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Wednesday, August 25, 2010

CFBA Blog Tour - Tracie Peterson and Twilight's Serenade

I'm thrilled beyond words to be able to feature today's author and the 3rd book in her latest Alaska series. Tracie has been instrumental in my own publishing career, with her husband having been the acquisitions editor to acquire my first novel. From our email exchanges in the late 1990's, she fast became a woman I admire, and to this day, she remains a good friend and mentor.

Happy reading!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

TRACIE PETERSON is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 85 novels.

She received her first book contract in November 1992, and saw A Place To Belong published in February 1993 with Barbour Publishings' Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership's vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row.

In December 1995, she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers to co-write a series with author Judith Pella. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers.

She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research.

Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests.

Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family--especially her three grandchildren--Rainy, Fox and Max. She's active in her church as the Director of Women's Ministries, coordinates a yearly writer's retreat for published authors, and travels, as time permits, to research her books.

TWILIGHT'S SERENADE
by Tracie Peterson
Published by Bethany House

ABOUT THE BOOK

Britta Lindquist left Sitka six years ago in an attempt to distance herself from the love of her life, Yuri Belikov. Upon her return, she finds Yuri absent and his wife about to deliver a child. When tragic circumstances ensue, Britta suddenly finds herself caring for Yuri's children--and her life intertwining with the man she's tried so hard to forget.

But Britta's other great love is for the violin, and her talent is recognized by Brenton Maltese, a conductor from England. He proposes she accept the coveted first chair position in his orchestra...and also his hand in marriage. At a crossroads, Britta must determine what her heart truly longs for--and if she's willing to fight for it.

At a Crossroads, Britta must determine what her heart truly longs for─and if she's willing to fight for it.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Twilight's Serenade, go HERE.

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MY REVIEW

This is the third book in this Song of Alaska series. While I can't say this is among my favorites of Tracie's books, I can say Tracie does a terrific job getting first time readers up to speed on the history. Yuri's change of heart seemed rather quick, since it happened near the beginning of the book, and the inclusion of Marston was excellent. Britta is a fantastic heroine, fierce in her love, devoted to her family, and with an enormous amount of heart. One warning, there IS a devastating twist thrown in that will likely break your heart. Still, it's a satisfying conclusion to a epic story about the Lindquist family that ends with everyone happily ever after.

Looking forward to your new series on the Texas family, Tracie. Thanks for the years of reading pleasure.

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AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT

1. This is the final book in your latest Alaska series. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

Inspiration to write this book came from the characters in the story. I felt that Britta's unrequited love story had to be told, and I wanted to bring back troublesome characters from the past to show that some people never change. All sorts of things were changing in the location of Sitka during 1906 time period and those issues and concerns lent themselves nicely to the story as well.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that are theirs and theirs alone?

One of the issues in this story series was about letting go of the past and forgiving. There were things that were purposefully done to Lydia for instance and she had to learn to let go of her fears and anger over those things in order to have the future God wanted for her. That's a lesson I've had to learn myself. However, there was also the issue of Britta's love for Yuri. A love that had driven her and molded her since she was a small girl. That's not been something that I've experienced, but I've seen it happen in the lives of others and found it amazingly powerful.

3. If your hero and/or heroine was an ice cream flavor, what would he/she be and why?

Britta would be Caramel, Fudge Ripple. She appears calmly vanilla - sweet and simple, but underlying that facade are rivers of caramel and fudge that liven up the pretense of simplistic calm.

4. What themes exist in Twilight's Serenade that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as your story unfolded?

Throughout the book, Britta's character deals with one seemingly impossible situation after another. Not the least of which is her love for a man who first of all is headed on a self-destruct path, and second - is married. Britta is an honorable young woman and she tries her best to let go of this deep love and focus on what God has for her. But it always seems to come full circle that the delight of her heart - her passion and longing - are the very things God has put there for her.

5. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

Probably the most difficult was daling realistically with Lydia and Marston and the issues of forgiving the past. I didn't want it to seem trite or easy, because we all know that forgiveness is sometimes very hard. I wanted to show that this was a situation of growth for Lydia's character, while Marston was the same old ugly, heartless man he'd always been. My favorite - putting Yuri and Britta together.

6. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

My new series STRIKING A MATCH comes out in late September 2010. Book one is titled EMBERS OF LOVE and starts readers on a massive saga dealing with the Vandermark family. Set in East Texas in the 1880's, this series will focus on the logging industry of the area. I chose it because one doesn't usually think "logging" when they think Texas, but yellow pine was and continues to be a strong industry for Texas. The focal character for this series is Deborah Vandermark - a remarkable young woman who is educated in a time when female education is frowned upon. She has a passion and love of life and her family, God and Texas - but despite this she finds herself longing for more. I hope everyone gets a chance to join us on the adventure.

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Thanks so much, Tracie, for being in the spotlight.

Readers, answer the bonus question related to the spotlight in the comments, then leave your email address for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Twilight's Serenade. If you do not answer the question, you will not be entered.

Question: Have you read any other book by Tracie (she's written over 80 novels!) ? If so, what is your favorite? Why?

Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). You won't be entered in the drawing without it. If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

6 comments:

Merry said...

Tracie is one of my must read authors and picking a favorite is so hard! My favorite series are Yukon Quest and Alaskan Quest, wonderful romantic adventures!
worthy2bpraised[at]gmail[dot]com

Cherie J said...

I love Tracie's work. It is so hard to just pick one book. I loved her story from the Castles anthology and if I had to pick a favorite book from one of her series it would have to be A Lady of Hidden Intent from the Ladies of Liberty series. I loved the unusual plot involving the heroine's masquerading herself due to the family scandal she had escaped from.

cherierj(at)yahoo(dot)com

karenk said...

i'm ashamed to say that i have not read any books by tracie...yet...

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

adge said...

I bought two of Tracie's books at once in the Ladies of Liberty series, and have grabbed more of her books here and there when I could. The last book I read was A Surrendered Heart. And I know this might sound odd, but I have one book that I need to read from one of her older series and I have a feeling it will be my favorite. The plot sounds really good. Enjoyed the interview!
gasweetheart211[at]netscape[dot]net

Nancye said...

I have read a few of Tracie's books, but for the life of me I can't remember any of the titles. She is such a talented writer!

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Carolynn said...

I have never read any of Tracie's books but I have seen some of them in our local library. I will definitely be checking out her books soon.
Thanks for the chance to win her book!
carolynnwald [at]hotmail [dot]com