Summer Dream By Martha Rogers

Book one in the Seasons of the Heart series is set in Briar Ridge, Connecticut in 1888 the year of what historians call “The White Hurricane.” Summer Dream tells the story of Rachel Winston, the daughter of a small town minister. Rachel believes her only hope of finding a husband depends on a trip to visit her aunt in Boston. Before she has a chance to leave, Nathan Reed, a young lawyer comes to town. There is an instant attraction between Rachel and Nathan until he finds out that her father is a minister. Nathan wants nothing to do with any woman who is a Christian because of a terrible experience in his past. When Nathan finds himself caught in the blizzard he turns his life over to God and vows to take care of his past and plan for his future.

Mrs. Rogers hits another homerun with the maiden offering in this series. The glimpse into 1880s Boston social society alone makes this a must read. But the history portrayed concerning the blizzard of 1888 is what really kept me interested. I have to admit though, the sweet innocence of the main character and her best friend was a true delight. I wanted them to be friends with my own daughter who is of their age.

Summer Dream really hits home when Rachel Winston continues to pray for the man she truly loves and never gives up on him even when it seems hopeless. It’s a good lesson for all of us who have situations or people they are praying for where there seems to be no good solution. But the Bible says “nothing is impossible with God.”

Thank you Mrs. Rogers for once again managing to hook me on another of your heartwarming romance series. Suppose I’ll have to keep my eye out for the next offering in the series, Autumn Song, releasing in October 2011!

Martha Rogers – Inspirational Writer…Inspirational Woman

When I first met Martha Rogers some five years ago, she was in full “conference-mode,” and I didn’t really get to know her. We met at First Baptist Church of Houston where she was hosting the annual Inspirational Writers Alive! conference, of which she is the State President. My first thoughts were, “Boy, this woman is a lot older than I am and she has more energy than an ADHD kid who forgot to take their meds!”

I soon learned that there was much more to know about Martha Rogers.

Martha is a retired English Composition and home-economics teacher, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, singer, youth leader and First Place leader. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and writes a weekly devotional for the group as well as being the treasurer for the Writers on the Storm, Woodlands, Texas chapter. Martha also acts as treasurer for her local chapter of Inspirational Writers Alive! in Houston.

One of the things that is most inspirational about Martha is the fact that after trying to get published for a number of years (not counting her contribution in a novella entitled, Sugar and Grits) she finally received her first writing contract at the age of seventy-three!

Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. James 1:3

Wow! Martha tells the story that she made the mistake of telling someone that she had absolutely no stress in her life. Shortly thereafter she received a multi-book contract with Strang Publishing. Her first novel had to be turned in within four months! Her book credits include:

Sugar and Grits (Not on the Menu) 2007

Winds Across the Prairie Series

Becoming Lucy 2010

Morning for Dove 2010

Finding Becky 2010

Caroline’s Choice 201 1

To Be Announced 2011

A Riverwalk Christmas 2010

Seven Bible studies

Contributions to Compilations

By Wayne Holmes

By Karen O’Conner

By Debbie White Smith

Multiple Devotionals – Including

            Blissfully Blended, a devotional book for Step-Moms

Martha is a talented speaker as well. I recently heard her speak to a group of writers on the topic of Deep Point of View, explaining how important it is to let your reader know what’s going on inside your character’s head.

I’m delighted to have read the first book in Martha’s Winds Across the Prairie Series, Becoming Lucy. Here’s what the back cover copy says:

           

In 1896, after her parent’s deaths, seventeen-year-old heiress Lucinda Bishop is sent to Oklahoma to live with her aunt and uncle. But Oklahoma ranch life brings her more than she bargained for when she meets ranch hand Jake Starnes, a drifter who is running from his past. As her friendship with Jake grows, Lucinda faces emotions she’s never before experienced.

As Jake learns more about God’s love for him, he realizes he must face his past and the consequences of his actions, even if it means he will lose the one girl he loves. Will he be able to get his life together before someone else claims her hand…or even her life?

This was a wonderful book. Martha does a great job at drawing the reader into the lives and feelings of the characters she’s brilliantly created. I can’t wait to read the next installment, Morning for Dove.

I tease Martha of late telling her she’s my hero and my inspiration, and yet, I’m not really teasing. This godly woman is an inspiration to me and to everyone she comes in contact with. She has encouraged me to continue writing and has even helped me to pursue my latest writing project, a historical romance set in Civil War era Texas.

Thank you Martha for inspiring me and a whole new generation of authors yet to come.

Find out more about Martha Rogers at:

www.marthawrogers.com

www.marthasbooks.blogspot.com