4 - 8 February, 2013
is introducing
(Even Before Publishing October 2012)
by
ose Dee, Amanda Deed, Meredith Resce and Paula Vince
vailable from Light the Dark With a contest which ends</span></span>
14 February 2013.
About the Book:
Mattie was in love with Billy, but she was too young to wed. When Billy was conscripted to fight in Vietnam, they made a decision that affected their lives and their future. But so much pain resulted that Mattie never really healed. Every turn Mattie made affected her daughter and her granddaughter in ways she didn't even realise. But forty-six years later, is it time for things to be set right?
Navy is a young woman who has never known her family. But what could be a wonderful opportunity is met with jealousy and apprehension from her cousin Brooke and her aunt Connie, especially with handsome Aidan around. Each must look past their struggles and find forgiveness and trust and perhaps even love.
This absorbing family drama, set in South Australia's beautiful McLaren Vale wine region, is written by four of Australia's outstanding Christian fiction authors who have brought you best-selling and award-winning novels.
About the Authors
 Left to Right: Rose, Meredith, Paula, Amanda
Award winning Australian author, PAULA VINCE, loves to evoke tears and laughter through writing fiction. She has a passion to provide inspiring stories that highlight her own beautiful country.http://www.appleleafbooks.com
ROSE DEE was born in Ingham, North Queensland, Australia. Her childhood experiences growing up in a small beach community would later provide inspiration for her first novel. Rose, who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree, decided to try her hand at writing two years ago. The result of that attempt is her first novel, 'Back to Resolution'. Her novels are inspired by the love of her coastal home and desire to produce exciting and contemporary stories of faith for women. 'Beyond Resolution', and ‘A New Resolution’ are the second and third books in the 'Resolution' series. Rose resides in Mackay, North Queensland with her husband, young son, and mischievous pup, Noodle http://rosedee.com
AMANDA DEED grew up in the South Eastern suburbs of Melbourne in a Christian home, and found faith at an early age. She has followed her passion to serve the Lord through music and literature since her teen years. Now married, with three children, Amanda enjoys the variety of being a mother, finance administrator, musician and historical romance writer. Her debut novel, The Game, won the 2010 CALEB Prize for fiction, and Ellenvale Gold was a finalist for the same prize in 2012.http://www.amandadeed.com.au
South Australian Author, MEREDITH RESCE, has been writing since 1991, and has had books in the Australian market since 1997. Following the Australian success of her “Heart of Green Valley” series, an English Publisher has taken the first three books in this series, and has released them to the British and American markets. ‘The Greenfield Legacy’ is her 15th novel published. Apart from writing, Meredith also takes the opportunity to speak to groups on issues relevant to relationships and emotional and spiritual growth. Meredith has also been co-writer and co-producer in the 2007 feature film production, “Twin Rivers”. With her husband, Nick, Meredith has worked in the ministry since 1983. Meredith and Nick have one daughter and two sons.
My thoughts on this book
I found this an enjoyable read. It was an interesting concept having four well renowned authors writing the one book and each taking the point of views of one of the four characters, Mattie, Navy, Connie and Brooke. I loved the detail of how Navy got her name. The book gives us four interesting women and a look at the changes in society and relationships over time.
For those who remember the 1960s, it is interesting to see how things have changed. It brought back memories of the conscription lottery and the effect it had for many lives at the time. I did think it strange that Mattie and Billy didn’t even consider choosing to override parents and elect for judicial permission to marry, which they could have done given the circumstances and since they were so desperately in love. But I guess had they done that, there wouldn’t have been a story. Because the decision they make is at the crux of the story, the conflict that results and the resentment and alienation in relationships
Some of the situations in the book I found hard to relate to like not speaking to a mother for 8 years, no matter how hurt or angry but that could be just me. I would have hated to be the one writing Connie as I found her the least sympathetic character for much of the book. But then by her standards perhaps she had reason to be. All of the characters are interesting. Sometimes though I would have liked to stay longer with certain characters instead of being whisked off to another character, but all in all it flows seamlessly.
Because this is a character driven story I felt at times more detail and filling in was needed. While I enjoyed it and read it through pretty quickly, at times it felt like there was too much telling the reader what happened rather than letting scenes unfold and the reader experience it. Annette’s death is one case in point. It detaches the reader from the emotions a bit. Intentional maybe and reflecting how some of the characters, especially Mattie, closed themselves off from the past and each other, but still a bit disconcerting. Personally I’d have liked to have seen this story expanded more. I’m thinking there was too much story and character development to fit into a book this size. Could just be me. I’d be interested to hear what others thinks.
I adored the cover of this book. Once again a beautiful presentation from Even Before Publishing which is doing a great job in the Australian Christian publishing scene. |
orangedale
