After returning early from our camping holiday due to rain, I know no better way than to start back at Relz Reviewz by sharing some new books!

Summerside Press (now in the Guideposts stable) continues to expand its range of novels in its various series. Enjoy this look at what is coming up this year. I’m certainly looking forward to reviewing many of them.

How about you? Any going to make your wishlist?

Signature Series

The Blackberry Bush by David Housholder

Who are You, and what are you doing here?

Two babies—Kati and Josh—are born on opposite sides of the world at the very moment the Berlin Wall falls. You’d think such a potent freedom metaphor would become the soundtrack for their lives, but nothing could be further from the truth. Despite his flawless image, Josh, an artistic and gifted California skateboarder, struggles to find his true role in the world, and his growing aggression eventually breaks him.

Kati, a German with a penchant for classic Swiss watches and attic treasure-hunting, is crushed with disappointment for never being “enough” for anyone—most especially her mother. Craving liberation, Kati and Josh seem destined to claim their birthright of freedom together. After all, don’t the “chance” encounters transform your life…or are they really chance?

June, 2011

When I Fall in Love Series

Love Letters in the Sand by Diann Hunt

The tide of World War II washed away her happily-ever-after dreams and left heartbreak in its wake, but Eva Hilton dares to consider another chance at love.

However, the jilted teacher’s past catches up with her when battle-scarred Paul Sommerfeld re-enters her life in 1957. Together they attempt to navigate the shifting sands of their relationship as painful truths come to light. Will Eva ultimately discover that, though the tide washed away their once-upon-a-time love letters in the sand, she and Paul have a love that will be forever written upon their hearts?

June, 2011

Unforgettable by Trish Perry

Rachel Stanhope tries to see the good in everyone. But Josh Reegan tests even her good graces when they meet outside her Arlington, Virginia, dance studio in 1951. He’s attractive, yet his cynicism and cockiness are hard to tolerate.

A journalist and former World War II Air Force pilot, Josh considers ballroom dancing a frivolous waste of time. Although Rachel’s confident nature is a refreshing challenge, he wouldn’t tangle with her if his newspaper hadn’t assigned him to cover her studio’s competition in New York City.

Between the melodrama of ballroom antics and the real drama of political corruption, Rachel and Josh have their hands full. The last thing either of them expects is mutual need and support. But once they stop dancing around the truth, the results are unforgettable.

March, 2011

Historical Romance

Under A Desert Sky by DiAnn Mills

When Eva Fortier’s grandfather is murdered, her attorney urges her to leave New York and take refuge in the high desert area of New Mexico.

Leaving her life of wealth behind, Eva attempts to make sense of the tragedies in her life. Navajo David Benally has his hands full taking care of his people’s medical needs. But when his father asks him to help fulfill a vow made to Eva’s father, he has no choice but to oblige. He views Eva as a spoiled rich girl…until he sees her strength in the midst of life threatening danger.

June, 2011

An Ocean Away by Lisa Harris

Dateline: 1921—Northern Rhodesia and New York, New York.

Lizzie MacTavis is determined to remain with the people with whom God called her to work along the banks of the rugged Zambezi River in southern Africa.

Andrew Styles, an anthropologist and explorer, has been commissioned to bring Lizzie back to New York City at any cost. With a fortune at stake, Lizzie is caught between two worlds when she is finally forced to return to the United States and discovers her life is in danger. Will Andrew turn out to be Lizzie’s nemesis or hero?

March, 2011

Love Finds You Series

Love Finds You in Tombstone, Arizona by Miralee Ferrell

Love and second chances aren’t easy to come by in a town named Tombstone.

When Christy Grey receives an urgent summons to Tombstone, Arizona, she reluctantly leaves her new life in California. The trip goes from bad to worse when three masked men hold up Christy’s stage. She finally arrives in Tombstone to find her mother ill and her brother trapped in a life of gambling. Desperate for money to support her family, will Christy bow to pressure from the local saloon owners and return to the life she thought she’d given up for good?

Nevada Keene has problems of his own. He’s been dodging bullets for years and wants nothing more than to settle down and get married. But he’s on the run from outlaws bent on revenge, and the one woman who captures his interest recognizes him from the stagecoach holdup. Will Christy turn Nevada in to the authorities, or will the outlaws on his trail catch him first?

February, 2011

Love Finds You in Camelot, Tennessee by Janice Hanna

Steve Garrison is the newly elected mayor of the tiny town of Camelot, Tennessee.

When his childhood friend Amy Hart comes up with a plan to revive the town’s economy, he jumps on board. The townspeople will perform the musical “Camelot” in the city’s park, drawing in nightly crowds. While excitement is high, talent is lacking. Amy casts several of the parts but is stumped when it comes to the role of King Arthur.

In desperation, she turns to Steve. Will he pull the sword from the stone and save the day? Steve reluctantly agrees—on one condition. In exchange for his willingness to wear tights, Amy must play the role of Guinevere. And when a handsome newcomer cast as Lancelot takes an interest in Amy, the stage is set for a little tension—and perhaps love.

February, 2011

Love Finds You in Prince Edward Island, Canada by Susan Page Davis

In the summer of 1860, Prince Edward Island is astir.

Its citizens eagerly anticipate the arrival of the first member of the British royal family to visit the island. Molly Orland is too poor to be invited to the ball, but she and several other local young women are thrilled when they’re hired as extra staff at the lieutenant governor’s house, where the young Prince of Wales will be a guest.

Peter Stark has arrived a few days in advance of the royal party to make sure arrangements are suitable for the prince. He is attracted to the beauty of the island—and to a young local girl named Molly, whom he’s determined to shield from the notorious antics of the playboy prince. When Peter and Molly discover a long-buried secret that could bring shame to his royal employer, will he remain a loyal servant—or help Molly’s family get the justice they deserve?

April, 2011

Love Finds You in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts by Melody Carlson

Artist Waverly Brennan wants a fresh start.

She gets her chance when her ever-quirky mother calls to say she’s purchased a gallery in Martha’s Vineyard and would love Waverly’s help setting it up. Enticed by visions of running a classy art gallery, Waverly is in. But after she burns her bridges in Chicago, Waverly arrives in Vineyard Haven only to discover that her mother’s “gallery” isn’t quite what she had envisioned.

Stuck on the island for the summer, Waverly attempts to make the best of it. She starts painting again and soon finds other motivations to stick around—such as Blake Erikson and his charming daughter. As she falls more in love with the island, Waverly begins to wonder if it all looks too good to be true.

Will she give the charming town—and Blake—a chance?

April, 2011

Love Finds You in Groom, Texas by Janice Hanna

The year is 1914, and Jake O’Farrell has gained an unusual reputation among the locals.

He’s played the roles of groomsman and best man in all four of his older brothers’ weddings, but he’s never been able to find the right woman to capture his heart. And with the upcoming wedding of his best friend, Jake will become the last single man in the town of Groom.

Anne Denning has made the difficult decision to move with her sisters to Dallas, but just outside of Amarillo, a train derailment forces them and the other passengers to seek shelter in nearby Groom. Mrs. O’Farrell, hopeful that at least one of the Denning sisters will catch her youngest son’s eye, invites the girls to stay at her home until the train is ready to pull out. Anne has no clue of the blissful chaos that lies ahead!

June, 2011

Love Finds You in Amana, Iowa by Melanie Dobson

As the rest of the nation is embroiled in Civil War, the Amana Colonies remain peaceful.

Amalie Wiese arrives in the newly built village of Amana in 1863 only to find that her betrothed, Friedrich, has left to fight with the Union army. Amalie tries to overcome her worries as she sets up a communal kitchen. She hopes that working alongside Friedrich’s best friend will provide some comfort, but Matthias is abrupt and cold.

Little does Amalie know that Matthias has been in love with her since childhood but will not betray Friedrich by pursuing her friendship. When Matthias himself leaves for the battlefront to deliver supplies to the soldiers, war wages in Amalie’s own heart. Will love claim victory?

June, 2011