Saturday, January 26, 2013

DAYS BEFORE A BOOK LAUNCH ~ HOPES ~ post a comment to win a signed copy of Beyond the Valley



Today is the 26th of January, five more days until the official launch of Beyond the Valley. I'm calm. I'm collected. But I feel thankful and hopeful this morning. Years ago when I first began writing, I met with little support, except from my husband who gave me lots of encouragement. He said, 'You have the right to pursue your dream'. And pursue it I did with a love of storytelling that welled up inside me to the point my heart ached at times.

Today, I am sitting at my desk looking outside at the snowy scene. I can't believe how quick the years have gone by. In five days my seventh novel will be available to readers. Two days ago copies arrived by FedX. The cover is gorgeous, the interior laid out beautifully.  The ebook edition is up on the online bookstores, and everything is ready to go. 

My good friend and writing colleague, MaryLu Tyndall, a talented author in her own right, sent me her copy of RT Book Reviews so I could read the review they printed. I had no idea they were reviewing Beyond the Valley until she told me. It is printed in the February issue.
 
Review in RT Book Reviews Magazine - 4 stars
(Creating characters with intense realism and compassion is one of Gerlach's gifts. Her books typically involve dramatic situations, giving her characters a chance to rise above their adversity. Beyond the Valley is a shining example of that, reminding us that we are never forsaken. This is the third in the Daughters of the Potomac series. Sarah's character was introduced in the first novel, Before the Scarlet Dawn, and now she has her own heart-wrenching story that takes us from England to Virginia and Maryland. The historic setting is vividly descriptive, bringing the story to life, almost becoming a character unto itself. You may shed some tears, but you'll come away with deep contentment and satisfaction of a story well told.)
MaryLu's endorsement for Beyond the Valley.
Beyond the Valley is a delightful escape of adventure and romance and a sweeping saga of tragedy and hope that you won’t want to miss! (5 Stars)

My hopes are high. I hope...
  • readers will enjoy the story.
  • That they find a respite from their troubles for a while.
  • That they realize through the story that love finds a way even when things look impossible or insurmountable.
  • That through tough times, we are never alone.
  • That there is hope for the future and forgiveness for the past.
  • That evil never prevails.
  • That historically people suffered through hardships we cannot imagine today, and many succumbed, others overcame.
  • That the greatest of these is love.

If you purchase a Kindle copy of Beyond the Valley, I'd love to send you a signed personalized note you can add to your Kindle that includes the book cover. Just head over to my author's page on Authorgraph and click on the request button. 
  http://www.authorgraph.com/authors/RitaGerlach1

Visit my website and view 'Photos of Scene' to see the photographs I took of the setting.
http://ritagerlach.blogspot.com   
   
Post a comment to be added in a drawing to win in a signed copy of Beyond the Valley.  (USA only)

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have been waiting so patiently to find out what happens next. I loved Before the Scarlet Dawn & Besides Two Rivers. Being able to read historical fiction about a location I have come to love as my own, has only added to the awe I feel looking at the Potomac.

Connie Almony said...

I love your list of hopes. I'm sure they will be realized!

Andrea said...

I loved the first 2 books, I can't wait for this one to come out in just a few days. Congratulations! !! I am sure this one will be just as great as the others.

Lane Hill House said...

New author for me! I would like to read this book. Kathleen
lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

Amy C said...

I'm a historical fiction nut and would Love to have your newest release!
Campbellamyd at Gmail dot com

Erin Unger said...

Congratulations on the new book release. What a great cover! And, what a great review. Can't wait to read it.

Jamie Leigh Martin said...

I have never seen a list of hopes but after dealing with some turmoil in my life - it is something I should be writing for everyday; thank you. -warm smile- Thanks for the chance!