Romancing America: Liberty's Promises by Amber Miller Stockton

Liberty's Promise by Amber Miller Stockton

Relive the birth of a new country as three women battle to know who they can entrust their hearts. Raelene is all alone, but is there peace in following the wishes of her dead father? Elanna is intelligent for her young age, but will her love for an older man turn into passing fancy when his integrity is questioned? Margret’s loyalties are torn when the colonists rebel, for how can a relationship with a British soldier built on deceptions survive? Will each woman find her place of freedom to embrace her faith and trust her heart to love?

Available March 1st, 2010 from Barbour Books 

Pre-order by clicking the image at the bottom of my post or search the side bar to CBD.com

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


So very excited about this! I am not a fan of mass market paperback, but I love Amber Miller Stockton (formerly published as Amber Miller) and her creative imagination that she shares in her stories. So when I found out that her Delaware Dawning or Delaware Brides series (depending on who you talk to) from Heartsong Presents was going to be published in one Trade paperback Volume... OH HAPPY DAY!!! If you have not already read the stories as they were, read them now and treasure them in this adorable one volume with a gorgeous cover. I am so excited about the Romancing America line of fiction from Barbour Books, so very excited. *grin*


Promises, Promises
Amber Miller has a great work in this book. The story is just what it needs to be. Starting out with a tragedy that allows one to get their back up and spout all their reasons for not trusting in the Lord and to go through a process of healing and really seeing what the Lord is trying to do for them is so hard to put into words, and she did it. Reading this story of Raelene makes you take the time to look at what is going on in your own life. For me it makes me think about the comparison to English life of Jane Austen-types and the farmers in the early colonies. So many times I gripe about what strife I have, but in the end really none of it does compare to what God provides. Like Gustaf, God sits by silently waiting for us to open our eyes while we continually break his heart over and over again. This story had everything that it needed, and I'm so glad that I crossed over it in my life.


Quills & Promises*sigh* Is it not fabulous when as a reader, you turn the last page of a book and the first thing you do is sigh in complete contentment. Well that is my reaction and I am certain many others experience with the second Promises book from Amber Miller "Quills & Promises". It tells the story of the daughter of the characters from the first book, "Promises, Promises" and is complete on it's own as a stand alone as well. I cannot wait to read more from this author.


The story took me into the time of the French & Indiana war, and I was able to meet people and learn personalities and experiences that I have not had before. It was great. One of my favorite movies is "The Patriot" and even though that was the Revolutionary War, this story reminded me of it, but it was better. In this story we have to characters that write letters through out the course of war and you find out things about the war as well as personalities. The best part that makes the story in the book better than that movie, is the devotion to God and even though the desire for retaliation is there, the act is not. That is something that is so hard, but so full of Christ's love as an example.


I highly recommend the stories from Amber Miller to anyone craving a little romance in a historical setting.


Deceptive PromisesDeceptive Promises is probably my favorite of the three Delaware Brides Series. Maybe it because authors get better with time or just deeper into you heart. Maybe it is because the Revolutionary War is my favorite period of American history. Maybe it is because I cannot imagine falling in love and then being separated for months on end and want to know how the characters can possibly survive it! Either way, this book is fabulous and I loved it.


Margret is not a half bad character name either, if you know what I mean. *grin* The only negative thing I have to say at all is that I do not like the cover. Their position seems so unnatural and she almost looks uncomfortable and as if she wants to run. Yet again, maybe that is just me. Plus I am not a fan of mass markets, but anything from this author Amber Miller, soon to be published as Amber Stockton is worth it.


This is a story that delves into history and tells details of some of my favorite historical players. This is almost a history lesson with some romance thrown in. To really understand some of the other characters I would suggest reading the entire trilogy, but it is very capable of being read alone as well, and highly recommended as a novel as well.


View all my reviews >>

*Thanks to Angie Brillhart of Barbour Books for providing me with a copy for review.* 

Amber Miller Stockton

An author that is very dear to me, not only because I enjoy her books, but because she also has a baby born a few months older than my AppleBlossom is Amber Stockton, also published previously as Amber Miller. (Her DH is also an author in speculative fiction, while she claims the historical fiction realm). I was blessed and fully entertained in the past to have read her first series, republished as Liberty's Promise (Promises Promises, Quills & Promises, and Deceptive Promises). I now have in my possession *thanks to Tiff (Amber Miller Stockton) for a copy for review* of the first book in her latest series Copper and Candles and I cannot wait until AppleBlossom gives me a few spare hours to read it. *wink* I already know it will be great!

In March 2010, the first series will be republished as an omnibus Liberty's Promise, part of the Romancing America Series from Barbour Books.

Relive the birth of a new country as three women battle to know who they can entrust their hearts. Raelene is all alone, but is there peace in following the wishes of her dead father? Elanna is intelligent for her young age, but will her love for an older man turn into passing fancy when his integrity is questioned? Margret’s loyalties are torn when the colonists rebel, for how can a relationship with a British soldier built on deceptions survive? Will each woman find her place of freedom to embrace her faith and trust her heart to love?

I'm so excited about her new series, I cannot wait until one day it's republished too all-in-one! I'm not sure I'll be able to wait... I do love omnibus books though, and I'm such a bigger fan of trade paperback as opposed to mass market (like the original Heartsong Presents books).



To read excerpts or see the cover image of the third in the Michigan Historical Series out this December go check out the author's website.

And now for some enticement... here are my reviews of the books from the first Delaware Dawning Historical series that makes up Liberty's Promise...

Promises, Promises
Amber Miller has a great work in this book. The story is just what it needs to be. Starting out with a tragedy that allows one to get their back up and spout all their reasons for not trusting in the Lord and to go through a process of healing and really seeing what the Lord is trying to do for them is so hard to put into words, and she did it. Reading this story of Raelene makes you take the time to look at what is going on in your own life. For me it makes me think about the comparison to English life of Jane Austen-types and the farmers in the early colonies. So many times I gripe about what strife I have, but in the end really none of it does compare to what God provides. Like Gustaf, God sits by silently waiting for us to open our eyes while we continually break his heart over and over again. This story had everything that it needed, and I'm so glad that I crossed over it in my life.

Quills & Promises
*sigh* Is it not fabulous when as a reader, you turn the last page of a book and the first thing you do is sigh in complete contentment. Well that is my reaction and I am certain many others experience with the second Promises book from Amber Miller "Quills & Promises". It tells the story of the daughter of the characters from the first book, "Promises, Promises" and is complete on it's own as a stand alone as well. I cannot wait to read more from this author.

The story took me into the time of the French & Indiana war, and I was able to meet people and learn personalities and experiences that I have not had before. It was great. One of my favorite movies is "The Patriot" and even though that was the Revolutionary War, this story reminded me of it, but it was better. In this story we have to characters that write letters through out the course of war and you find out things about the war as well as personalities. The best part that makes the story in the book better than that movie, is the devotion to God and even though the desire for retaliation is there, the act is not. That is something that is so hard, but so full of Christ's love as an example.

I highly recommend the stories from Amber Miller to anyone craving a little romance in a historical setting.

Deceptive Promises
Deceptive Promises is probably my favorite of the three Delaware Brides Series. Maybe it because authors get better with time or just deeper into you heart. Maybe it is because the Revolutionary War is my favorite period of American history. Maybe it is because I cannot imagine falling in love and then being separated for months on end and want to know how the characters can possibly survive it! Either way, this book is fabulous and I loved it.

Margret is not a half bad character name either, if you know what I mean. *grin* The only negative thing I have to say at all is that I do not like the cover. Their position seems so unnatural and she almost looks uncomfortable and as if she wants to run. Yet again, maybe that is just me. Plus I am not a fan of mass markets, but anything from this author Amber Miller, soon to be published as Amber Stockton is worth it.

This is a story that delves into history and tells details of some of my favorite historical players. This is almost a history lesson with some romance thrown in. To really understand some of the other characters I would suggest reading the entire trilogy, but it is very capable of being read alone as well, and highly recommended as a novel as well

Blogoversary Giveaway #12

Giveaway #12 is for two books. Either to one winner or two, depending on the response. Copper and Candles and Hearts and Harvests, book #1 and #2 of the Michigan Historical Series by my friend and author Amber Stockton (formerly published as Amber Miller). I look forward to getting copies of these for myself soon too! To read the first chapter of these or her other books go to her website here.

—A young lady of means discovers that keeping secrets, no matter how noble the intent, demands a price that she and a refinery worker, with all their resources, might not be able to pay.—

"Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts." ~ Proverbs 21:2

Society teas and garden parties, shopping, gossip—

Life as a young lady of means may be fun, but Felicity wants to do more. Unfortunately, she finds that her position and wealth can sometimes hinder her efforts to help those around her in need. Thus, when a charity case falls ill and cannot work, Felicity determines to go to work as a commoner in Detroit's dangerous factory district.

Relationships become complicated, however, and she soon finds herself falling in love with a worker from the copper refinery next door. She knows her family would never accept him as a suitor, but what's a girl to do? What she doesn't know is that Brandt has his own secrets and hides his identity just as carefully as she. Brandt and Felicity soon discover that deception—no matter how noble its intent—demands a price that even they, with all their resources, may not be able to pay.

Can they survive the storm when truth is revealed?

—A destitute young man fights society's mores to win the hand of his privileged sweetheart.—

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." ~ Galatians 6:9

William's is a true riches to rags story...

Once members of Detroit's elite society, the Berringer family lost everything they had in the financial crash of 1893. From a life of influence and privilege, they now find themselves working a potato patch alongside immigrants and other destitute folk on borrowed land. William's resentment toward his current situation—and mostly toward God for allowing it—simmers barely beneath the surface. All it takes is one charitable visit to the fields from a lovely society darling to burst his façade of acceptance.

Annabelle Lawson, convicted by her pastor's admonishing words, begins delivering food and water to the workers on her father's donated land. But as she learns the stories of the people who work there, she becomes increasingly drawn to their plight. Especially that of the inscrutable William Berringer.

Can Annabelle and William overcome the stigma placed upon his family by a society that once embraced them? Will her parents remember their own meeting or forbid this budding romance altogether?

What is your opinion and preference of book sizing? Do you prefer Mass Market, Trade Paperback, or Hardcover books? Why? Does the format affect whether or not you keep the book in your permanent library?
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Deceptive Promises by Amber Miller (a review)

Deceptive Promises by Amber Miller

Margret wants to believe Samuel’s promises. Is deception fair in wartime? Margret Scott must deal with this question as she finds herself attracted to the enigmatic Samuel Lowe. As the tensions grow between the colonists and the British soldiers and loyalists, Margret cannot always tell where Samuel’s loyalties lie. Samuel’s duties have him working for both sides of this war, and he often finds himself torn between what is right and what is wrong. He promises Margret she can trust him, and Margret promises him she does.

But can promises born in deception be trusted? Can a relationship built in uncertainty survive? "If I have walked with vanity, or if my foot hath hasted to deceit; Let me be weighed in an even balance that God may know mine integrity." Job 31:5-6

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
Deceptive Promises is probably my favorite of the three Delaware Brides Series. Maybe it because authors get better with time or just deeper into you heart. Maybe it is because the Revolutionary War is my favorite period of American history. Maybe it is because I cannot imagine falling in love and then being separated for months on end and want to know how the characters can possibly survive it! Either way, this book is fabulous and I loved it.



Margret is not a half bad character name either, if you know what I mean. *grin* The only negative thing I have to say at all is that I do not like the cover. Their position seems so unnatural and she almost looks uncomfortable and as if she wants to run. Yet again, maybe that is just me. Plus I am not a fan of mass markets, but anything from this author Amber Miller, soon to be published as Amber Stockton is worth it.



This is a story that delves into history and tells details of some of my favorite historical players. This is almost a history lesson with some romance thrown in. To really understand some of the other characters I would suggest reading the entire trilogy, but it is very capable of being read alone as well, and highly recommended as a novel as well.


View all my reviews.

Click on the tag Amber Miller to find my reviews of the first two books...

CFBA: Deceptive Promises by Amber Miller (Stockton)

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Deceptive Promises
Barbour Publishing, Inc (2008)
by
Amber Miller


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Hi, I'm Amber, but my friends call me Tiff, short for Tiffany, my first name. I am in my 30's, married the love of my life in July 2007, live in Colorado and just had an incredibly beautiful daughter named Victoria.

I love to travel and visit new places. Ultimately, my dream is to own horses and live in a one-level rancher or log cabin nestled in the foothills of the mountains. For now, I will remain where I am and do what I love—design web sites and write.

I got involved with web design in 1997, when I was asked to take over running the official web site for the television series Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. That eventually led to a series of negotiations where I was offered the job of running world-renowned actress Jane Seymour's official fan site. That has branched into doing web sites for a variety of clients, including: authors J.M. Hochstetler, Trish Perry, Kathy Pride, Louise M. Gouge, Susan Page Davis, and Jill Elizabeth Nelson, actor William Shockley (the voice of AT&T and Toyota) and many others. With the help of a handful of other web site "technos," Eagle Designs was born! Feel free to visit and see our other clients.

Amber's very first book, Promises, Promises, released in February 2008. It's a historical fiction set in Delaware during the Colonial period and the Great Awakening. The other 2 books in the series are Quills And Promises (July 2008) and this one, Deceptive Promises (December 2008). In 2009, they will be repackaged for a state set entitled Liberty's Promise. She has also sold another series set in historical Michigan during the Industrial Revolution. The 3 books in that series will begin releasing in May 2009 and will be repackaged in 2010.


ABOUT THE BOOK

MARGRET WANTS TO BELIEVE SAMUEL'S PROMISES.

Is deception fair in wartime Margret Scott must deal with this question as she finds herself attracte to the enigmatic Samuel Lowe. As the tensions grow between the colonists and the British soldiers and loyalists, Margret cannot always tell where Samuel's loyalties lie.

---

---

"If I have walked with vanity, or if my foot hath hasted to deceit; Let me be weighed in an even balance that God may know mine integrity." -Job 31:5-6

---

---

Samuel's duties have him working for both sides of this war, and he often finds himself torn between what is right and what is wrong. He promises Margret she can trust him, and Margret promises him she does. But can promises born in deception be trusted? Can a relationship built in uncertainty survive?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Deceptive Promises, go HERE.

This is the third in a series that I have read for review from Amber Miller (Stockton). I really enjoyed the first two. You can read my reviews of those here (PP) and here (QP).

Quills & Promises by Amber Miller: a review

Quills & Promises by Amber Miller

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
*sigh* Is it not fabulous when as a reader, you turn the last page of a book and the first thing you do is sigh in complete contentment. Well that is my reaction and I am certain many others experience with the second Promises book from Amber Miller "Quills & Promises". It tells the story of the daughter of the characters from the first book, "Promises, Promises" and is complete on it's own as a stand alone as well. I cannot wait to read more from this author.



The story took me into the time of the French & Indiana war, and I was able to meet people and learn personalities and experiences that I have not had before. It was great. One of my favorite movies is "The Patriot" and even though that was the Revolutionary War, this story reminded me of it, but it was better. In this story we have to characters that write letters through out the course of war and you find out things about the war as well as personalities. The best part that makes the story in the book better than that movie, is the devotion to God and even though the desire for retaliation is there, the act is not. That is something that is so hard, but so full of Christ's love as an example.



I highly recommend the stories from Amber Miller to anyone craving a little romance in a historical setting.


View all my reviews.

CFBA: Quills & Promises by Amber Miller

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Quills And Promises
Barbour Publishing, Inc (May 28, 2008)
by
Amber Miller


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Hi, I'm Amber, but my friends call me Tiff, short for Tiffany, my first name. I am in my 30's, married the love of my life in July 2007, and live in beautiful Colorado just east of the Front Range of the Rockies, but I love to travel and visit new places. Ultimately, my dream is to own horses and live in a one-level rancher or log cabin nestled in the foothills of the mountains. For now, I will remain where I am and do what I love—design web sites and write.

Amber's very first book, Promises, Promises, released in February 2008. It's a historical fiction set in Delaware during the Colonial period and the Great Awakening. The other 2 books in the series are this current one, Quills And Promises (July 2008) and Deceptive Promises (December 2008). In 2009, they will be repackaged for a state set entitled Delaware Brides. She has also sold another series set in historical Michigan during the Industrial Revolution. The 3 books in that series will begin releasing in May 2009 and will be repackaged in 2010 as Michigan Brides.


ABOUT THE BOOK

-- Separated from Madison when he leaves to fight the French and Indians, Elanna Hanssen must choose between her heart and her head, especially when Madison's integrity is questioned. --

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not until thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." ~Proverbs 3:5-6

Innocence paired with wisdom beyond her years. With these traits, Elanna Hanssen unwittingly captures the attentions of Major Madison Scott. Her honest desire to understand the war fascinates him, and he resolves to get to know this perspicacious young lady better. When his military duty separates them, they begin a correspondence, cautiously baring their hearts to each other. Elanna has never known emotions like this before, but she is drawn to the integrity she sees in her major. Wh a local news reporter questions the major's credentials and activities, however, will she allow her heart or her head to rule? Can true love grow over such distance and around such obstacles?

If you'd like to read the first chapter of Quills And Promises, go HERE.

In July, I did a review of the first book in the series Promises, Promises and just loved it. This was one of those books that I sped through. Click here, to go back and read that review as well as some other information about Amber. Right now, I have been reading this one Quills & Promises while substitute teaching and that has been a bother because I cannot just read through it as quickly as I would like! Imagine the students have questions!! So, if you'll excuse me, this is one that I must see if I can finish tonight and get you a review either later tonight or tomorrow.

Promises, Promises by Amber Miller: Blog Tour and review

Today, I'm sharing reviews, blurbs, a guest blog, and interview with author Amber Miller. Feel free to join us, and learn a bit...

GUEST BLOG

Hello! My name is Tiffany Stockton, but I publish under Amber Miller (a combination of my middle and maiden names). Margaret invited me here as a guest to be part of my 3-week blog tour promoting my first 2 books. I have to admit that coming up with topics to discuss without any leads or ideas isn't easy. But with this blog, the title sparks ideas all their own.

Creative madness.

There are definite times when my creativity can make me mad, and not in the "angry" sense of the word. Rather, it can take over my life and my focus until the ideas swimming in my head refuse to go away until they're given a voice. And speaking of voices, as an author, I've always got them speaking to me. I hear them everywhere I go, and at times, they are difficult to ignore. It's because of this that I've been considered a little 'odd' to those who are not writers or who aren't creative and don't understand.

But that's all right. I don't mind. As long as what I do brings joy to others through the creative process and the end result of books or stories that readers can treasure long after they read the last page, it's all worth it to me.

For those of you who fall into the creative category, don't let those non-creative folks steer you down a different path. You've been given a special gift, and that gift needs to be put to good use. Whether it's writing, playing music, singing, drawing, designing, imagining or so many other options, don't lose sight of your goals. Trust me. It's more than worthwhile in the end.

Thanks, Margaret, for having me here. And thank you for spotlighting my books and me on this tour. Be blessed in your own "creative madness." :)




Promises, Promises by Amber Miller

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
Amber Miller has a great work in this book. The story is just what it needs to be. Starting out with a tragedy that allows one to get their back up and spout all their reasons for not trusting in the Lord and to go through a process of healing and really seeing what the Lord is trying to do for them is so hard to put into words, and she did it. Reading this story of Raelene makes you take the time to look at what is going on in your own life. For me it makes me think about the comparison to English life of Jane Austen-types and the farmers in the early colonies. So many times I gripe about what strife I have, but in the end really none of it does compare to what God provides. Like Gustaf, God sits by silently waiting for us to open our eyes while we continually break his heart over and over again. This story had everything that it needed, and I'm so glad that I crossed over it in my life.


View all my reviews.



* * * * *

Tour Book title: Promises, Promises
Publisher: Barbour/Heartsong Presents
Release date: February 2008 through Heartsong Presents;
July 2008 to bookstores and online retailers
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Delaware Brides, book 1
ISBN: 9781597899390

Has God forsaken Raelene?

What kind of God would take a girl's family and leave her alone in a wild land where women have no voice? When Gustaf Hanssen promises Raelene's dying father that he will take care of her, he finds himself bound to her happiness, her success, and her well-being in ways he never imagined. To keep his word, must Gustaf really oversee all of Raelene's affairs, find her a husband, and maintain her farm, while she does nothing but scorn him? Can God reach through Raelene's pain and self-centeredness and give her the love that awaits, if only she will accept His will?

Second Title: Quills & Promises
Publisher: Barbour/Heartsong Presents
Release date: July 2008
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Delaware Brides, book 2
ISBN: 9781602600492

Innocence paired with wisdom beyond her years--

With these traits, Elanna Hanssen unwittingly captures the attentions of Major Madison Scott. Her honest desire to understand the war fascinates him, and he resolves to get to know this perspicacious young lady better. When he is called away to fight the French and the Indians, they begin a correspondence, cautiously baring their hearts to one another. Elanna has never known emotions like these before, but she is drawn to the integrity she sees in her major. When a writer for the first newspaper in the colony questions the major's credentials and activities, however, will she allow her heart or her head to rule? Can true love grow over such distance and around such obstacles?

* * * * *
Amber Miller is a talented and imaginative author who lives with her husband in beautiful Colorado Springs. They don’t have any children yet, but they do have a vivacious puppy named Roxie, who is half Border Collie and half Flat-Haired Retriever. Already nearing 65 pounds, she keeps them on their toes. And with her penchant for rising at 6am on the dot, Roxie is giving Amber and her husband a good taste of what it's like to be parents. Amber has sold four books to the Heartsong Presents line of Barbour Publishing with the promise of two more before the end of the year. She is currently pursuing an expansion into trade-length historical fiction as well. Other writing credits include several writing articles for various publications, five short stories with Romancing the Christian Heart, and nine contributions to the book, 101 Ways to Romance Your Marriage. A born-again Christian since the age of seven, her faith in Christ has often sustained her through difficult experiences. She seeks to share that with others through her writing.
Read more about her at her web site: www.ambermiller.com.

* * * * *
MJAC: Why did you choose the locale of Delaware for your story?

I spent about 25 years of my life living there. Throughout that time, I learned a lot about the significance of that little state. Too often, Delaware gets skipped in history books. Everyone knows about Philadelphia, Williamsburg, Valley Forge. But, not many know how critical Delaware was during the early start of the United States. I wanted to bring that out in a series of books. Plus, when I pitched the idea to Jim Peterson, he said in all 12 years (at the time) of the Heartsong Presents book club, no one had submitted a proposal with a Delaware setting. I knew I had a unique location, and I capitalized on that.

MJAC: My husband has Swedish ancestry, and it is difficult for me to know much about them. What made you choose that lineage for your characters and how did you know the right words to use?

The choice for ancestry was decided for me by the heritage of the people who settled Delaware. It was founded by the Dutch, then conquered by the Swedish, taken by the British, followed by the Swedish and back to the British again around the turn of the 18th century. Even though the British were in control at the time of my book, there were still families and communities of Swedes scattered throughout the area that's now called Delaware.

There is a lot of rich Swedish history still evident in small areas of Delaware today, along with the town names that have remained. Making my hero Swedish and my heroine's mother Swedish seemed a natural choice. As for the words, I researched the speech patterns through diaries and journals as well as direct translation of common phrases when I used specific complete sentences. Before long, I was so engrossed in Gustaf's speech that it flowed seamlessly. It was a lot of fun to write.

I'm flattered that folks are loving the "real" sense of Gustaf's speech and the genuine portrayal of the characters in Promises, Promises. That's one of the highest compliments readers can give to a historical fiction author, or any author who portrays characters from a specific ancestry. Thank you! :)

MJAC: Losing one's parents is an incredibly difficult circumstance. Why did you choose that to be the opening from the story? And what do you think you learned about yourself in writing it?

Having the immediate loss set the stage for Raelene blaming God and turning her back on Him. Wondering where God is when we hurt is a common question almost everyone has at some point in their lives. Had Raelene not been left alone, I don't believe her pain would have been felt quite so strongly.

As for what I learned about myself? It was realizing that I have also asked the same questions Raelene has. Although I've never fully turned my back on God, I have had moments of doubt and frustration and even anger. Platitudes from other believers didn't do anything for me. I needed evidence and I needed it shown to me. Having Gustaf demonstrate God's presence and love and steadfastness, pushing through Raelene's pain helped bring that out in the story,

MJAC: At times in this story, your main characters were so frustrated with each other. How well do you believe the non-spoken frustrations work toward our good in marital relationships versus the spoken to the heart?

At times, it's best to remain quiet about frustrations, especially if they are miniscule and a direct result of a personal issue that can be solved by changing ourselves. But when an issue is something bigger than that, it needs to be spoken and brought to light so it can heal. Marriage is all about communication as well as give and take. It's about learning to live together and accepting each other for who we are and where we are while gently encouraging each other to grow. There is no room for bitterness, resentment or long-term anger. If you allow any of those to fester, you'll have a much bigger problem on your hands.

Tiff

Amber Miller (writing as) - Author; Barbour Publishing
Web Designer - Eagle Designs (www.eagle-designs.com)

Promises, Promises, February 2008
Quills & Promises, July 2008
Deceptive Promises, December 2008
BLOG/web site
ShoutLife
Shelfari


BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE

Shirley Connolly (July month-long feature)

July 7 - Margaret Daley (bio)
July 7 - Dawn Kinzer at From Dawn til Dusk, Musings of a Night Owl
July 8 - Donna Moore at Write by Faith
July 8 - Kim Woodhouse at God's Grace, Love & Forgiveness
July 9 - Margaret Daley (interview)
July 9 - Amy Riley at The Friendly Book Nook
July 10 - Jenny Blake at Come Meet AusJenny
July 11 - Rose McCauley
July 11 - Shauna Sturge at The Coffee Stop ; Long and Short Reviews
July 12 - Carolyn Strawder at Quiet Time with Carolyn
July 14-19 - CAN! blog spotlight
July 14 - Martha Rogers at Martha Writes
July 15 - Leslie Sowell at A Little Bit of Sunlight
July 16 - Novel Journey / Novel Reviews
July 16 - CFBA blog tour date (various blogs)
July 17 - Eileen Astels at A Christian Romance Writer's Journey
July 17 - Cheryl Wyatt at Squirrel's Treehouse
July 17 - CFBA blog tour date (various blogs)
July 18 - Cara Putman at Cara's Musings
July 18 - Tyora Moody at CB Reviews
July 18 - CFBA blog tour date (various blogs)
July 19 - Stacy Johnson at Vader's Mom
July 21 - Camy Tang at Camy's Loft
July 21 - Jennifer AlLee at Musings on This, That & The Other Thing -
July 21 - Trish Perry (interview)
July 22 - Cindy Woodsmall at the Plain Talk Blog
July 23 - Delia Latham at The Melody Within (review/interview)
July 24 - Margaret Chind at Creative Madness
July 25 - Delia Latham at The Melody Within (guest blogger)
July 25 - Christa Allan at Fictionary
July 26 - Paula Moldenhauer at Grace Reign

Promises, Promises by Amber Miller: CFBA Blog Tour and review

Promises, Promises by Amber Miller

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars Amber Miller has a great work in this book. The story is just what it needs to be. Starting out with a tragedy that allows one to get their back up and spout all their reasons for not trusting in the Lord and to go through a process of healing and really seeing what the Lord is trying to do for them is so hard to put into words, and she did it. Reading this story of Raelene makes you take the time to look at what is going on in your own life. For me it makes me think about the comparison to English life of Jane Austen-types and the farmers in the early colonies. So many times I gripe about what strife I have, but in the end really none of it does compare to what God provides. Like Gustaf, God sits by silently waiting for us to open our eyes while we continually break his heart over and over again. This story had everything that it needed, and I'm so glad that I crossed over it in my life.


View all my reviews.

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing

Promises, Promises
Barbour - July, 2008
by
Amber Miller

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Hi, I'm Amber, but my friends call me Tiff, short for Tiffany, my first name. Writing had always been a hobby, a way for me to express my innermost thoughts and feelings in a way I sometimes find difficult with the spoken word -- although my friends will tell you 'shy' is not in my vocabulary. Thanks to the gentle nudging of a fellow author -- Tracie Peterson -- in 2002, I took the next step in my writing career and joined the American Christian Fiction Writers. I owe all so many there a hearty hug of appreciation for their constant encouragement and unselfish assistance. I feel a lot more confident thanks to their support and love. For those of you who are also fiction writers looking for a wonderful support group, check them out!

I got involved with web design in 1997, when I was asked to take over running the official web site for the television series Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. That eventually led to a series of negotiations where I was offered the job of running world-renowned actress Jane Seymour's official fan site. That has branched into doing web sites for a variety of clients, including: authors J.M. Hochstetler, Trish Perry, Kathy Pride, Louise M. Gouge, Susan Page Davis, and Jill Elizabeth Nelson, actor William Shockley (the voice of AT&T and Sony) and many others. With the help of a handful of other web site "technos," Eagle Designs was born! Feel free to visit and see our other clients.

Books are a definite passion. Why else would I be writing and publishing them? I firmly believe that a good book can take you away from all of your problems, into a world you've never seen. My favorite food is Italian; I sing all the time, and I once worked with my church choir to do a professional recording for a music CD of our performances.

I am in my 30's, married the love of my life in July 2007, and live in beautiful Colorado, but I love to travel and visit new places. Ultimately, my dream is to own horses and live in a one-level rancher nestled in the mountains. For now, I will remain where I am and do what I love—design web sites and write.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Raelene Strattford knows God has promised never to leave or forsake her. But after the catastrophic deaths of her parents, she doesn t believe it. What kind of God would take a girl's family and leave her alone in a wild land where women have no voice? Gustaf Hanssen has admired Raelene from afar for a while, but his poor attempt at courting her in the past has made him unwelcome in her life. When Gustaf promises Raelene's dying father that he will take care of her, he finds himself bound to her happiness, her success, and her well-being in ways he never imagined. To keep his word must Gustaf really oversee all of Raelene's affairs, find her a husband, and maintain her farm, while she does nothing but scorn him? Can God reach through Raelene's pain and self-centeredness and give her the love that awaits, if only she will accept His will?

If you would like to read the first chapter, go HERE

At this time,
Promises, Promises can only be purchased through the
Heartsong Book Club.

Also, find out more about Quills & Promises, book #2 on Amber's Website.