Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Tuesday's Special is...A Daughter's Promise

A DAUGHTER'S PROMISE by Christine Clemetson


A Daughter’s Promise, by debut novelist Christine Clemetson, is a sweeping love story of sacrifice and unexpected hope. In war torn Italy, 1944, Serene Moneto made a promise to her dying mother—a promise so haunting that it directs the course of her life. When she chooses to save an American soldier from death, she risks everything—her name, her life, and capture by the Germans. Finding forbidden love with this soldier tears her world apart. Against the backdrop of a war raging right outside her door, can she choose happiness? Despite the promise she made those years ago?


To buy A Daugher's Promise from The Wild Rose Press, CLICK HERE

Click to visit, Christine's website.


Excerpt from A DAUGHTER'S PROMISE


Serene’s heart pounded as she peered around the silent restaurant, alive hours earlier but now masked with an eerie paleness. This room and her life would never again be the same. She whisked off the wetness around her eyes, sucked in a daunted breath, and remembered her purpose.

“Are you all right?” She hoped her English was still understandable.

No response from the American.

Leaning a little closer, she gently placed her hand beneath his, finding it warm and moist with life. “Can you hear me?”

Still nothing.

“If you can hear me, squeeze my hand.”

Serene checked behind her. She unbuttoned his coat, soaked in warm blood, and slid her hand inside, relieved to feel at least a slight rise and fall to his chest.

“I want to help you, but not now. I have to go, but I’ll be back. Can you hear me? I’ll be back.”

Halten Sie!” Boots clicked toward her on the stone floor.

As she let go of the American’s hand, the slightest pressure passed her fingertips.

He had heard her.

***************************************************************************

Please answer the following question for a chance to win a free copy of A DAUGHTER'S PROMISE. Or, pop in and chat with Christine!!
What kind of help is Serene offering the American?



Some people have called Christine a book worm. And were they ever right! Growing up in a small beach town in New Jersey, she wouldn’t have been caught on her beach towel without a good book. Nothing on earth equated to stepping into the library each week, hearing the creaks of the wood floor, and knowing an unable-to-put-down story was waiting. Through all of this, she caught the fire of creativity and discovered she had her own story to tell. Not just one, but many! While earning her degree in literature, and developing her career as a technical writer, Christine kept writing and learning the craft of putting together a good story. Now, with a growing family, endless driving to soccer games, and a crayfish that needs to be fed every three days, she still manages to get her characters down on paper.

59 comments:

Christine Clemetson said...

Hi Sarah & Book Roasters!

Thank so much for having me. I'm looking forward to a day of fun and roasting.

:)
Christine

Sarah Laurenson said...

Hello, hello, hello.

Coffee's on. Apparently I need somethign stronger this morning!

Good morning and welcome to the roast, Christine!

Christine Clemetson said...

Thank you!

Good morning! I'm on my second cup..so I needed stronger too.

:)

Sarah Laurenson said...

Your debut novel! How exciting. What was it like to get that phone call (was it a phone call)?

BTW, If you put a quick note on your website, you can let your fans know you're on the grill.

Chris Eldin said...

Riveting!!! I especially love the backdrop...

Christine Clemetson said...

I received an email with the contract! I held my breath for a second. It was about 6 in the morning and then I screamed, waking up the whole house. Then I proceeded to tell everyone at my son's bus stop. LOL. I have likened it to how the US hockey players felt when they put that winning puck in the net to win the gold at the 1980 Olympics. Incredible feeling!

Sarah Laurenson said...

That is an amazing description.

I think screaminng the house awake is a great idea!

Sarah Laurenson said...

Hey Chris,

Late enough in your day for drinking something stronger yes?

Helen Hardt said...

Your blurb has me hooked, Christine! I'm already getting tissues handy. I can't wait to read this.

Helen
www.helensheroes.blogspot.com

Christine Clemetson said...

Hi Chris!

Thank you!

The backdrop is like a character in itself..it had its own story to tell. So many things happening during that time period (1944) and capturing the emotions/turmoil in the book became such a learning experience about life during that time.

Christine Clemetson said...

Hi Helen,
Thanks so much for stopping by. :) I'm glad you liked the blurb. When I wrote that scene, my heart was pumping!! I was so scared for both of them...and I was hoping so much he (Miles, the hero) would survive. :) It's funny how our characters takes us on journeys and we can't wait to see what's next. And then we hope our readers feel those same surprises.

Bill Johnson said...

Anzio, Italy 1944...Wow interesting! Must have been difficult to research. What made you write about that time period?

laughingwolf said...

welcome christine... intriguing excerpt, sarah :)

what serene offered the american was a bit more than fava beans and a nice chianti... perhaps some fresh made tiramisu and cappuccino after the eight course meal beginning with a zesty lasagna? ;) lol

GreenOne1080 said...

Hi Chris, Hi Everyone... I would just like to add that Christine is not only an amazing novelist, but an amazing person as well. Her spirit shines so bright, no wonder the right characters at the right time and place choose her to come through. An awsome vessel indeed.

Jesspoirvivant said...

Hi Everyone,

I've already read her book in less than 3 hours! So, I'll keep mum about the contest question, ;D.

What a great opportunity to get behind-the-scenes footage so to speak.

Christine Clemetson said...

Hi Bill,
I wanted to give a voice to those soldiers lost in Anzio and I wanted to learn more about Italy and the beautiful country! Lots of research, but I really enjoyed it. :)

Christine Clemetson said...

You got it, laughingwolf! Eight course meal is just a start! And the sad part...I'm not a cook at all! LOL. The food part I had to really research.

Christine Clemetson said...

Rene! Great to see you. Thank you so much for your wonderful thoughts... :))))

Jesspoirvivant said...

I love that this book tells of a possible story beyond the history books of characters that are real with flaws and as yet unknown capabilities of heroism. How many stories like this must have gone untold. Christine is giving a voice to those real relationship archetypes between siblings, parents, & of course the romantic kind that were highented with the war situation that must have existed. Incredible!

Christine Clemetson said...

Hi Jess!
Behind the scenes footage is a great way to describe it..sounds so Hollywoodish! Love it.

laughingwolf said...

my italian friends always treat me like family, especially when it comes to the home made wine part, afterward :O lol

Jesspoirvivant said...

Chris, as far as your writing style, was it difficult to keep up with the main plot, subplots, etc.? It seemed intricately woven which made the suspense flow. I was thoroughly intrigued.

Christine Clemetson said...

That's exactly what I wanted to do Jess! Create something that gave a voice to things that happened and show the "realness" of that time period and how the characters had to make tough life decisions. While still making time for LOVE, of course. :) Thanks for the post!

Christine Clemetson said...

Homemade wine..wow! Can that be sent in cyberspace? We'd enjoy that, here!

Christine Clemetson said...

Thanks, Jess! I kept track of the plots through a spreadsheet, sort of! I'm a pantser (write by the seat of my pants, LOL), so I did a very brief sketch of the main plot before writing the story through. At that point is when I discover the subplots! The whole discovery process is amazing to me! Then I go back and tighten/connect the main plot with the subplots. I use a sticky system on the manuscript itself to keep track of changes that affect any of the plot lines.

Tana said...

I love the writing. Beautifully done Christine and congrats on the debut! To answer the question, I believe she was trying to offer him medical help of some kind? I look forward to reading more of this.

RoseAnn DeFranco said...

I love the excerpt. It sounds like a great set up and really makes me want to read your book. Have you ever been to Italy and did you find it difficult to keep the Italian language / culture authentic while writing in English?

Sarah Laurenson said...

Wow! All these great questions. Remember to take a stab at answering the question at the end of the excerpt for your chance to win a copy of the book!

RoseAnn DeFranco said...

Since he's soaked in blood, I'm going to guess she's offering Medical help.

Sarah Laurenson said...

Medical help? Medical help? Oh my.

I think a young hot blooded woman might be about to offer a hunky man something other than medical help.

Oh, okay, he's got blood on him so medical help first (if he needs it) and then...

Anonymous said...

My guess to the question is that she is offering him protection from the German soldiers.

Christine Clemetson said...

Thank you so much T.Anne! Yes! Medical help... and other things ;) I hope you enjoy the story!

Christine Clemetson said...

Hey RoseAnn,
Thanks for stopping by & I'm glad you liked the excerpt. :) I've never been to Italy, but during the research of this book, I talked to a few people that lived in Rome during that time period. So, they were able to give me the flavors and nuances of that time period. That, along with a huge Italian dictionary!

Christine Clemetson said...

Definitely medical help, getting the band-aids out of the way first...and then..and then....hmmm...LOL!

Christine Clemetson said...

Hi Anonymous...
Yes! The Germans are on her heels and she has to make a choice--her life or the American.
Thanks for stopping by.:)

Bill Johnson said...

Hi Christine

What a nice tribute to all those that lost their lives during that battle. Sounds like it is a great story!

Maybe she offered him a job at the restaurant or discount on a perillo tour?

Christine Clemetson said...

LOL, Bill! I think the tour may have been more likely. The hero wouldn't have had working papers since he wasn't a citizen of Italy. Good guess!

Jesspoirvivant said...

Hey Chris, he could have worked under the table. Oops, sorry, I get carried away since this is romance too, LOL. ;D

Christine Clemetson said...

Definitely a possibility. :)

Unknown said...

I loved your book and was disappointed when it ended. I wish you would write a sequel about the rest of their lives.

Ellen

Jesspoirvivant said...

OMG Ellen I thought the same thing. I was left thinking, well what happens after that, how was their life together, what happened for Samuel & Margot, what was Marcus' fate, and how did the next generation do? The end of the story really had me grabbing for the Kleenex, really moving!

Christine Clemetson said...

Thank you Ellen & Jess..That's great to hear! I miss the characters too.. I've thought about a sequel...I think it would be fun to do and alos to choose which characters would get the spotlight! I'll keep you posted!

Mary Ricksen said...

What a traumatic time to write about. I'll bet you found a lot of emotion to use in your book.
I'm guessing she is offering to protect and hide him?

Mary

Christine Clemetson said...

Hi Mary,
Thanks for stopping by & leaving a note.

I did find a lot of emotion in the time period. Because it was such a dark part of our history, I tried to bring it out in a way that showed the inner hope within these characters and the light they found within each other.

It all starts from that scene from the excerpt..she is compelled to protect him and sacrifice everything to save him. So I drew from that emotion of our need to help others, and grew it from there.

:)

Stacey Joy Netzel said...

Christine, I've read this excerpt before and you've got me really wanting to see what's going to happen. I've added it to my Buy list!

Christine Clemetson said...

Hi Stacey! Thank you... It's funny..I have your book Chasin' Mason on my buy list too. I read the blurb when it came out. Looks great!

Christine Clemetson said...

Thanks for all the great comments and fun chat! What a great day!! Thank you Sarah for such a wonderful experience. :)

Soooo I put everyone's name in a hat (well, really a shoe box) and pulled one out...drum roll... please.....

A copy of a "Daughter's Promise" goes to T.Anne !! Congratulations!! Please email me at cdclemetson@aol.com so I can send you a copy!

Sarah Laurenson said...

Awesome day!

And here I showed up late and now I'm kicking the guests out early. What a host I turned out to be. ;-)

Have to get ready to watch some serious ice skating - in box seats no less. Perks of the wife's job.

So take your time getting your things together and posting a few last comments. Whenever you're ready to declare a winner Christine - jump right on in.

Christine Clemetson said...

We posted at the same time! LOL.

Congrats again to T.Anne!

You're an awesome host, Sarah! :)) Enjoy the ice skating..

Chris Eldin said...

Thanks to everyone for dropping by!!!

Thank you, Christine, for spending time with us!!! All best wishes for a successful debut!!!!
:-)

laughingwolf said...

dunno christine... it's usually all gone by daylight ;) lol

Christine Clemetson said...

Thanks Chris! I had an awesome time & thanks to you for making it a great day!

:)
Christine

Christine Clemetson said...

Oh, darn! Next time, then. :)

laughingwolf said...

i'll be sure to save at least one gallon for you, christine ;)

Hywela Lyn said...

Hi Chrisine

Sorry to drop in late, just wanted to say 'hi' to a fellow Wild Rose Press Author.

Your book sounds wonderful and I enjoyed reading through all the posts. Congratulations to T.Anne

Aymee said...

This story sounds amazing! I just love this period in history as well. Hope you're having a good morning!

~Amy

Christine Clemetson said...

Hi Lyn,
Thanks so much for stopping by & your well wishes about my book! It was such a great day! :)

Christine Clemetson said...

Hi Amy,

Thank you! I love the time period too. We had a great time at the roast. :))))

Anonymous said...

Hi Christine
I am so sorry I missed your roast(some of us are at work at the wrong times lol). I enjoyed the roast though it was after the fact. I just want you to know I enjoyed your book so much that I hope you write a sequel. I will enjoy the movie also. Thanks for a great book, great writing and such a great new author...
Kathy