Diann Mills' Awaken my Heart

Awaken My Heart by DiAnn Mills - www.diannmills.com

 

 

Awaken My Heart by DiAnn Mills tells the unlikely love story between 18-year-old Marianne, a wealthy rancher’s daughter, and the infamous Mexican rebel leader warring against her father.

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 1803, The Colony of Texas Journey back to the early days of southwest history  when the Spanish ruled the vast territory of Texas and padres instructed the  people in the ways of God. Step into the world of handsome vaqueros and brightly dressed dark-eyed maidens.   The time is 1803. This is the era of Marianne Phillips and Armando Garcia, two people separated by race and culture but destined for love. Marianne is the daughter of a wealthy American rancher, a man who will do anything to please the Spanish and secure his land. Armando is a Mexican peasant, a rebel according to the Spanish. He has committed his life to helping the poor rise from poverty and the oppression of the ruling Spanish. Armando and Marianne . . . Two unlikely people who have little in common. Or do they? Open this book to a romance that will live in your heart long after the story is told. Curl up in a serape and listen to the strum of a Spanish guitar. I invite you to read with your heart and become a part of a love story that only the hand of God could orchestrate.  

What reviewers are saying about Awaken My Heart:

"Awaken My Heart is a terrific early nineteenth century Texas Colonial romance starring two caring protagonists who in many ways seem like a North American Romeo and Juliet. The story line is fast-paced and loaded with action . . . DiAnn Mills provides a delightful historical that brings to vivid life a time and place that rarely if ever has served as the background." - Harriet Klausner

"Awaken My Heart is a colorful inspirational tale of romance and adventure! -Diana Risso, Romance Reviews Today

Q & A with the author - DiAnn Mills

Q: Welcome, Diann!  You’ve been writing historical fiction for a long time. What interested you in the 1803 time period?

A: I love Texas history, and I have an appreciation for the courageous men and women who built this state. Early Texas is a mixture of Native American, Spanish, black, and various European descents. Each race offered us a rich cultural heritage, a heritage that we should be proud.

Q: Does  Awaken My Heart have a particular theme?

A: The theme is courage: courage to stand up to political and social factions that vie against God and what He desires for His people.

Q: Armando Garcia is quite the rebel!  Do you think this type of hero glorifies rebellion? 

A: Not at all. Armando had much to learn about the difference between his own desires and what God required of him. Once he realized his stand needed to embrace truth, he was on the right road.

Q: Marianne Phillips has a streak of rebellion in her. How was it channeled?

A: Marianne kept much of her rebellion inside because she knew God expected her to honor her parents, and in many instances, her father’s wishes. Once she saw that she had to make a choice between obedience to her father and obedience to God, she found strength to do that which was right.

Q: What is your biggest challenge in writing?

A: Always the characterization. I crave three dimensional characters that will experience growth. Understanding and acting upon their motivation takes time! Sometimes I simply have to “live” with them for awhile. J

Q: So how do you develop your characters?

A: Through time, patience, people-watching, viewing them through unusual situations, brainstorming, and consulting many books about the psychology of personalities. And that’s just the beginning!

A: I use the Myers-Briggs personality profile.  It helps a lot!  How much of yourself goes into a character?

A: I attempt to keep myself excluded from the process, but I admit that an opinion or a trait appears now and then.

Q: LOL!  For me . . . well, let's just say that it's not on a mere whim that I call my blog "a life in pages!"   What's next in the pipeline for you? 

A: I’m currently writing a romantic suspense for Tyndale, the second book in the Behind the Sunglasses Series. I’m also preparing various historical fiction proposals.

Q: What advice do you have for any new writers out there? 

A: To read in the genre in which they want to write. To read the books written by those authors they admire. To read books about the craft. To write everyday. To become active in a writer’s group.

Q: And before we go, how can readers contact you? 

A:  My website is www.diannmills.com.  Thanks!

Thanks for dropping by! 

~~Angie