Stories of Australia's Christian Heritage by Elizabeth Kotlowski

From the Back Cover:

From the proclamation of Australia as the Southland of the Holy Spirit in 1606 to Alfred Deakin, the co-author of Australia’s Constitution, God’s hand has decisively shaped the destiny of our country.

Many people think that Australia has always been a secular, godless place. But at every turn in our history men and women of faith have laid a godly foundation and built a rich Christian heritage.

This collection of short, easy-to-read stories reveals our well-known pioneers, explorers and statesmen who have been God's instruments for establishing a nation based on Christian principles.

Amanda's Review:

Although this book was published in 2006, it is still relevant. I was given it as a gift and it is one I will treasure and refer back to for years to come. Many of us Australian's have no idea how godly some of our heritage is. We don't get taught this stuff in school.

Each and every pioneer or explorer mentioned in this book will inspire you.

I could not put this book down as I hungrily devoured all of our amazing heritage, and I could have kept reading if there were more stories included. I look forward to reading more of Dr Kotlowski's work in the future - especially from the point of view of a historical romance writer myself.

I recently spoke to Elizabeth and this book will have a new edition released this year.

About the Author:

Dr. Elizabeth Rogers Kotlowski is a freelance prophetic writer, poet, and author of five books, including Southland of the Holy Spirit: A Christian History of Australia (1994); Stories of Australia’s Christian Heritage (2006), and Let the Children (2007).

An Australian, Elizabeth grew up in the high country of East Gippsland, Victoria. After graduating from Melbourne State (Teachers’) College and Cumberland College of Health Sciences (NSW), she went to Britain to continue post-graduate studies in child psychiatric occupational therapy under Dr. Blanchard Rogers of Crichton Royal Hospital, Dumfries, Scotland. While there, Dr. Kotlowski met and married Polish Canadian medical doctor, neuropsychiatrist, and war hero, Dr. Kazimierz Kotlowski, a widower with two boys.

In 1962, Elizabeth emigrated with her husband to Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, where their other four boys were born. After her husband’s death in 1973, Dr. Kotlowski and her four youngest sons moved to the United States, where she lived till her return to Australia in 1999. Dr. Kotlowski holds three Masters’ Degrees-in Public Affairs Journalism, Public Policy, and Missiology (missions), as well as a Doctor of Ministry Degree, from Regent University, Virginia Beach, Virginia. Dr. Kotlowski has worked with children all her life, as mother, teacher, occupational therapist, and children’s pastor.

For more information, see: http://elizabethkotlowski.com/

Mellington Hall by Meredith Resce

From the Back Cover:

When Sarah Montgomery finds a man lying half dead in the snow, she doesn't stop to think of the consequences of trying to save his life.

But being a Good Samaritan yields nothing but trouble. In her parents' absence, she struggles against a deadly fever and a vicious snow-storm, doing her best to save the life of a stranger. But when her self-righteous neighbours eventually come to see how she fared during the storm, they draw a very different conclusion. Before she knows it, her reputation is in tatters, and she has been cast out of the church and her home. Alone and destitute, Sarah is determined to seek work as a servant from the man whose life she has saved.

But all is not well for the master of Mellington Hall. Someone wants Lord Alan Mellington dead, and he doesn't know who or why.

The only person he seems to be able to trust is the gamekeeper's daughter, Sarah Montgomery, who has intervened to save his life not once but twice. This story blending mystery, scandal, murder and romance comes from one of Australia's best-loved authors, Meredith Resce.

Amanda's Review:

The first thing that drew me to this novel, apart from the fact that it is written by Meredith Resce, was the cover. This has to be my favourite cover of the books I have read this year. It just evokes that sense of murder-mystery and romance.

The story inside didn't disappoint either. Set in a time when some of "the church" operated in condemnation rather than grace, Sarah Montgomery's reputation is torn to shreds, because of a conclusion drawn in a moments notice, without anyone truly seeking the truth. Sarah has a strong character however and fights to get her repuation righted again, seeking the aid of Lord Mellington.

The road to restoration is not as smooth as hoped, with several attempts on Lord Mellington's life by an unknown person. In solving the mystery and fixing Sarah's reputation, the two have a lot on their plate, and the story twisted with a surprise near the end. Who is the would-be murderer? A great read for those who like a bit more action with their romance.

About the Author:

South Australian author, Meredith Resce, has been writing since 1991, and has had books in the Australian market since 1997.

Following the Australian success of her Heart of Green Valley series, an English publisher has taken the first three books in this series, and has released them to the Brittish and American markets. You can watch the promotional video for the first book in the series, The Manse - Meredth Resce, here.

Mellington Hall is her 14th novel published.

Apart from writing, Meredith also takes the opportunity to speak to groups on issues relevant to relationships and emotional and spiritual growth.

Meredith has also been co-writer and co-producer in the 2007 feature film production, Twin Rivers.

With her husband, Nick, Meredith has worked in the ministry since 1983. Meredith and Nick have one daughter and two sons.

For more information, click here.

Fire in the Rock

From the back cover:

At the turn of the twentieth century, Australia, in a spirit of growing independence shrugs off many of its ties with the "Old Country". Some class distinctions linger, boundaries between men and women are still clearly defined and social conventions strict, but with common decency and good manners valued highly, people act kindly toward each other.

In this setting a well-meant deception finds a young woman involved in a desperate search to unearth crucial information, for the truth - preserved by its wary keepers - lies buried deep in the opal fields on the fringe of the vast and thirsty Outback.

Realising her future depends on the choice between two rivals of diverse faiths, she hesitates in the belief that those she cares for most always seem to be taken from her. But when it finally appears she has lost everything, she discovers that true love, like faith, does not depend on feelings alone.

Amanda's Review:

Fire in the Rock is a wonderful story set in the early 1900s, ranging from Sydney to the outback opal mining communities.

Rita kept me guessing till the end with new surprises around each bend, but left me satisfied that all was as it should be. It was wonderful to read the life journey of her leading lady, Opalena, as she discovered a personal God and learned what true love is. Rita also explored how important identity is to a child living with an adoptive family.

If you love historical romance, Fire in the Rock will keep you entertained for hours.

About the author:

As a co-speaker for the program, Communication, affiliated with United Christian Broadcasters, Rita also has a passion for writing historical romance novels. A graduate of Emmaus Bible College, she retains membership in American Christian Fiction Writers.

Earlier in marriage, besides their Good News Festivals, she and her husband George worked as associate evangelists with Billy Graham and Luis Palau. A prolific songwriter, she has produced several CDs. With an occasional appearance on Christian television, they regularly take dinners and coffee mornings where they give music and art presentations. Residents of Sydney, they minister a month each year in Thailand, working in Buddhist schools, hospitals, prisons, orphanages and churches.

For more information on Rita and her books, please visit: http://www.ritastellagalieh.com/