THIS WEEK ON THE SUSPENSE SISTERS

We’re planning another great week on the Suspense Sisters. Check out our posts, our interviews, and our awesome giveaways!

THIS WEEK:

 

On Tuesday Mary Ellis will tell us What’s Hot in Inspirational Suspense and Mystery.

 

Wednesday we’ll hear from Patricia Bradley. She asks the question, “What Do You Do With a Paraprosdokian? She’s also giving away a $10.00 gift card. Winner’s choice!

Friday, Elizabeth Goddard will be talking about her boxed set of stories from various suspense authors, DANGEROUS DECEPTIONS, as well as her book, COLLISION COURSE. And she’s giving away an eBook copy of PERIL ON THE MOUNTAIN, two stories in one book!

Love and danger in the Alaskan wilderness

Buried

After witnessing a murder, legal investigator Leah Marks flees to Alaska. But the killer has tracked her down and as he chases her into a snow-packed canyon, an avalanche buries them both. Saved by search-and-rescue specialist Cade Warren, Leah longs to tell him the truth. But how can she, without bringing even more danger into Cade’s life?

Untraceable

On a daring mission, search-and-rescue specialist Heidi Warren and her team step onto an icy Alaskan mountaintop…and right into a trap. A stranded gang of thieves holds them at gunpoint, forcing them to serve as guides along the treacherous path. Heidi needs someone to trust, but her rescue partner, Isaiah Callahan, is keeping secrets from her. Yet when a blizzard starts closing in, their options start running out…

BUY IT HERE!

 The Suspense Sisters

We love books!

 

HOW TO BALANCE LIFE AND WRITING WITHOUT LOSING YOUR MIND

 

Nancy Mehl is a USA Today best-selling author. She’s been a finalist for the Carol Award twice and won the award once. She was also a finalist for two Reviewers’ Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews, and was also a finalist for the coveted Christy Award.

Her newest book, DEAD END, was released in March. Also look for her books in The Mysteries of Lancaster County series (Guideposts) – co-written with her daughter-in-law, Shaen Layle.

All of Nancy’s novels have an added touch – something for your spirit as well as your soul. “I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing,” Nancy says. “God is number one in my life. I wouldn’t be writing at all if I didn’t believe that this is what He’s called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan for your life, and there is nothing you can’t overcome with His help.”

She lives in Missouri with her husband, Norman, and her Puggle, Watson. She’s authored over forty books and is currently working on a new series for Bethany House about an FBI profiler, and a cozy mystery series with Guideposts, set in Savannah, Georgia.

Readers can learn more about Nancy through her Web site: www.nancymehl.com. She is also very active on Facebook.

 

HOW TO BALANCE LIFE AND WRITING WITHOUT LOSING YOU MIND

During interviews I’ve been asked to share my typical writing day. Typical implies that some days go one way – and some days may go another way. But the truth is, my writing days don’t vary much. I have a plan, and I do my best to follow it each and every day. It’s the only way I can stay on top of my work. Writing is a job, and you have to treat it as such. If I worked in an office, some of my duties might change from day to day, but other things aren’t negotiable. For example: What if you went into work an hour late and excused it by telling your boss you stayed up late watching a movie the night before instead of going to bed at a reasonable time? Or what if you decided to take a two hour lunch just because you felt like it? I can guarantee you that you’d be looking for a new job! Employers expect certain things. When you’re working for yourself, you must set your own boundaries and rules. The more you control your schedule, the more productive you become – and believe it or not – the more time you have to relax.

I get up at a certain time. I have breakfast and spend time with God. Then I go to my office. On Mondays, I do all the “other work” that writers do – and I spend some time editing what I’ve already written. Tuesday through Friday, I have a goal of a certain number of words on my work in progress. I do everything I can to reach that goal. Yes, every day. (Unless I’m on vacation. Hasn’t been one for a while, but I’m convinced it will happen one of these days! LOL!)

 After I reach my word count, I work on social media, promotion, etc. If I’m running behind on a deadline, I’ll put in a couple more hours of writing. By five or six o’clock it’s time for supper, maybe some reading or TV. Monday through Thursday I get to bed by a certain time so I can get up early the next morning and start all over again. Does that seem too controlled to you? Too strict? It is strict. But when I sit down to rest in the evening, my mind is clear because I know I’ve done everything I can to make my deadline.

What about weekends? I usually take them off. There have been emergencies where I had to work a weekend here or there, but I do my best to protect that time so I can spend it with my family. If I didn’t set strict guidelines for myself, I’d probably be stressed out, upset, and on the verge of losing my mind. I don’t want to spend my life sitting in front of my computer instead of relaxing and living the other part of my life with joy.

So I’ve given you a glimpse into my writing life. How about a glimpse into my Kaely Quinn Profiler series? Leave a comment, and I’ll pick someone for an ebook copy of DEAD END, the final book in one of my all time favorite series!

THIS WEEK ON THE SUSPENSE SISTERS

We’re planning another great week on the Suspense Sisters. Check out our posts, our interviews, and our awesome giveaways!

THIS WEEK:

 

On Tuesday Patricia Bradley will tell us What’s Hot in Inspirational Suspense and Mystery. 

 

 

Friday we’ll hear from Nancy Mehl. She’ll share “How to Balance Life and Writing Without Losing Your Mind.” Someone will win a Kindle copy of one of the books in her Kaely Quinn Profiler series. You could win MIND GAMES, FIRE STORM, or DEAD END!

DEAD END: Book Three in the Kaely Quinn Profiler Series

When a body is discovered in a field in Iowa, the police uncover fourteen additional corpses ranging from 20 years old to recent. The remains point to a serial killer with an MO the authorities have seen before--Ed Oliphant, a man who has been in prison for over 20 years . . . and is Special Agent Kaely Quinn's father. After several failed interview attempts to discover if Ed has been training someone to be a copycat killer, the police turn to Kaely in St. Louis.

Kaely promised herself she would never step foot in her hometown or set eyes on her father again. She's always refused to confront her past, but if she wants to prevent any more deaths, she must come face-to-face with the man she's hated for years.

As more bodies are discovered, Kaely races against time and her own personal turmoil to uncover the killer. Will this most personal case yet cost Kaely her identity and perhaps even her life?

 

GET IT HERE!

The Suspense Sisters

We love books!

 

Ten Common Mistakes Made by New Writers by Mary Ellis

Happy Wednesday, suspense lovers,

Since we have many fledgling writers in our readership, today I offer helpful hints so you don't make the same mistakes I did when I first got started. Please leave me a comment or one of your own helpful hints and you will be entered in a drawing for a hardcover copy of Sweet Taste of Revenge. Book two of my Marked for Retribution Mysteries by Severn House.

Ten Common Mistakes Made by New Writers

1. Not setting aside time most days to write. If you wait too long between writing sessions you’ll lose your train of thought.

2. Not having any idea where your story will go after your brilliant beginning. Even if you’re not a plotter, at least have a general idea of the middle and end of the story so you don’t get stuck.

3. Starting too many creative projects at the same time. Don’t be too quick to abandon the idea you thought was brilliant weeks before. See this story through to the end to prove you can.

4. Not reading sufficiently in the genre you wish to write. Readers have certain expectations with their favorite genre. Publishers would be reluctant to buy a manuscript that goes too far afield.

5. Thinking that once you finish your manuscript your work is done.

6. Thinking that your mom, dad, sister, brother or best friend would make a great editor for your book. I thought my first book was ready for submission because my mom liked it. Those who love you won’t point out too much description or a major gap in your story.

7. Thinking that since you read the manuscript over twice your book doesn’t need any editing. Authors often see words that are supposed to be there, not what’s actually there.

8. Submitting your manuscript to the wrong agent or publisher such as sending your book to publishers who accept books only from agents, or submitting your book to publishers who produce only non-fiction. Do your homework.

9. Not following a publisher’s guidelines regarding word count, format, language and sensual content of the story.

10.    Giving up too soon. Just because you receive one, two or dozens of rejection letters doesn’t mean you have no future as an author. Read books on crafting the novel, take writing classes, attend conferences, and join critique groups. Every published author has experienced rejection. The only difference is they didn’t give up.

Please leave me a comment for a chance to win Sweet Taste of Revenge. US only. You must leave your email address in order to win. Drawing in one week. 

WHAT'S HOT IN INSPIRATIONAL SUSPENSE by Patricia Bradley

Wondering what's HOT in Inspirational Suspense this month?

Today, August 18, 2020, Rachel McMillan's The London Restoration releases!

From author Rachel McMillancomes a richly researched historical romance that takes place in post-World 

War II London and features a strong female lead.

Determined to save their marriage and the city they love, two people divided by World War II’s secrets rebuild their lives, their love, and their world.

London, Fall 1945. Architectural historian Diana Somerville’s experience as a codebreaker at Bletchley Park and her knowledge of London’s churches intersect in MI6’s pursuit of a Russian agent named Eternity. Diana wants nothing more than to begin again with her husband Brent after their separation during the war, but her signing of the Official Secrets Act keeps him at a distance.

Brent Somerville, professor of theology at King’s College, hopes aiding his wife with her church consultations will help him better understand why she disappeared when he needed her most. But he must find a way to reconcile his traumatic experiences as a stretcher bearer on the European front with her obvious lies about her wartime activities and whereabouts.

Featuring a timeless love story bolstered by flashbacks and the excavation of a priceless Roman artifact, The London Restoration is a richly atmospheric look at post-war London as two people changed by war rebuild amidst the city’s reconstruction.

You can purchase London Restoration at:

Amazon

B&N

Christian Books

 

THIS WEEK ON THE SUSPENSE SISTERS!

 

 We’re planning another great week on the Suspense Sisters. Check out our posts, our interviews, and our awesome giveaways!

THIS WEEK:

 

 

On Tuesday Patricia Bradley will tell us What’s Hot in Inspirational Suspense and Mystery. 

 

Wednesday we’ll hear from Suspense Sister Mary Ellis. She’s sharing ten misconceptions new writers have. She’s also giving away a copy of her book, SWEET TASTE OF REVENGE!

Private investigator Kate Weller must confront her troubled past and clear her brother’s name in the second gripping Marked for Retribution mystery.

When a wealthy socialite is found dead on her luxury yacht, her daughter Lainey hires Kate Weller to investigate. Agnes Westin created plenty of enemies during her climb to the top of society, many with a taste for revenge – but did any of them feel strongly enough to kill her?

But Kate has another reason altogether for returning to Pensacola, Florida, the only town she has ever called home. Her brother Liam has spent the past sixteen years in jail for his part in a robbery homicide – and unless Kate uncovers the truth of what really happened that day, she will never be safe. Now someone wants to make sure her repressed memories stay buried. Can Kate clear her brother’s name before the real killer silences them both forever?

BUY IT HERE!

Friday we’ll hear from Sharon Dunn. Her newest release, MONTANA MOUNTAIN DEADLOCK, released on August 18^th. There are two great stories in one book!

Montana Standoff

Kidnapped and dragged into the wilderness, Sarah Langston has no idea where her brother is or why her captors want him. But when help arrives and removes her blindfold, she’s shocked to see the father of the baby she gave up for adoption, former police officer Bryan Keyes. Now the two must join forces to save Sarah’s brother. Can they rekindle a love that happened too soon?

Big Sky Showdown

When Heather Jacobs climbs a Montana mountain to pay her respects to her late father, she never expects to be running for her life to escape an enemy from her guide’s past. Though Zane Scofield knows their pursuer, he’s not sure why the man is after him now. Only his wits—and an unlikely partner in the determined woman fighting beside him—can save them.

BUY IT HERE!

The Suspense Sisters

We love books!

THE WINNER OF OUR SUMMER OF SUSPENSE CONTEST!

 Sadly, the original winner of our Summer of Suspense contest never contacted us. Please remember to check your Junk Mail folders when you enter a contest. Unless you've added us as a "safe" email address, our messages may end up there. Because we never heard from her, we've picked a new winner. Her name is:

ROXANNE CRUZ!

Roxanne, I've sent you an email. You have one week to respond. If we don't hear from you, we'll have to more on. 

Just a reminder of what you've won!

CONGRATULATIONS FROM THE SUSPENSE SISTERS!

AN INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR LYNN SHANNON PLUS A GIVEAWAY!

 

Hello everyone. Today, we are featuring inspirational romantic suspense and sweet contemporary romance author Lynn Shannon here at Suspense Sisters.

Lynn has graciously agreed to giveaway 2 eBook copies of Ranger Protection, Book One of her Texas Ranger Heroes Series.

I will announce the 2 winners NEXT Friday, August 21^st.  To enter, please leave a comment with your email address!

You can read more about Lynn and Ranger Protection, at the end of the interview.   

Welcome, Lynn!

First of all, tell us about YOU.

Well, I spend most of my day writing, petting my dog, or chasing after my kids. There’s nothing very exciting about my life! I love baking, especially anything with chocolate, and I can’t keep a plant alive. Reading is my number one hobby, and I reach for Christian romantic suspense first every time. I also love to travel.

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I don’t know that there was a single moment that I decided to become a writer. It’s been in the back of my mind since my teenage years. I’ve been an avid reader all my life, so writing is a natural extension of that. Becoming an author has been an amazing journey. It’s such a blessing to write stories that bring people joy.

What authors have influenced you the most in your career?

Oh, how much time do you have? I love reading all of the Love Inspired Suspense books. I’m a member of several author groups on Facebook. The advice and guidance from the community has been invaluable.  

Tell us about the moment you finally felt like a “real author”?

When I held a copy of my first book, Ranger Protection, in my hands was the moment I felt like a real author. It was an amazing moment because my daughter was with me when I open the package. I even have a photo of her holding the book. I’ll never forget it.

How does your faith play into your writing?

My faith is part of who I am, and it comes out in my writing as a natural extension of the characters. The same themes tend to show up in my books: forgiveness, love, patience, and holding on to faith in difficult times.

What are you working on now?

I’ve got two projects in the works. One is a new book I want to submit to Harlequin. I’m also writing the next book in my Texas Ranger Heroes series, Ranger Faith.

What is the most important thing you’d like readers to take away from your books?

Joy. Books, for me, have always provided an escape from real life. In particular, Christian romantic suspense. From the time I open the book I know that the hero and heroine are going to fall in love and the bad guy will be caught. There’s real comfort in that, especially since real life can be so complicated and messy. My goal with every book is for the reader to close it with a happy sigh and say, “That was great.”

Anything else you want to share with us?

If you love search-and-rescue dogs, check out my debut release from Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line. Following the Evidence is still available in eBook format from all major retailers.  

About Lynn:

Lynn Shannon is a Publisher's Weekly bestselling author of inspirational romantic suspense and sweet contemporary romance.

After an international move from Texas to Greece, Lynn turned her passion for reading into a love of writing. She lives with her husband, two children, an extremely spoiled dog, and a couple of chirpy lovebirds. The experience of a different country has provided new foods--like Yemista and Kourabiedes--to accompany pecans and Blue Bell ice cream on her favorites list. She also never passes up coffee, chocolate, or the chance to watch cute animal videos. You can learn more on her website at: www.lynnshannon.com

www.lynnshannon.com

Amazon: Lynn Shannon

Twitter: LynnSWrites

About Ranger Protection:

When Dr. Tara Sims is robbed, she fights back to protect her daughter and nearly pays with her life. She’s rescued by Texas Ranger Grady West. Her childhood friend is now a handsome lawman, but Tara refuses to acknowledge the chemistry sparking between them. With a little girl to raise and a growing medical practice, she has no room in her life for romance.

Grady suspects the vicious assault wasn’t a random act. What he can’t figure out is why anyone would attack the single mother. He vows to protect Tara and her little girl while keeping his growing feelings for them out of the equation. Getting romantically involved with his sister’s best friend is more hazardous than hunting criminals.

As the threats escalate and evidence links the robbery to a homicide, Tara and Grady realize nothing is quite as it seems. Untangling a web of secrets makes them the target of a madman, and it’s only a matter of time before the killer strikes again…

This novella kicks off the inspirational romantic suspense series Texas Ranger Heroes. Each book can be read as a standalone and guarantees a fast-paced mystery combined with sweet romance. 

Book Link: www.amazon.com/dp/B07JDZJG1Z

 

Thank you Lynn for joining us here at Suspense Sisters!

For a chance to win one of the 2 e-Book copies of  Ranger Protection, Book One of Lynn's Texas Ranger Heroes Series, leave a comment with your email address. 

I will announce the 2 winners NEXT Friday, August 21^st.  

Thanks so much!

Mary Alford 

 

Covert Cover-Up Giveaway!

Hey, friends! It’s great to be here on Suspense Sisters with you. I’m excited to share about my September release, Covert Cover-Up, set in the beautiful Mount Shasta region of Northern California. I’m giving away an eBook copy of Covert Cover-Up so be sure to leave a comment with your contact information. 

 

Covert Cover-Up is book two in my Mount Shasta Secrets series. I recently turned in book 3 and I’m starting on book 4. The series features four law enforcement siblings: Detective Ryan Bradley, Private Investigator Katelyn Bradley, NPS Special Agent Reece Bradley and then Deputy U.S. Marshal Ben Bradley. Readers get to know Ryan in Deadly Evidence as well as meet the siblings. 

 

As previously mentioned, the series is set around Mount Shasta. Some towns including Redding, California as well as fictional towns I created are featured.

 

 

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:MtShasta_aerial.JPG#filelinks

 

 

I loved writing Covert Cover-up because it was like writing a spy story without actually being a spy story—my editors words too. But what truly inspired me was Castle Crags. That's right--gorgeous rocky spires inspired my story! I always tell you that settings inspire me. Regrettably I wasn’t able to find a decent “free” image that I could share with you. 

But you can head to this link and take a look if you want, and then keep reading my post. 

The Castle Crags are such an amazing geological formation and has always drawn my attention when we've headed north on I-5. Mount Shasta is on the right and on the left, Castle Crags State Park. Because this setting inspired me I made my hero, Beck Goodwin, a world class rock climber. And the story grew from there into this . . .

 

Rescuing a neighbor

lands her in a killer’s sights…

Private investigator Katelyn Bradley rushes to help when she suspects a burglary at her neighbor Beck Goodwin’s house—and arrives just in time to save him. The widowed dad is convinced the attack is linked to his wife’s mysterious death, and now Katelyn is a target, too. Trapped in someone’s crosshairs, can Beck and Katelyn uncover his late wife’s lethal secrets…and keep each other alive?

 

I hope you’ll join me in my Mount Shasta series starting with Deadly Evidence. Get your hands on a copy of Covert Cover-Up because Taken in the Night comes next! 

 

 

 

Remember to comment for a chance to win!

In case you don't win you can purchase Covert Cover-Up at all your favorite places that sell Love Inspired Suspense books. Here's the Amazon Link. BUY HERE.

 

Blessings!

Elizabeth Goddard

 

 

WHAT'S HOT IN INSPIRATIONAL SUSPENSE by Patricia Bradley

by Patricia Bradley

Wondering what's HOT in Inspirational Suspense this month?

Minutes to Die by Susan Sleeman released August 4, 2020. 

It's the intel every agent fears--terrorists have been smuggled into the country, intent on unleashing the most deadly attack since 9/11. With the threat imminent, FBI Agent Kiley Dawson and ICE Agent Evan Bowers are charged with taking down this terrorist cell. The only problem is Kiley blames Evan for the death of her former partner, and she can barely be in a room with him. But with millions of lives on the line, she has no choice.

If it wasn't for a bad call Evan made, Kiley's former partner would still be alive, and Evan has to live with that guilt for the rest of his life. When he starts falling for her, the agent's death seems an impossible obstacle--but it's also the last thing he needs to think about. As the terrorist plot targets Kiley's family, the two are pushed to the breaking point in a race to save countless lives.

You can purchase Minutes to Die at:

Amazon

B&N

Christian Books

THIS WEEK ON THE SUSPENSE SISTERS

 

We’re planning another great week on the Suspense Sisters. Check out our posts, our interviews, and our awesome giveaways!

NOTE: We haven’t been able to reach the grand prize winner from our Summer of Suspense Contest, Nancy Cahill. If you know Nancy, please ask her to check her email, including her Junk Mail folder. We will notify her again and we hope to hear from her. However, if she hasn’t contacted us by Wednesday, August 12^th, we will be forced to move on and draw another name. *Just a side comment: This isn’t the first time this has happened. If you enter a contest, always check your Junk Mail folder. If your email account doesn’t recognize another email account, it may decide it’s  spam. There are people out there who’ve won contests but never received their prize because of not doing this one simple thing.

 THIS WEEK:

 

On Tuesday Patricia Bradley will tell us What’s Hot in Inspirational Suspense and Mystery. 

 

 

Wednesday we’ll hear from Suspense Sister Elizabeth Goddard. She’s giving away an eBook copy of her book, COVERT COVER-UP!

Rescuing a neighbor lands her in a killer’s sights… 

Private investigator Katelyn Bradley rushes to help when she suspects a burglary at her neighbor Beck Goodwin’s house—and arrives just in time to save him. The widowed dad is convinced the attack is linked to his wife’s mysterious death, and now Katelyn is a target, too. Trapped in someone’s crosshairs, can Beck and Katelyn uncover his late wife’s lethal secrets…and keep each other alive?

BUY IT HERE!

Friday we’ll be interviewing author Lynn Shannon. She’ll be giving away two eBook copies of her book, RANGER PROTECTION.

When Dr. Tara Sims is robbed, she fights back to protect her daughter and nearly pays with her life. She’s rescued by Texas Ranger Grady West. Her childhood friend is now a handsome lawman, but Tara refuses to acknowledge the chemistry sparking between them. With a little girl to raise and a growing medical practice, she has no room in her life for romance.

Grady suspects the vicious assault wasn’t a random act. What he can’t figure out is why anyone would attack the single mother. He vows to protect Tara and her little girl while keeping his growing feelings for them out of the equation. Getting romantically involved with his sister’s best friend is more hazardous than 
hunting criminals.

As the threats escalate and evidence links the robbery to a homicide, Tara and Grady realize nothing is quite as it seems. Untangling a web of secrets makes them the target of a madman, and it’s only a matter of time before the killer strikes again…

This novella kicks off the inspirational romantic suspense series Texas Ranger Heroes. Each book can be read as a standalone and guarantees a fast-paced mystery combined with a sweet romance.

BUY IT HERE!

 

The Suspense Sisters

We love books!