Historical romance author Rita Gerlach, receives high praise for her latest novels of 18th century Maryland and England.

Classics As Great As 19th Century Novels, Thorns In Eden, a novel of England and the Frederick, Maryland wilderness as the Revolution unfolds in 1773, and The Everlasting Mountains, the companion novel, where the wilderness, war, and bravery meet in 1774, receive high praise and five stars from book reviewers.

(PRWEB) May 4, 2004 --On a chilly, dreary Canadian day, author, journalist, and editor Bonnie Toews hunkered down in bed under warm blankets to read The Everlasting Mountains a historical novel of 1774 Frederick County by Frederick author Rita Gerlach. "I am awestruck," she told the author when she sent her the review she had written for the sequel to Thorns in Eden. It is so beautiful."

Miss Toews wrote in her review: Once again, Rita Gerlach moves into the realm of great historical romance with her tale of The Everlasting Mountains, the sequel to Thorns in Eden.

Though Rita Gerlach integrates true events such as the Indian Wars and the massacre of Chief Logans family, she embraces the reader with what Vladimir Nabokov calls the impression of a 'supreme fairy tale' about pre-revolution times set in 1774 Frederick, Maryland, by telling it in the voice of 19th Century novelists such as Gustave Flaubert, author of Madame Bovary, one of Nabokov's favorite examples of a classic masterpiece.

Like Flaubert, from first word to last, Gerlach's imagery, characters, dialogue and plot engage the reader in a tapestry of unique surprises for the eye, the mind, the ear and the heart: for example, 'Yet her expression, momentarily steady, now bright, then uncertain, changed like the dappled ovals of light atop the water.'

Other reviewers have dealt with the story of Rebecah Brent and John Nash at length. I only want to repeat that I believe Thorns of Eden and this sequel should be combined into one saga that will stand the test of time as a period classic covering the American Revolution. This is Gerlachs niche, and I look forward to more of her stories through this era that defines United States history.

But more than Gerlachs significant contribution to Maryland's past is her contribution to American literature. Nabokov taught that 'a great writer is always a great enchanter' for a work of art creates a new world, and in this novel, Rita Gerlach proves she is a master artist."

After reading Ms. Gerlachs prequel Thorns In Eden, Ms. Toews wrote in her review of the book, In legendary literature, I find Thorns in Eden as definitive a saga as Gone with the Wind or North and South."

The C. Burr Arts library in Frederick, Maryland cannot keep copies on the shelf due to public demand. A copy of each novel, Thorns In Eden and The Everlasting Mountains were archived for historical preservation in The Maryland Room of the Frederick County Library system and Enoch Pratt library in Baltimore. Ms. Gerlachs books have already become selected for reading in local book clubs.

From the wilderness of western Maryland, to the peaceful countryside of Englands lowlands, Rita Gerlachs novels draw readers into absorbing tales of love and betrayal beginning in the Colonial period with her first novel The Rebel's Pledge, and as the American Revolution unfolds with Thorns In Eden and The Everlasting Mountains.

Author and book reviewer Kathy Bosworth wrote, Not since Rhett and Scarlett have I been so enamored by two characters. A Masterpiece!"

Shirley Johnson, a senior book reviewer for Midwest Book Reviews wrote, Thorns in Eden is perhaps one of the most outstanding books I have read in quite a while. As I read the final pages my heart broke, not just for what was behind, but for what lies ahead for the characters I had grown to love. I wept with joy and I wept with sorrow as I read this work (The Everlasting Mountains). The way the words were penned I felt as if I were there, facing the problems, battling the enemies, feeling their pain and sharing their love, strength and faith! Truly, Ms. Gerlach is a painter, painting words with her writing that wrap around your heart and whisper through your spirit."

Thorns In Eden and The Everlasting Mountains are available for purchase or order from bookstores such as Borders. You can also acquire them from online bookstores, such as Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and Books A Million. Readers can also purchase Ms. Gerlachs books directly from her publisher at a discount, online at http://www.publishamerica.com/ or by calling 240-529-1031.

The reaction from readers has been such an honor," said Ms. Gerlach. I am overwhelmed by the response, especially when readers tell me these are the best historical novels they have ever read. I am also honored to have participated in the March book signing at the C. Burr Artz Library in Frederick, Maryland, commemorating Womens History Month."

For more information about the author and her novels, please visit Rita Gerlachs official websites at: http://users.starpower.net/rpkg/index.htm and http://gerlach.ineedabook.net/

She may be contacted by emailing her at rpkg@erol.com.