I’m very excited about the upcoming performance of my radio play, Zoe’s Promise!
Here is the full cast list:
Written By: Mary D. Brooks
Produced by: Sherri’s Playhouse
Directed by: Sherri Rabinowitz
Narrator – Arielle Strauss
Eva Haralambos – Jnae Rae Spano
Zoe Lambros – Tonia Carr
Henry Franz – Ray Brent
Earl Wiggins – Everett Robert
Elena Jacobs – Sherri Rabinowitz
Debbie Harrison – Arielle Strauss
I’m currently writing a new story called Mabel of the ANZACS* – story about World War I heroism through service and sacrifice.
MABEL OF THE ANZACS is a standalone novel set in the Eva and Zoe timeframe. The events of this novel take place between Book 2 (Where Shadows Linger) and Book 3 (Hidden Truths). It’s not necessary to read the novels to dive into this one.
Zoe Lambros meets Mabel Andrews, a mercurial, cantankerous World War I Australian nurse. Zoe’s introduction to the fiery octogenarian is an explosive mix of sound and fury – neither woman wants to give ground and they are determined to be proven right.
For Zoe, actions speak louder than words and she sets out to uncover the enigma that is Mabel Andrews. In the process, Mabel finds a kindred spirit which leads to an unlikely friendship. Together the two women forge a close bond that will change their lives forever. It’s a friendship for the ages.
*ANZAC stands for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.
For as long as I could remember, ANZAC Day – 25 April, was one of my sacred of days. It honors the sacrifices our men and women have given in service to Australia. My stories are mainly focused on World War II and post war Australia but I have always been intrigued by the story of Gallipoli and the formation of the ANZAC legend for a long time. It wasn’t until I watched ANZAC Girls TV Series that the heroism of the Australian and New Zealand nurses came into focus (for me). The nurses were warriors – just like the men. Instead of fighting in the battlefields of Europe, they were trying to save the wounded and oftentimes would go onto the battlefield to bring back the wounded.
Mabel of the ANZACS tells the story of one of these nurses set in the Intertwined Souls Series timeline with Eva and Zoe.
To be released on ANZAC Day 25 April 2018.
The one thing writers try to do is convey what they are seeing in their heads. They can see their characters and try to bring those characters to life – fleshed out people with a great deal of character, flaws and quirks. They can see the image in their head and when the image becomes real, their brain explodes!
This was on of those moments when the character’s whole attitude is portrayed in an image that just SCREAMS Zoe Lambros at me. Similar to when Kat Cavanaugh’s face somehow found itself inside my head as I was writing Eva Muller in the year 2000. I didn’t meet Kat until 2013 (this is where you insert the Twilight Zone theme song). Seriously spooky. Or that time when Kat and her awesome wife Penny brought Eva and Zoe to life in the film promo (see below for the video!) It was one of those moments.
In my eternal quest to find one perfect image to add for my book “Mabel of the ANZACS” (which is about an ANZAC Nurse Mabel, Zoe Lambros and the meaning of service, sacrifice and heroism) I found a few that just screamed Zoe to me back in August 2017. That image had Zoe’s attitude all over it.
I really wanted to use one of those images for the cover. Usually I licence the images that I use for the covers and I’m happy as a clam – similar to the images of the model that I use for Zoe. The images above were taken by Derek Cutting at Firemate Photographic – the model is Erin Elliott (a redhead…what is it with redheads Love redheads) So I do a quick google search for Firemate Photographic, find the site (thank you google) and contact Derek via FB. Explain what I’m doing and why I’m doing it.
I fully expected to pay a licence fee for the use of the image – as per standard practice. Derek and Erin have given me free reign to choose whatever image I want for the princely sum of CREDIT in the book. Imagine me squealing and doing handstands (well in my mind I was doing handstands) because I got the perfect series of images to choose from. HUGE thank you goes to Derek and Erin.
A proper credit will be added to the book but I thought I’m going to share my excitement here as well! Derek’s site is here – Firemate Photographic https://www.firemate.ca and the awesome Erin with Zoe attitude is www.nire.portfoliobox.net and you find her also on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/eerin.elliott/
oh and the cover of Mabel of the ANZACS? See below!
I’m stoked to announce that my new radio play “Zoe’s Promise” will be performed on Sherri’s Playhouse around Easter. Definite date to be announced. A more expanded version of the play will be released as a novella soon after.
What is the play about?
Sand, Sun, Love and Madcap Zoe On A Mission To Fulfill A Promise Made In The Egyptian Desert
It’s 1948 and as the year is drawing to a close, Zoe is planning a surprise for Eva. She enlists the help of Elena and together they make one of Zoe’s zaniest ideas come to life. Zoe’s promise to Eva made in the Egyptian desert in 1946 is the basis for this romantic comedy. Zoe always delivers on her promises no matter how long it takes.
Eva, Zoe, Elena, Henry and Earl are back. It’s a feel good romantic comedy that will just make you smile – it’s all about the love with a dash of sand and sun in the land of Milk and Honey.
Click here to view Zoe’s Promise Radio Play subpage
January Book Special: Where Shadows Linger – FREE for limited time
Bronze Award Winner – Historical Romance 2015 Readers’ Favorite Awards
Eva Muller and Zoe Lambros flee to Australia seeking refuge from World War II ravaged Greece. They struggle in an intolerant society whilst dealing with their haunted war-time memories and hiding their forbidden love. With the horrors of the war behind them, Eva and Zoe forge a new life together. The war is over but the shadows from their past emerge to shatter their peace and endanger their lives. They are about to find out the hard way that moving thousands of miles away does not protect them from those that wish them harm.
Discover two incredible women who have endured whatever fate has thrown at them and meet every obstacle with courage, strength and reliance on each other.
Where to get a copy
Amazon
Reviews
I just love Zoe and Eva. They are such strong characters. In the previous novel, their relationship was just turning from friendship to love, and now they are wholly in love. They are true companions and I love that. They are everything that you wish for in a partner. Their struggles were real and relatable and so were they. I officially adore this series. Another stellar novel that blows your mind. Loved it, enjoyed it! Rabia Tanveer / Readers’ Favorite
WSL crafts an intriguing story that will keep you turning pages as quickly as you can, but it also gives you a more in-depth portrayal of its main players. You get a better insight into Eva whose quiet presence is hiding many secrets. Zoe is a fun and impulsive addiction — both for Eva and for us as readers.. KT Jorgensen / Amazon
Forbidden love, heart racing suspense, an epic tale set in war-ravaged Greece.
Zoe Lambros’ faith in God is shattered after her mother’s death at the hands of the German commander. She determines to defy the enemy in every way she can-including a festering urge to kill the German commander’s daughter, Eva Muller.
Eva Muller has a tortured past, and a secret, if revealed, will lead to certain death at the hands of her father. Despite knowing the risk, Eva is working with the village priest to help the Jews escape. With her activities closely monitored, Eva needs help to continue the clandestine operation and Zoe Lambros is the answer despite her antagonism to the young fiery Greek.
Awards:
– Finalist: Fiction – Historical – Event/Era – 2015 Readers’ Favorite
– Finalist Gay/Lesbian Fiction – International Book Awards 2015
– Finalist First Novel – IAN (Independent Author Network) Book Of The Year Awards 2015
– Finalist Outstanding Historical Fiction – IAN (Independent Author Network) Book Of The Year Awards 2015
New Radio Play: Never Too Late Performed by Sherri’s Playhouse
New Audio Book – Where Shadows Linger Released
Promise is a Promise 2nd Edition Released!
Greek Jewish Community “Black Saturday” 80th Anniversary Plea For Place of Rememberence
On This Day: 30 May 1941 Two Teenagers Scaled The Acropolis and Removed the Nazi Flag
Beyond These Gates Episode 2 Update
Beyond These Gates Episode 1 Radio Play Wins Chatty Award!
New Cover for Where Shadows Linger – Book 2 in the Intertwined Souls Series
Enemy at the Gate Finalist in 10th Annual Kindle Book Awards for 2021!
Ancient Greeks: Athletes, Warriors and Heroes Exhibit Headed to Australia Dec 2021
Listen to Episode 1 of Beyond These Gates Radio Play!
New Cover for “Enemy At The Gate”
Beyond These Gates Episode 1 Cast List!
Project Kindness: Kindness That Changed My WorldRadio Play – Beyond These Gates Episode 1 Poster Art and Info
Enemy at the Gate Audio Book Released!
Upcoming Radio Play – Beyond These Gates Episode 1
Promise is a Promise Released!
Subscribe to my newsletter (sent out twice a month) to find out the latest news, upcoming giveaways, free chapters of upcoming novels and my recommended reads from my favourite authors and their books!