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Publisher: NLBHorton, via Amazon’s White Glove (May 15, 2014)

Agent:  Mary Keeley at Books & Such Literary Management

Category: Contemporary suspense, thread of Romance

Tour Date: May/June, 2014

Available in: Print & ebook, 370 Pages

A mother’s fatal shot. A daughter’s deadly choice.

In Israel, archaeologist Grace Madison shoots her daughter’s abductor. Seconds later, a handsome shepherd drops from the sky to kill a second assassin. Their world changes in two blinks of an eye.

Unbeknownst to them, a fiercely ambitious evil is destroying everything in its path—the unconventional path Grace and Maggie take. They struggle to right a wrong as old as time, and discover time is running out in the race for their lives. Family and friends are swept into their vortex, extinguishing old flames while igniting new loves.

While the scale tips dangerously toward disaster, millions of lives hang in the balance. And the mother-and-daughter team soon realizes nothing is as it seems. Even each other.

Because choosing what’s right is all that’s left.

Advance Praise for When Camels Fly:

“When Camels Fly brings an interesting twist to the typical suspense novels that I read. Usually, some man is the main character, who swoops in to rescue the girl, solve the mystery, and set all things right. Not so with this novel. The main character is a delightful woman named Grace, who is a brilliant archaeologist, but definitely no Indiana Jones. More comfortable digging and researching than getting involved in international “incidents,” Grace is lured (or dragged, she’d admit) into intrigue and danger when she discovers her daughter, Maggie, has been kidnapped. Like a mama grizzly, Grace heads out to find and rescue her daughter, get the bad guys, and make her daughter comply with her demands (essentially, go home and stay out of trouble). But Maggie has uncovered a disastrous plot that could affect the entire Middle East. And only Maggie (and now Grace) can do something to stop the mayhem and evil.

When Camels Fly, of course, has intrigue and suspense, action-packed scenes, some fun humor, and vivid descriptions of Israel and the Middle East that will make you think you’re there in the middle of the action. But its strength really lies in its characters, in particular the mother-daughter relationship with its friendship and tension, which will have you rooting for the dynamic duo. These women are intelligent and strong. No swooning here, readers. And for those readers who still love a bit of romance, this novel provides twists and hints at love blooming. There’s married love (the reader watches a “real” marriage between Grace and her husband and how they process the struggles of staying in love after decades), love lost but possibly found (Grace’s son and “the one” he let get away, to his great distress, or did he?), and love begun (Maggie meets a potential “one” or two suitors).

The first in a series, you won’t want to miss When Camels Fly. It’s a fun read—maybe even something you could read with your mom!”—Ginger Kolbaba, author of Desperate Pastors Wives and A Matter of Wife and Death

“NLB Horton’s debut novel, When Camels Fly, incorporates features I have never before encountered in one novel: suspense, science, family, religion, and Middle Eastern intrigue. Middle-aged archaeologist Grace Madison, Ph.D., binds these elements as heroine, and my inner feminist cheered her, and the cast of characters, from the first page through the last.

The Madison women — Grace and daughter Maggie, a hydrologist — are very human and very smart. Their relationship is complex, but loving and insightful, and laced with humor. They wrestle with moral questions in intelligent and intuitive ways, and are unafraid to do the right thing to protect family and produce the greater good. Mark and Jeff Madison, Grace’s husband and son, respectively, provide backup while working through a complicated relationship of their own, and attempt to rescue women who are completely capable of rescuing themselves. The characterizations of this mature family are worth the price of the book.

One charming surprise — and there are many in this novel — is Grace’s octogenarian seminary professors, former spies for Mossad who converge in Israel and Jordan to assist the family they hold dear. Their espionage skills, masked by the perceived harmlessness of the elderly, allow them to move about undetected, and assist the Madison family in creative and unexpected ways.

Another unique aspect of When Camels Fly is the incorporation of science and history as backdrops for the storyline. Horton’s enjoyable and interesting depiction of hydrology and geology are well researched, and give legitimacy not only to herself, but also to her characters. The technical knowledge isn’t overwhelming, but provides a solid foundation that increases the story’s tension.

From drugged kidnappings and shootings at the Western Wall to a minor-key version of The Commodores’ Brick House in Jericho, When Camels Fly empowers women and family in an entertaining adventure. Unstoppable women, well-placed humor, and critical contemporary issues make this book my top read so far in 2014, and I’m watching for news of Horton’s second manuscript, scheduled to release later this year.”- Leigh Bennett, Reader

“I picked up When Camels Fly, and I couldn’t put it down because the dramatic opening hooked me.

Right off the bat, the relationship between Grace Madison and her grown daughter, Maggie, was committed, funny, and endearing — ideal, actually. They’re smart, adventurous women stranded in Israel, running for their lives, initially unaware that Grace’s husband Mark and son Jeff are in hot pursuit.

Author NLB Horton’s vigorous dialogue moved the story along, and portrayed each character as uniquely intriguing. Her descriptions of Israel and Jordan were an enjoyable way to learn more about that part of the world, and it’s obvious she’s “been there, done that.” I felt as if I were in the markets and atop the camels, participating in the story. One of the most interesting aspects of When Camels Fly is that it’s contemporary suspense from a woman’s viewpoint, set in a part of the world normally filtered through a male lens. And it presents the region in a realistic, approachable way.

I particularly appreciated Horton’s strong portrayal of the squadron of elderly intelligence agents. I don’t think I’ve ever encountered a novel in which senior citizens (and I am one) were crafted with such lively respect.

The Madison family is a refreshing, healthy model in the world of contemporary literature, where dysfunctional or overly simplistic family portrayals reign. When I discovered the end of the novel alluded to the story continuing in the next book in the series, I was delighted. I look forward to continuing the adventure begun in When Camels Fly.”- Lillian Bohannon, Reader

About NLB Horton:

After an award-winning detour through journalism and marketing and a graduate degree from Dallas Theological Seminary, NLBHorton returned to writing fiction. She has surveyed Israeli archaeological digs accompanied by artillery rounds from Syria and machine gun fire from Lebanon. Explored Machu Picchu after training with an Incan shaman. And consumed afternoon tea across five continents.

When Camels Fly is her first novel. Her second, The Brothers’ Keepers, will be available November 2014.

Author Interview With My Devotional Thoughts

1. What inspired you to write your first book?

I love these blog tour questions because they make me see my work from someone else’s perspective, and I appreciate sharing the adventures of archaeologist Grace Madison with readers. This question is a great example of those benefits.

I have a daughter, now in her twenties, and I became aware of the dearth of literature appropriate for her when she was in her tweens. So I think the process started there, a decade ago. Also I also must admit that stories abound about my sitting under an elm tree in the backyard during hot Texas summers, paper and pen in hand, writing.

As to When Camels Fly, I was inspired to write it after an archaeological survey of Israel and Jordan. My teenage kids accompanied my husband and I on this venture, and we were buzzed by combat aircraft in northern Israel, and worked under heavy artillery fire from Syria. My instincts as a mother were in high gear, and I suspect the story of archaeologist Grace Madison — her protectiveness while still trying to let her children grow — began there.
2. What books have influenced your life most?

Anything by C.S. Lewis or Henri Nouwen, and Oswald Chambers’ My Utmost for His Highest fall into that category. The original Eugene Peterson’s A Long Obedience in the Same Direction was pivotal for me as a young woman in her twenties. And I read Kathleen Norris’s The Cloister Walk annually, as well as at least one work by Thomas Merton.

In terms of general market work, the author I enjoy most is Daniel Silva. Reading his work makes me a better writer, and I enjoy the education so much! Like most young women, the work of Jane Eyre and the Bronte sisters made me see the world differently. I also love Laurie R. King, the late Elizabeth Peters, David Baldacci, and Steve Berry. Donna Leon, C.S. Harris, and Charles Finch are favorites as well.

3. If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Silva

4. What book are you reading now?

I just finished Berry’s The Lincoln Myth and Baldacci’s The Target, and have Silva’s The Heist and Todd’s An Unwilling Accomplice on order. My Kindle contains The Good Spy by Ames, The Light in the Ruins by Bohjalian, and The Perfume Collector by Tessaro. These last three books are by authors new to me, and I’m looking forward to reading their work.

5. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Fly fish. Hike, cross-country ski, read, fly fish. Travel, golf, garden. Did I mention fly fish? Hang out with my family. Fly fish.

6. Where do you get your ideas for your books?
I suspect the story ideas emerge from crevices deep within my brain or something. I do know that they kick around in my head for a while before taking shape. I then research to see if the concept is viable.

I also think my education put interesting bits and pieces in my mind. (Israeli Religion in its Ancient Near Eastern Context was a favourite master’s class.) I’m a lifelong reader, so my mind thinks in terms of stories. And I travel extensively, so am exposed to new things, places, and ideas.

Essentially, I am a bit of a literary magpie, one of those birds that likes to squirrel away shiny bits and pieces. My bits and pieces just happen to emerge as stories!

6. If you couldn’t be an author, what would your ideal career be?

Well, motherhood was awfully sweet! But I worked through that period in advertising and marketing, which was the perfect career for that time of my life because I could run my company from a home office. Outside of that, I’d probably shoot for Empress of the Universe.

7. What was your favourite chapter to write and why?

I have two.

The first is at the very beginning of the book, and it’s actually a really short first chapter that barrels into the second. Readers meet Grace Madison and her adult daughter, Maggie, in these two chapters. These are powerful, intelligent, women of faith in one of the most horrific situations anyone could face — and they do so with humour, respect, and — grace. The chapters fly, but readers immediately perceive the love and strong relationship between the women, a depiction I find lacking in literature.

The second favourite chapter is kind of a spoiler, so I’m going to allude to it. It occurs on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, and introduces in the most awkward of ways a love interest for Maggie. As someone who stayed single for a long time, and who understands putting a career ahead of romance, I like this chapter because I can relate to the struggles and utter dorkiness of Maggie. Readers will groan at her, but they’ll root for her. And things aren’t resolved for her in When Camels Fly, but continue in The Brothers’ Keepers, which releases in November 2014.

Website: http://www.nlbhorton.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/NLB-Horton/289059931145461

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NLBHorton

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/nlbhorton/

Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8121286.N_L_B_Horton

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When Camels Fly by N.L.B. Horton

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am pleased to share with my readers a completely clean suspense novel. In fact, it is a Christian book, and readers can rest assured that they will not encounter anything objectionable. For this reason alone, I knew that this book deserved a fairly high rating. The setting is great, and the characters are somewhat entertaining. There is a touch of romance for those who crave that sentiment. In addition to this, there were plenty of Christian references throughout the book.

Notwithstanding, this book was not as exciting as I wanted it to be. I wanted to love this book so much more than I did. Honestly, it was nothing against the author nor the story. I would have preferred more action, and I could have done without the romance. As the saying goes–“Different strokes for different folks.” Overall, the book was enjoyable, but I just needed more action and connection with the characters. However, I would certainly read another book by this author if given a chance.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

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