Book Review of An Aussie Summer Christmas

An Aussie Summer Christmas 

Blurb

Melbourne Memories by USA Today bestselling author Marion Ueckermann 
Escaping his dangerous past, former British rock star Justin “The Phoenix” Taylor flees to Australia. Intrigued by the bearded stranger visiting her coffee shop, Ella Anderson decides to discover his secrets. But when Justin’s past collides with their future, Ella must decide whether they have a future at all. 

Next Door Santa by USA Today bestselling author Lacy Williams 
Will Harris is proud of his no-complications life. So why is he drawn to his upstairs neighbor, who seems obsessed with Christmas? Can Bridie soften Will-the-Scrooge’s heart in time for Christmas? 

Seaside Christmas by Narelle Atkins 
Political advisor and former bad boy Gus Donovan is intrigued by Chelsea Somers, the girl he didn’t call after their one and only date, six years ago. Chelsea is impressed by the new Gus, but can she trust him with her family secrets ... and with her heart? 

A Christmas Resolution by Rose Dee 
Breeah has avoided returning to her Australian coastal hometown of Kiisay Point for ten years—avoided the mistake that changed her life, ruined her friendships, and soured her first love. She’s never returned to Resolution, the island where it all happened. But now she’s back, and having to face up to the childhood she loved, the man she can’t forget, and the future that won’t start until she lets it all go. 

All is Bright by Andrea Grigg 
Amy’s always been a good Christian girl…except for being in love with her brother-in-law. Josh is looking for love again, surprised to find it with his late wife’s sister. But will a mountain of guilt and an unexpected letter stop them from making it to the altar? 

Falling for Maddie Grace by Meredith Resce 
Australia’s first professional female football umpire, Maddie Grace, gets knocked out in an on-field accident, crushed beneath the weight of an athletic sports star. What is it about the visual images that has the media making up stories of a secret love affair? Escaping the paparazzi is one thing, but escaping each other is quite another.

My Review

I really enjoyed this box set. Each story is different but has the Aussie connection and a beach connection.

Melbourne Memories by USA Today bestselling author Marion Ueckermann 

This is the first book and I have to say I wasn't sure how I would like this book as Justin was a rock star and its not my sort of hero but I actually really liked the story. It shows how a chance meeting when someone has hit rock bottom can help change a life. Justin ends up in Australia where he comes in contact with Ella who wants to learn his secrets not knowing how it may affect her. I really loved the way it showed how Justin turns his life around and his wanting to make amends for his past. 

Next Door Santa by USA Today bestselling author Lacy Williams 

I love Bridie, I think I like her cos shes has a job I would love. She is full of life although she has had plenty of heartache in her life. Will on the other hand seems to be more focused on working and not doing much else. We see an incident happen in which the two will be brought together and then need to work together. I enjoyed the story and learning both stories of why they are how they are. It also teaches not to judge by appearances as there is often more to a story than one thinks. 

Seaside Christmas by Narelle Atkins 
In this book we see Chelsea and Gus meet up again after 6 years. Chelsea wonders if Gus really has changed or if its just an act. She is also still grieving the passing of her sister. She has also told her father she will never reveal some of the details to her sisters death. She also wonders if she can handle someone who is in the political arena. I enjoyed their story and seeing how it unfolded. 

A Christmas Resolution by Rose Dee 
Breeah has returned home after the passing of her uncle. She hasn't been back for 10 years and wants to avoid some people. She made a mistake 10 years ago and still feels guilty. This story deals a lot with forgiveness and not just of others but of yourself. In many ways I felt like Breeah found herself in this book along with reconnecting with a former friend.


All is Bright by Andrea Grigg 
Amy feels she is bad because she loves her brother in law, she has loved him for a long time but knew he was off limits and never acted on the feelings or told anyone, she would never to that to her sister. Even with her sister gone for many years she still hasn't told anyone. Josh gets a letter from his late wife which changes everything between them. I actually found this book refreshingly in the way it showed Amy and her feelings and how she struggled with them. 

Falling for Maddie Grace by Meredith Resce 
Now here is a story I can appreciate. While I love cricket more I am an AFL fan. Maddie Grace is a umpire who has the misfortune of being knocked out by a star Zac. The media have a field day with this as Zac is also referred to as the Rev due to studying ministry and being squeaky clean. They know each other from years back when her father was the coach of Zac's team but nothing more. Seeing this story play out was interesting. Once again another good read.

ACRBA Tour The Greenfield Legacy by Rose Dee, Amanda Deed, Meredith Resce and Paula Vince

4 - 8 February, 2013

Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance

is introducing

The Greenfield Legacy

(Even Before Publishing October 2012)

by

 Rose Dee, Amanda Deed, Meredith Resce and Paula Vince

 Available from Light the Dark With a contest which ends
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 Review:
Thanks to Rose Dee for my copy of this book.

I did enjoy this book and found it interesting with 4 different main characters that are all from the one family. We have Mattie the Matriarch of the family and we find out in Chapter one she gave up a child for adoption. The story then revolves round this issue and how it affected the various members. We have Connie who is Mattie's Daughter and Brooke her daughter. We also meet Navy Who is also related. Each character is written by a different author and there is a contest to work out who wrote which character, while this is a fun contest I did find at times it distracted me as I was trying to work out who wrote what part. I would personally have rather known who wrote what part and not be thinking about who wrote who. The book is like a novella in many ways except its happening at the same time. We go from one character to another and see the story through different eyes. 
While I really enjoyed the story and the more I got into it the more I loved it I did have one issue with the early part. There are a couple of instances of swearing which shocked me and I thought were totally unnecessary. I honestly don't expect bad language in a christian book and was disappointed. It wasn't enough for me to put the book down as it was early one and only 2 or 3 times (and one was more cussing which others may not be offended by). I say this just as a warning to some of my friends who also do not like bad language. being forewarned is a help. It is this reason I can not give the book 5 stars but it is a 4 - 4.5 star book in my view. 

Focus on Christmas with Meredith Resce

Please welcome another Australian Author to my blog today to share Christmas in Australia. Welcome Meredith Resce. 

1.    What do you most associate with Christmas where you live?

If you mean in my actual street, it’s the house down the road that is lit up like….well, like a Christmas tree. A spectacular light display that has cars driving by just to stop and look at the lights. If you mean in our city of Adelaide, it’s the hustle and bustle of getting everything sorted to wind up the end of school year, have Christmas/end-of-year parties for businesses and clubs, and the onset of warm weather. For your northern hemisphere readers, we don’t switch the Christmas lights on until 9pm, and we take a walk in the warm evening to look at things going on in the neighbourhood. If you mean in the state of south Australia, being as I’m originally from the country, it’s harvest time, and I keep close monitor on how the crops are yielding. We watch out for bushfires, and get our BBQ’s working. We love a good open air carols-by-candlelight night.  (Jenny here I love the open air carols too.)

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

Every second year, we gather at the family farm with the whole of my family – about 30 of us now. On the other year, we do a city Christmas, and those of our family in the city get together and walk around the streets singing Christmas Carols. Our family have a tradition of eating Port Wine Jelly with Cherries and ice-cream for Christmas breakfast. I’ve always done it, and I asked my mother where that tradition came from. She told me it was from when a travelling green-grocer used to go from farm to farm, and stopped by our farm every week, he would sell cases (wooden-box) full of fruit for preserving. My mother always bought a case of cherries, and would preserve them in her Fowlers preserving jars. She would always open the first jar of preserved Cherries on Christmas eve, make the Port wine jelly, and we would have it as a treat Christmas morning. 

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

Can’t limit to just one – Joy to the Word – Love the words. ‘He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove, the glories of his righteousness, and wonders of his love.’

Silent Night – The most beautiful carol, and evokes all sorts of memories from a wonderful childhood of faith.

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

We almost always celebrate with family. I love to have a Christmas Eve service, acknowledge the wonder of God with us in the Christ child. I am such a traditionalist, I love to celebrate the way we have always done it.

5.    Do you have any special memories of Christmas?

The majority of my memories of Christmas are special. When we were kids, it was great, everything just happened magically. Now I know that the magic was really my mother, grandmother’s and aunt. They made everything happen. O Joy, I get to make it happen now, and I love to know that the kids are having a wonderful time, but it is a lot more hard work than it used to be. My mother used to always organise a small Christmas concert for the grandparents after Christmas lunch. We would have costumes, and do little plays, sing songs and play the piano. Our grandparents always clapped and told us we were wonderful.

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

Christmas Eve – a church service, and singing carols somewhere, somehow.

Christmas Day – even though my children are now adults, we still get up early, as my nieces and nephews are still young, and we have to do the Christmas thing all together. My father readers a Scripture and prays, then we share presents. Then we eat our Jellied cherries, and the grown up mothers get to start lunch preparations. The kids play. We have a traditional roast lunch, even if it’s 40 degrees (110 degrees F) outside. We eat our Hot Christmas pudding, and the works. Then the grownups get to clean up lunch, and the kids play some more. The grownups sleep, and then go ahead and fix leftovers for tea. We use cold ham and cold chicken, and just have salad for tea.

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

The Nativity; It’s a Wonderful Life; Miracle on 34^th Street; I’ll Be seeing You (old movie with Ginger Rogers and Shirley Temple); The Christmas Card (New movie with unknown actors). I like to watch these with the Christmas lights switched on. (Jenny again, I enjoy the Christmas Card also I have it on DVD)

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

Christ is the whole reason the Christmas celebration began, but it is so easy to remove Christ, or shove him aside while we indulge in all the other Christmas things that have developed over the years. Make sure you keep Christ front and centre, and remember that Christmas is always followed by Easter – his work and victory over sin.

Joy to the world, the Lord is come – don’t forget, He’s still here in the person of the Holy Spirit, so, come, let us adore Him.

This is Meredith's latest book and one I can't wait to read. 

When Sarah Montgomery finds a man lying half-dead in the snow, she doesn’t stop to think of the consequences of trying to save his life. But being a Good Samaritan yields nothing but trouble. In her parents’ absence, she struggles against a deadly fever and a vicious snow-storm, doing her best to save the life of a stranger. But when her self-righteous neighbours eventually come to see how she fared during the storm, they draw a very different conclusion. Before she knows it, her reputation is in tatters, and she has been cast out of the church and her home.

Alone and destitute, Sarah is determined to seek work as a servant from the man whose life she has saved. But all is not well for the master of Mellington Hall.

 Someone wants Lord Alan Mellington dead, and he doesn’t know who or why.

The only person he seems to be able to trust is the gamekeeper’s daughter, Sarah Montgomery, who has intervened to save his life not once but twice.

This story blending mystery, scandal, murder and romance comes from one of Australia’s best-loved authors, Meredith Resce.

Book Review: Cora Villa by Meredith Resce

Product Description:
It's all arranged: Marriage to a man she's never met.
Garrison Stewart is looking forward to the day when his daughter, Cora, will be wed to his former neighbour's son, just as had been arranged fifteen years ago.

But that arrangement had been made before Cora had grown up, before the Stewarts had immigrated to Australia,and before Cora had fallen in love with someone else.

Now, Cora is forced to choose between the love of her father and the love of a mysterious stranger...one who is all too secretive about his past...


My Review:
I just finished this book and loved it. The inspiration for this story came from a house Corio Villa near Geelong. The house is the inspiration for the house in Cora Villa the rest is fiction. But after reading this book I want to see this house. The story revolves around Cora who was promised to Andrew Bennett when she was 6 years old. The book starts just after the death of her mother and her father determined she marry Andrew. Cora doesn't like the idea of an arranged marriage, she wants to choose her own husband and this is what she and her father clash about.
I loved the book and the different characters. Once again I would love to talk more about the story and some of the things that happen that I really enjoyed but I don't want to give away any of the storylines. Having said this there were areas of the book I really appreciated one in-particular as it took me back to my own childhood and something we use to do at Christian Endeavour. This book takes place early in the 19 century and if you enjoy historical books I am sure you will enjoy this story. 

Getting to know you Thursdays with Meredith Resce.

Please welcome Meredith Resce to my blog today. I was so excited when Meredith agreed to be on my blog as I had wanted to host her since I read one of her books a few years back. 

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Meredith Resce, I’m forty something, married and have 3 adult children. My husband is a minister, and I have worked with him in various ministry capacities since we were married in 1983. When my children were young, I had discovered the genre of Christian fiction and began to read with a passion until my husband said I was buying too many books. It was about this time that I began to seriously think about writing a book of my own, an idea that had been floating in the back of my mind for some time.  I found coming up with characters and ideas really easy and  oh-so-much-fun. But finding a publisher wasn’t quite as much fun, in fact it was a long and tiresome journey of rejection and discouragement, followed by picking myself up, and having another go at it.

I love the writing process, the development of the story, the re-writing after my critic has had a good go at it, and even re-working after my editor has had another go. It always helps make the story stronger in the finish.

My kids are all quite creative as well. My daughter also writes, and we are trying to find a publisher for her first novel at the moment. My sons are both musicians, very creative, song-writers, performers. But then they are studying to hopefully get a job that will actually pay bills.

 2. When you were a child did you have a favourite book or books?

I loved Enid Blyton, and I had several other books I used to read and re-read from the scholastic book club we had at school. I can’t remember their titles now. When I was older, I took to Jane Austen and LM Montgomery with enthusiasm. (Jenny here I loved Enid Bylton and reread the books so many times. We also bought many of the scholastic books and reread them to. Thanks for the memory of them. Mum use to buy them for gifts)

3. Do you have a favourite Genre to both read and right write?

I guess I like romantic fiction whether it is period drama romance or contemporary drama romance. Sometimes even lighter comedy romance. While most of my novels are period drama romance, I have also written several others – a time travel adventure, an allegory and a contemporary drama romance. I’ve just finished a murder mystery, and am trying a conspiracy drama with supernatural themes. But really period drama romance is what I’m best known for.

4. Did you have favourite authors growing up who have influenced you?

LM Montgomery and Jane Austen and DE Stevenson

5. When did you know you wanted to be an author?

When my youngest was about one (1991). Before that, it had only ever crossed my mind as an abstract thought that I never really took seriously.

6. How did you go about becoming an author?

I took a pen and an exercise book and began to write down characters, location and plot ideas, and then I just started to write. This was before I owned a computer, or had any idea how to use a computer. Once I’d finished the story, I was very excited, and prepared a submission to an American publisher, and felt sure they would love it. I guess I don’t have to tell you how that turned out…Anyway, persistence is a wonderful thing.

7. If you were not a writer what would you like to be?

I would like to further develop my role in working with film. I have been assistant screen writer and assistant producer on a movie – Twin Rivers  http://www.twotonepictures.com/productions/twinRivers.htm

I love drama and film. We’ll see… (Jenny again how exciting)

8. Outside reading and writing what do you like to do?

I love being with family. I like sport (playing and watching). I like to visit my parents on the family farm. I like music and drama.

9. Do you have a place you love to visit or would love to visit?

My favourite place to visit is my home town – Melrose South Australia.  Actually the farm on which I grew up is my Mecca.

I enjoyed visiting the UK especially the historical villages, cathedrals and castles. Very inspiring.

10. If you could have a meal with 3 living people who would you choose and why?

Well I’d skip the 3 bears, as they couldn’t seem to agree on anything.

Probably Mel Gibson – I loved the way he produced the movie ‘The Passion’ and I think there must be more in that heart that we see reported on the news.

Of all the other famous and successful people I can think of, I don’t think I would desperately choose one above the other. Really spending a short time with someone of celebrity status doesn’t give you much insight into them as a person anyway. Better to have dinner with the family, and continue to share deeply with the people who know you the best.

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.

Have a look at my facebook fan page Meredith Resce author.

My first series of books ‘Heart of Green Valley’ series were published in Australia, UK and USA.  (only first three in UK and USA) They have been very popular, and I’m toying with the idea of writing #6 in the series next year.

Other than that, I have another pair of period drama romance novels – The Schoolmaster’s Bride and the Schoolmaster’s Daughter.

There are several stand alone novels: For All Time (a time travel adventure romance); Cora Villa (period drama romance); A Wretch Like Me (Contemporary drama romance currently out of print); How Sweet the Sound (allegory/fantasy/romance); One Remarkable Year (Faction – commissioned novel about the town I grew up in); Inside Out, Upside Down and Round the Right Way (Self Help inspirational); Mellington Hall (Murder mystery romance due for release in August 2011)

Check out the trailer I produced for my novel Cora Villa   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gELHXmOsY4o

Also a short documentary on the first novel I ever wrote http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWAb7xhtCnA&feature=related

To buy any of my books currently in print go to www.lightthedark.com.au  under products