MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE SUSPENSE SISTERS!

 

THE SUSPENSE SISTERS CONTEST IS OVER AND....

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO DEBBIE WILLIAMS! SHE'S WON OUR 2021 CHRISTMAS CONTEST!

THE SUSPENSE SISTERS WANT TO WISH ALL OF YOU A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS. WE'LL BE BACK IN JANUARY!

Christmas Reflections

 I find myself reflecting on Christmas’s past around this time of the year. I love remembering the special Christmas’s from my childhood. Though our family never had a lot of money, Christmas was always special and filled with little things that have come to mean so much to me.   

From the Christmas program, our church did every year that depicted the birth of Jesus, to the candlelight service filled with beautiful songs followed by our pastor reading the Christmas story.   

And of course, picking out the perfect tree. We lived in a very small town and so buying a Christmas tree meant going to the local grocery store. They’d have them leaning against the store outside. My dad, sister, and I would find the perfect one and take it home to decorate and the house would be filled with the scent of the tree. This year, I bought a real tree for the house and the smell takes me back in time.

As Christmas grew closer, I can still recall the excitement of looking under the Christmas tree and seeing presents with my name on them as well as the excitement of waiting for Santa to appear.

Then, when Christmas morning finally came, I’d run to the tree and find what gifts the jolly man had left there for me there. Soon, the aromas of the Christmas meal being prepared by my mother could be experienced. Relatives would arrive and we would enjoy each other’s company as we celebrated the birth of our Savior.

Yet more important than all those special memories from childhood, or the gifts under the tree, is the realization that God gave us the most important present of all. His Son. It’s the only time in history when a King left His throne to become a baby and live a humble life and then die in order to save His kingdom.

So, this Christmas, I hope you get to make many more memories with your family that you can look back on a smile and remember this special year.

 

Merry Christmas everyone!

 

Mary Alford

www.maryalford.net 

A.D. LAWRENCE SHARES HER RECIPE FOR CRANBERRY BRIE BITES

Hi Friends!

I wanted to share a recipe that is perfect for the holidays. They look super fancy but don’t take a lot of time or make a lot of dishes. Those are both wins in my world.

CRANBERRY BRIE BITES

INGREDIENTS

1 (8-oz.) tube crescent dough

Cooking spray, for pan

Flour, for surface

1 (8-oz.) wheel of brie

1/2 c. whole berry cranberry sauce

1/4 c. chopped pecans

6 sprigs of rosemary, cut into 1" pieces.

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 375° and grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray. On a lightly floured surface, roll out crescent dough, and pinch together seams. Cut into 24 squares. Place squares into muffin tin slots.

Cut brie into small pieces and place inside the crescent dough. Top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce, some chopped pecans, and one little sprig of rosemary.

Bake until the crescent pastry is golden, about 15 minutes.

Hope you have a Merry Christmas!

A.D. Lawrence

CHRISTMAS AND CHANGE

Life is full of transformation. Christmas is one of the things that changes down through the years. I remember Christmas when my parents were together. It was special…magical. I also recall Christmas after their divorce. It was different, but my brother and I found a way to enjoy the holiday even though someone was always missing.  

After I was married and had my own child, Christmas took on new meaning. This time we were the ones who set the traditions. I loved every part of it. Getting up early, watching my son open his gifts, preparing Christmas dinner, and reading the real Christmas story.

But years later things changed again. My son isn’t here on Christmas morning. He is with his wife and our grandsons. Now I get to watch them open their gifts and my daughter-in-law cooks our Christmas dinner. It’s different – but it’s still wonderful.

No matter what changes when it comes to Christmas, it can still bring happiness – as long as we’re willing to adjust our attitudes. Change can be a good thing. But it depends on us.

I pray you have a blessed and joy-filled Christmas.

Nancy Mehl

Christmas for those who are alone by Mary Ellis

 Ah, the holidays. Those two words often evoke feelings of anxiety in the hearts of many Americans. So much to do to get ready: Clean the house, decorate it from top to bottom, send out greeting cards, and prepare the food ahead of time so the ham or roast turkey will look as effortless as the cooking shows on cable TV. And what about the shopping, you ask? Yes, what should we buy picky mother-in-laws, our kid’s ballet teacher, the neighbors, and the work gift exchange? And what about children and grandchildren who already have everything under the sun? It’s no wonder some people greet December with little enthusiasm. As Christians, we know to keep Christ at the center of the holiday. If we give Him the focus, then we’ll choose activities that keep the spiritual aspect of the season.

My husband and I represent a small group who’re almost never heard from…people with no one to cook for at the holidays, who clean the house expecting no guests to drop by, and whose gift list is miniscule. You might be thinking…at least you won’t find yourself deep in debt once January rolls around. But remember, once you’ve finished your list of chores and the blessed holiday arrives, you’ll be surrounded by people who love you. With our close friends and small family all far away, my husband and I will have only each other. Please don’t think I’m complaining, because at least we have our faith to see us through difficult times.

So those of you with families close by, stop focusing on what you must accomplish. Split up the chores, settle for less-than-gourmet meals, and set limits on spending. Do whatever necessary to keep the Christmas season from spiraling out of control. Then take time to give thanks for the blessings of family. Pity those that are truly alone—the homeless, the incarcerated, or children waiting to be adopted. Consider ways to serve them during this blessed season. And have a merry Christmas.

Mary Ellis is a former schoolteacher turned USA Today bestselling author who’s written twenty-six novels including Amish fiction, historical romance, and suspense. Her first mystery, Midnight on the Mississippi, was a finalist for the RT Magazine’s Reviewer’s Choice Award and a finalist for the Daphne du Maurier Award. Her latest series is the Bourbon Tour Mysteries from Severn House. Book two, One Hundred Proof Murder released August 3, 2021. Her latest Amish novella is Missing available on Amazon Kindle. She enjoys gardening and bicycling and lives in Ohio with her husband and dog. She can be found at www.maryellis.net or

https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Mary-Ellis/126995058236

HOW CAN IT BE DECEMBER??

 by Patricia Bradley

Photo by Kristina Paukshtite from Pexels

How can it possibly be almost Christmas? I mean, it seems like New Year's was just last week...oh, wait...that was Thanksgiving!

I went to my Sunday School Christmas party today and as we sat around the tables, a subject near and dear to my heart came up--the Worst holiday food blunders.

The lady next to me started it with a story about when she came home for Thanksgiving. She was visiting her sister who always held the Thanksgiving meal at her house, and my friend rose early to walk her dog. As they came around the corner of her sister's house, she almost stumbled over a half-eaten turkey. Evidently, her sister had set the cooked turkey on top of her covered grill and a neighborhood dog had smelled it...they had a hastily baked hen that Thanksgiving.

The lady across from me told of her sister-in-law who always baked plumb cobbler and how everyone always looked forward to it. One Thanksgiving the sister-in-law stumbled as she came in the hostess' brand-new house with brand new beige carpet, and the juicy red plumb cobbler went flying...not sure if they ever did get that stain up.

And then there was my story...I'd fixed turkey and all the trimmings including a 9 by 13 Pyrex dish of cornbread dressing. When it was done, I grabbed two potholders and took the dish out, intending to take it straight to the table...unfortunately, one of the potholders had gotten wet and about halfway to the table, the dish was too hot to hold and I dropped it...So much for Turkey and dressing that day.

So, what's your disastrous story? Or has it always gone well with you? Leave your answer in the comments along with your contact information and I'll draw a name by next Friday for one of my 2022 Calendars made from the meme's on my blog (made from photos I've taken and a scripture verse)...www.ptbradley.com/blog

Here's a recipe for my cornbread dressing--just remember making dressing is not an exact science. You may need to add more seasoning to suit your family...

Cornbread dressing:

1 skillet of cornbread (probably about a 10-12 inch skillet—we always used Mother’s if you still have it.)

Package of Pepperidge Farm seasoned bread crumbs (you’ll use about 1 ½ cup)

3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped up

1 uncooked egg

1 cup onion (give or take)

1 cup celery (give or take)

Half stick of butter

Chicken broth (either from cooked chicken or store-bought)

1 tbls vinegar 

Mrs Dash

Cavenders

1/8 black pepper

Salt to taste

1 tablespoon of sage (kinda have to guess at this)

Mix all together—should be the consistency of a very thick cake mix. 

Bake until golden brown, usually about an hour.

If I cook chicken (usually chicken legs and things) I cut it up and put it in the dressing.

Don't forget your disaster if you had one or know of one...

And DON'T FORGET TO ENTER OUR 2021 CHRISTMAS CONTEST!

 

What's HOT in Inspirational Suspense

Wondering what's new in inspirational suspense and mystery? Sarah Loudin Thomas has a brand new suspense, The Finder of Forgotten Things, releasing soon from Bethany House. Available December 10.

Here's a little bit about the story: It's 1932, and Sullivan Harris is on the run. He promised the people of Kline, West Virginia, that he would find them water---but he failed and fled with their cash. Determined to stay ahead of his pursuers, he pulls the same scam in a new town, with better results. But can he keep up this charade? 384 pages, softcover from Bethany.

Purchase The Finder of Forgotten Things from Christianbook.com HERE

Happy reading, suspense lovers! ~ Mary Ellis

A Chat with Author Dana Mentink and a Giveaway!

 I’m so excited to get to talk with my friend, author Dana Menink today and share a little “inside information” about her with you. 

On October 26^th, Yukon Justice, Alaska K-9 Unit Book 7, released and promptly made the USA Today Bestsellers List as well as being on the Publisher’s Weekly list for two straight weeks.

Yukon Justice is Dana’s 40^th book with Love Inspired Suspense and one that you won’t want to put down! 

Sabotage on a family ranch…this K-9’s on the case.

When her estranged uncle attempts to sabotage her family’s reindeer ranch, K-9 team assistant Katie Kapowski heads home to help save it—and becomes his target. With their rocky past, Alaska State Trooper Brayden Ford and his furry partner are the last team Katie wants assigned to protect her. But with the ranch under siege, they must work together…or risk falling victim to a killer.

Dana, if you had to describe yourself in one sentence, what would you say?

Dana’s a bit of a dork, but she means well.

What do you do when you’re not writing? Any interesting hobbies?

I REALLY want to be a good cook. In reality, I’m a pretty mediocre cook, which is sad, right? I also aspire to be a fantastic gardener, yet God keeps me continually humble in this regard. I have, however, grown a broccoli tree. Yes, you read that right. It’s a broccoli plant which I never had the heart to dig up because the birds and bees love it, so it grew into a tree.

What was your favorite book as a teen or child?

Without question, my favorite book was the Oz series. I have all of them. L. Frank Baum showed me an amazing and magical world that took my breath away and turned me into a storyteller. I’ve visited The Hotel Del on Coronado Island where he wrote his stories.

Tell us three things about yourself that might surprise your readers.

Hmmm. Let’s see.

I was an elementary school teacher for most of my career.

My great pandemic achievement was teaching Junie the Wonder Dog how to ride in a booster seat in the car.

I was a nationally ranked competitive speaker in college.

What genre did you start out writing? Have you changed course? Why or why not?

Interestingly, I started in cozy mystery, then sidestepped to romantic suspense and guess what? I’m back in cozy mystery again along with the suspense. Life’s funny that way.

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

The toughest criticism was given about one of my earliest books. The reviewer said I portrayed a senior citizen character in a ridiculing manner. That cut me to the quick because I have a heart for seniors and always have. I felt terrible that she felt my character was poking fun. Ouch! The best compliments are the ones that say they were touched and moved in some way, especially if it was an encouragement to them.

Any other genres you’d like to try? If yes, what and why?

I think I’d probably have a go at children’s books, perhaps, but I don’t have time to explore that right now.

If you could go back in time and do something differently at the start of your career, what would it be?

I would probably try to take more classes and attend conferences, but I was working, with young babies, so that really wasn’t doable at that point.

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

That they are loved by God, and He uses our failures to bring us closer to Him.

What is the most valuable piece of advice you’d like to give to unpublished authors?

There’s a difference between “I want to publish a book” and “I want to write professionally.” Figure out which path you want to take and seek out mentors and avenues to lead you to your goal.

Thank you, Dana, for being here today with us. It has been a pleasure getting to know you better.   

Readers--leave a comment and I'll enter you in a drawing for a copy of Yukon Justice! The winner will be announced next Friday here in the comments. Print copy for a US winner, or e-book for those outside the US.

 All the best...

Mary Alford

www.maryalford.net 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING....and giving away a free book!

What are your plans for tomorrow? A quiet, peaceful day? Heading somewhere for your Thanksgiving celebration? Or getting ready to host some family or friends at your own house?

We always host the big holidays here, so you can imagine what today is like.  Cleaning, advance food prep (pies and more pies!) and planning out tomorrow in fifteen-minute increments for food prep before serving dinner at four in the afternoon.  

Our daughter is an amazing cook, though, so it's such a blessing to be able to share the tasks. But by the time we serve, I just want to find a quiet corner and put my feet up!

Thus, this is a quick post, but I'd like to mention 

FINAL CHANCE, my November release. It's an inspirational romantic suspense.

Here's a quick blurb:

Arson. Attempted murder. And Kris Donaldson is the prime suspect. Why won't anyone believe she's innocent?

After years on the run from an abusive ex, Kris receives an unexpected inheritance, an acreage in the Rockies near a small, quaint mountain town. It's her dream come true--a chance to establish an animal rescue and finally lead a peaceful life. Perhaps there's even a chance of forever-after with the intriguing rancher next door.

But her dreams might just prove fatal. A stalker will stop at nothing to destroy her new life. The threats are mounting. She's being framed for heinous crimes. Her reputation, happiness, and in the end, her life is on the line. As always, she can simply cut her losses and run. But this time, there's too much at stake.

This time, she's going to stay.

* * * * * * * * * 

Leave a message and be entered in a drawing for FINAL REFUGE, the first book in this series!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Roxanne Rustand
USA Today bestselling author

What's HOT in Inspirational Suspense

Wondering what's new in inspirational suspense and mystery? Kate Breslin as a brand new suspense, As Dawn Breaks, recently released from Bethany Books. 

Here's a little bit about the story: After a deadly explosion at her munitions factory kills her best friend, Rosalind longs to escape and begin a new life. Armed with a false ID card, she flees to another factory in Scotland. But when RAF captain Alex Baird arrives to investigate and prevent a second blast, things get complicated. Should Rosalind risk telling him everything? 400 pages, softcover from Bethany.

Buy As Dawn Breaks from Christianbook HERE

Happy reading, lovers of suspense and mystery! ~ Mary Ellis

THIS WEEK ON THE SUSPENSE SISTERS

 

We have exciting things planned for you this week on the Suspense Sisters!

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

Wednesday we’ll hear from Suspense Sister Roxanne Rustand.

Friday, we’ll interview Dana Mentink. She’ll give away a copy of her newest release, YUKON JUSTICE!

Sabotage on a family ranch…
this K-9’s on the case.

When her estranged uncle attempts to sabotage her family’s reindeer ranch, K-9 team assistant Katie Kapowski heads home to help save it—and becomes his target. With their rocky past, Alaska State Trooper Brayden Ford and his furry partner are the last team Katie wants assigned to protect her. But with the ranch under siege, they must work together…or risk falling victim to a killer.

You can buy it here! 

THE SUSPENSE SISTERS

WE LOVE BOOKS!

Christmas Comes to Florida!

Fay Lamb, author of All I Want for Christmas, joins us today to share how her new Christmas mystery with the quirky characters of Mullet Harbor, Florida, has its roots in her own traditions and memories.

Welcome, Fay! You’ve lived in Florida all your life. Coming from a land-locked North Texan, that seems completely foreign to me. What was life like growing up so close to the beach? How has your past impacted your writing?

I actually live fifteen miles from Playalinda Beach, which is the stretch of land that Titusville, Florida calls its own. Kennedy Space Center came in and the federal government moved the people, including members of my family, off of the swamp-like land between Titusville and the beach, so our beach isn’t infested with condos and tourist traps.

Still, I’m not a beach bum (I use the term endearingly). I’m more of a river rat. Since I was a child on my grandfather’s pier, which was promoted as “The World’s Largest, Freest Fishing Pier,” where I slept many a night on a cot in a back room in the wee hours of the morning, I have loved the lull of lapping waters.

Most of my memories are of times spent with my grandmother at her “vacation” home in Merritt Island, only thirty miles from our residences. The stately old place, dubbed River Wind by my turn-of-the-twentieth-century opera superstar cousin Emma Thursby, has a rich history. It sits on the Indian River, and it’s still in the family. When I think of Florida and my childhood, that old pier on the same river and River Wind, where my grandparents and I packed up each weekend and stayed, those are precious memories for me, and they are incorporated into many of my stories.

Florida swampland isn’t the typical setting for a Christmas story, but then again, you are uniquely equipped to write about it. How do you celebrate Christmas in Florida? What are some things y’all do there that most folks wouldn’t think about or be able to do?

That’s a great question. I hear some folks say they wouldn’t like Christmas in Florida because there is no snow. In fact, at *muddled voice here* years of age, I have never seen snow.

Oh, my goodness! Really? 

Yes, it’s like snow fears both me and my husband. We have been in the proximity where school children expected to be free of school for a week, and I’ve looked at them and said, “Ain’t gonna happen. I’m here.” And snow has never fallen on me.

But if you think about it, the warm balmy days of a Florida Christmas allow the children (and sometimes adults) to play with their toys outside. You can actually go boating or even travel to the beach. My grandchildren often open their gifts and run outside to play with them while dinner is cooking. In fact, as I tell you this, it’s going to be a nice eighty-one degrees in my neck of the woods in mid-November.

Tradition wise, I grew up with the old, sad silver trees with the light contraption. If you remember those things, you’re probably as old as I am. My husband, on the other hand, has never had a fake tree. His grandfather and his mother traipsed him off to the woods to cut down a tree. They actually went and chopped down a tree.

How sweet! Hubby did that for me when we were first married.  

We don’t do that any longer, but we do go and buy a tree each year. Our tradition is to have the tree up the weekend after Thanksgiving. I’ve heard that some northerners wait until Christmas Eve to put up a tree. I’d love to know if that’s true. My family is strictly southern, and I have no way to know.

I can't help you there. We decorate from the few days before Thanksgiving until the week before Christmas and leave it all up until mid-January.

My favorite Christmas tradition was one we created with my dear mother-in-law, Saralyn. She began a Snow Village some thirty years ago, and my husband, kids, and I added two or three pieces every year. She never allowed us to put it up or take it down, but we enjoyed her substantial collection each year. Now that Grandma Lamb has passed, the family keeps up the tradition, but now, the grandkids help with the display. We incorporate Grandma’s love for her family and Christmas by pulling out all of her pieces and setting up the entire Christmas village.

And on Christmas morning, the family gets together, opens presents, enjoys each other’s company, and we have a great dinner—the turkey-cooking torch having passed over me and to my oldest son (despite the fact that Saralyn always declared that someday I’d have to do the hard work. Ha! She didn’t know who she was threatening).

Lol! I am blessed with a turkey-cooking hubby. Though that might have something to do with the fact that I cooked the one for our first Christmas together. And I was HAPPY to let him take over!  

Saralyn's Christmas village in my mind reminds me of the quaint houses of Mullet Harbor, without the wintery scenes, of course. That little town has some quirky citizens. Choosing your favorite might very well feel like choosing a favorite child, but share a little about one or two of the folks that live there and what makes them special.

If I didn’t say Herb Miller has my heart, I’d not be truthful. I love the flip-flop wearing mayor of Mullet Harbor. He’s down-to-earth practical, and he has a way of steering the people he loves in the right direction. His heart is huge, and it’s been broken by the death of his wife, Lacey, and the loss of one of the younger residents in town. He’d lost a lot in his life. He’s recovered some of those treasured gifts, and Herb knows how to appreciate them.

And then there’s Abigail. All I Want for Christmas is her story. For most of her life, Abby has sacrificed for the ones she loved. Her parents were older when they began their family, and events brought tragedy that had Abby taking on adult responsibilities when she was a teenager. Now, life has gotten simpler, and she has hope for the future, but life doesn’t always turn out the way we want—or hope is deferred. Abigail walks on her tiptoes, is a master-baker, and she’s one that all the quirky citizens seem to want to protect, as if she’s fragile. Yet everyone has watched Abigail grow into a strong woman because of the hardships she’s faced. Abigail, though, doesn’t see herself as others see her. At times, she wants to flee her problems, but when she’s ready to stand up and fight, as others find out, you’d better watch yourself.

Like Fay said, All I Want for Christmas is Abigail's story, and she finds herself in a whole bunch of trouble. Here's some more information about her book. 

A wedding headed for disaster,

A crime syndicate bent on destruction,
And a bunch of hungry alligators.

Knee deep in preparation for her best friend’s Christmas wedding, Abigail Brewster reels when her estranged younger sister returns to Mullet Harbor. She brings secrets, intrigue, and trouble along with her—a crime syndicate set on goals that would destroy the harbor. And Abigail is in the middle of their scheme.

Remy Arneaux doesn’t understand the reason for Susan Brewster’s return, and maybe that’s due to the brain fog from his concussion. But he does know enough not to trust her and not to let her near Abigail. The self-centered woman would only hurt her . . . again. Abigail has had enough pain, even from him. Still, he made a promise to escort someone else to the wedding. And with the promise is a secret that begins to rip his relationship with Abigail apart.

According to Mayor Herb’s edict, nothing is allowed to mar this occasion for his only granddaughter. Not heartbreak, not tirades from a spoiled young woman, and not threats from organized crime.

But what about their attempts to make good on their threats . . .

***

All I Want for Christmas is available from Amazon in e-book and paperback HERE.

And one lucky reader will have the chance to win a free copy of the fun Christmas mystery. In the comments, share a Christmas tradition that you enjoy the most. Like the Christmas Village from Fay's mother-in-law, what tradition would you find hard to give up? And don't forget to leave your email address! 

ANNOUNCING A RELEASE CONTEST FOR DEAD FALL!

DEAD FALL just recently released. To celebrate, I have a great contest going on!

If you've read DEAD FALL, tell me if you liked it in the comments below. I'll pick one person for your choice of an ebook copy or a print copy (if available) of any one of my books. (U.S. only for print copies.)

And be sure to enter my contest!

Dead Fall Giveaway - Nancy Mehl

What's HOT in Inspirational Suspense

Wondering what's new in inspirational suspense and mystery? Leanna Sain has a brand new suspense, Hoax 2, releasing today from Lamplighter.

Here's a little bit about the story: Soon-to-be bride Lacey Campbell discovers a family secret just days be-fore her wedding causing her to doubt everything she’s always believed about her family. When she begins to dream of vicious canines and strange Inuit knives slashing paint canvases, she worries it is a premonition of murder—just like ones she has experienced before. With her police-chief fiancé, Ford Jamison, she struggles to preserve her famous grandfather’s legacy while searching for a possible claimant to his estate. As she pursues the truth, she risks losing her precious restaurant, The Black Pearl, and jeopardizing her future with Ford. Can she protect her own life and uncover the Hoax?

You can buy Hoax #2 from Christianbook HERE

Happy Reading, Suspense Lovers! ~ Mary Ellis

THIS WEEK ON THE SUSPENSE SISTERS

 

We have exciting things planned for you this week on the Suspense Sisters!

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

Wednesday we'll be hearing from Nancy Mehl on her latest release, Dead Fall.

He has a deadly endgame in mind--and he's already chosen each victim . . . including her.

After putting to rest the most personal case of her career, Alex Donovan is ready to move on and focus on her future at the FBI's elite Behavioral Analysis Unit. When the BAU cofounder is discovered dead in his hotel room, the FBI is called in to work on the strangest case they've ever faced. How do you find a killer who murders his victims from a distance?

When it becomes clear that the killer is targeting agents in Alex's unit, they are ordered into lockdown, sheltered in the dorms at Quantico. Alex bunks with controversial agent Kaely Quinn, and as they work together, Alex discovers in Kaely the role model she's never had--despite being warned away.

As Alex questions the type of agent she wants to become, things get personal when the brilliant killer strikes close to home. Now Alex will do anything to find the killer--even at the risk of her own life.

You can find purchase links here. 

On Friday Marji Laine will talk to Fay Lamb about her new Christmas mystery/romance, All I Want for Christmas. The quirky citizens of Mullet Harbor are eager to protect one of their own in this fun story. And Fay has some special memories to share about Christmas and how this book has impacted her. It's part of her Mullet Harbor romance series, but it has excellent suspense and a downright juicy mystery to it.

You can buy it or read it on KU here.

The Suspense Sisters

We love books!

A VISIT WITH ELIZABETH GODDARD

By Patricia Bradley

I am so excited to interview Elizabeth Goddard on our blog today. Before she got so crazy busy with writing, she was a Suspense Sister and I'm always looking for ways to lure her back. lol. But I understand deadlines and so I kinda understand why she left us.

Okay...last week, Deadly Target, book two in the Rocky Mountain series about three childhood friends, Terra, Erin, and Alex released, and I'm here to tell you, it kept me reading past one two nights in a row to finish it.

Criminal psychologist Erin Larson's dreams of a successful career come to a screeching halt when she nearly loses her own life in a boating accident on Puget Sound and then learns that her mother tried to commit suicide. She leaves her job as a criminal psychologist to care for her mother in Montana. At least she is able to produce her podcast, which focuses on solving missing persons cold cases.

Nathan Campbell's father was investigating such a case when he was shot, and now Nathan needs to enlist Erin's help to solve the case. She's good at what she does. The only problem? She's his ex.

As the two dig deeper, it becomes clear that they, too, are being targeted--and that the answers to their questions are buried deep within the past Erin struggles to explain and longs to forget.

The race is on for the truth in this gripping and complex tale of suspense, intrigue, and murder from USA Today bestselling author Elizabeth Goddard.

Elizabeth, you're a native Texan, but the series takes place in the Montana mountains. Can tell us a little about why you chose Montana?

Yes, I am a native Texan, but I’ve traveled extensively and lived in six states, and currently reside in Washington state. My husband is a Montanan, so I already had a lot of knowledge about Montana and a ready resource in him. As for the locations in the Rocky Mountain Courage series, I created a fictional setting for the stories, but I’ve also been to other locations mentioned, including Boston in Deadly Target, and I live near Puget Sound/Seattle area. Anything else that I didn’t know from firsthand knowledge, I relied on the usual research—books, Internet, YouTube, experts.

Yes, research. What did you learn in doing research for Deadly Target?

Erin is a criminal psychologist who has a crime podcast so I researched and learned a lot about that! I had to listen to several to understand how they worked and to write that additional layer in the story, but before writing this story, I had never listened to a crime podcast. I also took a deeper dive into criminal psychology and all that field of study entails.

When I listened to crime podcasts, one, in particular, brought me to tears and it took me days to get over it. I think that writing suspense can often take us to dark places in order to find the most accurate portrayal of crime and the evils of this world and researching for Deadly Target was no exception.

Oh, wow. Sometimes it's hard for a writer to put her head into the criminal's mind! so what was the fun part about writing Deadly Target?

I had the most fun twisting up the plot. I had ideas in my head about the way I wanted to unfold the layers, and I wasn’t sure if I could pull it off.

Oh, you pulled it off, all right! That book hooked me from the get-go! What's the biggest obstacle you face in writing?

Right now, my biggest challenge is finding the time to write and give my novels the love and care they need. I’m juggling a lot in my life with a big move a few weeks ago and a special needs son, and time is the most valuable commodity. I’m fortunate to have enough experience that I have the rhythm of my stories down, so that helps.

So, what's next for your readers?

Critical Alliance, Rocky Mountain Courage 3 will release next year. I’m working on a new series set in Alaska for Revell, and I also write for Love Inspired Suspense and two books a year release with them.

You are very busy! Thanks for taking the time to visit with us today!

Readers--leave a comment and I'll enter you in a drawing for a copy of Deadly Target! Winner announced next Friday here in the comments. (Must have Continental US Address) And leave your contact information!

Oh, and I'm reviewing Deadly Target on my blog today! Leave a comment and you get two entries for a drawing of Present Danger (That's what I'm giving away on my blog) and Deadly Target!

You say Turkey, I say Taco

When is it good to change a tradition connected to the holidays?

Turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, cranberries and pumpkin pie. I'm not crazy about any of these foods. And yet, every year I prepared and served them to my family because that's what you do on Thanksgiving, right? It's tradition. Christmas was a slight variation of that meal. With few exceptions the turkey would be too dry or we would be waiting around for it to get done. The years of the great turkey wait always seemed to be the years we had guests. 

After my husband's death seven years ago, our holidays began to evolve. He was the one who loved the traditional meal. Even when I switched to ham, I noticed my kids were eating the ham and the rolls. One of them took some stuffing. I ate the cranberries and sweet potatoes. There were a lot of left overs. It was a lot of work to prepare that kind of meal. 

When I noticed all the left overs, I asked my kids if there was something they would rather eat on Thanksgiving. My oldest son suggested Mexican. So that is what we have, some form of Mexican. A taco bar, maybe a Mexican casserole, or shrimp or beef fajitas. Christmas is still a work progress. Last year, we had finger food and sugar cookies (made with sour cream, best recipe ever) that we decorated together. 

How about you? Are there traditions that have changed over the years? Are there traditions that you no longer do that you miss? Leave a comment with your email address for a chance to win one of my holiday books. Thanksgiving Protector, Alaskan Christmas Target, or Tasha's Christmas Wish.  

Since December is our big giveaway and I won't be posting, I would like to take this opportunity to wish every one a Thanksgiving filled with hope and gratitude and Christmas filled with joy and Christ's love. 

See you in the new year. 

 

What's HOT in Inspirational Suspense

Wondering what's new in inspirational suspense and mystery? Kathy Harris is about to release Deadly Connection, book 2 in the Deadly Secrets series from LPC Books. 

Available 11-15

Here's a little bit about the story: After fending off a would-be abductor, 27-year-old singer-songwriter Hannah Cassidy hides behind a car in the half-empty parking lot behind Pancake Pantry in Nashville. From there, she watches in horror as her attacker grabs another woman and pushes her into a nearby car. Within seconds, the vehicle speeds away.

TBI Special Agent Jake Matheson may have planned a quiet day off and a date with Shannon—the only name her online profile revealed—for an introductory lunch, but after pulling into a parking space on 21st Avenue South, he hears a scream. He races to the back of the building and finds a frightened young woman bent forward and gasping for breath. Thrown together by uncanny circumstances and driven by the whys and what-ifs of secrets yet to be revealed, Hannah and Jake set out to find the connection between them before it becomes deadly.

Buy Deadly Connection from Christianbook HERE

Happy reading, lovers of suspense and mystery! ~ Mary Ellis

THIS WEEK ON THE SUSPENSE SISTERS

We have exciting things planned for you this week on the Suspense Sisters!

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


Wednesday we’ll hear from Sharon Dunn. She’ll be talking about changing traditions and when they don’t work anymore. She’ll also be giving away a copy of her book, ALASKAN CHRISTMAS TARGET.

With the Mafia on her trail,

Christmas on the run is her only choice…

With her face splashed across the news after she saves a little boy, Natasha Hale’s witness protection cover is blown. Now caught in a blizzard at Christmastime with Alaskan State Trooper Landon Defries, she must rely on him to survive—not only hazardous weather but deadly hit men. Natasha needs a new identity…but can she leave behind the man she’s come to trust?

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Sharon Dunn

You can buy it here! 

Friday, Patricia Bradley will be reviewing DEADLY TARGET by Elizabeth Goddard.

Criminal psychologist Erin Larson's dreams of a successful career come to a screeching halt when she nearly loses her own life in a boating accident on Puget Sound and then learns that her mother tried to commit suicide. She leaves her job as a criminal psychologist to care for her mother in Montana. At least she is able to produce her podcast, which focuses on solving missing persons cold cases.

Nathan Campbell's father was investigating such a case when he was shot, and now Nathan needs to enlist Erin's help to solve the case. She's good at what she does. The only problem? She's his ex.

As the two dig deeper, it becomes clear that they, too, are being targeted--and that the answers to their questions are buried deep within the past Erin struggles to explain and longs to forget.

The race is on for the truth in this gripping and complex tale of suspense, intrigue, and murder from USA Today bestselling author Elizabeth Goddard.

You can buy it here! 

THE SUSPENSE SISTERS

WE LOVE BOOKS

TEXAS CHRISTMAS REVENGE by Connie Queen - Review

Texas Christmas Revenge

An abandoned little boy is the only clue
to a killer's dangerous holiday plot…

Certain a desperate 911 caller is her presumed-dead sister, emergency dispatcher Brandi Callahan follows the cryptic message to a terrified toddler…and an armed assailant. Now Brandi will do anything to protect the boy—even if it means asking her ex-fiancé, Texas Ranger Rhett Kincaid, for help. But can Brandi and Rhett stop this killer before he exacts his terrible Christmas vengeance?

Connie Queen has done it again! Texas Christmas Revenge has exactly what I was looking for in a romantic suspense story. Relatable characters, intense action, and plenty of surprising turns.

Since characters make or break a book for me, I really appreciated the flaws in her main characters and the personal struggles they had to overcome. It made them feel so real that I was really drawn into the story. This will probably make me sound like a monster, but I don’t typically care for suspense stories with children in them—don’t ask me why, because I’m not sure I have an answer. This book has a little boy at the center of the tension, but his part was so well-written that I didn’t even mind.I would highly recommend this story to anyone with an affinity for romantic suspense. But I should warn you not to start Texas Christmas Revenge unless you have time to finish it.

You can buy it here! 

What is your favorite Christmas tradition? Share below for a chance to win a Kindle copy of Texas Christmas Revenge!

Last month’s winner of Firefly Diaries by C.C. Warrens is Lora D! I’ll send you a Kindle copy via the email you provided.

Why Readers Love Books in a series ~ Win a copy of Hiding in Plain Sight

If you’re a voracious reader you’ve probably noticed books are either written to stand-alone or to be part of a series. Series have grown more popular over the years and are preferred by authors and readers alike. There are several reasons why mysteries and suspense are usually part of a series. Readers develop a fondness for favorite characters and don’t want to leave them behind after a single book. Authors love the fact they can jump right into the story without starting from scratch creating memorable people out of strangers. Sometimes readers fall in love with a particular town or setting. Who could forget Jessica Fletcher as she solved crimes in Cabot Cove, ME or Debbie Macomber’s charming Cedar Cove, Washington? Many of us started out with either The Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew as children and then graduated to R. L. Stine mysteries. I’ve since enjoyed Agatha’s Christie’s famous private investigator, Hercule Poirot, as he brought criminals to justice in exotic locations around the world. Lately I picked up the first of a seventeen-book series by Louise Penny in which Chief Inspector Armand Gamache solves crimes in the tiny hamlet of Three Pines, outside of Montreal. I only discovered Louise Penny in the last few years, so it was fun to see how she began her series with Still Life.

Here’s a little bit about the story, Still Life. Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Surêté du Québec and his team of investigators are called in to the scene of a suspicious death in a rural village south of Montreal. Jane Neal, a local fixture in the tiny hamlet of Three Pines, just north of the U.S. border, has been found dead in the woods. The locals are certain it's a tragic hunting accident and nothing more, but Gamache smells something foul in these remote woods, and is soon certain that Jane Neal died at the hands of someone much more sinister than a careless bowhunter.

Look for Still Life at your local library or you can buy it from Amazon HERE

You don’t have to look far to find great series from my fellow suspense sisters. Each of them has a new series available now. In my own four-book series, Secrets of the South Mysteries, investigators in the Price Agency track down criminals—while falling in love—in charming southern cities.

All four of the Secrets of the South Mysteries: Midnight on the Mississippi, What Happened on Beale Street, Magnolia Moonlight and Sunset in Old Savannah are available in e-book at Christianbook for $9.99 HERE




Leave me a comment, readers, as to your favorite series over the years for a chance to win Hiding in Plain Sight, first in Marked for Retribution mysteries. You must leave an email address and US readers only.

Happy Reading! ~ Mary Ellis 

WHAT'S HOT IN INSPIRATIONAL SUSPENSE

 By Patricia Bradley

Oh, my goodness! I'm so excited to tell you about 3- count 'em - 3 books being released TODAY by two Suspense Sisters and one former Suspense Sister!

First and in reverse alphabetical order: 

Nancy Mehl's Dead Fall:

After facing the demons from her past, Alex Donovan is ready to move on and focus on her career at the FBI's elite Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU). When renowned profiler and BAU co-founder John Davis is found dead in his hotel room, the FBI is called in to work on the strangest case they've ever faced. How do you find a killer who murders his victims without touching them?

When it becomes clear that the killer is targeting agents in Alex's unit, they are ordered into lockdown, sheltered in the dorms at Quantico. Alex bunks with a controversial agent, Kaely Quinn, who has returned after being dismissed three years earlier. As they work together, Alex discovers in Kaely the role model she's never had, despite being warned away.

As Alex questions who she wants to become, things get personal when the brilliant killer strikes close to home. Now Alex will do anything to find the killer--even at the risk of her own life.

Buy links here.

NEXT

Elizabeth Goddard's Deadly Target:

Criminal psychologist Erin Larson's dreams of a successful career come to a screeching halt when she nearly loses her own life in a boating accident on Puget Sound and then learns that her mother tried to commit suicide. She leaves her job as a criminal psychologist to care for her mother in Montana. At least she is able to produce her podcast, which focuses on solving missing persons cold cases.

Nathan Campbell's father was investigating such a case when he was shot, and now Nathan needs to enlist Erin's help to solve the case. She's good at what she does. The only problem? She's his ex.

As the two dig deeper, it becomes clear that they, too, are being targeted--and that the answers to their questions are buried deep within the past Erin struggles to explain and longs to forget.

The race is on for the truth in this gripping and complex tale of suspense, intrigue, and murder from USA Today bestselling author Elizabeth Goddard.

Buy links here.

And last...Patricia Bradley's Crosshairs:

Investigative Services Branch (ISB) ranger Ainsley Beaumont arrives in her hometown of Natchez, Mississippi, to investigate the murder of a three-month-pregnant teenager. 

While she wishes the visit was under better circumstances, she never imagined that she would become the killer's next target--nor that she'd have to work alongside an old flame.

After he almost killed a child, former FBI sniper Lincoln Steele couldn't bring himself to fire a gun, which had deadly and unforeseen consequences for his best friend. Crushed beneath a load of guilt, Linc is working at Melrose Estate as an interpretive ranger. 

But as danger closes in on Ainsley during her murder investigation, Linc will have to find the courage to protect her. The only question is, will it be too little, too late?

Award-winning author Patricia Bradley continues her Natchez Trace Park Rangers series with a story about how good must prevail when evil just won't quit.

Buy links here.

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