Sandcastles of Love
When Logan Becker's family embarks on a summer "house swapping" vacation in a beach town in Oregon, Logan is overjoyed. Similarly, Tricia Merrit, the daughter of the other family, is thrilled to be in the farm belt of Minnesota.
Logan falls in love with the beach boy surfer of her dreams, but soon she discovers he's Tricia's boyfriend. Logan's dreams are shattered. Meanwhile, there's another boy who is attracted to Logan—the totally uncool Grant Duncan who is busy trying to launch a campaign to clean the local beaches. Can Logan come to realize that true love often reveals itself in unexpected ways?
"A wonderful story of a summer romance with interesting twists and turns..." ~ Michelle Poulson-Vick at Sharpwriter Reviews
"Ms. Voeller's talent is superb, and I was impressed with her ability to write as if she were the actual teenager in the book. Sandcastles of Love is a light-hearted young adult romance that's attention grabbing, well-written, and charming." ~ J.B. Leese, A Story Weaver
“Young readers will enjoy Sandcastles of Love, particularly ones who love the beach. If you know a young reader who loves the Beach Boys, sand, and surf, get her a copy of Sandcastles of Love. The story will transport her to the beautiful Oregon coast and offer her a taste of summer romance. Ms. Voeller’s descriptions of the Oregon coast are wonderful, as are the scenes where Grant teaches Logan to build sand castles. Well-written, interesting, and delightfully romantic, they made me want to grab a bucket, take off my shoes and start digging...” Reviewed by Carrie Masek, Scribes World Reviews
~ Purchase at Amazon Kindle
~ Purchase at Smashwords |
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E-Books for Kids Bestseller List
SKATEBOARD BLUES
Sydell Voeller ©2000
ISBN 1-7599-0127-9
Published July 2001
Order now in Paperback. Hard Shell Word Factory
To order an electronic version of this book, please click on Hard Shell Word Factory
Skateboard Blues is also available at many popular on-line bookstores!
Jessica Williams wishes she were anywhere other then her small town in Oregon. All the kids are the same except for the few skateboarders who her father cannot stand. Life is pretty dull for Jessica until Cam Easton moves into her neighborhood.
Cam is practically a skateboard pro. Though he's a transplant from California and a born leader, he's not your typical high school junior. Cam wants to help improve the skateboarders' image in Preston, Oregon and spearhead the construction of a skateboard park there.
But when Cam teaches Jessica how to skate, and her father runs for mayor of Preston, her involvement with the skaters poses a threat to her father's campaign. Can the skateboarders prove themselves worth of the community's support? And most of all, can Jessica and Cam resolve their differences and discover the true meaning of love?

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Reviews for SKATEBOARD BLUES
Skateboard Blues, by Sydell Voeller, helps promote reading interest by presenting a sweet, romantic suspense story that uses real true-to-life characters and events. It appears to take a light-hearted approach to life but conveys a serious message without preaching. I found it absolutely delightful because it brought back happy memories of my teenage years.
This is a cute story about a young girl, Jessica Williams, a freshman, at Preston High School. She is bored to death at the moment, until her new neighbor, Cam Easton, moves in next door. He is the most handsome hunk she's ever seen.
However, as always in life, a problem develops: Cam's a skateboarding enthusiast. Jessica's father is running for Mayor and along with the rest of the citizens is definitely against skateboarders. Because of the accident, involving Mrs. Winthry
and a careless skateboarder, the citizens of Preston want a law banning skateboarders.
Will Jessica's pursuit of skateboarding ruin her father's chances of becoming Mayor? Will Jessica and Cam be arrested for illegal skateboarding and for the graffiti painted on some buildings. Is Cam using Jessica as an ally to get skateboarding legalized in Preston, as some of the football players suggest or is he dating her because he cares about her and not her connections? This doubt about Cam's true intentions and whether he still has a girlfriend from his previous
location in California overshadows their romance.
Skateboard Blues, by Sydell Voeller, is an excellent title for this lively, contemporary, Young Adult love story. Any young girl on the verge of discovering her feelings for the opposite sex would find it helpful in explaining typical relationships not only within a family but also with the ups and downs first loves both go through. The author uses lots of picture words that place the reader right into the scene and realistic happenings that create suspense and keep even
the youngest reader reading. At the same time it's a fun read that also points out responsibilities towards family and the law. It shows how young people can make good things happen if they go about it in a logical orderly fashion and seek the
help of the proper authorities.
Copyright Cathy Gladstone 2001
SKATEBOARD BLUES is a spirited young adult romance book that is sure to grasp any young teenage girl's attention. Ms. Voeller has captured the art of suspension, realistic dialog, as well as well-established characters. Her entertaining story teaches the reader the responsibilities that teenager's have regarding family, friends, the law, and themselves.
Review by Jennifer LB Leese, A STORYWEAVER'S Book Reviews
"The best thing about this book was the characters. They acted like themselves all the time; their emotions, their speech, the list goes on. Adults and young adults will like this one."
~ Mandy Ramaglia, age 10
MOM'S NOTE: I found the story charming and believable, reminding me of a favorite movie from my own teen years-a 2000 version of FOOTLOOSE, with skateboarding exchanged for dancing. Your daughters will enjoy this, mine did, and with all the skateboarding and such, the boys just might like it too, despite the "mushy girl/boy stuff."
4-1/2 Stars! ~ Scribes World Reviews
"SKATEBOARD BLUES is a story of young love, believing in oneself and others. There is teenage angst and joy sprinkled throughout. The characters are believable in their struggle to get the community to listen to them. The reader comes away knowing that anything is possible when people listen to each other and work together. Sydell Voeller's SKATEBOARD BLUES is an uplifting story and one I would highly recommend for young readers!"
~ Carol Durfee, Romance Communications
“Skateboard Blues shows how kids can overcome adult biases. The romantic relationship between Jessica and Cam gets a little shaky at times, due to a misunderstanding, which adds suspense and realism to the book.”
~ Review by Elle, Young Adult Books Central |
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Star Light, Star Bright
By Sydell Voeller
Avalon Books
February 2007
ISBN 978-0-8034-9815-0
When Chyenna Dupres and her young daughter move from Portland, Oregon, to the small town of Prairie Valley, Chyenna leases a historic inn there. She plans to turn the inn into an upscale eatery, despite strong resistance from some of the locals. Her most vocal objector is cattle rancher Blair Westerman, who has relocated from L.A. to protect his own daughter from the "evils" of city life. Moreoever, he is determined to guard Prairie Valley from outside influences, especially tourists who might decide to stay.
From the moment they first meet, Chyenna and Blair can't seem to leave each other alone. They get under each other's skin, and race through each other's thoughts. Their opposing goals for Prairie Valley and their push-pull feelings for each other keep tensions high--especially when their match-making daughters become close friends and decide to run away together.
Chyenna and Blair may have acted like children, but now it's time to come together for the good of their own children, and realize just how far apart they've let their differences push them.
Reviewer: Donna Zapf at Cataromance
Sydell Voeller creates a story so loving that a smile will remain on your face during the entire reading of STAR LIGHT, STAR BRIGHT. Her characters seem like old friends and the girls are typically mischievous. As for the setting, Ms. Voeller describes the wide open spaces and the heavenly beauty to perfection. For a light hearted read that will have you hugging your own family close, STAR LIGHT, STAR BRIGHT by talented Sydell Voeller is the ideal choice.
Read an Excerpt of Start Light Star Bright
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A House Divided
by Sydell Voeller
Five Star Romance
ISBN#1-59414-435-4
February 2006
Rebecca Lorenzo, the young widow of a Hollywood actor who was killed by a crazed fan, is struggling to raise their young daughter, Wendy. Rebecca is embittered that God allowed her precious husband to die. She has turned her back on Him. Rebecca and Wendy move from L.A. to Rebecca's hometown on the Oregon coast. Due to a miscommunication, Rebecca mistakenly believes she can buy a Victorian house there. She hopes to cocoon herself in the security of her "safe" hometown. Rebecca meets the handsome, enigmatic homeowner, Mark Simons, and learns of his plans to tear down the house. Mark, a psychiatrist, is attempting to raise money to build a halfway house on the property, and he is admittedly a workaholic. He believes this project is God's will for him. Mark refuses to budge when Rebecca approaches him about selling the house. As Rebecca and Mark struggle to battle their individual demons from the past, they also struggle to resist their growing love for each other.
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Reviews for A HOUSE DIVIDED
Date of Review: 03/20/06
Reviewed by: Lettetia, Contemporary Romance Writers
Reviewer Comments: Rebecca Lorenzo left her hometown of Freemont, Oregon when she met and fell in love with actor/film star August Lorenzo. When he is cruelly murdered by a crazed fan, she returns to Freemont with their young daughter, Wendy, where she plans to buy the home where she met the love of her life. Planning to sell the movie company a sequel of their love story, her plans are upset by brooding Mark Simons.
Mark is the current owner of the house and has plans to tear it down to build a halfway house, per God's will. Struggling with the guilt of his mother's suicide, he plans to help his patients re-enter society through providing a safe haven for them. He must also convince the community of the merits of the halfway house; not an easy task, to be sure.
I was drawn into the story from the beginning, with very realistic characters and situations. Mark and Rebecca struggle with their respective pasts and their faith in a very positive way. The characters were well developed and personable. The plot moved along smoothly and was never boring. Their story was realistic and convincing. Bravo, Sydell Voeller!
Lydia Funneman, Writers Unlimited Reviewer:
A House Divided is a very touching and inspirational story. I found myself drawn into the story of this young mother trying to find her way in life after, as she sees it, God abandoner her. You go along with Rebecca as she learns more about herself and what God’s plan is for her and Wendy. Mark is also another intricate part of this story. Mark is doing what he feels is something that he has to, in order to make up to God for something he feels he did wrong. You with the couple as they see if the could have a life together and live with their pasts. |
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An Unlikely Dad
by Sydell Voeller
Avalon Books
February 2005
ISBN#0-8034-9703-2
Rachel Dillion treasures living in the small town where she raises her young son Michael and owns a bed and breakfast. She feels content knowing that the B&B is a wonderful way to give back to her community and that small-town life affords Michael some much needed security. Because of Rachel’s divorce from his father, Michael has suffered emotionally and is failing in school.
Chad Merrick, Rachel’s old boyfriend, returns home to help his mother sell her property. Once again, Rachel is powerfully attracted to Chad, yet she is also cautious. Chad is a renowned international wildlife photographer who loves wide open spaces. She can’t imagine that he would ever settle for the humdrum small-town life. She’s convinced, as Chad is, that his visit is temporary.
Chad begins tutoring Michael and soon fills in as his dad for a community Boy Scout project. While Rachel is grateful for Chad’s help, her caution meters skyrocket. Before she knows it, Michael has become too attached to Chad. Can Rachel protect her son from further hurt and abandonment? And most of all, can she allow herself to fall in love with Chad-this time forever? |
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Summer Magic
by Sydell Voeller
ISBN 0-7599-4448-2
Published July 2004
To order the print version of this book directly from the publisher, click on Hard Shell Word Factory
To order the electronic version of this book, click on Hard Shell Word Factory
Summer Magic is also available at many other popular Internet Bookstores
When her fiance' calls off their engagement, veterinarian assistant Lisa Prentice joins the circus in hopes of escaping the everyday grind. But life under the big top isn't quite what she expected. None of the veterinarian's former assistants managed to please their short-tempered boss, and Lisa fears that her days are numbered, too. |
Reviews for SUMMER MAGIC
"This breezy romance follows Lisa Prentice, a veterinarian assistant, as she begins her new job traveling with the Jessell and Stern Circus. She is interested in continuing the care of an Arabian horse named Ebony that she helped to save while the circus was on a layover in New York. Of course, she has other reasons for "running away with the circus". Her fiance', a prominent lawyer, has recently dumped her for another attorney. Lisa wants to heal by concentrating on her career. Enter Michael Figaro, the star aerialist with the circus and the son of the circus owner. Immediately, there are sparks between the two. However, Michael also has a jealous twin, a trapeze artist named Claudette, and Rita, the pretty aerialist who would like his attention. When Claudette begins to fall in the ring, Michael begins to spend more time with Rita, training her for Claudette's position. Will romance blossom between the two, or will his love for Lisa prevail?
This book is an example of the perfect romance. I enjoyed Ms. Voeller's ability to switch between the point of views of Lisa and Michael. I felt I knew all the characters very well. There were a few side plots beyond Lisa and Michael's romance, and I found that they only enhanced the feeling of the story. This is a great story to read in one sitting and spend a few hours swept away in the magic of the circus."
- Bethany Payne, Round Table Reviews |
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Her Sister's Keeper
by Sydell Voeller
ISBN 0-7599-3695-5
Published March 2004
To order the print version of this book directly from the publisher, click on Hard Shell Word Factory
To order the electronic version of this book, click on Hard Shell Word Factory
Her Sister's Keeper is also available at many other popular Internet Bookstores
Logan Corbett, registered nurse, suddenly becomes the guardian of her 10-year-old sister, Kim. A former prizewinning gymnast, the girl was seriously injured in the same plane accident that killed their parents. Logan admits she's overly protective of Kim, but only wants what she thinks is best for her. Dr. Zachary Dellinger, a pediatrician at the hospital where Logan works, suggests that Kim should attend a summer camp for children with special needs. Logan agrees, but on one condition--that she will volunteer to be the camp nurse so she can keep a close eye on Kim. Under starlit skies and breezy summer days, Logan struggles with her growing attraction to the handsome pediatrician--all the while, battling the urge to hold on too tightly to Kim. Will Logan ever be able to let go enough to allow love into both their lives? |
Reviews for HER SISTER'S KEEPER
"Her Sister's Keeper is a wonderful story of sisterly love and devotion. Delightfully written characters are a key part of this believable and enticing tale...a hightly recommended read for contemporary romance readers..."
-Penny, Fallen Angel Reviews
A wonderful tale of the ability not only of the adult, but definitely for the children to survive life's foibles. You will gain a better understand of overcoming adversities whether you are young or old.
--Rendezvous Magazine |
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THE FISHERMAN'S
DAUGHTER
by Sydell Voeller
ISBN 0-7599-0804-4
Published January 2002
To order the print book from the publisher, click on Hard Shell Word Factory
To order the e-book, click on Hard Shell Word Factory
This title is also available at many other Internet Bookstores
Psychology professor Vanessa Paris receives word that her father has disappeared from his fishing boat in Puget Sound and rushes to her childhood home in the San Juan Islands to try to help find him. Tragedy has been no stranger to Vanessa--years ago her mother died and more recently, her brother. The possibility of losing her father now is almost too much to bear.
But when Vanessa arrives at the family owned tourist lodge, she meets Lowell Maxwell, who offers to help her search for her father. Back in high school, Vanessa harbored a secret, unrequited crush on Lowell. Now, he's a tough, jaded cop on leave from L.A., working for her father as a carpenter on a temporary basis, and even more dangerously appealing.
Vanessa and Lowell are like sunshine and darkness. Despite her losses, she focuses on positive action and the good in people. Lowell, however, chases down the bad guys, flirts with danger, sometimes even death--and he's determined he'll soon return to the force in L.A.
Is there still a chance of finding Vanessa's father alive and well? Can she take a chance on loving Lowell, risking the possibility of his dying too? And what is the dark secret that has driven him back home, a secret that has convinced him there's no longer any room in his heart for love?

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Reviews for THE FISHERMAN'S DAUGHTER
"Sydell Voeller has a magic touch with description. I could almost feel the sea spray misting my face as Vanessa Paris sailed across Puget Sound and hear the splash of water as the crab pots were hauled in and the day's catch tallied. Oh, yes, and the rustic mailboxes with wild blackberries growing nearby. What a lovely place to live. And I got to visit there for a while."
- Kathy Ishcomer, Under the Covers Book Reviews
"A romantic suspense that does a good job keeping the reader guessing who did it. Fisherman's Daughter has opened my eyes to a whole new avenue of fresh romance stories. I know I'll try another and I highly recommend all readers do too." - WCRG on AOL Reviewer Board
"Ms. Voeller has chosen a great setting for her book, and takes the reader there with her knack for subtle details. I could easily picture the wild and rugged Tawanya Island and the eclectic assortment of people who inhabit it."
- Rhapsody Magazine
"The mystery surrounding Vanessa's father's disappearance was nicely done. Author Voeller set up why and whodunits very neatly. Suspense, tension, and then resolution followed each other right on cue."
- Teri Dohmen, Crescent Blues Book Reviews
"I read The Fisherman's Daughter in one sitting. It was a page turner for sure. The unexpected mix of heated romance and heart-wrenching intrigue made for an unforgettable e-book that I would recommend to any romance afficionado. Reunited friends Vanessa Paris and Lowell Maxwell have the perfect amount of tension between them that is only augmented by the disappearance of Vanessa's father. Set in Puget Sound, the beautiful description of this seaside town will have you longing for salty air and sunset sailing. This is definitely a must read."
- Trinch Books
"Sydell Voeller has created a sweet romance full of passion and mystery. Ms. Voeller is a talented author and I look forward to reading her future works."
- Sadonna Grandstaff, Word Museum |
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DAISIES ARE FOREVER
by Sydell Voeller
Avalon Books
ISBN# 080349257X October 1997
To order "Daisies Are Forever" from Avalon Books, click on Avalon Books
April Heatherton, history teacher and volunteer firefighter, is determined to protect the land she holds dear, particularly the grave of an unknown pioneer woman who once trekked the Oregon Trail. Proposed logging operations are encroaching, and April soon finds herself organizing a local task force to try to stop them. Yet when April meets handsome Matt Spencer, son of the owner of Johnson BrothersLogging Company, she must reckon with her escalating attraction to him. Matt, one of a growing breed of displaced loggers, is also determined to fight for his beliefs - the right to make an honest living harvesting the timber. Can April and Matt overcome their differences? Or will their convictions forever keep them apart?

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FREE TO LOVE
Avalon Romance
August 1996
ISBN# 080349209X
One year after Joanna Sullivan's husband Kyle, a fireman, dies after saving two young children while fighting a house fire, Joanna makes a desperate attempt to start over. She moves to a new town, embarks on a new career as a field guide at the local coastal aquarium, and attempts to refurbish the dilapidated duplex she's purchased. Then Austin, her husband's brother, visits unexpectedly. He offers to stay and help her with the much needed repairs. Joanna soon discovers, however, that Austin's presence is proving more disturbing than helpful. His resemblance to Kyle is uncanny, thwarting her resolve to put her husband's memory to rest. Worse, she is strongly attracted to Austin. Austin, a veterinarian, shares Joanna's love of nature, and the two find much common ground as they team up to help clean up the beaches and save the native birds and wildlife from the encroachment of civilization. Can Joanna let go of her grief and love Austin in his own right? Or will he always remain the ghost of her husband? |
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A Three-Ring Romance
Avalon Romance
October 1995
ISBN# 0803491336
When her fiancé calls off their engagement, veterinarian Lisa Prentice runs away to join the circus. But life under the big top isn't exactly idyllic. None of the head veterinarian's other assistants lasted very long, and Lisa fears that with the problems she's having, she, too, may be here today and gone tomorrow.
Michael Figaro, a dashing young circus performer, also thinks Lisa's
days with the circus may be numbered. For this reason, he tries to keep
his distance. Nevertheless, Lisa finds herself irresistibly attracted
to him. Although Michael is the aerialist, it is Lisa who is flying
without a net when it comes to love. |
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Careless Whispers (Sweet Dreams, No 216)
by Sydell Voeller
Bantam Books
ISBN# 0-553-5648-1
July 1994
Ignoring her friends' warnings that Scott Tyson is into drugs, Tralain Martinson dismisses local gossip and his strange behavior until she discovers mysterious pills in his car and learns that the boy she loves has epilepsy. |
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