumroll please. The winner of Sarah Sundin's fabulous WWII novel, A Distant Melody, is . . .

Koala Bear Writer!

Congratulations and thanks to those who entered.


A teaser: If you love late nineteenth century historicals, especially those set in Texas, I have a treat for you. Vickie McDonough, a seasoned author with many novellas and HeartSong Presents novels in print, now has her first trade length book - just out this month! I think you're going to love it, too. Interested? Please see my blog post tomorrow (CFBA Tour) for all the details and an opportunity to enter a drawing for THE ANONYMOUS BRIDE.

A review that made me cry: My hubby's newest hobby (after golf and woodworking) is trolling the Internet looking for mentions of Chasing Lilacs. He gets the prize for finding this great news before anyone else. Thanks, honey! I love you.

Publisher's Weekly Starred Review: Week of April 26, 2010

Chasing Lilacs Carla Stewart. FaithWords, $13.99 paper (304p) ISBN 978-0-446-55655-2
Stewart’s fiction debut is a classic coming-of-age story set in tiny Graham Camp, Tex., in 1958. Sammie Tucker, soon to be 13, has a mother with “nerve problems,” a desire for a typewriter since she wants to be a writer, and a sort-of boyfriend in Cly, an Elvis Presley–like teen just arrived from California with a stuffed bag of family issues. Subplots involving all the minor characters that revolve around the central constellation of Sammie and her family as Sammie’s life is upended by a tragedy pack a bit too much complexity . Stewart writes about powerful and basic emotions with a restraint that suggests depth and authenticity; the relationship between Sammie and her mother Rita, the engine that drives the plot, is beautifully and delicately rendered. . Coming-of-age stories are a fiction staple, but well-done ones much rarer. This emotionally acute novel is one of the rare ones. (June)

See you tomorrow with news about Vickie's book!