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Thursday, March 28, 2024

REVIEW: One Award Finalist!

I believe this book was reviewed on this blog when it first released, but upon learning that it was a finalist for the esteemed Selah Award, I had to look into it for myself! I'm so glad I did. 

COLD PURSUIT is a story that left me with little tingles crawling up my back. Seriously, Nancy Mehl has a deviously clever mind! I was hooked from the first moment, when the main character was shot! Yes, shot! And then the other main character was locked in a box and thrown into the river. 

You know, I always go into books expecting that the main characters will at least live through the first chapter. I wasn't sure this time! 

Hard to believe, but the suspense actually gets even more intense. I was intrigued by the explanation of synesthesia and then the experience of it manifested through the mind and point of view of the antagonist. Mrs. Mehl drew him as a tragic character that sparked my empathy, along with disgust and a big dose of dread/fear. I consider her an absolute master at drawing creative characters that are way too real - especially when they are killing people!  

Along with the empathetic character of the antagonist, the series has a great chemistry between the hero, Tony St. Clair, and the heroine, River Ryland. They are attempting to stick to the best friends monikers, but I don't expect their relationship to remain there for long. 

I was drawn to River's character in particular. Her frustration with her mother's condition gave me flashbacks of my own encounter with Alzheimer's. It is a cruel disease for those watching its affects. But in my experience with my mom, it became truly merciful, allowing her to dwell into situations that brought her joy and made her feel needed even if they'd happened decades before. And I loved how she could remember every word of a dozen or more hymns - all the verses - up until the end. I could see similar effects in River's mom - her unwarranted anger and the hurtful words that were quickly forgotten. River has her hands and her heart full with this situation and that makes her all the more real... and vulnerable. 

The ending was satisfying, spooky even. But though this situation was resolved, a bigger-picture issue
was revealed to bleed into the next book. COLD THREAT, book 2 of the Ryland & St. Clair series, released in January (Get it HERE!), and book 3, COLD VENGEANCE will launch in July. Can't wait! 

I can certainly see why this book was targeted as a finalist for the distinguished Selah Award. You're going to want to read it! Here's the LINK and here's a bit more about the book: 

Ex-FBI profiler River Ryland still suffers from PTSD after a case went horribly wrong. Needing a fresh start, she moves to St. Louis to be near her ailing mother and opens a private investigation firm with her friend and former FBI partner, Tony St. Clair. They're soon approached by a grieving mother who wants them to find out what happened to her teenaged son, who disappeared four years ago. River knows there's almost no hope the boy is still alive, but his mother needs closure, and River and Tony need a case, no matter how cold it might be.

But as they follow the boy's trail, which gets more complicated at every turn, they find themselves in the path of a murderer determined to punish anyone who gets in his way. As River and Tony race to stop him before he kills again, an even more dangerous threat emerges, stirring up the past that haunts River and plotting an end to her future.

And don't miss what other best-selling and award-winning suspense authors are saying about this book!

 "Guaranteed to captivate with plot twists you won't see coming."--Tosca Lee, New York Times bestselling author

"This story is sure to leave you breathless from the thrill of the ride. Hold on tight, it's about to get exhilarating!"--Lynette Eason, bestselling and award-winning author of the Extreme Measures series

"Cold Pursuit sucked me in from the first riveting page and pulled me deeper into an intricate, danger-filled plot."--Elizabeth Goddard, bestselling author of Cold Light of Day

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Writing Ain't for the Weak, Folks

 This morning, I was driving down the road thinking about books.

Yep, I do that sometimes.

More specifically, I was thinking back to the time before I really became a writer. (I say that because I've always written stories, I just never considered publishing as an actual career until, one day, God whacked me upside the head... But that's another story.) Back them, I would read a book, love a book, set aside a book, and pick up another book.  Ah, lost in another world. How wonderful! Books are awesome and amazing! They take me to new places! They teach me new things! I love books!

And then I became a writer.

Oh, I still love books, but I look at them in a whole new way now.  

So, as I was driving today, I was thinking about how books are put together and how much goes in to what we pick up off a shelf or download onto our e-readers.  Here's a little glimpse behind the scenes.

There are books that just flow. We sit down, we write, we revise, we edit, some publishing things happen, and readers read. Those books rock. 

And then there are other books. Y'all, I am not joking when I say I see a massage therapist twice a month because I'm a writer. I saw mine yesterday, and I loved her more than ever before because I had just spent two solid weeks hunched over my laptop, revising a book that doesn't even have the final three chapters written yet.  Why? A perfectly normal thing happened.  My editor said, "Hey, I love this idea, but can you change this one thing?" It was a good request from her, because changing that one thing will make the book better. I am down with making the book better every time.

But "one thing" is like dropping a rock into a pond. It makes ripple effects. One thing meant every chapter had to be rewritten before I could write the ending. And it had to be done fast, because I need to write the ending. In about fourteen months, there will be a book on the shelves that someone will pick up and read... and they will never know that those words came at the expense of my neck and back for two weeks. :-)

And then I was thinking about my good friend/prayer partner/brainstorming buddy/encourager/all-around partner-in-making-trouble, Jessica Patch. She's working on a new book right now that I can promise you is going to knock your socks off when you get a chance to read it. Y'all.  I mean, Y'ALL. I can't wait until she's done, even though I already know how it's going to go. 

But can we talk about this book? It is twisty. It is turny. It flips the script on you. She had a whole first draft done.  

And then she decided it could be better. She has completely ripped this book apart. Like, chapter one no longer exists. A character has been completely removed. Chapter 4 is now chapter 13.  Chapter 13 is now chapter 6. I'm talking some serious reconstruction here. Every day, I get an update on what's different now. And let me tell you, it's even twistier and turnier and script-flippier than ever.  And one day, that book will be on the shelves or on e-readers, and anybody reading it will absolutely fall into this amazing, wild story, flipping pages until they forget to sleep at night. No one who reads it will ever know Jessica spent a whole lot of days looking like this:


Photo recreations of actual faces made during the revision process.
No writers were harmed in the taking of these photos.

So pray for us writers. We're probably somewhere ripping our favorite scenes apart as we cry into our coffee cups.  (Or maybe we're just taking fake agonized-face selfies of ourselves and sending them to our friends. You never know.)


Monday, March 25, 2024

WHAT'S HOT IN INSPIRATIONAL SUSPENSE

 Wondering what's HOT in Inspirational suspense this week? I have two Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense books releasing this week! Dana Mentink's Tracking the Truth and Jessica R. Patch's Cold Case Target (Texas Crime Scene Cleaners, !


Tracking the Truth by Dana Mentink
To expose a suspect, he needs evidence…
and a K-9’s instincts.

After Emery Duncan is abducted and dumped in a lake, private investigator Roman Wolfe and his bloodhound partner rescue her from an icy death. Someone doesn’t want Emery to find out what really happened the night her father confessed to attempted murder. To keep Emery and her baby nephew safe, they must uncover the connection between her father’s confession and the attack…or they’ll be silenced for good.

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Security Hounds Investigations

Cold Case Target by Jessica R. Patch

Caught in a serial killer’s deadly game with nowhere to turn…

Interrupting an attempted murder—and leaving with incriminating evidence—makes Sissy Spencer a serial killer’s next target. With a flash drive in her possession containing disturbing proof of multiple murders, Sissy has no choice but to trust her ex-boyfriend, private investigator Beau Brighton, to keep her safe. But can they unravel the clues and track down a killer…before he catches them first?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Texas Crime Scene Cleaners


Click on each cover or title to buy from Amazon!


We Love Books!




THIS WEEK ON THE SUSPENSE SISTERS


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




On Tuesday, author Patricia Bradley will tell us what’s hot in inspirational suspense and mystery.



Wednesday, author Jodie Bailey will talk about the “backstage” work of writing, and of tearing apart our books sometimes. 

Friday, Suspense Sister Marji Laine will review COLD PURSUIT by Nancy Mehl.

Ex-FBI profiler River Ryland still suffers from PTSD after a case went horribly wrong. Needing a fresh start, she moves to St. Louis to be near her ailing mother and opens a private investigation firm with her friend and former FBI partner, Tony St. Clair. They're soon approached by a grieving mother who wants them to find out what happened to her teenaged son, who disappeared four years ago. River knows there's almost no hope the boy is still alive, but his mother needs closure, and River and Tony need a case, no matter how cold it might be.

But as they follow the boy's trail, which gets more complicated at every turn, they find themselves in the path of a murderer determined to punish anyone who gets in his way. As River and Tony race to stop him before he kills again, an even more dangerous threat emerges, stirring up the past that haunts River and plotting an end to her future.

ORDER IT HERE 

Don’t forget to enter our monthly contest! You could win your choice of a $100 gift card from Amazon, Walmart, Barnes and Noble or Christianbook.com.




THE SUSPENSE SISTERS



WE LOVE BOOKS

Thursday, March 21, 2024

A STORY'S JOURNEY

I'm taking a break from reading the last edit for Deadly Revenge before it goes to galleys. Have you ever wondered at the process a book goes through? I thought I'd share about that with you today using Deadly Revenge.

First, the book had to be proposed. Since this is book three, I only had to write a short paragraph. Here's what I proposed: 

Book 3:
It will feature Allison Quinn and a TBI agent assigned to a woman who is running for governor. The candidate is making a campaign stop in Russell County and Pearl Springs is chosen to host a campaign stop. Allison discovers a plot to assassinate her. She crosses swords with the TBI agent as well as the candidate.

As I read that, I have to chuckle. The only part of the proposal that is anywhere near what Deadly Revenge is about is the TBI agent. Here's the catalog copy:
 
Deputy Jenna Hart has only been working in her sleepy hometown of Pearl Springs for seven months when city officials begin to be targeted by a killer. Twenty years ago, the construction of a dam caused people to lose their land to eminent domain. That wound has not healed with time, and someone bearing a grudge is clearly set on revenge. With the former mayor of Pearl Springs now running for the US Senate, Jenna will have to call in backup to ensure his protection.

That’s where Agent Maxwell Anderson comes in. He and Jenna used to work together in the Chattanooga Police Department, and there was even a smoldering fire of attraction. Now they team up to track down the killer before a big political rally that promises not only to bring the former mayor into the crosshairs but hundreds of civilians as well.

As the sparks of romance reignite and the threads of the investigation get tangled when another suspect comes into play, Jenna and Max will have to draw on all of their skills to stay alive and prevent the wave of disaster poised to hit the community of Pearl Springs. The question is, can either of them fully trust that the other has their back?

After the book is written, it goes to my acquisition editor. She will read it and send it back with the changes she wants made. I usually have a couple of weeks to make the changes and get it back to her. 

Once that's done, I have a few weeks of breathing room, maybe even a month or two. During this time, I also get a preview of the cover, and I love the cover of Deadly Revenge!

Then the BIG edit will arrive in my inbox. I usually have two to three weeks to make the changes on this edit. This editor keeps track of the timeline, plot holes, and the places I'm not consistent. She also notes when I change the color of my character's eyes. :-) (I affectionately call her the Plausibility Police--it has to be plausible or she will catch it!)

Once I make the changes and send it to her, off the manuscript goes to a proofreader who doesn't just check for typos and misspelled words, but contradictions in it. When I get it back this time, I make the changes and then let Word read it back to me. That way I can catch the words I've left out, the rhythm, and any clunky structure. Not that I ever catch all of the typos, etc. My brain sees what I thought I wrote. Up until this point, any changes aren't too costly for the publisher. 

That's where I am now. Once I send it to my editor, it will go to the printer, and before it's actually set in stone, I'll get one more chance to make changes. By this time it's been a couple of months, and when I read it again, I catch more typos and left out words. At this point, each change I make costs more for the publisher to make, so I have to have a good reason to make the changes. 

A few months later a box of books arrives at my house, and when I open it, the thrill of seeing a story I created has me practically jumping for joy--it never gets old. 

And that is the process my books go through to get to you, the readers. Deadly Revenge will release November 5, 2024!

Here's the cover of Deadly Revenge:






Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Book Review- Crossroads by C.C. Warrens

 I'm sure we all have a book series that leaves us waiting rather impatiently for the next installment, and for me, the Holly Novels by C.C. Warrens is one of those series. The latest book, Crossroads, exceeded my expectations. 


I'll be careful not to leave any spoilers, because if you haven't read the book yet, you really should although you'd appreciate the relationships between characters more after reading the series in order. 


RUN AND DON'T LOOK BACK.

I'LL FIND YOU WHEN IT'S SAFE.

Those were the last words Holly whispered to her six year old foster sister before the little girl fled into the trees and disappeared from existence.

Fifteen years later, Cassandra Ward is still missing.

Holly is haunted by the possibility that she sent her foster sister running from one monster and into the clutches of another. How else could a child vanish without a trace?

Determined to find her, Holly sifts through her own dark memories for clues, revisits her past, and chases a lead across the country with Jordan by her side. But the search for Cassie takes a dangerous turn when an altercation in the mountains leaves them stranded, cut off from the outside world, and running for their lives.


Holly's quest to find her sister leads her directly into the middle of something she never bargained for and  I honestly didn't see this particular brand of villain coming in the best possible way. The suspense in this story was intense. It dragged me into the pages right away and didn't let me go until I turned the last page. 

One of the things I love about this series and this book in particular is the building of relationships between the characters and the value placed on the people you choose to be your family. While there is a touch of romance, other relationships get the spotlight as well. 

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves gritty suspense with relatable characters and realistic endings. If you haven't read it yet, you can get a copy here

What series has you excited for the next book? Let me know in the comments, and you'll be entered for a chance to win an ebook copy of Crossroads!

Kay Garrett is the winner of East of Evil by Joni M. Fisher! Keep an eye on your inbox for an ebook from me!




Monday, March 18, 2024

WHAT'S HOT IN INSPIRATIONAL SUSPENSE by Patricia Bradley

 Wondering what's HOT in Inspirational Suspense? Never Fall Again by Lynn H. Blackburn was released just last week! Check it out! 


Landry Hutton has spent three years rebuilding her life behind the secure gates of The Haven, an exclusive resort on the outskirts of Gossamer Falls, North Carolina. After serving as the artist-in-residence, Landry is finally ready to settle in permanently to give her daughter, Eliza, a safe home in which to grow up.

Former Marine Callum Shaw always knew he would someday join his family's construction business in Gossamer Falls. He longs for a family of his own but has almost given up on that ever happening. The beautiful artist who has hired him to build her new house is funny, gifted, and everything Cal could ever want in a partner, but he vows to keep his distance. He's loved--and lost--someone like her before.

When Landry's pottery is destroyed in a suspicious fire, it becomes clear that Landry and Eliza are in grave danger--but from whom? Cal will have to risk his heart again if he has any hope of protecting them.

You can buy Never Fall Again by Lynn H. Blackburn at Baker Books or these other sites.








WE LOVE BOOKS!



THIS WEEK ON THE SUSPENSE SISTERS


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



On Tuesday, author Patricia Bradley will tell us what’s hot in inspirational suspense and mystery.


Wednesday, we’re reviewing C.C. Warrens’ book, CROSSROADS.

RUN AND DON'T LOOK BACK.

I'LL FIND YOU WHEN IT'S SAFE.

Those were the last words Holly whispered to her six-year-old foster sister before the little girl fled into the trees and disappeared from existence.

Fifteen years later, Cassandra Ward is still missing.

Holly is haunted by the possibility that she sent her foster sister running from one monster and into the clutches of another. How else could a child vanish without a trace?

Determined to find her, Holly sifts through her own dark memories for clues, revisits her past, and chases a lead across the country with Jordan by her side. But the search for Cassie takes a dangerous turn when an altercation in the mountains leaves them stranded, cut off from the outside world, and running for their lives.

ORDER IT HERE 

Friday, we'll hear from author Patricia Bradley! Here's a little something about her recent release, FATAL WITNESS!

As a child, artist and potter Dani Bennett witnessed the brutal murder of her parents. With no memory of the incident or her true identity, she was forced to take on a new name and a new life, hidden away in Montana for the past 25 years.

Mae Richmond has spent the same stretch of time searching for her granddaughter, who went missing the night her daughter and son-in-law were murdered. Convinced the woman she saw in a pottery magazine feature is the woman she's been searching for, she enlists the help of K-9 officer Mark Lassiter of Pearl Springs, Tennessee, who tracks Dani down.


Skeptical but curious, Dani sets out on a journey to uncover the secrets of her past and reclaim her true identity. But someone close to her is determined to keep the truth of what happened all those years ago hidden.

ORDER IT HERE 

Don’t forget to enter our monthly contest! You could win your choice of a $100 gift card from Amazon, Walmart, Barnes and Noble or Christianbook.com.




THE SUSPENSE SISTERS


WE LOVE BOOKS

Saturday, March 16, 2024

Easter blessings...and a question: what's in a name? Roxanne Rustand

 Easter blessings to you all!

This season is filled with such joy and hope, as we move through the weeks of Lent toward the suffering Jesus endured and his glorious resurrection.

It has even more meaning to me this year. I was adopted at three and have been a lifetime church member. My parents were told by the social worker that I had been baptized and they believed it.  But was I?  There were no documents, and I always wondered. 

So this winter, when our Lutheran church had a weekend of open baptism when anyone could walk forward on the spur of the moment, I did. And now I know. I felt such joy at that moment, and now feel so blessed and reassured!


On a completely different note, after I find and buy books by my favorite authors on Amazon, my gaze always drifts to the rows of book covers below the book's description, called "Products related to this item" and "Based on your recent views." Then farther down to "Books you may like."  

Do you do this, too? Just by looking at a cover, book title, and subtitle, I can sometimes find books I want to explore. 


I know those details have been carefully planned by the authors (at least those who are experienced) to show a great deal about the book--and avoid misleading buyers into a purchase they might regret.  Even the font used on a cover can convey useful information. Is it fun and swirly? Intense?

I was so naive when I first started publishing with Amazon. 

I found photos of lovely flowers or landscape scenes, and asked my cover artist to use them. 

I also came up with what I thought were pretty titles, without a thought about actually conveying what the book was about. And I didn't know how to write book descriptions for Amazon, either.

When I look back at my abysmal sales during those early years, I  actually feel gratitude. No one would have guessed those books were romantic suspense! And if readers bought them expecting to read a nice contemporary romance novel, they would have been deeply disappointed.

It's all about branding, really. A way to convey information about a specific book, a book series, and also about the author.

For example, I write both Christian Romantic Suspense and Clean Romantic suspense, so I use those labels as my book subtitles.  The book titles themselves are meant to convey that the book is a suspense. 

If you look at the wonderful books shown here on the Suspensesisters blog, or do a search on Amazon for a category like "Top 100 Christian Romantic Suspense," you can see how authors do this. Clarity is important, for the best reader experience! 

My brand (my promise to readers) is that in addition to suspense and romance, they will find a warm thread involving family relationships, and a thread of faith--but with a lighter touch in the books labeled "Clean romance." And I always include an animal of some kind that makes a difference to a character in the story.  

I hope including that animal on my book covers visually alludes to deeper emotion and warmth, as opposed to covers promising a gritty or far more intense read. Usually, it's a dog. My new release is just a bit different--with a nosy llama! 

 
Here is a quick link to FINAL TRUTH in case you would like to buy or just take a look.

What are your thoughts about book titles and cover art? Do they help spur your interest in looking at a book's Amazon page, or do you mostly go by author names?


Wishing you all a happy Easter!

Roxanne Rustand




Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Interview with Author Dana R. Lynn

 


I'm excited to welcome my friend, Dana R. Lynn, to the Suspense Sisters blog! Hope you have a good time getting to know Dana and her work.




First, tell us a little about your latest release:

The title is Explosive Reunion. I’m really excited about this book. It’s my first completely original indie release. I’d been wanting to write about Trevor Stone since 2015. 

Here’s the back blurb: Madelyn Blake has worked hard to get where she is professionally and to be present to her twin daughters. An abusive relationship has taught her to be wary. It has also shaken her trust in God. When she becomes the target of a killer who enjoys using fire and explosives, her entire life is put on hold.

 

Trevor Stone appears to be a shy, mild-mannered man, but he has seen the worst of people. Still, he retains his unwavering faith that God is in control of everything. As a technician in a bomb squad unit, he has honed his ability to keep calm and clear thinking in life and death situations. When his former best friend is in danger, Trevor puts all his skills to work to keep her and her adorable little girls safe and stop the killer.

 

As the danger escalates, Maddie and Trevor struggle with their growing feelings for each other while trying to outwit a killer who is always one step ahead of them. Will they survive and get a second chance at love?

 

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

I would describe myself as an extroverted introvert. I heard that phrase once and felt like it fit. I’m quiet until I know you. But once I do, watch out. I do love to talk!

 

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

Besides reading, I love learning. I taught myself some Spanish by listening to music and translating it. I am currently teaching myself to crochet. I also love music and singing, as well as walking and watching movies.

 

What was your favorite book as a teen or child?

This is a tricky one, as there were several. I read The Outsiders and the Emily of New Moon trilogy multiple times.

 

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

Let’s see. 1. I’m a huge Jane Austen fan. In fact, I have a second penname, D.R. Lynn, specifically so I can publish regency titles. So far, I have two Pride and Prejudice Variation novellas out.  2.  I am a bit of a Trekkie. My husband and I have watched every episode of the Original Series, The Next Generation and Voyager together several times, although we haven’t watched any of the newer series.  3. I am a certified Educational Interpreter for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

 

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

I started trying to write regency romance but changed course when Signet Regency Romance stopped publishing new books. I then started trying to write inspirational contemporary romance. I had a book submitted to Love Inspired when Love Inspired Suspense held the Search for the Killer Voice pitch contest. When I was offered a contract, I pulled my LI submission. I still have it and doubt it will ever see the light of day.

 

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

The toughest criticism was that one of my heroes was unlikeable and that the editor felt they couldn’t root for him. Which was sad because I really loved my grouchy hero. On the other hand, the best compliment I ever got was from a reader who read a book where the heroine had a huge challenge. The reader had the same challenge and she said I was the first writer who she’d felt understood what she went through daily.

 

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

Well, as I said, I’m trying to do some regency. It was my first love when I started reading romance. The other genre I am studying currently with an eye towards possibly tackling one day is dual time. I love the complicated ways the two timelines intersect.

 

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

Honestly, I think I would read up more on the publishers and genres and figure out what I wanted to write. I wasted time getting distracted by every shiny thing instead of finishing one project and making it the best it could be.

 

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

There is no problem big enough that God can’t work through it and bring His redemptive grace.

 

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

Study your genre and the industry. If you are targeting a publisher, get to know the books they publish, read them, and read the guidelines. And persevere. We all get rejected and face criticism. Even when it hurts, learn what you can from it and move on.

Thank you, Dana, for sharing your time and work with us!

Dana R. Lynn is a USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author who believes in the power of God to touch people through stories. She met her husband at a wedding in Pennsylvania and told her parents she had met her future husband. Nineteen months later, they were married. Today, they live in rural Pennsylvania and are entering the world of empty nesters. She is a teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing by day and writes stories of romance and danger at night. Dana is an avid reader, loves cats and thinks chocolate should be a food group. Readers can contact her or sign up to receive her monthly newsletter at  www.danarlynn.com.

For a chance to be entered to win a copy of Explosive Reunion (US only), tell us about your favorite setting for suspense? Is it in the city? The country? A mountain location? Or at the beach? Where’s your favorite place to escape in a good suspense book?

Be sure to include your email address in your comment.  

Until next time. . .happy reading everyone!

Monday, March 11, 2024

WHAT'S HOT IN INSPIRATIONAL SUSPENSE

 by Patricia Bradley

Wondering what's Hot in Inspirational fiction this week? OPEN WATER by Betty Thomason Owens releases today! 


Here's the cover and back copy and links to buy.



As much as Lisa Oliver wanted to believe that she could be safe in the small Kentucky village, she knew that wouldn't be the case when Agent Farrow's car pulled next to the school where she had been working. They'd found her again? Who was stalking her and why?

Jake Bradley uses his widely popular "Jake on the Road" articles to help him continue to follow leads into Lisa's past, but he didn't expect the people whom he spoke with to be attacked and killed. How could he possibly protect this woman who had become so important to him when he so miserably failed at learning about her past and why someone had killed her parents?

So many secrets whirl around in this second chronicle of the Home Found series. Lisa and Jake learn more about her past, and about each other, in this dramatic suspense. 

You can purchase it here.

We love books! 


 

THIS WEEK ON THE SUSPENSE SISTERS


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


On Tuesday, author Patricia Bradley will tell us what’s hot in inspirational suspense and mystery.

Wednesday, we’re interviewing author Dana R. Lynn about her new book, EXPLOSIVE REUNION.

Madelyn Blake has worked hard to get where she is professionally and to be present to her twin daughters. An abusive relationship has taught her to be wary. It has also shaken her trust in God. When she becomes the target of a killer who enjoys using fire and explosives, her entire life is put on hold.

Trevor Stone appears to be a shy, mild-mannered man, but he has seen the worst of people. Still, he retains his unwavering faith that God is in control of everything. As a technician in a bomb squad unit, he has honed his ability to keep calm and clear thinking in life and death situations. When his former best friend is in danger, Trevor puts all his skills to work to keep her and her adorable little girls safe and stop the killer.

As the danger escalates, Maddie and Trevor struggle with their growing feelings for each other while trying to outwit a killer who is always one step ahead of them. Will they survive and get a second chance at love?


ORDER IT HERE 

Friday, Suspense Sister Roxanne Rustand will talk about author branding as related to book covers. She’ll also share about her upcoming release, FINAL TRUTH.


Dr. Jolie Maxwell had never planned to move back home.


She knew her sisters wouldn’t welcome her with open arms. But her family needs her. Her brother is in serious trouble with the law, and her dad’s health is failing.

The town needs her, too. It hasn’t had a local doctor in years.

Yet many of the locals aren’t happy about having another Maxwell in their midst.

And now, a hidden enemy will do anything to drive her away.

Coolness from her family, hostility from the townspeople, and a very real threat of danger make Jolie appreciate her new neighbor and his two young children all the more...

Unless he isn’t what he seems.

Start reading today and stay up all night!

This is the sixth novel in the Montana Secrets series. The books can be read in any order.

PREORDER IT HERE 

Don’t forget to enter our monthly contest! You could win your choice of a $100 gift card from Amazon, Walmart, Barnes and Noble or Christianbook.com.



THE SUSPENSE SISTERS


WE LOVE BOOKS

Thursday, March 7, 2024

Still my Favorite Book

 by Sharon Dunn

One of the things we as writers do is ask "What if?" questions. The inspiration behind the very first book I had published over twenty years ago was a What if question. Before my first book was published, I was reading a lot of Christian fiction trying to get a feel for what was out there and I noticed a pattern. Most of the characters were pretty close to perfect, didn't have much of a faith crises and weren't prone to give into temptation. Also, the characters usually had a great relationship with their perfect parents who always gave wise advice. 

It is true that we look for ourselves in the characters were find in books. We want to relate to the people we read about and feel a connection. I couldn't relate to the characters in the books I was reading. I became a Christian when I was eighteen, had not been raised in a Christian home and my father was an alcoholic. 

So I started playing the what if game and going to extremes. What if your parents were far from upstanding citizens? What if in fact your mother had done jail time before becoming a Christian? What if the main character became a Christian later in life and had had a sordid history with men? 

You see, when I read those books with perfect characters they sent a message that I think is a lie: that only good people who have not made any true mistakes from good families can be Christians. 

Thus the first book in the Ruby Taylor mystery series was born. Romance Rustlers and Thunderbird Thieves is the story of Ruby and her mother getting to know each other again after the turmoil of the past in addition to being a mystery. I used a great deal of humor in the series to get the message across that God can rescue anyone from anyplace at anytime. 

I think Christian fiction has come a long way in the last twenty years and now when I read novels in that genre, I find much more nuanced characters. 

How about you? Do you have a favorite books series or character you relate to? Leave a comment with your email address for a chance to win a copy of Romance Rustlers and Thunderbird Thieves. 



Wednesday, March 6, 2024

A CHRACTER RETURNS AND A SERIES WRAPS UP

In 2018 my book, MIND GAMES, was released. My main character was Kaely Quinn, a behavioral analyst with the FBI. Kaely was the result of a dream I had about a profiler who would actually stare at an empty chair and “talk” to an unknown subject. As she proceeded to tell him what she’d deduced so far through his crimes, a figure would begin to appear. In one case, she actually solved a crime as she worked her profile. Her supervisor was able to call a police chief in another state and give him the name of the serial killer he sought.

Kaely was an unusual character, and my readers seemed to really like her. Although usually, authors aren’t allowed to bring characters back from a previous series, my publisher gave me the go ahead. So, in an upcoming series, I will pair Erin Delaney, a police officer who left the force after a terrible, violent night in St. Louis, and then wrote a best-selling book, with the woman who helped her with research, Kaely Quinn-Hunter.

Erin and Kaely meet each other in a cabin in the Smoky Mountains because Kaely is concerned about Erin and wants to help her through the trauma she’s endured. But of course, as in most of my books, evil just won’t leave my characters alone.

The local police chief, Adrian Nightengale, asks the women for help after they discover a body in the woods that has been dressed in white and is holding a ceramic angel. He realizes that he has two of the best minds in the country to help him find the killer. But things take a turn when three more bodies are uncovered and they realize the killer has only just begun.

I believe my readers will enjoy this series. The first book will be released on March 18th, 2025! 

My next release, COLD VENGEANCE, will debut on July 16th. Readers will discover how the Salt River Strangler’s partner plans to carry out his vow to end River Ryland’s life.

Here’s a little more about COLD VENGEANCE.

When a renowned crime podcaster vanishes without a trace, former FBI behavioral analysts turned private investigators River Ryland and Tony St. Clair are called upon to track her down. As they wade through the evidence she left behind, they unearth a startling connection--she may have discovered the existence of an unknown killer, and he will stop at nothing to carry out a deadly plan.

As the pair delves deeper, they soon find themselves the target of a relentless enemy determined to silence them. With their lives--and hearts--on the line, can they confront the evil that threatens them before it consumes them both?

USA Today bestselling author Nancy Mehl brings her Ryland & St. Clair series to an explosive close with a pulse-pounding story where the stakes are high and silence is deadly.

Leave a comment for your chance to win a copy of MIND GAMES, COLD PURSUIT, or COLD VENGEANCE, your choice. You can have an eBook or a print copy. Print copies are only for those living in the U.S.

Monday, March 4, 2024

WHAT'S HOT IN INSPIRATIONAL SUSPENSE

 BY PATRICIA BRADLEY


Wondering what's HOT in Inspirational Suspense this week? DANGEROUS TEXAS HIDEOUT (A Cowboy Protectors novel #3) by Virginia Vaughn was just released last week!


Seeking refuge from danger…with threats at every turn

When her daughter is the only witness able to identify a group of bank robbers, single mom Penny Jackson knows their lives are in danger. These men will do anything to keep Missy quiet—permanently. Escaping to a small Texas town was supposed to be safe, but when the criminals track them down, police chief Caleb Harmon becomes their only hope for survival…


From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith. Cowboy Protectors.

You can find buy links here. Or purchase at ChristianBooks.com


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