CAPA Nominee - Historical romance

Christmas not only came early but brought a big surprise. On Dec 23, 2009 a friend, yes I do have a few, very few, emailed me that I'd been nominated for a CAPA. In total disbelief I checked it out and, son-of-a-gun, there was my story Somewhere in North Africa nominated in the Historical category. What made this even more amazing was the fact that this was the first contract I'd gotten.

Blurb:

Algeria had been invaded by the Allies. Victoria Jackson, Army nurse, never saw a different invasion coming her way in the form of Navy officer Scott Murphy. Separated by the misfortunes of war, including reassignment to different posts, and the horrors of a torpedoed ship, will Scott and Vicki ever be able to make a life together?

Excerpt:

He woke the second time to someone shining a light in his eyes. He looked up, barely able to see beyond the light, and thought he'd died.

He had to have died. No one on this earth could be so beautiful. She had to be an angel, dressed all in white, silken blonde hair tied back in a chignon with a few wisps framing her face, a face so perfect it could only have been the creation of the world's greatest sculptor. Her blue eyes were perfect in shape and size.

Then the angel spoke. "Doctor, he's waking up."

Scott was hypnotized. Not by what she said but by her full, sensuous lips.

Guess I'm not dead after all. Still, where'd this angel come from?

Scott tried to lift his head, and his voice rasped as he asked no one in particular, "How long…?"
"Lieutenant Murphy, just take it easy. You've got a bad concussion and a broken left arm," he heard a male voice say.

It was the angel who responded, "Let's start with what's the last thing you remember, sir."
"The air raid siren, then the building falling in on me. I think it was the third night in a row we were under attack," Scott answered, his dry throat causing the words to sound scratchy.

The angel's smile illuminated her face. "It's good you remember that much. It's been two days since you were brought in."

Scott slumped back into his pillow. Two days lost.

Again the doctor spoke. "Don't worry, Lieutenant Murphy, we're going to get you on your feet as soon as medically possible. The Admiral has taken a special interest in your case. Guess he can't wait for you to get back to work at whatever it is you do."

"Thanks, I think," he said weakly.

"Don't thank me yet. You're going to be our guest for at least two more days. And the more you complain, the longer you're staying," the doctor responded.

Scott knew if this angel was his nurse he'd stay under her care until the end of time. He had to find out who she was. Maybe his friend Jack could do some recon, if he could just figure out how to get hold of the guy. After all, Jack was dating one of the nurses. Life couldn't get any better than it was this very minute.

"Sir," the angel of mercy said, "You've got a visitor."

And she disappeared, returning a minute later with-of all people-Jack. Talk about luck.

"Hey, Scott, good to see you're finally awake."

"Excuse me, sir, but you can only have a few minutes with him. He just regained consciousness a few minutes ago. I don't want him stressed," said his angel in white.

"Yes, ma'am. I'll only stay a few minutes."

The angel left the two of them alone to talk.

Scott's eyes followed her as she walked away, and he didn't miss the glance she gave him over her shoulder. Was it a look of medical concern? Or something else?

Not wanting to be overheard by those around him, Scott whispered as he asked, "Jack, the nurse who brought you in to see me. What do you know about her, and what can you find out?"

Jack turned to get another glimpse of the nurse. "No promises and no guarantees, but I'll see what I can find out. I'll ask Maxi, but I won't give her any hints you might be interested."

"Knew I could count on you." And then, in his normal voice, Scott said, "Now, what's up with the Admiral? Hear he's nervous about me being in here. Think you can sneak some specific things in for me?" Scott knew he was putting his friend on the spot.

"Sure, but won't you get in trouble?"

"Oh, maybe, but I like to live dangerously, I guess. And if the nurse gets mad, it'd be worth it. I'll bet she's cute when she gets mad."

Review:

Lieutenant Scott Murphy, U.S. Navy, first saw 1st Lieutenant Victoria Jackson, U.S. Army nurse, when he woke up in the hospital after his building was bombed and he was buried under the debris. It seemed that all in the surrounding area could actually feel the sparks when their eyes met for the first time. No one had any doubts they were witnessing a momentous event.

Scott and Vicki were like magnets and both were convinced that they had just met his/her soul mate. This author, Lindsay Downs, wrote about these two characters so that we, the readers, could experience the dynamics of their developing relationship. The two were absolutely what you could expect during the 1940s war time. It wasn't safe to expect to live happily ever after, but the war didn't seem to stop their anticipation.

There were definitely surprise situations and I didn't expect the book to end as it did. The supporting cast was true friends and that made the storyline even more realistic. I really enjoyed this fast-paced book. It was written in such a way that it was impossible to put down. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a happily-ever-after which is not a cookie-cutter book about war's dynamics. You will definitely enjoy this book.

Reviewer: Brenda Talley

In the review, Brenda really hit the proverbial nail on the head when she wrote- 'not a cookie-cutter book'. You'll love and be surprise at the ending. Even I couldn't believe my editor let me put it in.

Somewhere in North Africa is available at http://www.thewildrosepress.com and at my website- http://www.lindsaydowns.com. And while you're at my site don't forget to check out the other Army inspired stories and the Valentine's Day free e-read.

www.lindsaydowns.com
http://www.myspace.com/lindsaydowns01
Historicals with a SHOT of Romance
Available now-'Somewhere in North Africa' nominated for CAPA
Available now-'Operation L.O.V.E.' anthology

Every Beat of My Heart- coming Spring 2010