Book Review of Touching the Clouds by Bonnie Leon.

Kate Evans is an adventurous and independent young woman with a pioneering spirit. She pilots a mail-delivery plane in the forbidding Alaskan wilderness, the lone woman in a male profession. But even that seems easy compared to finding true love. She likes a fellow pilot and would even consider marrying him--if it weren't for Paul, a mysterious man on her mail route with a gentle spirit and a past to hide. Can Kate break through the walls Paul has put up around his heart? And will her quest for adventure be her demise?


My Review:
Another great read. This is the first book by Bonnie I have read although I have all her others (just haven't had the time to read them yet) This book won't be my last. I really enjoyed the story. I have been fascinated with Alaska for as long as I could remember and this book just made me want to go more. The book starts in 1935 with Kate flying to Alaska to be a bush pilot. What I love about Kate is she is strong and knows what she wants and goes for it. She also has some issues she needs to deal with. Hearing of some of the areas Kate flies over really does make Alaska sound like a great place to visit. I love how Bonnie protrays Paul also. I was drawn into the whole story and I really cant wait to read book 2. 


If you go to http://www.bonnieleon.com/html/contests.html you can enter a contest with a great prize

Focus on Christmas with Bonnie Leon

Welcome Bonnie Leon to focus on Christmas. I have also included her latest book which would be a great gift. Welcome Bonnie.

Bonnie Leon is the author of sixteen novels, including the popular Queensland Chronicles and the Sydney Cove series, plus the bestselling Journey of Eleven Moons. She’s presently in the midst of a new Alaskan series set during the 1930’s about a woman named Kate who loves to fly.
Bonnie stays busy speaking for women’s groups as well as teaching at writing seminars and conventions. She and her husband Greg live in the mountains of Southern Oregon. They have three grown children and four grandchildren.

1. Firstly thanks for coming back to my blog this time we are focusing on Christmas.
What do you most associate with Christmas where you live?

Hi Jenny, thanks so much for inviting me back. Christmas is one of my favorite holidays so this is especially fun.

Here in Southern Oregon we make the most of the holidays. Roseburg is a growing community, but like many small towns we have our “older part” of town. Residents work hard to dress it up with decorations and lights. I always make sure to do some of my shopping downtown. It feels like I’ve stepped back into the 1940’s. I love it!

This time of year the mountains usually have had heavy snow falls so it’s great fun to trek up the highway and spend time enjoying the sounds and smells of the snow-covered forests. We love to pick out our own tree—there are lots of beautiful choices.

Children from local schools visit shopping malls, nursing homes and hospitals where they sing carols. A lot of churches take part in caroling as well. And we can usually count on a special performance at our local college.

Just outside of town at a local park we have an event called The Festival of Lights. People can visit all through the month of December. It’s really lovely.

2. Do you have any special family traditions you do at Christmas time?

We have a number of traditions. The season begins with a trip to the mountains or a tree farm to pick out and cut the “perfect” tree. If for some reason I have to go to a tree lot I’m truly disappointed.

My husband and I still go out a week or so before Christmas to admire the myriad Christmas displays put up by local residents. It’s extra fun when our grandchildren join us.

When my children were young I’d take each one shopping. We’d spend a day choosing gifts for other family members, share lunch together and enjoy just being the two of us for a day. These days, I do this with my grandchildren.

We’ve started a new tradition this year. We set out a large jar and throughout the year drop in left over coins and an occasional one, five, or ten dollar bill. Everyone in the family contributes. By Christmas there’s a goodly sum of money. A week before Christmas we tie a pretty bow around the jar and anonymously set the jar on the porch of a needy family. It feels good to help in a personal way.

For us church is a big part of Christmas. Our church has a special service on Christmas Eve that we take part in. Afterward the family gathers for a quiet Christmas Eve at home. We usually read a Christmas story and sometimes sing carols and watch a favorite movie.

I like to stay up late after everyone else has gone to bed. I turn out the lights, except for the Christmas lights and enjoy the quietness of the house. Sometimes I watch a Christian service on television. Other times I simply contemplate special memories and the meaning and love of the season.

3. Do you have a favourite christmas Carol and if so do you know why?

This is a tough question because I have lots of favorites. A few are O Holy Night, The Little Drummer Boy and Carol of the Bells. But my favorite is Mary Did You Know. Every time I listen to it it’s like the first time I heard it. I feel the wonder of the Christ child and think of his mother Mary and what she must have felt when she looked down at God’s Son in her arms.

4. If you could spend Christmas anyway you could how would you celebrate?

Now, this is fun!

I’d love to spend the day before Christmas with my husband, just the two of us warm and snug in a mountain cabin. Of course it would be snowing and there’d be a crackling fire in the hearth. While our favorite Christmas tunes played, we’d have a candle light dinner, then spend time reading about our Lord’s birth, share communion together, pray and then snuggle down for one of our favorite Christmas movies. In the morning we’d hear a knock at our cabin door and be surprised by all our children and grandchildren. We’d spend the day playing games, telling stories and eating lots of goodies.

5. Do you have any special memories of Christmas?

My goodness, there’s not enough room here to share them all. My life has been blessed with wonderful Christmas traditions and special moments. It’s difficult to choose. However, an especially poignant Christmas comes to mind.

It was many years ago and would be the last Christmas the family spent with my father. He was in the final stages of cancer. We knew it would be our last Christmas together (here on earth). Although weak and weary from the battle, he still wore his usual smile and he hadn’t lost the mischievous sparkle in his blue eyes. My father savored life, and loved Christmas.

As always he placed the star on the top of our tree and on Christmas morning he handed out gifts, taking joy in his family’s jubilance. There were no words of complaint, no self pity. He was a picture of courage and inspiration. My father believed in living every moment and he wasn’t going to waste any of them. A few months later, he passed away, but his spirit and his wonderful example of how to live while dying has remained with me.

6. What is a typical Christmas eve and or Christmas day for you.

Christmas morning is always fun. The children are allowed to get up early and dig into their stockings, but they are not permitted to even touch the gifts under the tree. The adults stumble out of bed, find a cup of coffee and have a bite to eat. We always eat chile rellenos and sweet rolls. Each stocking contains an orange so oranges are always part of our morning feast.

Coffee mugs in hand, the adults finally join the kids around the tree and the gift opening begins. One of the men hands out presents, one at a time. It is always our hope to keep things orderly but more often than not things get chaotic—wrapping paper flying, squeals of delight and children trying out new toys.

The rest of the day is spent leisurely—visiting, playing games and eating. We have a large meal late in the afternoon and traditionally the older kids (now adults) go to the theater to take in a movie while us older folks visit.


7. Do you have any Christmas movies or Christmas books you like to see or read each year?

I love all the classic movies such as It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol, Miracle on 34th Street, and The Waltons—Homecoming, but I also enjoy some of the newer movies like Scrooged and The Santa Clause. They’re great fun.

Every year we find a new book to read, but we always read the Biblical account of Christ’s birth as well.

8. Do you have a Christmas message for my readers?

Don’t lose the wonder of Christmas. A miraculous event occurred 2,000 years ago and it changed the world forever. In the midst of the fun and celebrations remember Christ, the ultimate gift to the world.

Enduring Love
Just when things seem to be looking up for John and Hannah Bradshaw, their world is turned upside down.
Years ago, when John was in prison, he was told his first wife, Margaret, died. So how is it that she shows up in Sydney Town looking to pick up where they left off?
Hannah is distraught. Her marriage is now null and void, and she and John feel they must separate to allow John's first marriage to continue.
But is Margaret hiding something after all? And just what will she do to get what she wants?
The suspenseful, romantic conclusion to the Sydney Cove trilogy.

Getting to know you Thursday with Bonnie Leon

Firstly sorry for the delay. my connection was playing up. I think it was a problem plug. I have changed it and have stay connected. But I lost connection last night and again today. would be one for a few minutes then would lose it.

Today we welcome Bonnie Leon to my blog for Getting to know you Thursdays. Welcome Bonnie.

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m a late bloomer when it comes to writing. My first book didn’t publish until I was well beyond forty. I’ve been working hard since and have published sixteen novels, all historical or historical romance thus far.
My husband, Greg, and I are celebrating our thirty-eighth wedding anniversary on August 17th. We met when I was seventeen and he was nineteen and we were married two years later. So we’ve known one another most of our lives.
We have three grown children—Paul, Kristi and Sarah—and four grandchildren—Corey, Ezra, Gabe and Olivia. And I agree with those who say grandparenting is more fun than parenting.  It’s way fun.
Presently Greg and I live in the foothills of Southern Oregon, but our home is for sale. No takers yet so for now we’re content to remain in our forest home.


2. When you were a child did you have a favourite book or books?
Some of my childhood favorites were Big Red, Black Beauty and the Helen Keller story. I think I read almost every Nancy Drew book written up until I was a teen-ager. After that Victoria Holt got a hold of me and I devoured gothics. As an older teen I moved on to books like The Hobbit and Hawaii. To this day I think Hawaii is my all time favorite book. I need to read it again, it’s been a while. (Jenny here, I loved Helen Keller's teacher when I was a child)

3. Do you have a favourite Genre to both read and right write?
My favorite genre to write is historical fiction or historical romance. It’s also my favorite to read. However, I love women’s fiction and truly enjoy everything except Sci-fi (can’t make heads or tails out of most of it) and I don’t like anything terrifying. (Jenny again, I love historical fiction or romance best also haven't read much Sci-Fi but have to say stargate sg1 and atlantis is my favourite tv series dont like terrifying either)

4. Did you have favourite authors growing up who have influenced you?
There are many wonderful authors but one that I’ve always admired is John Steinbeck. His books look at the darker side of mankind, but his writing is captivating, gritty and real.
In the Christian market I’d have to say that Francine Rivers is still my favorite author. However, there are some really fine writers out there such as Ann Shorey and Susan Meissner. I could include a list, but there’s not room.

5. When did you know you wanted to be an author?
I’ve always been a reader and the idea of writing never occurred to me until 1989 when a need to put down my thoughts on paper got a hold of me. I started writing short stories, poems and personal experiences. It was so much fun. Ideas just flowed out of me. However, I didn’t take any of it seriously until after attending an Oregon Christian Writing Conference in 1992. I returned home intent on writing a book.

6. How did you go about becoming an author?
As I mentioned in 1989 I played at writing and then in 1991 I was in an automobile accident. A log truck overturned and I lived to tell about it, which was a miracle. However, I was left unable to do the things I’d always taken for granted. After many months of testing and rehabilitation I was told by doctors that I’d never be able return to work. It was devastating and with a bleak future lying before me I asked God to give me something that I could do that mattered.
I started writing and the summer of 1992 I attended a four day writing conference. The teachers were fabulous and I learned enough to stumble my way through my first book, The Journey of Eleven Moons. I returned the following summer and sold the book to Thomas Nelson Publishing. It made the bestsellers list, which was an absolute shock.
I had a lot to learn as a writer so I kept writing and publishing and learning. Today I’m still writing and growing as an author. The learning never ends, which means writing continues to be fun.

7. If you were not a writer what would you like to be?
First off, I’d spend more time be a grandma. I love that.
Also, I oversee the women’s ministry in my church. Women’s needs have always been a passion of mine. I’m certain if I wasn’t writing I’d do a better job of helping the women in my community and my church. I’d also find more time to read and to travel. I love both.

8. Outside reading and writing what do you like to do?
Because of my physical disabilities I’m limited, but on a good day I can still manage to go fishing. I love to sit along a remote river or float upon a mountain lake with a line in the water. It feels as if I’m resting in God’s house.

9. Do you have a place you love to visit or would love to visit?
The most spectacular place I’ve ever seen is the Grand Canyon. While doing research for a book I made a brief visit there. I’ve never forgotten it and I long to return and spend hours just sitting and praying and taking in the spectacular beauty. It is so clearly God’s hand print. I feel his presence there in a powerful way. I’ll go back one day.

10. If you could have a meal with 3 living people who would you choose and why?
Three living people—I like this question.
1. I would love to sit down and visit with Maya Angelou. She has lived a “normal” and yet an “incredible” life. I love her gentle steady demeanor and words of wisdom seem to simply flow from her. Spending with such a woman would be a privilege.
2. I have great respect for George W. Bush. I know he took a lot of flack for some of his decisions, and I didn’t always agree with him on every issue. However, I believe he’s a man of principle. I would be honored to sit across the table from him. He stood by his beliefs no matter what the cost. I admire that.
3. I’d like to spend time with Sarah Palin without cameras or fan fare, just the two of us free to speak openly and transparently. She seems to be a down to earth gal who cares about her family and her country. I’d like to know her better.

Finally can you tell us about your current books and/or any that will be coming out soon. Also where we can find you on the web.

I just had a book release in May. Enduring Love is the final book in the Sydney Cove Series. I think it’s a perfect ending to a good story. I hope those who haven’t had a chance to read it will give the series a try.

I’m also putting the finishing touches on my next book, Touching the Clouds, which is book one in The Alaskan Skies series. The release date was originally spring of 2010 but I don’t have an absolute date yet. It’s been a challenging book to write, mostly because I had a lot to learn about flying as well as difficulty pinning down my characters. But with help from my editor I think we’ve got a really good book and I’m excited for it to release. The year is 1935 and Kate, an Alaskan bush pilot, has too much to prove. However she is lovable. It’s a good adventure and lots of fun.

To find out more about me and my books readers can go to http://www.bonnieleon.com/

Back Cover – To Love Anew

Hannah Talbot has no one. Forced to leave the only home she’s ever known, she works for a cruel employer who brutally takes the one thing she has left—her dignity. When she is banished to an Australian prison she is certain God has turned his back on her. How could he—or anyone else—ever love her again?
John Bradshaw is a successful businessman, but his untamed spirit wants more. Little does he know what he will have to endure to find the adventure he seeks. Betrayed by those closest to him, he loses everything, even his freedom. There is no returning now. His life is not his own.
Now aboard a ghastly prison ship, John and Hannah are about to cross paths. What will happen when two hears filled with pain discover how to love anew?


Back Cover – Longings of the Heart

Hannah and John have embraced the wondrous land of Australia as their own. As they venture into the unknown to start a sheep farm, they must rely on God and each other to scrape out a living and fulfill their dreams of having a family of their own. But life on the fledgling ranch is fraught with pitfalls and hidden danger. And the past is finally catching up with them.
When a mysterious woman shows up in town, Hannah is in danger of her own dark secrets being revealed. Can John and Hannah weather the storm? Or will the harsh realities of life tear them apart?