ACRBA Tour Unnoticed by Amanda Deed

5 - 9 May 2017

Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance

is Introducing 

Unnoticed

(By Rhiza Press, 1 March, 2017)

By 

Amanda Deed

About the Book:

Plain Jane O’Reilly is good at being unnoticed. Detested by her stepmother and teased by her stepsisters, Jane has learned the art of avoiding attention. That is until Price Moreland, an American with big dreams, arrives in her small town.

Does she dare to hope someone might notice her?

However, Price Moreland may not be the prince that the whole town thinks him to be. Was his desire to be a missionary a God-given call, or just a good excuse to run from his past?

Complete with an evil stepmother, a missing shoe and a grand ball, Unnoticed takes the time-old Cinderella fairy tale and gives it an Australian twist.

About the Author:

Amanda Deed has penned several Australian Historical Romances, including The Game, winner of the CALEB Prize for Fiction in 2010. She resides in the South Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne with her family, where she works full-time in her local church office.

Outside of work and family, Amanda loves to write stories filled with intrigue and adventure using her favourite themes as a backdrop: Australia, heritage, romance and faith. Her books include Unnoticed, Ellenvale Gold, Black Forest Redemption and Henry's Run. For more information, go to www.amandadeed.com.au.

ACRBA tour Ellenvale Gold by Amanda Deed

6 - 10 May

Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance

is introducing

Ellenvale Gold

(Even Before Publishing November 2012)

By 

Amanda Deed

Available at Amazon 
&
Light The Dark

About the Author

Amanda Deed grew up in the South Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne. Raised in a Christian home, she came to know Jesus at an early age and before the age of 20 was following a passion to serve Him through music and worship, eventually gaining opportunities to tour Australia with a worship band. In 1997, she married Morry and their first child was born in 1999. Soon after that they moved to Darwin for five years, where Amanda served further in music ministry which sometimes took her into remote areas of the country. It was during this period that she discovered a passion for writing and began to seriously pursue it. With three young children, the Deeds have now re-settled in Melbourne's South East where Amanda can focus on her family, her writing and involvement in the local church worship team.

Website is http://www.amandadeed.com.au/

About the Book:

 It is the time of Australia’s harsh rogue-filled goldrush of the 1850’s when Miss Penelope Worthington suddenly finds herself orphaned, isolated and alone. With a large sheep station to run single-handedly, she has little option but to enlist the aid of a mysterious, but sinister stranger.
But who is the more treacherous? Gus—the scruffy, trespassing, ex-convict who co-incidentally shows up looking for work just when she desperately needs a farmhand or Rupert—the handsome, wealthy neighbour who would willingly marry her at the drop of a hat and solve her apparent dilemma?
Repeatedly, her faith is tested as she faces the unforgiving elements, deceit, lies and uncertainty. But where and how will it all end? But…is it the end? Will vengeance return or
will Penny’s faith prevail?

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. 

Getting to know you Thursdays with Amanda Deed and giveaway

Please welcome Australian author Amanda Deed to my blog today. I have gotten to know Amanda online and was so excited to buy an autographed copy of her latest book when I was in Melbourne for Christmas.
Check below for how you can win a copy of Ellenvale Gold.

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I am a wife and a mum of three awesome kids. My daytime job involves one of my passions - numbers. I do bookkeeping and administration for my local church plus a few other small clients. My other job as an author involves one of my other passions - words. Combine all that with a love of Jesus and Australia and you get a Christian Australian historical romance writer! :)

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

I used to love the Trixie Belden series. I still have most of the set to pass down to my children (although I think Trixie is a bit old-school for them now - they prefer Nancy Drew and 39 Clues). I also loved the Narnia series, and Anne of Green Gables etc, Famous Five, Secret Seven - the list goes on. I was a bit of a bookworm.  (Jenny here. I loved many of these books. loved Enid Blyton and the Narnia series).

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

My absolute favourite is Historical Romance. I read contemporaries occasionally, but always sigh with satisfaction when I get back to the old days again. I do love to have a bit of adventure and mystery thrown in - that is the perfect mix for me.

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

My love of historicals didn't fully develop until I was a young adult. By then, authors such as Baroness Orczy (The Scarlet Pimpernel), Linda Chaikin (The Heart of India) and Stephen Lawhead (Albion Song) were the writers I wished to aspire to.

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

I think it has been there for a long time, but I didn't recognise it for many years. As a teenager I filled notebooks with chapter-stories, and I daydreamed and told stories vocally to my sister. As a young adult I continued to write 'novels' as a hobby, but it wasn't until 2000 that I thought seriously about having something published, or even letting others read my work for that matter.

6. How did you go about becoming an author?

I was tired of looking for Australian historical romances from a Christian perspective and not finding them (apart from Meredith Resce and a couple of Mary Hawkins). It occurred to me that I should write one. So, I worked on a manuscript, sent a couple of query letters to the US, but really had no idea. I prayed one day, asking the Lord what the next step was. Then I did a google search for Meredith Resce to see if she had any advice I suppose. My search came up with the Alpha 2 Omega conference in Brisbane - I think it was 2006. I said, "Ok God, if that's what I have to do."

I learned a lot at that conference and approached Meredith for a critique of my manuscript. Through her encouragement I found the courage to send out a submission to ArkHouse Press. Six months later I had a contract and so the journey progressed from there. It really has been God opening doors for me along the way and it has been an amazing roller-coaster ride.

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

A pianist/singer touring with a band. That was one of my other dreams. I did a little of that in my early twenties. But, having babies kind of interrupted that one. No complaints though.

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

I love travelling and camping in this great country. I love walking in the bush. When I have a lot of spare time, I'm a bit of a gamer too. :)

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

Kings Canyon is my favourite place in Australia. I could sit there all day and stare at the gorge. I'm hanging out to get back to Tassie for a good look around and to Far North Queensland. (Jenny again, I visited Kings Canyon and love the awesome beauty, I did struggle with the hike as I had blisters on my feet from the walk up Ayers Rock).

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

My best girlfriend - we laugh an talk inanities till all hours of the night. Robyn Green - another friend whose wisdom I love to listen to. Stephen Lawhead - I'd love to pick his brain on writing stuff.

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.

My latest novel is called Ellenvale Gold. It is set in Victoria in the 1850s - our gold rush times. Here is the back cover blurb:

It is the time of Australia’s harsh rogue-filled goldrush of the 1850’s when Miss Penelope Worthington suddenly finds herself orphaned, isolated and alone. With a large sheep station to run single-handedly, she has little option but to enlist the aid of a mysterious, but sinister stranger.

But who is the more treacherous? Gus—the scruffy, trespassing, ex-convict who co-incidentally shows up looking for work just when she desperately needs a farmhand or Rupert—the handsome, wealthy neighbour who would willingly marry her at the drop of a hat and solve her apparent dilemma?

Repeatedly, her faith is tested as she faces the unforgiving elements, deceit, lies and uncertainty. But where and how will it all end? But…is it the end? Will vengeance return or  will Penny’s faith prevail?

For more information, go to: www.amandadeed.com.au or http://amanderings.wordpress.com

To win Ellenvale Gold you need to fill in the below form. This is an open giveaway.

Book Review Ellenvale Gold by Amanda Deed

Book Description:
It is the time of Australia's harsh rogue-filled goldrush of the 1850s when Miss Penelope Worthington suddenly finds herself orphaned, isolated and alone. With a large sheep station to run single-handedly, she has little option but to enlist the aid of a mysterious, but sinister stranger. But who is the more treacherous? Gus—the scruffy, trespassing, ex-convict who coincidentally shows up looking for work just when she desperately needs a farmhand or Rupert—the handsome, wealthy neighbour who would willingly marry her at the drop of a hat and solve her apparent dilemma?


My Review:
I wanted this book from the time it was released. Read reports it was a good book and when I was in the City I bought it for a Christmas present for myself. I understand why people love the book so much. I was up til early morning finishing the book as I just couldn't put it down. The book is set at a time in the 1850's in Victoria and an area where there is a gold rush. I have always been interested in this era especially after being to Ballarat and seeing the information on the Eureka Stockade and also going to a performance which showed the events leading up to and during this time. This book is set in the months preceding the uprising and we hear some of the facts in the story. 


The book is about Penelope who is now basically alone after the death of her stockman with a sheep station to run. She finds herself needing help from a Gus a stranger who turns up on her property. AT the same time the neighbouring stations son Rupert is showing her interest. We see how back in these times class was very much a factor and how hard it is for Penelope to see Gus as an equal. There are are several incidents that happen which lead Penelope questioning herself and what she thinks is right. There were times I wanted to knock some sense into Penelope but at the same time I understand why she was like she was. I did grew to love her by the end of the book. A side note one character mentioned in the book is Thomas Blake. This was a nice surpass as this was my dads name. This book deals with second chances, forgiveness, acceptance and questions ones thinking. This is a book I would certainly recommend to anyone who is interested in Australian history and enjoys a good read.