Book Review: Spring for Susannah

Since I have totally messed up my week here on the blog -- no review on Sunday, no Monday Morning Musings -- I decided to surprise everyone with a review today. Not sure what I will do tomorrow. Who says I have to be organized? LOL

Spring For Susannah
Catherine Richmond
 Paperback: 356 pages
 Publisher: Thomas Nelson (June 14, 2011)
 Language: English
 ISBN-10: 1595549242
 ISBN-13: 978-1595549242

Following the death of her father in Michigan, Susannah Underhill is left rootless, and she agrees to go west to the Dakota Territory to marry Jesse Mason, brother of Susannah's minister. At the urging of the minister's wife, Susannah has corresponded with Jesse for several months, but meeting in letters is nothing like meeting in person.

Susannah is quiet and shy, a stark contrast to Jesse's outgoing personality. She doesn't know what to talk to him about or how, and is often more comfortable talking to the dog. He is less threatening than this man who seems to overpower her sometimes just by his mere presence. And he is so confident about God and God's love. How can anyone be that confident?

Before her father died, Susannah helped him in his veterinary practice in Detroit, and that experience helps save Jesse's ox and twin calves. She also helps neighboring farmers with their animals, and Jesse realizes that she is an asset and a blessing in this land that challenges the strongest of men and women. For her part, Susannah starts to feel a part of this desolate land and begins to appreciate what made Jesse come out here to homestead. While it is harsh and stark with many challenges, the Dakota prairie is beautiful in spring.

As Susannah works through her awkwardness and feelings of unworthiness the bond that unites these two people grows stronger. This is a beautifully written story with language and descriptions that bring the prairie to life like the sun brings new growth in the spring. The characters are true and believable, and the testimony to faith is woven seamlessly throughout the story with a deft hand. As Susannah learns to trust the love of Jesse, she learns to trust in the love of God.

This is a book that will appeal to fans of inspirational fiction, but it also has a wider appeal because of the strength of the love story.
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In the words of the author: I was busy raising a family, working as an occupational therapist, and trying to remember where I hid the chocolate, when a song sparked a story within me. The journey to publication has been long, but full of blessings. I couldn’t have done it without ACFW, RWA, and FHL, the inspirational chapter of RWA – and lots of chocolate! Catherine's Web site http://www.catherinerichmond.com/

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FTC Disclaimer: The author sent me an advance review copy of the book, hoping that I would write a review. But she did say if I didn't like the book, I didn't have to write one. In keeping with full disclosure, I will also admit that I know the author, and I had the pleasure of reading this book in its infancy. For her sake and mine, I won't say how long ago that was. What I will say is that I was impressed with the writing then and am even more impressed now. I am not a fan of inspirational fiction. It is often too preachy for my tastes, but this one doesn't pound the pulpit.

Guest- Stephanie Burkart

I'm excited to be here at "It's Not all Gravy," the fifth stop on my mini blog tour for "The Hungarian." My thanks to Maryann for having me today.

Today my character, Count Matthias Duma has graciously agreed to be interviewed by intrepid (fictional) reporter Harry Douglas, who works for the London Sun. I hope you enjoy! Enclosed is a picture of Jonathon Rhys-Meyers, the inspiration for my character, "Matthias." (Author's note: Author Stephanie Burkhart is in character as Matthias and Harry.)

Harry: So, Count Duma, I heard you got your scar and unusual eyes in a carriage accident.

Matthias: How did you hear that?

Harry: The rumor mill.

Matthias: (rakes his hand through his hair) I hate that rumor mill.

Harry: I also heard a pack of gypsy wolves attacked you and turned you into a werewolf.

Matthias: (reluctantly) Keep that a secret. I don't want Lady Ashton to read about this.

Harry: So what's it like being a werewolf.

Matthias: Disconcerting. My eyesight is sharper. I can see in complete darkness. My sense of smell is very acute. I'm stronger than the average man, faster, and my sense of touch is very sensitive. I have a high metabolism requiring a special diet. When the moon is close to becoming full, I get fangs which secrete venom.

Harry: Venom? Really?

Matthias: The venom is more like a drug. It won't turn you into a wolf. It just numbs the skin. It makes one feel very pleasurable, in anticipation of the actual bite.

Harry: So, what do you do during the full moon?

Matthias: I usually stay within the confines of my estate. I like looking at the stars and I find the scent of roses help to calm me. I'm not a violent man and I do my best to curb those urges as a wolf.

Harry: Why doesn't Lady Ashton approve of Emily's nanny, Resa?

Matthias: I'm a widower, and Lady Ashton is my deceased wife's mother. She thinks Resa is a gypsy witch. The thing is, Lady Ashton is right, but I don't want her to know that. Resa knows what balms and elixirs to use to heal my body after a transformation.

Harry: Do you think you might get married again?

Matthias: I might.

Harry: Who is the lucky lady?

Matthias: Her name is Katherine Archibald. She has the most expressive eyes and I love running my hands through her long, curly hair. It's more than that though, she knows the kind of loneliness I've known. She believes in the stars like I do.
Harry: So, does Miss Archibald know what you are?

Matthias: No, but she will soon. I have every intention of telling her.

Harry: Well, I have an appointment with my dentist. I should be going. Have a good day, Count Duma. Thank you for the interview.

Matthias: Thank you.

Excerpt:

He reached for her hand and motioned toward the door. "Can we finish this talk outside?"

"Under the stars?"

"Yes. I've always considered them our friends."

"All right." She was reluctant to go outside, but his eyes were insistent on it, and she felt her resolve giving way under his careful attention.

They exited through the den and walked out into the garden. The stars twinkled overhead. Unfortunately, the waning half-phase moon hung over them as well as over the nearby pond.

Matthias stopped near the rose bushes, taking her hands in his. He looked down into her eyes, his own simmering in tenderness. Her defenses slowly began to drop. Unnatural heat radiated from his body. She was keenly aware of his rugged masculinity.

"I recall that I told you when I fell in love with you -- on the night of your birthday. Do you remember?"

"Yes."

"I'm no ordinary man, Kate. I didn't expect to fall in love again. I wasn't looking for it. I didn't want it -- and then you stepped into my life with your smile and your easy acceptance. I allowed my heart to feel again." He paused. "You accepted my looks, my situation, and you dared to love me with your whole heart. What you said about trust and love, I've come to believe it."

"So why did you act the way you did?"

"I don't quite have a clear head when I'm ill." He reached into his pocket and withdrew a small box, opening it. A three-carat diamond in a princess cut sparkled up at her. She gasped.

"I do love you, Kate. Will you marry me?"

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Check out "The Hungarian's" Book Trailer

Goodie Time:

I'll pick two winners out of those who post on today's blog to receive an autographed postcard of "The Hungarian's" Cover.

To qualify for the GRAND prize: You have to post on every blog in the tour. I'll put your name into the "hat." Then I'll pick the Grand Prize Winner's name out of the hat.

The GRAND prize: A coffee mug with "The Hungarian's" cover, a mousepad with the cover, magnets, and a set of autographed postcards.

The Hungarian is available 1 MAY 2010 with Desert Breeze Publishing. Here's A LINK to the site.