Project and content management for Contemporary Authors volumes
WORK TITLE: The Whispering Sentinel
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: https://authorruthkyser.weebly.com/
CITY:
STATE: MI
COUNTRY: United States
NATIONALITY: American
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Born in MI; married; children: two.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Writer. Formerly worked as an insurance agent for twenty years. Also worked in accounting, as a YMCA Summer Camp counselor, as owner/operator of a hardware store with her husband, and as a part-time church administrative assistant.
MEMBER:American Christian Fiction Writers.
WRITINGS
SIDELIGHTS
Ruth Kyser worked in a number of fields before she turned to writing in 2012. She was an insurance agent for twenty years and also worked in accounting, as a YMCA Summer Camp counselor, as the owner/operator of a hardware store with her husband, and as a part-time church administrative assistant. A native of Michigan, Kyser finally turned her hand to inspirational fiction after retiring twice. Kyser notes on her website, “My goal is to write stories that entertain, but more importantly, educate readers about Jesus Christ and His love for them.”
A self-published writer on platforms such as CreateSpace and Amazon Digital, Kyser has published a score of novels and novellas since 2012. In a Smashwords website interview, Kyser commented on her love for writing: “I honestly can’t remember when I didn’t write little stories! But I would have to say I really became serious about writing and doing something with my craft when I turned forty. Life was passing me by way too fast, and I decided if I was ever going to do anything with it, I had to get started!” She also remarked on her decision to self-publish in the same interview: “Submitting your work to a traditional publisher is a painful process. You send them a query and synopsis and then wait and wait for what is almost always guaranteed to be a rejection letter. Then you have to start all over again. Even if you are fortunate enough to have a publisher want to see the entire manuscript, there’s no promise they will want it.” Thus, self-publishing seemed the best way for Kyser to break into print, as she noted in a Road Less Taken website post: “Several years passed and I suddenly realized one day that if I were ever going to do anything with my writing, I needed to do it NOW. I wasn’t getting any younger, and at this point in my life, I certainly didn’t have time now to submit my work to publishers and wait for months for feedback.”
Kyser further commented on her road to publication in an interview with Vinny O’Hare in the online Book Reader Magazine: “As soon as I started reading, which was about age five, I became fascinated with books and stories. I used to pick up my older sisters’ books and try to read them. Fortunately I had a mother who encouraged reading as the older I became, the more I wanted to read a wide variety of books–including a great deal of fine literature and classics.” In her Road Less Taken website post, Kyser offered the following words of advice for other emerging writers: “The stories you have to tell can only come from your heart. Study the craft, read the Classics, reflect on the beauty of words, and what you have to say that no one else can say.”
The Whispering Sentinel and Without Regrets
Typical of her inspirational, Christian-themed works is Kyser’s 2013 novel, The Whispering Sentinel. This coming home story features Sandy Martin, who has suffered the death of her father and a cancelled wedding. She decides to return to Bradford Mills, her hometown, to sort out her life. Buying her grandmother’s house, she begins to remodel it with the help of her old friend, Tom Brannigan, a contractor. In the process, Sandy reconnects with her faith, which she has put on hold, and her family history through the story of the old house and a diary she discovers in one of the walls. She and Tom also re-ignite their old relationship in this “winsome novel,” according to a Publishers Weekly reviewer, who further noted: “The main thread of Sandy and Tom’s exploration of the house is strong, while faith-driven conversations between Sandy and Tom take on a convincing progression.”
Without Regrets is a further Christian romance focusing on Rachel King, who is trying to find some personal redemption for her past mistakes and to open herself to the possibility of love once again. When her husband dies unexpectedly, Rachel thereafter loses her home and business and feels without hope. Then she receives a letter from an attorney that turns her life upside down again, and which leads the way to a possible new life with a man named Mark, if only she can open her heart once again. Online More than a Review contributor Melissa Banian had praise for Without Regrets, noting: “I enjoyed reading this book, the characters had depth and you could feel the compassion and caring of each character. … I would have no hesitations recommending this book!”
The Town Named Christmas
Chris O’Reilly is another person seeking to get his life back on track in The Town Named Christmas. After hearing an old song on the radio, Chris begins to think of his childhood friend, Bethany, who lives in Duluth, Minnesota. He sets out from Washington state to visit her, but on the way Chris stops off at the town of Christmas, Minnesota, to visit the family of an Army buddy. In the town of Christmas, however, Chris finds much more than he planned for–a place where he is loved and feels like he belongs.
“Just in time for the holidays, local author Ruth Kyser’s latest novel was recently released for those wishing to get into the Christmas spirit,” noted Nancy Hastings in the Hillsdale Daily News Online. Speaking with Hastings, Kyser commented on the inspiration for this tale: “The story came about when I heard an old song from the late 1980s on my internet radio station. It was I Know You’re Out There Somewhere by The Moody Blues. Hearing it again after all these years got my mind working, and before I knew it, I had the seed for a story.” In the same interview, Kyser further remarked on the inspiration for all her writing: “I don’t think I could write without including some segment of my own personal faith in the story. … And I like to write stories about families and how they love and support each other through their daily struggles. I was blessed to be raised in a Christian family and grew up knowing a family’s loving support.”
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Publishers Weekly, February 12, 2018, review of The Whispering Sentinel, p. 64.
ONLINE
Book Reader Magazine, http://bookreadermagazine.com/ (January 9, 2016), Vinny O’Hare, author interview.
Hillsdale Daily News Online, http://www.hillsdale.net/ (November 23, 2017), Nancy Hastings, review of The Town Named Christmas.
More than a Review, https://www.morethanareview.com/ (July 7, 2018), Melissa Banian, review of Without Regrets.
Ruth Kyser website, https://authorruthkyser.weebly.com/ (July 27, 2018).
Seriously Write, https://seriouslywrite.blogspot.com/ (October 20, 2017), Ruth Kyser, “The Road Less Taken.”
Smashwords, https://www.smashwords.com/ (July 27, 2018), “Interview with Ruth Kyser.”
Ruth Kyser is a native Michigander--wife, mother, and grandmother--who writes Christian Inspirational Romance. Ruth has had a wide variety of careers in her lifetime--ranging from accounting, working at a YMCA Summer Camp for kids, owning and operating a hardware store with her husband, to being an insurance agent for twenty years. She recently retired (for the second time) from a part-time job as a church administrative assistant. Now her focus is centered on writing Christian Fiction.
Ruth is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, and enjoys reading almost as much as she loves writing!
Ruth's Mission Statement: "My goal is to write stories that entertain, but more importantly, educate readers about Jesus Christ and His love for them."
Website: http://authorruthkyser.weebly.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruthkyser.author
Twitter: @kyser_r
Pinterest: rkyser1542
QUOTE:
I honestly can't remember when I didn't write little stories! But I would have to say I really became serious about writing and doing something with my craft when I turned 40. Life was passing me by way too fast, and I decided if I was ever going to do anything with it, I had to get started!
Submitting your work to a traditional publisher is a painful process. You send them a query and synopsis and then wait and wait for what is almost always guaranteed to be a rejection letter. Then you have to start all over again. Even if you are fortunate enough to have a publisher want to see the entire manuscript, there's no promise they will want it.
Interview with Ruth Kyser
What is your e-reading device of choice?
I have a KindleFire which I LOVE! My first e-reader was the first generation Kindle. I find the KindleFire (Mine isn't one of the newer ones) to be easier to use. There are over one thousand books on my device and I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to ever find time to read them all!
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in rural Michigan. Because I didn't live in town, I didn't have a bunch of friends to hang out with all the time. Instead I would visit the library and bring home stacks of books to read. And of course, I always had my own stories I was working on over the years.
I was raised in a Christian home and attended a small local church. I'm sure my childhood was very protected in comparison to some, but the values and beliefs with which I was raised have influenced the stories I write and the way I write them.
When did you first start writing?
I honestly can't remember when I didn't write little stories! But I would have to say I really became serious about writing and doing something with my craft when I turned 40. Life was passing me by way too fast, and I decided if I was ever going to do anything with it, I had to get started!
Describe your desk
My desk isn't anything fancy. I write on a small desk in the corner of our dining room. It would be nice if someday I was able to have a room just to go write in, but with a busy life and a small house it hasn't been realistic at this point in our lives. Maybe someday....
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
The process of getting the story down on paper is enjoyable to me. Seeing it develop the way I've imagined in my head for months--or even years--is a wonderful experience. But my greatest joy is hearing back from my readers who tell me how much they have enjoyed my books.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
Submitting your work to a traditional publisher is a painful process. You send them a query and synopsis and then wait and wait for what is almost always guaranteed to be a rejection letter. Then you have to start all over again. Even if you are fortunate enough to have a publisher want to see the entire manuscript, there's no promise they will want it. When the opportunity came to self-publish as an Indie through Smashwords and several other venues, I took it. I've never been sorry!
What are you working on next?
I'm VERY close to finishing a Contemporary Inspirational Romance. It's a mixture of romance, mystery, and has enough history mixed in to keep it interesting. It's a true "coming home" story, and I really think my readers will enjoy reading it. I've LOVED writing it.
Who are your favorite authors?
I grew up reading books by authors such as Gene Stratton Porter, Catherine Marshall, and Louisa May Alcott. I would have to say though that my very favorite author is Bess Streeter Aldrich. I don't think her books are even in print anymore, but I have several of them I've read and re-read so many times, they are in tatters.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
I love to spend time with my family. I also enjoy sewing and quilting, and of course, reading. I'm also involved in searching for my family history. Researching genealogy can be very addictive!
How do you discover the ebooks you read?
Through websites such as Smashwords. Another way is through my friends' postings on Facebook. If they recommend a book, I'm more likely to download it and read it.
Published 2013-10-27.
Smashwords Interviews are created by the profiled author, publisher or reader.
Books by This Author
Laurie's Heart (Book 3 in "The Morgan Family Saga") by Ruth Kyser
Series: The Morgan Family Saga. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 62,140. Language: English. Published: July 20, 2017. Categories: Fiction » Christian » Historical, Fiction » Christian » Romance
Clayton Morgan loves his family's cattle ranch, the Bluecreek Ranch. But after losing a college buddy to a violent crime, he decides to leave the ranch and his family behind to go into law enforcement. Then a dark-haired, brown-eyed shy young woman by the name of Laurie Lambright comes into his life. Even though he's attracted to her, she lets it be known right up front that she's not interested.
One Last Christmas - A Christian Christmas Novella by Ruth Kyser
Price: $2.49 USD. Words: 25,870. Language: English. Published: July 17, 2017. Categories: Fiction » Christian » Romance
After the death of Cate Thomas' dear grandmother, she and the rest of the family are planning a special Christmas celebration in her Grams' old house. Then a stranger shows up in town with claims of a family secret that could turn their Christmas celebration upside down. Is the handsome young man telling them the truth, or is Cate going to have her heart broken one more time?
Clara's Heart by Ruth Kyser
Series: The Morgan Family Saga. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 71,140. Language: English. Published: February 10, 2016. Categories: Fiction » Christian » Historical
Reece Morgan plans to return home to the family ranch after college, but after a difference of opinion with his dad, he accepts a job in town as sheriff deputy. He's settling in well when the troubled granddaughter of the Bluecreek Ranch's foreman comes to visit. Suddenly, Reece's heart is drawn back to his family, and the young woman who has caught his eye. Set during the years 1938-39.
Mattie's Heart by Ruth Kyser
Series: The Morgan Family Saga. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 71,150. Language: English. Published: November 28, 2015. Categories: Fiction » Christian » Historical
As a newlywed, Mattie Welch Morgan had specific ideas about what married life would be like. None of those included going to Montana with her husband to start a cattle ranch. But after Brady Morgan decides they are going west to homestead a claim, Mattie has to change her ideas. Then tragedy strikes the Morgan family and Mattie is left struggling with her faith. Book 1 in The Morgan family Saga.
The Healing Hills by Ruth Kyser
Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 69,490. Language: English. Published: May 1, 2015. Categories: Fiction » Christian » Romance
After Carrie Montgomery is brutally attacked by a stalker, she visits her great-aunt in the Smoky Mountain area of Tennessee. There in the hills of her ancestors she is reminded of her childhood faith. She becomes friends with Neil Johnston who has also suffered losses. Can Carrie find healing in the mountains? A heart-warming story of love, faith and forgiveness that will touch your heart.
True Cover - Book 3 - Second Chances by Ruth Kyser
Series: True Cover, Book 3. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 64,770. Language: English. Published: August 4, 2014. Categories: Fiction » Christian » Romance
Book 3 - "True Cover" series returns to Montana. Bluecreek's foreman, Zeke Mosher, struggles with the disappearance of his fiance, Jessica Thorne, months before their wedding. Meanwhile Sam Morgan is dealing with his dad dating again. While attempting to make a decision about his future as sheriff, Sam joins his friend, Zeke, in the search for what happened to Jess after she left Bluecreek Ranch.
The Whispering Sentinel by Ruth Kyser
Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 72,970. Language: English. Published: February 1, 2014. Categories: Fiction » Christian » Romance, Fiction » Christian » Contemporary
After a cancelled wedding and the death of her father, Sandy Martin makes the decision to do just that when she returns to her hometown of Bradford Mills. She buys her grandmother’s old house, and in the process of remodeling the house with an old friend, Tom Brannigan, Sandy discovers her house has a story to tell and secrets she never expected. A true story about 'coming home'.
True Cover - Book 2 - Bluecreek Ranch by Ruth Kyser
Series: True Cover, Book 2. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 61,440. Language: English. Published: June 18, 2013. Categories: Fiction » Christian » Suspense, Fiction » Christian » Romance
This book continues the story which began in "True Cover". Sam Morgan and his FBI team are back. After a shootout 'gone bad' injures the members of the team, Sam and his team are separated for a time. As Sam tries to recover both mentally and physically, he starts to doubt his faith and worry--after all these years, have his wife's past enemies finally found her?
True Cover by Ruth Kyser
Series: True Cover, Book 1. Price: Free! Words: 62,900. Language: English. Published: December 23, 2012. Categories: Fiction » Christian » Romance
(5.00)
In a matter of 24 hours, Sarah Masters lost everything that was important to her - her job, her friends, her house. Now a madman is hunting her down to kill her, and the only ones stopping him are the FBI Agents who have pledged to protect her. But while keeping her safe, these FBI Agents touch Sarah's life in a way she never expected as they cause her to question her relationship with God.
Endless Season by Ruth Kyser
Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 54,290. Language: English. Published: June 5, 2012. Categories: Fiction » Christian » Romance, Fiction » Christian » Contemporary
It was only to be a vacation-a 2 week respite from her work, and a chance to visit with friends. But when a young widow named Jennifer Marlowe takes a trip to England to visit old chums, instead of touring the city of Manchester, she ends up in the Scottish Highlands. There she meets a tall Scot with haunted eyes, whose bitterness toward God touches her heart and life.
The Dove and The Raven - a Christian Historical Romance by Ruth Kyser
Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 51,140. Language: English. Published: November 8, 2011. Categories: Fiction » Christian » Romance
He awoke to discover he didn’t know who he was – or anything about his past. This book takes place during the final years of America’s battle for freedom from the British Monarchy. The story line is told through the eyes of both Hannah Stewart and the young man, Samuel, who has no past. Interwoven between the pages are the supporting characters, and the story of the birth of a new nation.
QUOTE:
As soon as I started reading, which was about age five, I became fascinated with books and stories. I used to pick up my older sisters’ books and try to read them. Fortunately I had a mother who encouraged reading as the older I became, the more I wanted to read a wide variety of books–including a great deal of fine literature and classics.
Featured Author Ruth Kyser
By Vinny O'Hare
1951762fb5d40ac1d18828.L._V137155946_SX200Featured Interview With Ruth Kyser
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I’m a native Michigander–wife, mother, and grandmother–who writes Christian Inspirational Romance. As a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, I also enjoy reading almost as much as I love writing! I surprised myself, and in 2015 (in addition to writing two books of my own) I read 215 books. I am an avid reader!
Ruth’s Mission Statement: “My goal is to write stories that entertain, but more importantly, educate readers about Jesus Christ and His love for them.”
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
As soon as I started reading, which was about age five, I became fascinated with books and stories. I used to pick up my older sisters’ books and try to read them. Fortunately I had a mother who encouraged reading as the older I became, the more I wanted to read a wide variety of books–including a great deal of fine literature and classics.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favorite author growing up was Bess Streeter Aldrich. I’m fairly certain that her book, “Song of Years”, is what led me to write the type of books I write. I enjoy reading Christian fiction — mostly romance, but sometimes I read Suspense/Mystery too. But the books have to be well-written to keep my interest. Sometimes I start a book and the plot is so thin and the characters so shallow, I can’t finish it. Fortunately, that doesn’t happen very often! We have many wonderful writers out there.
I’m inspired to write by music, nature–just about anything. Sometimes an idea will sit in my head for years before I finally decide to use it. It takes me about six months to write, re-write, edit, and polish my manuscripts before they’re ready for publication. I have times I don’t write, but I’m working on related projects during those ‘down’ times. And I’m ALWAYS writing in my head!
Tell us a little about your latest book?
My most recent book, CLARA’S HEART, is actually book 2 in a 3-book series — THE MORGAN FAMILY SAGA series. MATTIE’S HEART is book one in this Christian Historical Fiction series, followed by CLARA’S HEART, and my current writing project, LAURIE’S HEART.
MATTIE’S HEART is Book 1 in the “Morgan Family Saga” series. As a newlywed, Mattie Welch Morgan had specific ideas about what her married life would be like. None of those included going to Montana with her husband to start a cattle ranch. But after Brady Morgan decided they are going west to homestead a claim, Mattie has to change her notions about her future. Then tragedy strikes the Morgan family and Mattie is left struggling with her faith and wondering if her life is all a mistake. What will Mattie choose to do with her heart, and will she ever know peace and happiness again? “Mattie’s Heart” takes place in the years spanning 1915-1919, and shares the story of one young couple with a pioneer spirit–their trials, turmoil, and sorrows as they strive to find God’s will for their lives. Those who have read the “True Cover” series by Ruth Kyser will recognize Brady & Mattie Morgan as the great-grandparents of FBI Agent, Samuel Clemens Morgan.
CLARA’S HEART is Book 2 in “The Morgan Family Saga”.
Reece Morgan had always planned to return home and help run the family ranch after college, but after a difference of opinion with his father, he decides to accept a job in town. He’s settling in well in his new occupation as a sheriff’s deputy when the troubled granddaughter of the Bluecreek Ranch’s foreman comes to visit the ranch.
Suddenly Reece’s focus changes and his heart is drawn back to his family and the ranching business he loves. However, the young woman, Clara Callahan, makes it known from the start that she doesn’t have the same faith in a loving God that he does. Praying some time apart will dim his feelings for her, Reece once again leaves the ranch for the big city.
Will the two of them find a way to make their stormy relationship work, or will the differences between them be too large a hurdle to overcome?
“Clara’s Heart” takes place in the years 1938-1939, and continues the story of the ancestors of FBI Agent, Samuel Clemens Morgan, from the TRUE COVER SERIES by Ruth Kyser.
I actually decided to write this three books series while I was finishing up book 3 of my TRUE COVER series–SECOND CHANCES. I had created a very detailed family history for the main character of the book, Samuel Clemens Morgan, and decided I needed to tell the stories of Sam’s parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents, who had started the Bluecreek Ranch.
All the books have been very well received and reviewed, and I have greatly enjoyed writing them. When I finish this series, it’s going to be difficult to leave the Morgan Family behind as I’ve been writing their stories for the last three years! The Morgan family is made up of imperfect people striving to live for God–making mistakes and suffering tragedies–but picking themselves back up and continuing on with the live God has given them. I hope all my readers find their stories inspiring and uplifting.
Connect with the Author on their Websites and Social media profiles
Ruth Kyser’s Website
Ruth Kyser Facebook Page
Ruth Kyser Twitter Account
QUOTE:
Several years passed and I suddenly realized one day that if I were ever going to do anything with my writing, I needed to do it NOW. I wasn’t getting any younger, and at this point in my life, I certainly didn’t have time now to submit my work to publishers and wait for months for feedback.the stories you have to tell can only come from your heart. Study the craft, read the Classics, reflect on the beauty of words, and what you have to say that no one else can say.
Friday, October 20, 2017
A Road Less Taken by Ruth Kyser
Ruth Kyser
No longer is there only one path to publication—writers have many options. Today, author Ruth Kyser shares the road she took, as well as some advice for both new and experienced writers. ~ Dawn
A Road Less Taken
I’ve chosen to take a different route to publication than most of my counterparts. Perhaps it’s because I got a later start in my writing career than most.
Several years ago I received a plaque from my sister. It was a quote from George Eliot:
“It is never too late to be what you might have been.”
Back then I was working as an insurance agent in a stressful, full-time job. For years I’d dreamed of becoming an author, but I had never become serious about it. Oh yes; over the years I’d written countless stories. I’d even submitted them to major publishers. One manuscript had even been considered by a publisher for almost a year. Then I received a letter with those dreaded words, “I’m sorry, but your manuscript doesn’t fit our needs at this time.”
Fortunately, I also received a heartfelt note from the editor telling me my writing had promise and he hoped to receive something more from me in the future—and encouraging me not to quit. Several years passed and I suddenly realized one day that if I were ever going to do anything with my writing, I needed to do it NOW. I wasn’t getting any younger, and at this point in my life, I certainly didn’t have time now to submit my work to publishers and wait for months for feedback.
Then my husband gave me a Kindle. I checked out Amazon’s website and quickly discovered the world of self-publishing.
Becoming an independent publisher/author (‘indies’) fits my life well. I’ve always been a little bit of a renegade, choosing not to do things in the usual fashion.
Seven years and thirteen books later (the fourteenth is being released in November), I still feel as if I’m learning the trade. I’ve also learned that as authors, we need each other’s encouragement more than ever in this solitary, occupation we’ve chosen for ourselves.
So, for what it’s worth, here’s my advice to upcoming authors and veterans alike:
1. Don’t allow discouragement to seep into your life. It’s easy to get depressed when you feel you’ll never finish your current project. Just keep plugging away.
2. Stay grounded in scripture, and take time for prayer.
3. Find a network of other authors. There are online groups of veteran writers who are more than willing to answer your questions.
4. Hire professionals, especially if you are going the Indie route.
5. Don’t quit. Keep writing—no matter what.
And remember, the stories you have to tell can only come from your heart. Study the craft, read the Classics, reflect on the beauty of words, and what you have to say that no one else can say.
Then, and only then, can you write those words the Lord has placed on your heart to share with the world.
May God bless your writing journey, dear friends!
A Place Called Hart’s Desire
A Place Called Hart's Desire
A Place Called Hart's Desire is a contemporary Christian romance, set in the hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Christian Romance Author Ellie Hathaway escapes for two weeks to a cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains, intent on finishing her book within the deadline. Of course, it only confuses the issue that the cabin she's staying at is the same one her parents originally reserved for her now-defunct honeymoon.
Then Ellie meets the owner's son, Lucas Hart—a widower wracked by grief and with a heart hardened against God. Ellie is immediately drawn to Luke, but she cautions herself against falling for a man so obviously still in love with his dead wife.
Can Ellie help Luke find his way back to God? And in the process, will Ellie's heart be totally broken—or will she also learn to forgive, and love again?
Ruth Kyser is a native Michigander--wife, mother, and grandmother--who writes Christian Inspirational Romance. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, and enjoys reading almost as much as she loves writing!
Ruth's Mission Statement: "My goal is to write stories that entertain, but more importantly, educate readers about Jesus Christ and His love for them."
You can learn more and connect with Ruth here:
Website: http://authorruthkyser.weebly.com
Blog: http://ruthkyser.wordpress.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruthkyser.author
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/rkyser154
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kyser_r
QUOTE:
the main thread of Sandy and Tom's exploration of the house is strong, while faith-driven conversations between Sandy and Tom take on a convincing progression.
The Whispering Sentinel
Publishers Weekly.
265.7 (Feb. 12, 2018): p64. From Book Review Index Plus. COPYRIGHT 2018 PWxyz, LLC http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
The Whispering Sentinel
Ruth Kyser. CreateSpace, $11.49 trade paper (280p) ISBN 978-1-4937-9279-5
In the introduction to this winsome novel, Kyser (True Cover) declares she aims to "educate readers about Jesus Christ and His love for them" through the pleasing story of Sandy Martin and her grandmother's mysterious old house. After a breakup, Sandy moves home to Bradford Mills, Mich., where she buys her deceased grandmother's former home on a whim. Hoping that happy childhood memories from her hometown will heal her broken heart, Sandy hires Tom Brannigan, a local contractor and old classmate, to restore the house. Sandy and Tom haven't seen each other since high school, when she was a goody-two-shoes Christian and he was a carefree playboy. Now, with Tom evolving as a more devout Christian and Sandy wondering where she stands with God, the two discover a diary from 1856 in one of the walls and work together to uncover the secrets of the old house. Although the narrative gets bogged down in distracting, irrelevant details and minor story lines (as when Sandy attends her cousin's Little League baseball games, and a long miscommunication about Tom's relationship to another woman), the main thread of Sandy and Tom's exploration of the house is strong, while faith-driven conversations between Sandy and Tom take on a convincing progression. Tom's redemptive tale will please readers of faith as Kyser handles Tom's struggles, reformation, and newly found maturity with care. (BookLife)
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"The Whispering Sentinel." Publishers Weekly, 12 Feb. 2018, p. 64. Book Review Index Plus,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A528615510/GPS?u=schlager&sid=GPS& xid=1c7e5f56. Accessed 6 July 2018.
1 of 2 7/6/18, 9:41 PM
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MA...
Gale Document Number: GALE|A528615510
2 of 2 7/6/18, 9:41 PM
QUOTE:
I enjoyed reading this book, the characters had depth and you could feel the compassion and caring of each character
I would have no hesitations recommending this book!
Without Regrets By Ruth Kyser
Reviewer: Melissa Banian
Category: Fiction / Christian / Romance
0
0
Can Rachel forgive herself for past decisions, and open her heart to love again? Rachel King lost everything. After her husband dies unexpectedly, she loses their home and business; she loses it all. After months of struggling, she was just starting to put her life back together when she receives a letter from an attorney-a letter that totally turns her life upside down. “Without Regrets” takes you through the heart-wrenching ordeal of one woman’s journey to forgiveness as she struggles with the “what ifs” of life. She knows she has God’s forgiveness, but can she forgive herself for past decisions that hurt others, and open her heart to love again?
Sexual Content - 0/5
Violence - 0/5
Language - 0/5
Drugs and Alcohol - 0/5
Summary
From: Melissa Banian
Book Title: Without Regrets
Book Author: Ruth Kyser
What do you like about this book:
I love that it was a clean book. (Three kisses, but it stops there.) I enjoyed reading this book, the characters had depth and you could feel the compassion and caring of each character. I wish my husband could read my emotions as well as Mark read Rachel! 😉 I liked how she wrapped up the ending, without a harlequin ending (read: fake), more like real life. I would have no hesitations recommending this book!
Your ratings of the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use on a scale of 1-5.
Sex:0
Violence:0
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Just in time for the holidays, local author Ruth Kyser’s latest novel was recently released for those wishing to get into the Christmas spirit.
The story came about when I heard an old song from the late 1980s on my internet radio station. It was ‘I Know You’re Out There Somewhere’ by The Moody Blues. Hearing it again after all these years got my mind working, and before I knew it, I had the seed for a story
I don’t think I could write without including some segment of my own personal faith in the story,” she said. “And I like to write stories about families and how they love and support each other through their daily struggles. I was blessed to be raised in a Christian family and grew up knowing a family’s loving support.
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By Nancy Hastings
nhastings@hillsdale.net
Posted Nov 23, 2017 at 1:00 PM
HILLSDALE – Just in time for the holidays, local author Ruth Kyser’s latest novel was recently released for those wishing to get into the Christmas spirit.
“The Town Named Christmas” was released Oct. 24, giving readers something “brand-spanking” new.
“I started working on the story about six months ago, right after I finished my previous book, “A Place Called Hart’s Desire,” Kyser said. “Usually before I finish one book, I have the idea for at least one more simmering in the back of my brain.”
After retiring at the end of June from her “day job,” she has time to do more writing.
“I’ve also done some traveling, and, of course, I’ve been able to spend more time with my family,” she said. “I hope to still write two to three novels a year.”
“The Town Named Christmas” is set in the fictional small town of Christmas, Minnesota.
“The town is kind of a mixture of Frankenmuth, Michigan and other small towns that really go all out to celebrate the Christmas season,” she said. “The story came about when I heard an old song from the late 1980s on my internet radio station. It was ‘I Know You’re Out There Somewhere’ by The Moody Blues. Hearing it again after all these years got my mind working, and before I knew it, I had the seed for a story.”
This story begins with Chris O’Reilly, one of the main characters in the book, hearing that very song on the radio, which in turn sends him on a journey to find his childhood friend, Bethany Cummings. But before he goes looking for her, O’Reilly decides to go to the town of Christmas to see if he can find his old Army buddy’s family – never guessing what he’d find. This book shares O’Reilly’s struggle with his faith, his love for his family, and his need to find someplace where he is loved and where he feels like he belongs.
“Because I have Chris start his journey from Yakima, Washington, then go to Davis, California, before traveling to Minnesota, I had to research those areas thoroughly,” Kyser said. “One tool I have found to be extremely useful is Google Maps. In most cases, you can zoom in to the point where you feel as if you’re actually driving the roads and seeing the countryside. It’s a fantastic tool for research.”
When choosing settings for her books, Kyser tries to write about places she’s been, even though it doesn’t always work out that way.
“My hope, though, is that my writing will transport the reader to that very spot at that very moment described in the books,” she said. “I want the reader to feel the sting of the icy snow on their face, or envision the vista sweeping below them when standing on the side of a mountain. The best books I’ve read make me feel like I’m actually in the place being described. That’s the experience I want to give my readers.”
This novel is her 14th book. She has published two separate three-book series—The “True Cover” series, and “The Morgan Family Saga” series, which continues the story of the Morgan Family in the “True Cover” series.
Her newest book is different from the others in that it is only the second holiday novel she’s written.
“I released “One Last Christmas,” which is a short Christmas novella, about this same time last year,” she said. “It was only released in e-book version at that time, however, and was never put into print.”
However, if you purchase the paperback version of “The Town Named Christmas,” “One Last Christmas” is also included in the back of the book as a bonus. So, you really get two books in one, she added.
Kyser said all her books are Christ-centered.
“I don’t think I could write without including some segment of my own personal faith in the story,” she said. “And I like to write stories about families and how they love and support each other through their daily struggles. I was blessed to be raised in a Christian family and grew up knowing a family’s loving support. Now I have a wonderful husband, daughter, and son. My children are both married and between the two of them, they have given us eight fantastic grandchildren. The love of a good family is so important in today’s world.”
Though she hasn’t begun her next book yet, she has several manuscripts started.
“I may end up getting a story idea that’s completely different from the ones I’ve started and go with that,” she said. “When I wrote ‘A Place Called Hart’s Desire,’ I had actually written about a third of another book and decided to put it on a back-burner as this other story line was keeping me awake at night.”
Settings are considered important.
“I would love to write another book set in the hills of Tennessee, but we’ll have to see what happens when I start writing,” she said
Kyser said she’ll keep writing as long as the Lord keeps giving her ideas and the desire to write.
“I enjoy the work, and hopefully, my readers enjoy the stories I have to tell,” she said.
Her books are available at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble.com, the Apple Store online, and locally they are available in paperback at Nash Drugs Store in Hillsdale, and The Swallows Nest Bookstore in Quincy.
And for anyone who is on Pinterest, Kyser has created boards for all of her books, with photos she used for inspiration while she was in the process of writing them.