Guernsey Literary, Letters, and Love

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society was a delightful book, and the Netflix film adaptation is now one of my top favorite films. I have to admit I liked the film even more than the book, which I loved.

I adore stories with sweet romance, relational drama, and a mystery or question to solve—it’s what I love to read, watch, and write. (I write both contemporary and historical fiction, so I hope those who also adore these qualities will find something to your taste in my work, and I hope you will recommend your favorite books and films to me!)

So about Juliette’s letters…

I adore letters in novels — there’s something intimate about the way people share their deepest heart in a letter than doesn’t come across in dialogue or even in the character’s internal thoughts. Heart-to-heart, written communication in a story tends to make us, the reader/viewer, feel as if we are being let in on a deeply personal, meaningful secret.

Like There’s No Tomorrow, my first contemporary novel, was inspired by the cross-continental romance between my brother and his now wife. In the novel, Ian and Emily are caregivers to two quirky old Scottish sisters, and for two years, they have been writing letters on behalf of the old women, since Maggie is nearly blind, and Grace is addle-brained.

Ian, in Scotland, has a gentle sarcasm that comes through in his writing, which delights Emily, and he also takes advantage of the fact that he can “report” on Maggie’s mischievous activities to Grace, but with restraint, as he doesn’t want to worry the old woman too much. In America, Emily is well-acquainted with Ian’s character, and though she pictures him all wrong, she has gotten to know, respect, and admire the man. The same goes for Ian. Emily’s letters give him, in addition to wrong notion that she’s a sweet, white-haired old spinster, the impression that she is a very kind, devoted, selfless lady. So when they finally meet and discover one another to be young and easy on the eye, the attraction is quick and fully-encompassing.

When I re-watched the Guernsey film this week (such agony we writers have to endure…), I was reminded of the importance of the familiarity between Juliet and her pen-pal, Dawsey. I love that the written word can give people a unique window into the soul of others. (Much like the Word of God gives us a window into God’s nature, character, and His unyielding desire for relationship with us.)

So, about the written word…

In The Memoir of Johnny Devine, it’s not letters exchanged, but a memoir that Johnny writes (with Eliza’s help) that gives a clear window into his soul, a stark, transparent view that would make most people feel too exposed and vulnerable. But his honesty, despite the critical scrutiny his memoir invites, is more important than protecting his image, because he has a purpose. He wants the hopeless to know that there is no one too far beyond the reach of God’s grace.

And on the topic of really knowing a person…

I’m working on a short historical love story now that will be available as a gift for joining my mailing list. Like the Guernsey story, both main characters have the opportunity to value something within the other, something deeper than outer beauty or visible qualities, and it’s this recognition and appreciation that draws them together, when obstacles would keep them apart.

I love this so much. (I need to go now so I can finish it…😊)

Who doesn’t want to hope in a Love that never fails, that overcomes every obstacle? I believe that God wired us all with this hope, and for a specific and glorious final outcome that He has in mind.

Question: Do you write letters? Have you ever exchanged letters with someone you love, or someone you have grown to love/admire/respect as a result? Is writing letters a lost art you would like to revisit?

READ at WhiteFire Publishing! 

2 Sample Chapters of each book available to browse for FREE!

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Like A Love Song Giveaway & Tour

Do you enjoy inspirational fiction, love stories, and heart-tugging family drama? Have you read Like a Love Song? If not, here's your chance to enter for a chance to win a copy of the book, plus find some new titles to add to your reading list. 

Follow the links to 8 blogs highlighting the book this week (March 7 - 12). Check out reviews, Q&A with the author (moi), leave a comment if you like, and/or enter the drawing. 

March 7  - Katie's Clean Book Collection

March 8  - Wishful Endings

March 9  - The Power of Word

- Singing Librarian Books

March 10 - Smiling Book Reviews

March 11 - Deal Sharing Aunt

March 12 - Reading Is My SuperPower

About the book:

When she finally surrenders her heart, will it be too late?
Susan Quinn, a social worker turned surrogate mom to foster teens, fights to save the group home she’s worked hard to build. But now, she faces a dwindling staff, foreclosure, and old heartaches that won't stay buried. Her only hope lies with the last person she’d ever turn to—a brawny handyman with a guitar, a questionable past, and a God he keeps calling Father.

Like a Love Song (RT Book Reviews 4.5 star-Top Pick) is a romantic drama about desperate woman, a generous handyman, some cast-off kids, and the courage to hope in a Love that never fails.

When The Story Is Too Real

Love can’t rewrite the pages of one’s past, but it can cover a multitude of sins—one page at a time.

The Memoir of Johnny Devine, a Novel, is coming out soon, and I am excited to be sharing this story. While it's a work of fiction, so much of the character's lives, their hopes, fears, hurts, needs, etc are borne of real life and real situations. In fact, nearly everyone who has edited or read the manuscript has declared that this story feels so real, they forget they are reading fiction.

And for that, I'm glad. There are messages of very real hope woven throughout the story. 

Sometimes, it's difficult to hear stories of hope, because sometimes, we have to see what hopelessness looked like for the "hero" before we can truly understand and appreciate the hope they've found. In the case of Johnny Devine, not only it is painful to relive things he would much rather forget, he has to share certain things aloud with a woman of good, moral character, making the task even more uncomfortable.

Do you ever hear stories of lives transformed by God? Do you have difficulty hearing the pre-transformation details? When might the sordid details of past mistakes be helpful to others, and when might they best be kept private?

While you're thinking about that, let me just report that Romantic Times Book Reviews just published a review of The Memoir of Johnny Devine, and not only did the reviewer give a glowing account, she gave it a 4.5 GOLD star Top Pick rating! (5 stars are never given -- I think those are reserved for once-a-century phenomenons like To Kill A Mockingbird). I didn't realize until this review was published that Gold stars are rarely given. This is about the highest possible rating they give. I'm deeply honored, but even more, I'm excited because this might help put Johnny Devine on more "To Be Read" lists. 

Is it on yours? (Go HERE to add it to your Goodreads list)

Also: be sure to PRE-ORDER (the eBook version) and save $1 but only for a limited time. Visit my Website for links.

One last thing: If you're in the Portland/Gresham/Sandy/Boring area, I'll be having a Book Signing and Open House on Dec 19. Copies of all my books will be available. Go here for details.

Sign up for book news at http://www.camilleeide.com/contact.html or http://www.ashberrylane.com

Johnny Devine Cover Reveal & Pre-Order Deal

I LOVE THIS COVER!!

KUDOS to Nicole at Miller Media Solutions and Ashberry Lane Publishing for this stunning book cover for my upcoming novel! I think it is the perfect blend of of Hollywood glamour, nostalgic mood, intrigue, and romance, don't you?

The Memoir of Johnny Devine is a “classic” love story set in 1953 at a time when post-war America seeks security in prosperity and conformity. Hollywood’s Golden Age is coming to an end, McCarthy's “Red Scare” reaches new heights of paranoia, and unrest over civil rights continues to grow. It’s a story for those who enjoy a character-driven, inspirational drama, a strong but chaste romance, and a touch of intrigue.

This novel was a blast to write and research. In fact, the idea for it came to me in a dream one night at a time when I was in the middle of writing another book. I was so moved by the dream that I set the other book aside and began plotting. Soon, Johnny "Devilishly" Devine was born. (He may possess a few attributes similar to Cary Grant, Clark Gable, and Gregory Peck. Their best ones, of course. :) )

Love can’t rewrite the pages of one’s past, 

but it can cover a multitude of sins

---one page at a time.

Rumor had it that Johnny could seduce anything in a skirt quicker than he could hail a cab. But now, the notorious womanizer claims he's born again. Trouble is, everyone knows who he is and what he's done, and they'll never forget---the tabloids have made sure of that.

1953: Eliza Saunderson is a young war widow appalled by societal injustice and inequality. She also resents the notion that modern women are expected to look fashionable, keep house, and play bridge. What if a woman has other aspirations, other skills, other dreams? And then there was the expectation of marriage. Her's hadn't turned out to be the fairy tale her sister promised. Instead, marriage had taught her a painful lesson: Love wasn't worth the constant work of earning and fear of losing it. If what she had could be called love.

Desperation forces Eliza to take a job writing the memoir of the ex-Hollywood heartthrob, Johnny Devine. But to her surprise, she finds herself falling for the humble, grace-filled man John has become. Meanwhile, her passionate articles on racial injustice land her on McCarthy’s hit list and she must clear her name while trying not to fall in love with a man whose scandalous past keeps him too busy to notice her.

...Or does it?

The Memoir of Johnny Devine is the dramatic story within a story of a bad boy reformed and a good girl in need of reform. It’s a powerful tale of love, redemption, intrigue, and the miracle of God’s deliberate grace.

Johnny releases in print and eBook in December, but the eBook is now available for pre-order at a Special Price of 3.99 ($1 off) thru release day.

What's Your "Joseph" story?

Friends! Please take a minute & visit me and Kathy Harris at Divine Detour. Tell us your "Joseph" story. Or just leave a comment & make our day!!!

http://kathyharrisbooks.com/camille-eide-like-a-love-song/

I Just Signed a Contract for My Third Full-length Novel!

Ashberry Lane Publishing has just offered to publish my third full length novel, The Memoir of Johnny Devine! I am so excited and can't wait to share this story with you. We will have launch date soon, so stay tuned. A little history about how this story came to be: I was working on another novel--one that was giving me trouble--when I woke one morning from a vivid dream. (My dreams are usually pretty boring, so this got my attention.) In this dream, a very handsome man who walked with a cane watched in silence as a lovely young woman walked out his door. He didn't say a word, but somehow--because dreams are like this--I knew that his heart was breaking and yet he couldn't do or say anything to stop her. I woke instantly fascinated! Why was his heart breaking? Why couldn't he stop her? I mulled it over, and soon, Johnny Devine's story--or stories, to be exact--was born. So with a lot of prayer and the weekly encouragement of a wise and wonderfulauthor friend, I pushed out chapters week after week until the book was finished in just 3 months (It usually takes me a year to complete a novel). I believe that when the Lord lends his divine help to my writing (or anything we do), he is affirming that what we are doing worthy of his time and the use of his beautiful, divine creativity. I believe this story was his idea, his timing. And I believe he helped me write it. I just hope that I've told it well, and that readers will find it worth their while.

The Memoir of Johnny Devine, A Novel by Camille Eide Love can’t rewrite the pages of your past, but it can cover a multitude of sins—one page at a time.   1953: Desperation forces war widow, Eliza Saunderson, to take a job writing the memoir of ex-Hollywood heart-throb, Johnny Devine. Rumor has it Johnny can seduce anything in skirt quicker than he can hail a cab. But now the notorious womanizer claims he’s born again. And so he seems to be. Eliza soon finds herself falling for the humble, grace-filled man John has become—a man who shows no sign of returning her feelings. No sign, that is, until she discovers something John never meant for her to see. When Eliza’s articles on minority oppression land her on McCarthy’s communist hit list, both John and Eliza become entangled in a HUAC investigation that threatens both John’s book and Eliza’s future. To clear her name, Eliza must solve a family mystery. She also needs to convince John that real love—not the Hollywood illusion—can cover a multitude of sins. But just when the hope of love becomes reality, a troubling discovery confirms Eliza’s worst fears. Like the happy façade so many Americans cling to, had it all been empty lies? Is there a love she can truly believe in?   COMING SOON from ASHBERRY LANE PUBLISHING!

Like a Love Song is HERE!

Like a Love Song, my second novel with Ashberry Lane Publishing, releases today! 

It's a powerful love story about a fiercely loyal woman, some cast-off kids, and finding the courage to believe in a Love that never fails.

Like a Love Song won the 2011 ACFW Genesis Award in Women's Fiction (as My Father's House). It's now available online in ebook and paperback. 

For those who are local to the Portland, OR area, I'll be hosting a Book Signing event on May 23 where copies will also be available.

About the Story:

Susan Quinn, a social worker turned surrogate mom to foster teens, fights to save the group home she’s worked hard to build. But now, she faces a dwindling staff, foreclosure, and old heartaches that won't stay buried. Her only hope lies with the last person she’d ever turn to—a brawny handyman with a guitar, a questionable past, and a God he keeps calling Father.

“Eide writes great dialogue that nicely paces the narrative ... bears watching as a storyteller.” 
—PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

“Readers will genuinely love these characters and be heartbroken at what they go through... this emotional book touches on very tender subjects in a tactful, graceful way that allows readers to understand what is happening without being overwhelmed by it... Eide is a phenomenal writer who once again displays her wisdom in the way she tells the story.” 

—ROMANTIC TIMES 4½ star Top Pick

This story is dear to my heart. Thank you for celebrating with me!

Find Like a Love Song at:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

iTunes

Smashwords

SNEAK PEEK: Like A Love Song (& Pre-Order!)

Counting down the days until Like a Love Song releases, but the pre-order link on Amazon is LIVE! Here's a little teaser from midway through this romantic relational drama to get your reader-juices going:

 * * * * * * * *

Joe was already at her side. “You okay, Sue?”

His nearness and the warmth coming from him set off a burst of panic in her. She swallowed hard and forced her voice steady. “I’m fine.”

“Did you want me?”

She inhaled to suppress the weird flutter in her chest. Want you? What have you been smokin’? Where’d you get an idea like that?

Oh yeah, Chaz. Fundraiser. “Yes, I almost forgot.” She explained the problem with Chaz and the dismantled sale items, and her need for things to be in working order as soon as possible.

Joe wore a pained look. “Wow. I’m really sorry for not paying closer attention to the boy. Yeah, I’ll fix it, right away.”

“And I don’t know how, but could you keep him busy? So he doesn’t find anything else to take apart? At least until we get through the fundraiser.”

Joe didn’t answer. Instead, the crease in his brow softened, and his eyes wore a strange expression. Like his wheels were turning. “Sure,” he said slowly. “There’s just one thing.” His eyes locked with hers. “A condition.”

Sue stiffened. That did not sound good. “Which is?”

Joe rubbed his chin. “I’ll keep Chaz busy if you agree to take a day off. Away from the ranch. You don’t have to plan anything. I’ll take care of it.”

Sue’s brows gathered. “You’ll take care of it? What is that supposed to mean?”

He didn’t answer.

Her voice rose. “You want me to do something with you?”

Joe nodded.

“Like a date?”

“No, no. Just ... a little outing. Just for fun. When was the last time you took a day off?”

“Last week. Three times. You were there for two of them, remember? I’ve left the ranch more times in the last two weeks than I have in the last two years.”

He shook his head. “Physical therapy doesn't count. It has to be fun.”

“Hey, I have fun.”

“You?” Joe belted out in a laugh. “Name the last fun thing you did.”

Her headache spiked. “Well, it’s not like I can just--”

“I know, when you’re not running yourself into the ground, you’re all fun, all the time.” His eyes narrowed. “Name one fun thing you've done in the last year.”

Sue huffed. “This is lame.”

Joe nodded. “A one-day outing with me along to make sure you have fun, or no deal.”

She let out another huff that could probably be heard all over the compound. “You’d hold a poor neurotic kid over my head for a date?”

“It’s not a date. Just ... a friendly little outing. And like I said, I’ll plan it. All you have to do is go along for the ride and relax.”

She let out an exasperated sigh. “This is not exactly the best time for me to be taking a day off. I've got the fundraiser to pull off, the kids, the temps ...” Not to mention hanging onto my sanity, keeping everything together, trying to figure out your twisted game ...

“After the fundraiser then.” Joe crossed his python arms and waited.

There had to be a whole warehouse of laws somewhere against being forced into spending time with a guy who looked like he could shred a semi with his bare hands. Hands she needed now or there wouldn't be much of a fundraiser. “Two hours tops. After the fundraiser. And Chaz is your shadow from now on.”

He crammed his hands in his pockets. “Half a day.”

A growl escaped her clenched teeth. “Fine.”

Joe smiled. “Deal.”

Sue headed for the main house. What in the world had she just agreed to?

***************

When she finally surrenders her heart, will it be too late?

Susan Quinn, a social worker turned surrogate mom to foster teens, fights to save the group home she’s worked hard to build. But now, she faces a dwindling staff, foreclosure, and old heartaches that won't stay buried. Her only hope lies with the last person she’d ever turn to—a brawny handyman with a guitar, a questionable past, and a God he keeps calling Father.

Like a Love Song is a romantic drama set in Oregon’s high desert about a fiercely loyal woman, some cast-off kids, and the courage it takes to believe in a love that never fails.

March 18 Update: Like a Love Song just received a Romantic Times 4-1/2 star "Top Pick" review. What an honor!

Coming soon from www.AshberryLane.com

Just For You! Like a Love Song, my second book with Ashberry Lane Publishing, comes out in April 2015, and I wanted to give YOU, my blog friends, the first peek of the shiny new COVER!  Isn't it lovely? Well done, Nicole & Ashberry Lane!

Set in the high desert of central Oregon's Outback, this contemporary love story (formerly titled Sandcastles in Snow) follows Like There's No Tomorrow with a new love story at Juniper Ranch. Susan Quinn, a social worker turned surrogate mom to foster teens, fights to save the group home she’s worked hard to build. But now, she faces a dwindling staff, foreclosure, and old heartaches that won't stay buried. Her only hope lies with the last person she’d ever turn to—a brawny handyman with a guitar, a questionable past, and a God he keeps calling Father. Like a Love Song is a romantic drama about a fiercely loyal woman and some castaway kids who need the courage to believe in a love that never fails. Look for quality "Heartfelt Tales of Faith" from Ashberry Lane & be sure to sign up for this and other book release news at www.ashberrylane.com.

Like There’s No Tomorrow is an amusing yet heart-tugging love story about two kind, single caretakers, two quirky old Scottish sisters bent on reuniting, and too many agendas. It's a tale of family, fiery furnaces, faith, and the gift of each new day..  Available SEPT 2014 from Ashberry Lane Visit Camille's WEBSITE for book news Also: find her on the web at: EXTREME KEYBOARDING     - Fiction, TV & Film Along The Banks     - Dipping in the stream of God's Grace Facebook Twitter Website

More on Love...

After chewing on Beth's comment left on my last BLOG POST, I decided to bring the discussion up top. Beth Vogt said, "I've always loved a good romance--one with depth. One where the characters change, where love doesn't come too easily because, hey, I don't think it does. Not real, lasting love anyway."

YES!! I couldn't agree more!

I like stories with depth---romance or otherwise. That's what I hope to achieve with my stories. Beth makes a very good point about love that lasts not coming so easily. Love at first sight is a great idea, but love you have to fight for, love that touches deep places in us despite our fears, love that challenges the lies we believe, love that coaxes us out from behind our facade, love that waits beyond hope, love that meets hidden heart needs, love that feels more like home than any place on earth ever did.....THAT's the stuff of a good love story. In my opinion, of course. :-)

What I believe makes this kind of love possible is the unfailing nature of God's love. Ecclesiastes says a cord of 3 strands is not easily broken. Without Christ and his boundless, gracious love as the center strand, I actually find it hard to believe in happily ever after. I also believe that without Christ, humans are destined to fall short no matter how nobly or selflessly we strive. (Because I know we ALL strive to be noble and selfless.)

Do you tire of stories in which people fall too easily in love? The kind of story where two people are getting acquainted over a flat tire or mixup at the dry cleaners and suddenly they can't live without each other? Or on the other end of the romote control, do you gag at overblown melodramas too mushy for even the most hardcore soap fan? Does this turn you off to all love stories? If not, it should!

I aim to write stories that touch places we sometimes forget we have, remind us we still struggle with emptiness or protective shells or fears of loss or whatever it is we've conveniently buried. And while we visit those sealed off places between the pages with a like-minded hero or heroine, we can discover or be reminded that in Christ, there is a Love that Never Fails.

What do you think makes a truly moving, resonating love story? What are some of your favorites and why? (I have a list and I'm not afraid to use it!)