Friday, January 28, 2011

Recommending a Fabulous book! Lady in the Mist by Laurie Alice Eakes


 I'm so excited to share a fabulous book with you today by a fabulous author.  The book is Lady in the Mist and the author is Laurie Alice Eakes.  I've known Laurie for years. In fact, until recently, she and I were critique partners! So, I'm very familiar with her writing. And because of that, I have been so excited to share her with you, my readers and blog followers. The reason?  Her type of stories are quite similar to mine in that they are suspenseful, historical romances.  I KNOW you're going to love them!!   If you leave a comment, your name will be entered in a drawing for a Lady of the Mist coffee mug or Tote bag. So, please leave a comment for Laurie and then go out and buy this great book! You won't be sorry.


By virtue of her profession as a midwife, Tabitha Eckles is the keeper of many secrets.
Dominick Cherrett is a man with his own secret to keep: namely, what he, a British aristocrat, is doing on American soil working as an indentured servant.

In a time when relations between America and England rest on the edge of a knife, Tabitha and Dominick cross paths, leading them on a journey of intrigue, threats, public disgrace, and . . . love? But can Tabitha trust Dominick? Finding true love seems impossible in a world set against them.

With stirring writing that draws you directly into the story, Lady in the Mist takes you on the thrilling ride of love’s discovery.

And here's praise for Lady in the Mist!
 
Lady in the Mist brims with tension, intrigue, and romance.”—Julie Klassen, bestselling author of The Silent Governess and The Girl in the Gatehouse

Lady in the Mist is a book you won’t want to miss.”—Golden Keyes Parsons, author of In the Shadow of the Sun King
 
“I loved, loved, loved this book. It grabbed me by the heart and held on.”—Lena Nelson Dooley, author of Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico

“Secrets, suspense, and a sweetly told love story make this a highly rewarding read.”—Cheryl Bolen, Holt Medallion–winning author of One Golden Ring

“A fascinating story of redemption and sacrificial love. It captivated me from the first page.”—Ann Shorey, author of At Home in Beldon Grove series

Here's Laurie with her adorable dog

Midwives’ historic role in society began to fascinate Laurie Alice Eakes in graduate school. Before she was serious about writing fiction, she knew she wanted to write novels with midwife heroines. Ten years, several published novels, four relocations, and a National Readers Choice Award for Best Regency later, the midwives idea returned, and Lady in the Mist was born. Now she writes full time from her home in Texas, where she lives with her husband and sundry dogs and cats.




I asked Laurie to share with us a bit about what she hopes the reader will take away from Lady in the Mist.
When I write a book, I don’t always set out figuring out what the spiritual theme is. That comes later with the development of the characters and plot. This was the situation with Lady in the Mist. Once I had the book outlined, I understood what both my hero and heroine had to deal with to make their love and lives complete and whole.

Forgiveness. Not forgiveness of others. They could do that to some extent. They need to forgive themselves.

Too often, preaching and teaching about forgiveness dwells on forgiving others. Others hurt us, snub us, make us angry in some way, and we understand we must forgive. Yet we hear little about how important forgiving oneself is.

Think what Jesus said, though. Love your neighbor as yourself. Hmm. Self love is bad, right? I struggled with this for years. But we can love ourselves because God loves us. Only when we accept that we are lovable because God has accepted us and loves us unconditionally, then and only then are we free to love others fully.

This is the underlying struggle of Tabitha and Dominick, as they deal with past actions they don’t like very much and current events that could tear them apart through their deaths.

Because this is the ultimate proof of God’s love, the verse I chose for this book is from probably my favorite book of the Old Testament.

MaryLu Here
I'm halfway through this book and can hardly put it down. You're going to love these characters, particularly the hero, Dominick. Laurie has a unique writing style that is humorous, suspenseful, romantic, and keeps you turning pages.  I know you're going to love all her books.

36 comments:

  1. Friday, Jan 28th,
    Morning, MaryLu ... and, Laurie.
    Thank-you for sharing this with us MaryLu. I think it is wonderful, that you help to introduce other authors and promote 'their books' !!! "Lady in the Mist" sounds wonderful -- suspenseful, historical romance ... yupp, a true winner !!! The story setting is intriguing. I will definitely look into purchasing this book. (I just love it when a book is recommended by someone ... especially someone such as 'youself', MaryLu !)
    Thanks again.
    Take care, and, God Bless,
    In Him, Brenda Hurley

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  2. Sounds exciting! Historical advendture and romances are my favorite books to read, because you learn so much from the backround of the story as well as enjoying the characters. Plus, likeLaurie Alice said, you hardly ever hear of anyone, not even preachers, teach about forgiving oneself and learning to love ourselves because Christ loves us. It makes me curious to see how the characters in the book go through this. Lady in the Mist sounds like my kind of book! I'd love to read it!

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  3. I'm almost finished with this book and I love, love, love it! Not only is the story engaging, but the writing is wonderful.

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  4. I used to critique with Laurie Alice and really liked her writing. I read her Glassblower book. It was great. I'm hoping to get a copy of Lady of the Mist soon. It sounds great.

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  5. Hey Laurie Alice and MaryLu! I'm not half way through but am loving it! And you are right Dominick is such a doll. A rascal, but ya gotta love him. Laurie Alice has a way of making you fall in love with her heros. Another hero of hers that I love is Nathan from WHEN THE SNOW FLIES.

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  6. I've been hearing good buzz on this book for months--behind the scenes. I know Laurie Alice is an excellent writer and I'm so happy to see her write this type of story. It's great to see more suspense in historicals and I too, find midwives a fascinating subject!

    I have MaryLu's latest in my TBR pile and Laurie's on my Amazon wish list! Thanks to both of you for your contributions to Christian fiction!

    Do you mind sharing the verse you used as theme, Laurie Alice?

    have a wonderful weekend, ladies!

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  7. I'm reading and loving LADY now too! Fabulous book. And Laurie Alice, your theme is a great one. I've put a lot of thought into that "Love your neighbor as yourself" verse too. Can't wait to see how you develop it as I get further into the novel!!

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  8. Everything about this book just grabs me - the lovely cover, the midwife theme, the hint of mystery, and then meeting Laurie Alice last year. I keep checking Amazon and hoping they'll hurry up on that order of mine:) Thanks, Marylu, for a great interview!

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  9. I can't wait to read this book!!!! It sounds great.

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  10. This sounds like one I'd love to read.

    Congratulations Laurie Alice on your new book!

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  11. I heard a reader say just the other day that this bookw as like your's MaryLu. Got my attention for sure.

    Laurie, I am looking forward to having you on OEA next week! :)

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  12. I absolutely loved this book. I couldn't put it down. It was so intriguing and suspenseful. Laurie has a way to make you part of the story. I felt, hurt, and loved through the entire book.

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  13. Thank you all for your kind words. This book will always hold a special place in my heart for many reasons, one bing it's my first trade paperback, since I don't count the reprint version of Better than Gold in a collection.

    For another, I wanted to write this story for ten years, and the timing was never right. Then one day everything came together and--voila! there it was, flowing out of me

    The vers I used is:
    “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”
    Isaiah 53:5, KJV

    This verse is significant for many reasons, but one in particular I can't say, as it will spoil a climactic scene. :-)

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  14. Great interview. I am waiting for "The Lady in the Mist" to come in.I read her "The Glassblower" and it was great. I can hardly wait to get one in and start reading.
    tarenn98[at]yahoo[dot]com
    NC

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  15. What an important spiritual truth, Laurie. That's one of the things I love about Christian fiction, the wonderful way to share these things. I have my copy of Lady in the Mist and can't wait to get started reading it!

    carlagade [at]gmail [dot] com

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  16. Sounds like a really good book with a really good theme.

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  17. OH, this sounds like a fantastic book!!! I'll put this on my list of books to buy :) :) Oh, the photo of Laurie with her dog...very nice :) :)Love and hugs from Oregon, Heather :)

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  18. Just thought I'd pop in here and say that I just learned that romantic Times gave Lady in the Mist a four-star review. No details

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  19. That's fabulous news, Laurie!! Well deserved.
    And thanks to everyone for your comments. I'm telling you, this is a book you don't want to miss. In fact, be on the lookout for Laurie's future releases too. I know I am!
    Keep the comments coming! I'll draw a winner for either a mug or tote back next Friday.

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  20. This book sounds really good. I will put it on my list of books to buy.(lol. Heather and I think alike) Just the fact that she is a dog lover makes me like her already. Have a great day everyone.

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  21. Sign me up, MaryLu! As a former crit partner of Laurie Alice, I, too, had the privilege of getting a sneak peek at the wonderful story. Anyone who loves romance and intrigue will adore this book. I wholeheartedly recommend Lady in the Mist.

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  22. It sounds like a really good book!
    I'm going order it and read it :)
    Thanks MaryLu

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  23. Just wanted to pop in and again say how much I enjoyed this book. And I LOVE the cover! (No need to enter me in the drawing.)

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  24. I am a third of the way through the book and LOVE it so far! It is such a good read. Almost makes me want to not go to Epcot or Disney but stay back and read!

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  25. I love hearing about new books (and new author to me). Thanks! Hope to purchase the book soon! And, Laurie, the scripture is fave of mine...there is a song, too...a friend used to sing it at church just for me!

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  26. Thanks for recommending a new book and author to us. I am looking forward to reading it! I will let others know about it, too!

    Sounds like a great book!

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  27. I'm intrigued by the theme and can't wait to read. You have a special gift, Laurie, and I look forward to meeting you.

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  28. I love the cover, Laurie Alice. How fresh to take the midwife angle and combine it with intrigue. I'm looking forward to reading Lady in the Mist.

    MaryLu, if you say this book is similar to yours, then I'm bound to like it. :D

    I struggle with self-forgiveness. I know Christ forgave me, but it seems like I 'got off too easy', you know? That's when I have to push the doubts aside and step out of faith. Can't let doubt pull me down.

    Thanks for sharing Laurie Alice with us today, MaryLu.

    Anita Mae.

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  29. Oh my goodness! This book looks great!! I am definitely going to have to read this one! Thanks for the recommendation! :)

    sarah45431@hotmail.com

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  30. this one is on my wishlist! i knew I had to read it the first time I saw it on another blog.

    ldneuhof at hotmail dot com

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  31. Oh my goodness! This book looks great!! I am definitely going to have to read this one! Thanks for the recommendation! :)
    Thank you. Looking forward to staying in touch.
    Teresa Abert

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  32. The cover looks great.

    Anna Labno

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  33. If you enjoy this book, I most assuredly will too! Thanks for the chance to win this book.

    suzanne.mcniel@gmail.com

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  34. I always enjoy reading historical romances because I always come away from the book having learned something about history I didn't know when I started reading it.

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  35. Everyone the following comment is from Laurie Alice Eakes:

    Thank you all for stopping by. Since I had nothing to do with its creation, I can say that the cover is beautiful. I should have also mentioned earlier that Marylu, Ramona, and Louise Gouge, when we were all not quite so insanely busy and critiquing together, helped me brainstorm this story. They are in the acknowledgments.

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  36. Yay! I'll be sure to check out her novel. I'm Rachel, by the way. We emailed back and forth once. I still have all your emails, though! I've read all your published books!

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