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LIFE

Must-read romances: 'Eye of the Beholder,' 'The Never Never Sisters'

Michelle Monkou
Special for USA TODAY
"Eye of the Beholder" by Elissa Gabrielle.

Join me every week as I share a few shout-outs on romance author goings-on, related events and recommended reads.

Eye of the Beholder by Elissa Gabrielle

Elissa Gabrielle writes Eye of the Beholder for all those who believe in love. With characters who have suffered abuse, injuries — mental and physical — and deep hurt and betrayal, the journey to become whole seems too long, too arduous, and without hope.

The beauty of Gabrielle's voice is the deep emotional cadence as we enter each character's point of view. In those special worlds, she writes with the talent to keep you immersed so that you can understand and empathize with their motivations and the conflicts that may overwhelm. Skillful and full of artistry, Gabrielle shares a powerful romance worthy of its resolution.

Here's the back cover blurb (courtesy of Peace In The Storm Publishing):

Jerusalem "Jay" Jones has experienced the uglier side of life. As an Iraq war Veteran, he is a hero for bravely putting his life on the line to serve his country. But that unselfish act resulted in him lying in a Veteran's hospital with injuries he sustained from the war. His present circumstance should be a cakewalk for Jerusalem considering what he has witnessed both as a child and while in the heat of battle. The pleasantries of love, laughter and life have always seemed to elude him. From his early days as a child growing up abused and terrorized on the tough streets of Newark, to being all that he could be in the military, Jerusalem's life has been anything but pleasant and attractive when viewed from the surface. Now, vulnerable and reclusive, he must face the world he joined the military to escape, armed with only dark secrets from his past, a bruised and burdened psyche and limits to him physically.

Jill Lopes longs to fix the wounded and broken, but before she can heal the sick, she must first mend her own battle scars of unhappiness and resistance, and find a way to push past the experiences that haunt her. When fate boldly steps in and introduces itself into Jerusalem's and Jill's lives, they realize that the challenges we meet in life hold the power to open us to a higher, more meaningful existence. Will they both be able to view the world for what it really is under the clear truth of who they are and what they are capable of becoming together? Does beauty really lie in the eye of the beholder? Experience the power of love on this redemptive journey where the purpose of the tribulations in one's life, will be empowered to reveal the gifts they bring.

"The Never Never Sisters" by L. Alison Heller.

The Never Never Sisters by L. Alison Heller

L. Alison Heller's The Never Never Sisters arrives packed with a family on the brink of discovery, revelation, secrets, healing, chaos … and much more. In a delicate layered approach, we are drawn into the lives of the couple next door. That what seems smooth and calm is a veneer over what is actually needed for a family's survival. Touching and poignant, endearing and entertaining, Heller writes a wonderfully creative lesson on the necessity for healing and forgiveness.

Here's the back cover blurb (courtesy of NAL):

Marriage counselor Paige Reinhardt is counting down the days to summer, eager to reconnect with her workaholic husband at their cozy rental cottage in the Hamptons. But soon a mysterious crisis at Dave's work ruins their getaway plans. Paige is still figuring out how to handle the unexplained chill in her marriage when her troubled sister suddenly returns after a two-decade silence. Now, instead of enjoying the lazy summer days along the ocean, Paige is navigating the rocky waters of a forgotten bond with her sister in the sweltering city heat.

As she attempts to dig deeper into Dave's work troubles and some long-held family secrets, Paige is shocked to discover how little she knows about the people closest to her. This summer, the self-proclaimed relationship expert will grapple with her biggest challenge yet: Is it worth risking your most precious relationships in order to find yourself?

LET'S MEET GOLDEN HEART FINALISTS

Until RWA's award ceremony in July, I will introduce you to several Golden Heart finalists from Romance Writers of America's contest for unpublished writers.

Introducing … Sharon Wray

Sharon, a six-time Golden Heart romantic suspense finalist, is nominated for See Her No More. She contributes to the blogs Kiss and Thrill, Blame It on the Muse and The Firebirds. Find out more at sharonwray.wordpress.com.

Michelle: You're a librarian/archivist who also studied dress design in the couture houses of Paris — oh my! Share the details of the journey?

Sharon: A wonderful and interesting one. I started out in the Young Designers program at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC when I was 15. I went to classes during my high school summers and on the weekends. By 17, I knew I didn't want to live the designer's life in New York and got accepted to Rutgers and ended up with a master's degree in Library Science in five years, the entire time still taking design classes on the weekends. While I loved sewing and dress design, I also loved being a librarian and became a patent and technical librarian. When I married an Army officer, we ended up traveling quite a bit. But everywhere we went, I was able to work in a library (I've worked in public libraries, private libraries, museum libraries, news libraries and scientific libraries) and make wedding dresses at night. Then I was accepted into a course taught by a former design teacher — in Paris!

Sharon Wray, 2014 Golden Heart finalist.

While in Paris, we were taken into the back rooms of Chanel, Dior, Lanvin, Givenchy, Vionnet and Hermes. We were taught how to sew seams by hand on the same tables where the haute couture collections are made. We watched designers choose fabrics, draw renditions, and decorate some of the most beautiful dresses I have ever seen. We attended dozens of private showings and learned how to do custom fittings. Then we spent days in the House of Lesage, the most famous embroidery atelier in Paris, where we learned the art of decorating lace. When I came home, I made a wedding gown that ended up in National Geographic Traveler magazine in an article about Charleston, S.C., Society weddings. At the same time, my husband and I moved to Northern Virginia and since I was working in an archival museum, I attended the archivist courses taught by the Smithsonian. I loved both jobs. But in the midst of all of this, I became pregnant with twins and my life changed completely. Now I write to fulfill my needs to create something beautiful while, at the same time, putting my world of husband, kids, and dog in order.

Michelle: What is your brand of romantic suspense? I see a lot of military or ex-military references in your story descriptions.

Sharon: While the books all have Green Beret heroes, they are all out of the military. But not necessarily by choice. I write military romantic suspense with dishonored men, men desperate to clear their names and regain their honor, men who have nothing to lose. This makes my heroes darker than most, but also more determined to succeed.

My heroines, on the other hand, all have a quiet strength and fierce intelligence. Since the heroes are up against a villain who plays with history's greatest secrets — old conspiracy theories — they need the heroines to help them solve the mysteries. While the men bring their guns, strength, tactical and operational knowledge, the women bring the books and unique intelligence to see obscure clues — clues others miss in their everyday life.

I write about a group of elite soldiers devoted to each other, determined to seek the truth instead of justice, willing to risk their honor, their lives, and their souls to save themselves and the women they love.

Michelle: In your research, what has been the most interesting "fact" or "setting" or occupation for your stories?

Sharon: Most of my stories take place in Charleston, S.C., and Savannah, Ga., because of the incredible amount of unsolved mysteries that took place during the 17th and early-18th centuries. And in studying the early colonial history of Savannah, I came across an interesting fact. From 1733 to 1755 the colony of Savannah passed a rule to be "free from that pest and scourge of mankind called lawyers." Oglethorpe (Savannah's founder) and the colony's Trustees "detested them, believing each colonist was capable of pleading his own case."

"The Young Elites" by Marie Lu.

Michelle: Your book recommendations for 2014?

Sharon: I have 14-year-old twins, and I have been reading a ton of YA lately. So my recommendations are actually YA series:

• The Embrace Series by Jessica Shirvington.

• The Legend Series by Marie Lu.

• The Shatter Me Series by Tahereh Mafi.

Michelle: Thank you, Sharon. Good luck on your journey. May your dreams continue to come true.

Introducing … Kimberly MacCarron

Kimberly is a four-time Golden Heart finalist in the YA category. This year she's nominated for To Feel or Not to Feel and Chasing Fireworks. She says she loves reading and writing books for teens "because they're fresh and raw and full of self-discovery." She blogs regularly at The Waterworld Mermaids and Honestly YA blogs. Find out more at www.kimmaccarron.com or connect with her on Twitter.

Michelle: What are you looking forward to? And/or what are some things that are wonderful in the here and now for you?

Kimberly: Every chapter in our lives is an important one. A story can't be complete without all of them. Just as you shouldn't skim through a book to find "the good parts," we also must savor each experience. Even the hardest times are full of learning opportunities, a chance for us to grow more — no matter our age. At this point in my life, I'm enjoying my children as they open each chapter in their own lives. For me, I'm looking forward to someday — hopefully just around the corner — publishing a book. Maybe two. Or three.

Kimberly MacCarron, 2014 Golden Heart finalist.

Michelle: What was your dream job after college (vs. what you may have ended up doing, if it's different)? What were some of your favorite subjects? Did you write fiction during college? What prompted you to take writing and the pursuit of publication to the "career" level?

Kimberly: My dream jobs tended to change drastically throughout my life. When I was a young girl, my favorite book was Shark Lady: True Adventures of Eugenie Clark. So, of course, I desperately wanted to become an ichthyologist. Since I'm afraid of water, that dream died an early death. Then I decided to be an actress. When my family told me I'd end up a starving artist, I switched again. After being a camp counselor for mentally and physically handicapped kids for many years, I decided to go into Special Education. When I finally went to college I took a variety of classes, which I loved. I didn't need to have only one dream that way. I took classes in theater, writing, sign language and communications. It was the perfect melding time in my life. When I didn't have to limit my interests. I read a lot of literary books, and I took plenty of creative writing courses. I ended up graduating with majors in communications and writing, with minors in public relations and English. The first job application I ever sent out was for a PR position for the Special Olympics. I was very depressed when my 21-year old self received the rejection letter. Apparently they wanted someone with some experience. Who knew?

I started my first novel right after college graduation, but it ended up unfinished and literally under my bed until after I was married and had children. When I finally pulled it back out many years later, it was only then that I decided to try my hand at writing fiction again. After I finally completed that epic adult contemporary with every amateur mistake covered in any craft book, I started writing teen books. And the words just flowed. Since that time five years ago, I've written four YA books, and I have several drafts and outlines of other ones. If nothing else, it shows my kids the value of perseverance.

Michelle: Have you shared any of your fave YA books (from you era, LOL) with your kids?

Kimberly: Have I ever! Yes, yes, a resounding YES! I think one of the best bonds you can have with another person is through a shared reading experience. My oldest three kids (now 11, 13 and 14), my husband and I all read the Hunger Games trilogy together. It was interesting to hear their thoughts and concerns. We discussed the value of freedom and choice and holding tight to humanity in a world that continues to struggle with that very idea. We dropped book quotes on a daily basis. When the movie came out, we had a Hunger Games-themed party with all of their friends. After reading The Fault in Our Stars last year, I recommended it to my husband and kids. Throughout the summer, we participated in our version of a John Green Marathon — systematically reading and trading his books back and forth. My daughters and I read many of the RITA-nominated YA books last year, and we loved them. I've also read many books with my son — including but not limited to Harry Potter. I read Ally Carter's Gallagher Girl series with my daughter, and she loved them so much, I took her and her friends to the International Spy Museum to visit Ally Carter on her final book tour. This same daughter acts as a beta reader for two of my critique partners. So, I guess you can say books are pretty popular in my household.

"Openly Straight" by Bill Konigsberg.

Michelle: What are three to four books on your 2014 recommended-reads list?

Kimberly: Oh, there are way too many books! How can I limit myself? I'll try.

This past year, I've come to be more aware of the lack of diversity in books. I'm trying my best to change that by varying my own reading material while guiding my kids to do the same. I want to try several books this year that are outside my comfort zone or just told from a point of view different from my own experiences or culture. These are three I read and enjoyed this month.

• Openly Straight by Bill Konigsberg is a wonderfully told story about an openly gay boy who goes to boarding school and decides to get rid of his label by not telling his classmates he's gay. It's brilliant in dialogue. It's fresh and fun while not downplaying his conflict between being true to himself and removing an unnecessary label. And, of course, there's the falling in love part.

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell steps outside the typical falling-in-love story for teenagers. Eleanor is on the fatter side of chunky with unruly red hair, while Park is half-Korean. Their romance is sweet and sarcastic and completely real. It's about acceptance and love and putting yourself out there. I found this book refreshing, and it stands out even in the midst of this fabulous genre.

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart is a book as tragic as it is interesting. I chose this one because of my favorite character, Gat Patil. He is the love interest of the narrator, and he's of Indian descent. Although he's cast as an outsider who isn't good enough for the wealthy cousins who summer on their private island, he knows the most about life. He's political and outspoken and makes the others think. The ending is surprising, and I can't tell you more than that or I'll ruin the book.

I would love to hear some recommendations for other YA books written by minority authors or books that have main characters with varied backgrounds. If you're on Twitter, check out the hashtag #WeNeedDiverseBooks. It's amazing, and readers of all ages should be aware of this need.

Michelle: Thank you, Kimberly. Your insight and enthusiasm for diverse YA books and authors are appreciated.

Michelle Monkou celebrates her upcoming digital release in Evernight Publishing's Executive Assistant anthology, writing as Michelle Rhys. Her website is michellemonkou.com. You can also connect with her on Facebook.

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