Meet debut author, Rita Gerlach and her new release, Surrender the Wind!

And win a free book too!
I have the privilege to introduce to you today, not only a good friend of mine, but an excellent new writer on the Christian Historical Romance scene, Rita Gerlach!

Here's a bit about the story to wet your appetites:
A patriot of the American Revolution struggles with his loyalty to his country when he inherits his grandfather's estate in faraway England. Upon his arrival in Devonshire, he meets and falls in love with Juleah, the daughter of an eccentric landed gentleman. Amid the joys of new love, Seth and Juleah face tragedy and trial. A nephew is believed dead. A woman is found murdered in the woods. And most heartbreaking of all, Seth is told Juleah has perished in a fire. What is the truth behind these tragedies? One man holds the answer --- one that despises his American enemy for gaining the two things he wanted most --- Ten Width Manor and the woman he desired.

And my review:
Your heart will soar from the shores of America to the lush green hills of England and then plunge into despair as the characters you’ve grown to love face a cruel and bitter enemy, kidnappings, murders, and deep sorrows. But do not despair, God’s justice and true love prevail in the end. Ms. Gerlach’s historical research is evident throughout the story, and her attention to detail and literary descriptions of scenes placed me right in the middle of the action, whether in England or on a ship crossing the Atlantic or in America. I could smell the flowers, the salt in the sea, feel the wind, and hear the sounds of birds, the clank of wagons, and the lap of waves. Though the story starts out a tad slow, your perseverance will be rewarded with an action-packed adventure that will keep you up in the late hours of the night. A thoroughly enjoyable story. I look forward to reading more from Rita Gerlach.

Now, take a moment to meet Rita!

Rita Gerlach lives with her husband and two sons in a historical town nestled along the Catoctin Mountains, amid Civil War battlefields and Revolutionary War outposts in central Maryland. She has published three historical novels, and is editor of Stepping Stones Magazine, an online website focused on marketing, and the promotion of writers. Her fourth book Surrender the Wind, an inspirational historical romance set in Virginia and England, is due to be released from Abingdon Press in August 2009.

I asked Rita to tell us what she has learned or how she has grown through the process of publication.:

When everything is said and done, there is just me and my Lord. His love is the cohesive bond that helps us face adversity. I learned while writing Surrender the Wind that when we surrender all to our Creator the winds that shove and batter us may do so for a time, but He is there to take the brunt of it and bring us through the most difficult, heartbreaking moments of our lives. It caused me to ponder what are the most important things in life. Even having a book published fades in significance in light of eternity.

Amen, Rita. I couldn't have said it better!

You can find out more about Rita and her books at : Visit her website at http://ritagerlach.com

And please leave a comment and I'll enter your name in a drawing on the 14th for a free copy of Surrender the Wind!