Thursday, October 11, 2012

American Tapestries Dual Launch!


Welcome to the campaign launch for Summerside Press’ brand new series, American Tapestries. Debuting this new series are authors Melanie Dobson (Where the Trail Ends) and Janice Thompson (Queen of the Waves) and they are celebrating the series launch by hosting a Kindle Fire Giveaway and throwing an American Tapestries Facebook Party on October 18th.

Each novel in this line sets a heart-stirring love story against the backdrop of an epic moment in American history. Whether they fought in her battles, built her cities or forged paths to new territories, a diverse tapestry of men and women shaped this great nation into the Land of Opportunity. Even then, as is true now, the search for romance was a major part of the American Dream.


Where the Trail Ends
Melanie Dobson
(Summerside)
ISBN: 978-1609366858
October 2012/336 pages/$12.99

For two thousand miles along the trail to Oregon Country, Samantha Waldron and her family must overcome tremendous challenges to reach the Willamette Valley before winter. Together they weather autumn storms, hunger and thirst, and the dangers of a wild and unfamiliar country. But when their canoe capsizes on the Columbia River, they must rely on handsome British exporter Alexander Clarke to rescue them from the icy water.

Alex escorts Samantha and her young brother, Micah, to Fort Vancouver. There Samantha is overwhelmed with men vying for her affections, but the only one who intrigues her--Alex--is the one she cannot have. When his betrothed arrives unexpectedly from England to escort him home, Samantha becomes determined to create a home for herself and Micah in the fertile valley far away from the fort. But how will an unmarried woman support herself and her brother in the wilderness alone? Then Micah disappears into the wilderness one rainy night, and Samantha must rely on the man she loves--the man she’s trying desperately to forget--to rescue her brother before it’s too late.

Order a copy here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melanie Dobson has written ten contemporary and historical novels including five releases in Summerside’s Love Finds You series. In 2011, two of her releases won Carol Awards: Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa (for historical romance) and The Silent Order (for romantic suspense).

Prior to her writing career, Melanie was the corporate publicity manager at Focus on the Family and a publicist for The Family Channel. She later launched her own public relations company and worked in the fields of publicity and journalism for more than fifteen years.

Melanie and her family enjoy their home in the Pacific Northwest. The entire Dobson family loves to travel and hike in both the mountains and along the cliffs above the Pacific.

When Melanie isn’t writing or playing with her family, she enjoys exploring ghost towns and dusty back roads, line dancing, and reading inspirational fiction.

Find out more about Melanie at http://www.melaniedobson.com.

MY THOUGHTS

After reading this novel (and other similar ones in this genre), all I can say is that it's a wonder the USA was ever settled west of the Mississippi River and especially, west of the Rocky Mountains! Melanie Dobson has written a novel so rich in historical detail that at times I could feel the aches and pains of every step and of the losses Samantha endured, both physically, emotionally, and materially. She was a tough young woman! Dobson's depictions of the various members of the wagon train touched my heart--with the exception of Captain Loewe; I really wanted him to get lost somewhere! Life on the Oregon Trail was filled with peril, monotony and heartache. Don't miss this story of those who persevered until they reached the spot Where the Trail Ends!



Queen of the Waves
Janice Thompson
(Summerside)
ISBN: 978-1609366865
October 2012/336 pages/$12.99

When pampered Jacqueline Abington secretly elopes with the family gardener, she asks another woman to take her place on the much anticipated maiden voyage of the Titanic. Tessa Bowen hails from a poor corner of London but has been granted the opportunity of a lifetime—a ticket to sail to America aboard a famed vessel. But there’s a catch: she must assume Jacqueline’s identity. For the first time in her life, Tessa stays in luxurious quarters, dresses in elegant gowns, and dines with prestigious people. Then a wealthy American man takes an interest in her, and Tessa struggles to keep up the ruse as she begins falling for him. When tragedy strikes, the game is up, and two women’s lives are forever changed.

Order a copy here.

ABOUT JANICE THOMPSON

Award-winning author Janice Thompson, who also writes under the name Janice Hanna, has published nearly eighty books for the Christian market, crossing genre lines to write cozy mysteries, historicals, romances, nonfiction books, devotionals, children’s books and more.

She formerly served as vice president of the Christian Authors Network and was named the 2008 Mentor of the Year by the American Christian Fiction Writers.

Thompson lives in Spring, Texas, near her four grown daughters and young grandchildren. She leads a rich life with her family, a host of writing friends and two mischievous dachshunds.

Readers can keep up with Janice Thompson by visiting her website, becoming a fan on Facebook or following her Twitter.

Find out more about Janice at http://janicethompson.com.

MY THOUGHTS

Adept at writing both contemporary and historical novels, Janice Thompson's gift of storytelling shines in this novel. I've read several of the Titanic novels released this year commemorating disaster's centennial, and Queen of the Waves is one of the best. While I don't exactly condone what Jacqueline and Tessa did in switching identities, my heart cheered for Tessa as she escapes her abusive father for a new life in America. (Whether she makes it or not is for you to find out!) And I loved Thompson's portrayal of Jacqueline's journey, taken without traveling a single mile, as she learns some difficult lessons. The message of faith is beautifully woven into this story; I particularly loved watching Tessa work through her misconceptions of her Heavenly Father based on the dysfunctional actions of her earthly father. This is a wonderful novel and I absolutely recommend it to you!

Celebrate with Melanie and Janice by entering to win a Kindle Fire!

 
One fortunate winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire
  • Where the Trail Ends by Melanie Dobson
  • Queen of the Waves by Janice Thompson
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 17th. Winner will be announced at the American Tapestries Author Chat Facebook Party on 10/18. Connect with authors Janice Thompson and Melanie Dobson for an evening of book chat, trivia and fun! There will also be gift certificates, books, and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!

So grab your copy of Queen of the Waves and Where the Trail Ends and join Janice Thompson and Melanie Dobson on the evening of the October 18th for a chance to connect with the authors and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the books – don’t let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP todayTell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 18th!



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received these books free from Summerside via Litfuse Publicity as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”



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2 comments:

Cathy said...

Both sound good. Thanks for the info on the giveaway.

Unknown said...

Thanks Linda. They both sounded so intriguing, I purchased them on my kindle even though they are not my typical read.