Last but not least in the four-book review for the launch of Abingdon Press’ women’s fiction line: Surrender the Wind, historical fiction from Rita Gerlach. Rita’s published three historical novels, and is the editor of Stepping Stones Magazine, an online website focusing on writing, marketing and promotion. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and lives in Maryland.

Rita’s novel is set in the American Revolutionary War period and features patriot Seth Braxton, who sails for England to search for his sister. There he meets and is smitten with Juleah, daughter of an eccentric landed gentleman, but a rejected suitor plots to make life unbearable for them both. With the war in America raging, Seth and Juleah must keep their love alive despite murder, abduction and betrayal.

I’ve said before that I rarely read historical romance, but lately I’ve had several students writing in this genre. I read Rita’s book to help me undertsand how these kinds of stories work. I was impressed with her ability to draw her characters, maintain tension and keep the story moving, even as she kept me securely fastened in the period. Well done, Rita. Buy this book at Amazon, any bookstore or get a 40% discount at www.Cokesbury.com.