With the heat of summertime in Texas at its peak, the murder of 13 fellow soldiers still a painful memory, and the war escalating in Afghanistan as troops return from Iraq, soldiers at Ft. Hood were ready for a little love this month.And bestselling Whitaker House author, Vanessa Miller had a whole lot of love to share during her recent visit to the U.S. army base near Killeen, Texas, where she received a warm response to her latest book, A Love for Tomorrow, second in her Second Chance at Love series (available September 7, 2010).
An ordained exhorter for her Dayton, Ohio church, Miller is known for her creative plotlines and well-crafted characters. What's not as well known is that she's constantly on the road, speaking to groups on college campuses, churches, and community centers, along with meeting her readers one-on-one as she did at Ft. Hood.
The prolific novelist regularly began including military bases on her schedule after receiving letters from soldiers about her books. Besides Ft. Hood, she's recently visited Wright Patterson, Andrews and Scott Air Force Bases and will visit more this fall.
"I was surprised by the positive letters from soldiers at first - you wouldn't think romance novels, especially Christian romance, fits in with the military stereotype," she said. "But I've learned many of our troops - men and women--love a good romance."
Besides the romantic elements, Vanessa's readers say they personally relate to her multi-dimensional characters, often caught between good and evil forces and facing difficult choices. A Love for Tomorrow involves Christian television host Serenity Williams, a preacher's kid, who is jilted by her ego-driven boyfriend, a popular preacher. Serenity decides to get even with men in general by humiliating yet another pastor, Phillip McKnight, a former NFL player, whom she assumes is a self-consumed egomaniac.
But Serenity discovers that Phillip possesses a loving, humble spirit. He's likewise suffered a broken heart, and by the grace of God, is reaching out to others with a message of hope and faith. Serenity must wrestle with the decision to embarrass or embrace Phillip.
Early reviews are enthusiastically positive. Nancy Kanafani in Christian Retailers and Resources Magazine (September, 2010) writes: "Trust, forgiveness, and faith, the core of author Miller's message, are woven into a light love story that offers help and healing," and recommends the book "to readers who enjoy a good romance that ministers."Yesterday's Promise, the first book in the Second Chance at Love series, topped the Black Christian News Network's bestseller's list earlier this year. Bob Whitaker Jr., vice president of Whitaker House, said pre-release orders for the new book are good and predicts A Love for Tomorrow will reach even more readers than its predecessor.
"We're so pleased with reader response to Vanessa Miller", he said. "Not only has she received critical acclaim, but her stories are capturing people's hearts. Her fans know they'll be inspired and entertained."
For more details, go to her website: www.VanessaMiller.com or www.WhitakerHouse.com.
To schedule an interview or request review copies, please contact Cathy Hickling at chickling@whitakerhouse.com or 800-444-4484 x283.
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