Sydell Voeller grew up in Washington State, but has lived in Oregon for over thirty-five years. Throughout her twenty-year writing career, her published novels for teens and adults have reflected her love for the Pacific Northwest’s ocean beaches, inlets and waterways, evergreen forests, and mountains. Sydell resides in Oregon with her husband. They married in 1971 and have two grown sons, two lovely daughters-in-law, and three adorable grandchildren.
When Sydell isn't writing, she enjoys camping, walking, amateur astronomy, reading, and surfing the web. In 1987 after the publication of her first novel, she was named by the Washington County Mushaw Center, Woman of the Year in Communications. Formerly a registered nurse, Sydell now teaches writing correspondence courses, sponsored by the Long Ridge Writer’s Institute.
Fifteen-year-old Deanna Lambert is miserable. She can't find her niche with the popular kids at school and believes she is ugly. Then too, after her mother deserted the family to pursue an acting career in New York City, Deanna's father has grown distant and embittered. Now Deanna is saddled with most all the chores at home—and she and her dad barely communicate.
Yet Deanna's one happy escape is her volunteer work at the nearby Children's Hospital. There the activities director convinces her to get back into her ventriloquism, a creative skill Deanna's grandfather had taught her years earlier.
Deanna and her puppet, Ramblin' Roy, entertain and delight the young hospital patients, but Deanna is worried. What if the kids at her school discover what she's doing? Will they think she's just “a baby” who still plays with dolls?
Deanna takes the risk, but one problem soon leads to another. Can she ever gain true acceptance at school, especially from Jason, the guy whom she has a major crush on? And most of all, can Deanna embrace her gift of ventriloquism, and in so doing, come to terms with her mother's leaving?
"Dummy & Me is a warm, coming of age story filled with the insecurities of a young girl who learns that by reaching out to others, she finds her own inner peace and strength. I found this to be a warm story that will resonate with tweens on up without getting too bogged down in the message it delivers!" ~ Dii, Amazon Reader
"The ventriloquism is a fresh idea for a story and one that was fun to learn about. Deanna is a great character, full of doubts and fears, but eager to help the kids at the hospital and find her own way through the world of high school.
Dummy and Me is a short and very sweet book sure to please not only tweens, but anyone who likes a tender story with a touch of innocent romance." ~ LuvBooks, Amazon Reader and Verified Purchase
Sydell Voeller Special Edition
Contains three complete novels, Her Sister's Keeper, Summer Magic and The Fisherman's Daughter
"I've already read Her Sister's Keeper and am looking forward to reading the other two selections!
Her Sister's Keeper: Logan had longed to start a family before her divorce two years prior, but unexpectedly finds herself being a parent to her younger sister after their parents are killed in an accident that injured her sister. It isn't easy being a nurse and instant single parent to Kim. Logan is devoted, if over-protective. When she agrees to send Kim to a summer camp for kids with special needs at pediatrician Dr. Dellinger's suggestion, and volunteers to be the camp nurse so she can be close to Kim, she finds herself falling for the handsome doctor.
Well-developed characters, a brisk pace and emotions the reader can truly feel make this a sweet and charming story of devotion and romance" ~ Luvbooks, Amazon Reader and Verified Purchase
Daisies are Forever
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 Brothers Logging Company, she much 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?
"Sydell Voeller is one of the best writers of contemporary romance today. "Daisies are Forever" was a joy for me to read. This is an uplifting love story about April Heatherton, a schoolteacher who wants to protect the forest from logging, especially an area around the grave of a pioneer woman. Matt Spencer is a logger, so it is easy to see the conflict betweeen these two people in love. Whether or not they can settle their differences makes this romance a worthwhile read." ~ 5 Stars, S.A. Martin
A House Divided
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.
"A heartwarming and memorable story. I was drawn to the story from the beginning, with very realistic characters and situations. Mark and Rebecca struggle with their respective pasts in and their faith in a very positive way. The characters were well developed, the plot was fast paced and never boring. This story is an inspiration to us all. Bravo, Sydell Voeller!" ~ 5 Stars, Lettetia, Amazon Reader and Vine Voice Member
"A HOUSE DIVIDED is a two-character driven inspirational tale that focuses on the differing needs between a pair in love that though powerful seems not strong enough as each has not yet contended with tragedy in their pasts. The story line focuses on the struggles of the present relationship to cope with what has scarred their respective hearts..." ~ 4 Stars, Harriet Klausner, Amazon Hall of Fame Reviewer
The Fisherman's Daughter
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?
"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 aficionado. 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
Free to Love
One year after Joanna Sullivan’s husband, Kyle, a firefighter, has been killed while battling a house fire, Joanna makes a desperate attempt to start over. She moves to a new town, embarks on a new career at the local coastal aquarium, and attempts to refurbish a dilapidated duplex. 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 a painful reminder of her husband?
"A wonderful love story, told with sensitivity and intelligence. " ~5 Stars, V. Ardito, Amazon Reader and Verified Purchase
"I really enjoyed this novel. I finished it almost too quickly, but I appreciated the clean, easy read. It was light and entertaining" ~ 5 Stars, J. Hopkins, Amazon Reader and Verified Purchase
Her Sister's Keeper
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?
"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 highly 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
Summer Magic
When her fiancé 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. Michael Figaro, a dashing young trapeze artist, is also cautious about whether Lisa can stay, and because of that, he tries to keep his distance. Still, Lisa finds herself overwhelmingly attracted to him. Although Michael is the aerialist, it is Lisa who is flying on an emotional high wire. What happened to her safety net? Will their love survive?
"This book is an example of the perfect romance. I enjoyed Ms. Voeller's ability to switch between the points of view of Lisa and Michael. I felt I knew all the characters very well...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, Roundtable Reviews
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?
"Sandcastles of Love is a very short teen romance. Despite the short length, the story is solid and definitely well suited to romance readers. Logan does come off as a little selfish, but I remember those days and it comes with the age. For light summer reading, Sydell Voeller's teen romance is a great choice. I'm betting that many teen girls will relate to Logan and wish they had their very own beach romance." ~ Tracy Farnsworth, Round Table Reviews
"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. 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
"A fun summer romance! Author Sydell Voeller captures the emotions of actual teens in this light-hearted summer romance set on the coast of Oregon. Feelings are beautifully described in this fun read." ~ LuvBooks, Amazon Reader
