Monday, July 5, 2010

I Dreamed a Dream...

And White Rose Publishing is making it come true!

When I made the switch from writing secular romances to writing Christian inspirationals earlier this year, one of the factors that motivated me was the idea of creating a series of books based upon a single place of faith and worship – a church not unlike millions of others around the world, where people gather, bond, share and grow. After all, as we grow, we help and enable others to grow.

In book form I longed to paint that picture with words and stories that would, of course, feature a stirring romance, but reveal the beauty of a circle of faith and worship.

As most of you know, Hearts Crossing, my debut Christian inspirational, came about as the result of a writing contest sponsored by White Rose Publishing. While I waited and sweated the results, a second story took off – and I even had niggles of what I wanted to do with books three and four. Ultimately, I could see these stories becoming “The Woodland Series.” Though – bear in mind – I hadn’t gone anywhere with Hearts Crossing yet…

Talk about dangerous “prepare thee for disappointment” territory…

Well, nothing is dangerous when it comes to God, and His will. Shortly after the sale and debut of Hearts Crossing, I was able to present my editor with its sequel, Hearts Surrender. In that offering I explained that I also had ideas brewing for two more books after that.

She reviewed Hearts Surrender, and placed it under contract – and she asked for a synopsis and opening chapters of books 3 and 4, which I provided. I cloud danced for a bit, then got to work! Now, contracts have just been executed for Hearts Communion and Hearts Key, and I'm thrilled! Although, it hasn’t taken me long to figure out that it’s an exciting kind of terror to write on speculation.

So, a dream becomes reality – and beyond the Woodland Series, I’m very optimistic about my continuing relationship with White Rose Publishing. This publishing house holds my heart and loyalty. They do things the right way with regard to everything from author support and responsiveness to editorial talent and production quality. I feel so blessed and honored by this show of confidence as White Rose continues to grow and prosper.

There's much more to come, naturally! But for now, please enjoy the stunning cover for Hearts Surrender (artist Nicola Martinez absolutely outdid herself!). Meanwhile, I’m hard at work on Hearts Communion and Hearts Key. Please keep these efforts in your prayers. We need messages of faith, hope and love in today’s world! I've said it before, but I'll say it again: It's not about 'me' and 'books sold' - it's about honoring my God, and my beliefs in Him, His grace, mercy, provision and love.

For a bit more about Hearts Surrender, here’s a blurb:

Kiara Jordan is a sophisticated modernista, but beneath an engaging personality and super-model looks, her heart hungers, and she longs for deeper meaning in her life.

Ken Lucerne is the charismatic young pastor of Woodland Church; he's adjusting to life on his own following the death of his wife and copes by keeping as busy with parish life and mission work he can.

A home-building mission in Pennsylvania brings them together, and forces them to look hard and deep at the relationship they share, and where God means for it to go. Already bound by mutual respect and caring, love dawns, a love that takes them to a life-point neither would have expected.

After all, can a chic, vivacious woman find fulfillment within the quiet, mission-centered life of a clergyman? Can they trust God's hand strongly enough to surrender their hearts to one another…forever?

Blessings, friends!!

19 comments:

  1. Blessed are you!
    Congrats on the new release. Loved Hearts Crossing, and can't wait to read Hearts Surrender.The cover is awesome. Pure Bliss.
    Hugs,
    Denice

    ReplyDelete
  2. Denice, thanks so much for the kind comment and support - you're awesome, chica!! ::HUGS::

    ReplyDelete
  3. You gotta just love it when a dream unfolds!

    Many Blessings~

    ReplyDelete
  4. Congratulations, Marianne! A very beautiful cover. Wishing you much success with the new series.

    Lucy

    ReplyDelete
  5. This is the first I have heard of your book, and now of the others. They sound amazing! The cover looks GREAT! And I am very happy for you!
    I pray God continues to bless you as you serve Him in this incredible way. We love Christian Writers and I am so glad you decided to switch!
    dleathers36(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  6. JoAnn, many blessings to you in return, my friend! You're anointed - and so is your writing. Daniella touched my heart. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Lucy, thank you for your support! It means so much! Actually, the idea for this series came about just as I was deciding to transition from secular to Christian romance. I was watching parishioners walk forward to receive communion at my church one Sunday, and something just 'hit' me. I remember thinking, they're all so unique, and so beautiful...and each has their own story to tell. The idea of creating a series, based around a home church, and its members, came to be, in my head, but it wasn't until Hearts Crossing was born that it took off! I only pray I can do it justice!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Deborah, hi there!! Thanks for your encouragement!! I, too, am an ARDENT believer that Christ-centered fiction and romance needs to be put forth. Heaven knows we need those messages of faith, hope and love now more than ever! :-) I hope you have a chance to read the series, and I hope you enjoy!! Blessings!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Marianne, I am so thrilled for you! I love going back to places in books that I've been to before.
    ANd Pastor Ken totally stole my heart in HC when he ministers to Collin. I'm so glad you and White Rose Publishing got together! Oh, I now there's the Lord's hand in there somewhere too LOL.

    Hugs and tons of good wishes!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Tanya, right back atcha, sweetie! I can't wait to read Redeeming Daisy!!!! I'm so glad you liked Ken. He has a very special place in my heart, too - and I have to tell you, my jaw dropped when I saw the cover, because Nicola Martinez captured him beautifully. I was flabbergasted! (Well, not really. I've always said, the woman has just mad-hot design (and editorial!) skills!!)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Marianne,
    Lovely story of your White Rose endeavours. Good luck with them all.

    Regards

    Margaret

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thank you so much for the visit and the encouragemet, Margaret!!! I'm so excited about the Woodland series!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Congratulations, Marianne. What an exciting time for you. God has truly blessed you and your writing. I wish you luck with the series and will add book one to my ever expanding reading wish list.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Oh, congratulations, Marianne!
    What an exciting time for you.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Lilly and Leigh, I can't express how much support like yours means. THANK YOU! I'm very excited, and hope you enjoyed the blurb! I'll post an excerpt soon. Ken & Kiara's story is very precious to me. I feel so blessed and grateful that it's coming to print and e-book soon!!!

    ReplyDelete
  16. You go, girl! I'm excited about your series, and I completely share your kudos for WRP. They continue to impress me with their talent, professionalism, and Christian attitudes.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Absolutely, Delia - beautifully said. And congratulations to you as well! I'm eager for your series!! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  18. Yeah, another Michigander!!! I write romance and suspense, speak/teach conferences, am and ed. assistant to Terry Burns, and a reader for White Rose. Small world, isn't it? From NE of Detroit. Congrats!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hi, Linda!!!! So sorry I missed this blog-post (from a month ago! Shame on me!!!!) Anyway, greetings, and I'm so thrilled to hear you read and enjoy White Rose offerings! I'm thoroughly impressed with this publisher. NE of Detroit -- amazing! Howdy, neighbor, and hope you get a chance to read and enjoy the Woodland series!!

    ReplyDelete