BOOK REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

Marji Laine here! Happy Spring! 

I began reading some of Christy Barritt's Lantern Beach books several years ago. Those are books that I can seriously just drink in. So when I happened upon a brand new one, released on April 17, I was beside myself with excitement! 

And CHAIN REACTION, book 1 of the Lantern Beach Blackout: Detonation series, does not disappoint. The story explodes, literally, out of a quiet little town on one of the coastal island along North Carolina. The place is well-detailed and alive with vibrant characters and real-ish events and places. I feel like I should stop in at The Crazy Chefette someday and try one of her grilled cheese and peach sandwiches. The combination wells up curiosity and disgust within me, with the curiosity winning out. 

The two main characters, Raven and Jake, are surrounded, sometimes physically, with "stars" from other books like the leaders of the Blackout security team and the Lantern Beach police, including Chief Cassidy Chambers, the character who started the first Lantern Beach series. While the presence of the other well-loved characters is special, Raven and Jake and their connected past take center stage. 

Both have brokenness and insecurities hiding within them. The insecurities come out slowly and the characters have to battle against them: Raven with her issues of abandonment, and Jake with his fear of failing. Both are such natural issues to deal with that it's easy to relate to these characters. The fact that they have an unfortunate past between them only makes this chance meeting that much more delicious. 

As with many of the Lantern Beach books, the main characters make the book. That's harder to say with CHAIN REACTION, though. Raven and Jake are perfect together with just the right chemistry and concern over the past to make their interactions engaging, but the story is captivating all by itself. Each new setting, each environment and event, could be a backdrop for another explosion. Having bombs as the modus operandi amplifies the danger and heightens the tension. 

And speaking of tension, I actually have a rating scale for that. I'll be talking about that scale (a bell-curve) next month, but I'll go ahead and tell you that this story settles right into my happy place of a #3 with a medium-high (sparkling) intensity. You'll see what I mean next month (May 16).

As with most of the book groups from the Lantern Beach world, there is a bit of an over-arching mystery. The story itself stands alone well enough, but it leaves lots of questions that will be answered in a future book. And this is the very first time that I've read the first book of one of Christy Barritt's series before the last book of the series has been published. Let alone before the second book has been published! I eagerly await the next episode! 

Here's a little about CHAIN REACTION. 

When an explosion rocks Lantern Beach, authorities scramble into action. Was the WWII relic that washed ashore merely bad luck—or something far more sinister?

Dr. Raven Newton, a forensic archaeologist, is called to investigate the bomb that killed one person. With her specialized knowledge of military artifacts, she’s the perfect person for the job—until she discovers who else is on the case.

Former Navy SEAL Jake Laudner never forgot his whirlwind romance with Raven. Once assigned as her protector during a high-risk overseas mission, Jake broke his cardinal rule: Never get emotionally involved. Now working for elite security firm Blackout, Jake is stunned to find himself face-to-face with the woman who still haunts his dreams.

As the investigation intensifies, so does the tension between Raven and Jake. Raven insists their previous relationship was nothing but adrenaline and proximity. Jake knows differently—and he’s determined to prove it.

With a killer targeting Raven and time running out, she needs protection whether she wants it or not. And Jake won’t fail her twice, even if it costs him everything.

--- 

Get your copy HERE!  

Who are your favorite authors who write in series? (I have at least 4 that I can think of off the top of my head!) Let me know your favorites and you might win your own e-copy of CHAIN REACTION! 

NEW RELEASE BOOK REVIEW - and a giveaway!

Marji Laine here. 

I was recently doubly gifted. First, I was able to meet a favorite author and a dear online friend, Nancy Mehl. (Had fabulous Mexican food as well, but that's beside the point!) I so enjoyed chatting and laughing with her! Then I was honored to receive a signed copy of her not-yet-released suspense, SHATTERED SANCTUARY. 

Well, lemme tell you: it is available now, and oh so good. Creepy Good! And the little shiver down my spine began with the opening poem. You need to read that poem! You can see it through Amazon's "Read Sample" option that shows under the book cover on the BUY PAGE HERE.

Her two main characters, Erin (ex-cop turned author) and Kaely (former FBI), have worked online together on Erin's blockbuster best-seller and decide to take a needed break and meet in person in a quiet, peaceful little town of Sanctuary in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Seems placid enough, but the two of them together make a dynamite team when a murder is discovered. Especially when the police begin to suspect a serial killer. 

This story is a psychological suspense with one perspective an expert on crime scenes and gifted with amazing skills at observation. The other perspective is a profiler with unique instincts and processes. I just ate up the discussions these gals had! 

And there is quite a twisted mystery here. Even though the readers are given all of the information as it comes to the main characters, it's hard to wade through, especially with multiple suspects on the table. With the help of the unique skills of Kaely and Erin, the resolution reveals itself in baby-step increments. But this is a true suspense. I felt like I held my breath throughout the whole thing, anticipating another death any minute. It felt like it teetered on next page turn. 

This is definitely a five-star Christian suspense with a strong redemptive message and peril in every chapter. I could so see this as a movie, thinking along the lines of some of the Hallmark Movies and Mysteries mixed with episodes of Criminal Minds. 

Here's a little about the book and you can click the cover for a direct buy link at Amazon.

Was this the last thing she'd ever see? Would she be able to make things right before it was too late?
"God . . ." was all she got out before he lunged toward her.

Grappling with the aftermath of a tragic incident that altered her life, ex-police officer and bestselling mystery author Erin Delaney finds solace in the tranquility of a cabin nestled deep in the Smoky Mountains. But her restful stay is shattered when cries pierce the night, hinting at a lurking presence haunting the woods. When local police chief Adrian Nightengale seeks her help with a carefully arranged murder scene, she is thrust back into the world of crime solving. As they delve into the investigation, Erin's intuition reveals chilling truths about the killer's motives and strategically perfected methods.

Joined by the enigmatic Kaely Quinn-Hunter, a former FBI behavioral analyst, Erin not only embarks on a quest to stop the merciless serial killer, but also confronts the revived ghosts of her past. In a race against time, Erin must defeat her own demons while outmaneuvering a cunning killer or risk becoming the next victim in this deadly game of cat and mouse.

Shattered Sanctuary is a clean, Christian, thrilling suspense novel set in the Smoky Mountains, full of police investigations, haunted woods, eerie threats, and ominous evidence. For fans of high-stakes suspense, Lynette Eason, and Elizabeth Goddard.

In the past two weeks, I've also read 2 of the Security Hounds Investigations by Dana Mentink and 3 of the Lantern Beach Guardian books by Christy Barritt. I've reviewed them on my blog at MarjiLaine.com, but I mention them because I'm wondering about you. What is the most recent mystery or suspense that you've read? Share the title/author with me in the comments (ALONG WITH YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS) for a chance to win a paperback copy of Nancy's new book (no, not my autographed copy 😉). And this is only for US residents. 

What's HOT in Inspirational Mystery & Suspense

Releasing today

Tough-as-nails Kenzie King has finally earned her place as a tactical medic on a SWAT team. But not everyone on the all-male team accepts her. Rumor is, she didn't get the position because of what she could do but because of who she knew. Which means she has to work harder and longer than anyone else to prove herself.
Cole Garrison is a man with deep faith who is finally ready to settle down and build a family of his own--if he can find the right person, that is. Kenzie sure has set off his interest meter, but trouble seems to follow in her wake. Since she joined the team, someone has begun to ambush and pick off team members, one by one.

It's all hands on deck to discover the culprit and end the killing. Can Kenzie and Cole put aside their differences and work together as a team? Or will their budding attraction be snuffed out by a sniper's bullet?

As you've come to expect from bestselling author Lynette Eason's stories, this tightly wound plot unfurls at breakneck speed and will leave you breathless.

Get your copy HERE!

What's HOT in Inspirational Mystery & Suspense

The Suspense Sisters had some great releases in July while we were sharing our giveaway. These simply must be shared with you! 

First, from Mary Alford released on July 23:  

Innocent lives at stake…
Can a former soldier and his canine save them?

Helping a pregnant woman he comes across in a mountain storm puts Axel Sterling right into the path of ruthless human traffickers. Now it’s up to the ex-soldier and his dog to keep Summer and her unborn baby safe from the abductors she’s finally escaped. But between the icy wilderness and the armed gunmen following them at every turn, one wrong move could cost Axel and Summer their lives.

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

 Oooo! This sounds so good! You can get your copy from Amazon. 

 

And also released on July 23, this one by Jodie Bailey:

Kidnappers out for vengeance…

Can a K-9 team stop them?

Following the death of a crime boss he put behind bars, Ian Carpenter leaves witness protection—and runs right into an ambush. To escape assailants bent on revenge, he turns to his former handler, US marshal Meadow Ames, and her K-9 partner. But the stakes grow higher when Ian’s cousin is abducted. With threats closing in, can they rescue a kidnapped teen…and stop the criminals for good?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.
Mountain Country K-9 Unit

Love K-9 cops? Get your copy HERE! 

And lastly, Marji Laine has the final story in this cozy mystery and light suspense series bundle:

How do horses, a legendary creature, and a bride-to-be add up to family drama, intrigue, murder, and pure cozy mystery joy? 

Pick up your copy of THE VISITOR MYSTERIES and find out!

The Visitor doesn't invite mystery and mayhem to join her on her journeys. They just show up as she tours the country to support her family's charitable foundation and spend time with her many siblings. Match wits with her as she attempts to unravel the mysteries and unexpected dramas that go with them.

"The Visitor, Connie, is like a younger version of Jessica Fletcher, and trouble follows her all over the country."

See you next week! 

Review: COLD VENGEANCE by Suspense Sister Nancy Mehl!

I had such a delight the last few days. I was able to sit and crochet on a new blanket, watch (silent) Olympic games (volleyball, beach volleyball, and water polo), and listen to a fiendishly intense suspense by Nancy Mehl on Audible. 

Close to perfect this side of Heaven! :)

COLD VENGEANCE is the third and final book in the Ryland & St. Clair series, and boy was it worth the wait!

Elements of the first book came back to haunt in this story as the partner of the Salt River Strangler, seemed to continue to send threats to River Ryland. But there was so much more to this story.

I have seldom had the pleasure of such “Sherlock-esque” deductions. I felt like I was in the room where it all happened, right alongside River and her partner, Tony St. Clair. That was so much fun! And the secondary characters opened up huge emotional swings.

First, there was the client with a missing fiancé. Hope was a thin strand for this situation after so long, and it wobbled back and forth with despair throughout the story. This guy had all the makings of a tragic character, so the entire strand of the story had me emotionally knotted.

Then, there were River’s mom, dealing with Alzheimer's and floating in and out of lucidity, and her precious care-giver. Having lost my mom a couple of years ago to complications with Alzheimer’s, this strand of the story was all too real. And made even more complicated with appearances from River’s dad and brother.

Finally, there was the building tension between River and Tony. You’ve already felt it if you’ve read the other two books of this series, but it becomes palpable from the beginning of this one!

As a completion of this series, it is most satisfying! And though I did read and review book 1, COLD PURSUIT, I haven’t yet read book 2 of the series, COLD THREAT. It’s always ideal to read a series in order, of course, but don’t be afraid to read book 3, COLD VENGEANCE, out of order. It makes for a GREAT stand-alone story!

Here’s the description of this book. The cover gives you a direct link to the Amazon page for it, or you can click HERE to get your copy!

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 targets 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?

So what is the suspense or mystery that you are most wanting to read right now?

Author Interview with KRISTEN HOGREFE PARNELL and a Giveaway!

Marji Laine, here. I LOVE new books, and Kristen Hogrefe Parnell has just released a brand new book, HOLD YOUR BREATH. I can’t wait to read it, and I’m delighted to visit with Kristen today! Yea! Welcome! 

So tell me about your new release. Is this a suspense or mystery or both?

Hold Your Breath is Christian romantic suspense, and I enjoy writing this genre because it is such an effective vehicle for showing how God can use the problems in our lives to draw us to Him. Plus, our own lives are full of suspense—just not usually to the degree we find in fiction!

LOL! I certainly hope my life is never full of suspense to that degree! So, what ignited this book? Was there a particular situation or place that gave it the first nudge?

Beech Mountain, North Carolina, is a setting near and dear to my heart. My husband taught me to ski there when we were dating, he proposed near there, and we are now making new memories there with our young son (Pictured with Kristen at Fred's General Mercantile). This setting is stunning during any season, and so, I wanted to write a series that captured that beauty. Beech Mountain isn’t the only setting in the Crossroads Suspense series, but it features into every book. Characters not only face literal crossroads between Beech Mountain and another setting, but they but also face spiritual crossroads as they fight for truth, justice—and their lives.

Tell me about your characters at the beginning of your book.

At the beginning of the book, Jayna is outwardly a travel blogger wanting to bring awareness to the recovering communities of the Bahamas (post hurricane), but inwardly, she is a young woman desperate for love. Unfortunately, she once again seeks it in the wrong place, this time, with dangerous consequences.

 

Liam Bracken is a private investigator with a big heart that has been disappointed more than once. The last woman he liked chose his best friend over him, and now, he’s helping that same best friend plan a surprise engagement in Beech Mountain during his church group’s trip there. His Irish red hair earns him the nickname Ginger Ale from the mysterious Jayna who joined the group at the last minute. He is not only a surprisingly good cook, but he also has a keen intuition about people—and he can tell Jayna is not only running from, but terrified of, something.

Since tomorrow is Thanksgiving, what advice would your main character give to readers for this holiday? How would she plan to celebrate tomorrow

After her harrowing ordeal, Jayna would tell the reader to savor time with family. She would celebrate with her sister Beatriz’s family and their parents. They would serve Puerto Rican dishes, including Pavochon (turkey seasoned to taste like pork), Mofongo stuffing, and tostones (twice fried plantains). A certain Ginger Ale might also be invited to the festivities.

How do you plan to celebrate Thanksgiving this year? What are you most thankful for in your family? In your writing career? In your relationships? In something else? 

This year, my immediate family is all traveling to visit my brother’s family. Their five children adore my adventurous one-year-old, and thankfully, they have the energy to keep up with him!

Ah, those one-year-olds! My grandson is the same age and has gone from barely toddling to running in what seems like a moment! So, what are you most thankful for this year?

I am most thankful for another year together, because this year has surprised us with some unexpected health challenges with my mom.

Treasure the moments! I’m so glad you are all able to be together! And thanks for joining us today! Kristen is offering one copy for free to one of you! Leave a comment below sharing what you are most thankful for in this season of gratitude!

Kristen has also shared a little tidbit of her story, this part told from Jayna’s perspective. I can’t wait to read it!

            Liam was just pulling his cinnamon rolls out of the oven when the rest of the crew arrived. TJ beelined for the coffee. Matt looked as though he had tumbled out of bed, but he perked up when he spotted Olivia. Reef reached for Kaley’s hand, and the girl literally glowed.
            Oh.
            Shoot.
            Mood music.
            A trip to the mountains. 
            With your girlfriend and her crazy friends.
            Reef was going to propose.
            Jayna’s stomach turned sour, and her perfect eggs didn’t look so appealing anymore. It wasn’t that Kaley didn’t deserve to be happy. She did. But Jayna couldn’t be at the epicenter of a perfect proposal when her own magical moment had ended so awfully days before.
            She fumbled for her empty coffee mug and got in line behind TJ. “So, what are we doing again today?”
            TJ chugged his black coffee. “Ask Reef. He planned everything.”
            The knot in her stomach only grew. Of course, he had.

 Get your own copy of HOLD YOUR BREATH at this LINK or by clicking the cover.

INTERVIEW with Suspense Author Jerusha Agen

I'm so glad to welcome a long-time writer-friend to Suspense Sisters this week! Jerusha Agen has a talent for spinning stories illuminated by hope in Christ. 

So how did you get your start writing fiction? 

I started writing fiction from before I can remember! I was one of those writers who grew up inventing my own stories as a young child, when I would often put those stories into a little book made of cardboard and construction paper, complete with my poorly executed illustrations. 

I completed my first novel when in high school, and that was a contemporary Christian romance novel that later became the work now published as If You Dance with Me (after undergoing several revisions and edits to become the book it is now). 

After starting my journey with contemporary romance, my imagination kept wanting to insert dangerous and suspenseful elements into the stories! So now I’ve moved to predominantly writing Christian romantic suspense and other books that are Christian suspense with a breath of romance.

What has being published taught you?

Publishing has taught me a great many important lessons. Among the most life-changing is the need to daily depend on God for everything. I need to trust Him to provide the ideas for my stories, then the words with which to tell them, the keen eye for editing, and the opportunities to publish my books. 

And then begins the part of a book’s journey where I need to trust God for the results with the publication, to get the book into the hands of the right readers, and to generate the sales I need to keep writing!

 What is your favorite part about writing? And what about the least favorite?

My favorite part of writing is having written! Seriously, I do find the most joy in completing a book. That’s a moment of great joy, relief, and a tremendous sense of accomplishment and anticipation for the story to reach readers.

My least favorite parts are tied, I think, between the outlining phase and the writing phase. Both can be incredibly difficult and require a great deal of discipline—something I don’t always have in abundance! 😉

 Are you a panster or plotter when it comes to your writing process?

As you can probably guess from my previous answer, I am a plotter! Early on in my career, I was more of a panster, and then I experimented with hybrid approaches, trying to find the fastest, most efficient method that had the best results.

I learned that I could dramatically shorten my production process by taking the time to plot my entire novel first. And, perhaps best of all, plotting essentially eliminates writer’s block and the need for revisions!

Oh, I agree with you there! I'm so excited about your new book!
Would you tell us about Unseen Danger?

Unseen Danger is getting such a wonderful reception from readers! I think the romance in this romantic suspense novel really shines between two very likable leads, Nevaeh and Branson.

Though Nevaeh is a security specialist who works with a protection K-9 partner, she struggles with fear and PTSD. Branson, a celebrity bodyguard, is pretty much fearless, and he also triggers Nevaeh’s fear from the get-go.

But I’ll share a behind-the-scenes tidbit that Branson is probably one of the most likable, sweet, and swoon-worthy heroes I’ve written. And he’s exactly what Nevaeh needs. It takes her some time to realize that, but together, these two have a fun chemistry that I loved writing and am thrilled to see readers enjoying now.

 What’s next on your horizon?

Right now, I’m part of Holiday Menace, a special ebook collection of Christmas romantic suspense novellas with nine other authors. You can preorder the collection on Amazon now.

Then up next in early 2024 is Lethal Danger, Book Four in the Guardians Unleashed Series! I can’t wait for readers to enjoy the story of Jazz Lamont, her K-9 Flash, and the thriller-author hero, Hawthorne Emerson!

Both of those books sound amazing! Thanks so much for joining us today, Jerusha! 

UNSEEN DANGER description:

This woman and her K-9 protect others. 

        Now who will protect them?

After a brutal attack, it took Nevaeh Williams six years to rebuild her life. Now a security specialist at the Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency, she faces danger nearly every day. But when an old friend is targeted, her fragile stability begins to crumble.

Celebrity bodyguard Branson Aaberg could lose more than his career if he fails to end the mysterious threat against his client. Soon he’s more concerned with rescuing the tough but vulnerable woman who joins his security team.

Interview with Julie B. Cosgrove - and a FREE BOOK! Woohoo!

Hi, y’all! Marji Laine here and I’m chatting today with award-winning, multi-published author Julie B. Cosgrove who has recently released her latest “Wordplay Mystery” book. Book 1 in the series is Word Has It and involves an eerie Scrabble® game that gives clues to more than one mystery that hovers over the small town of Scrub Oak, Texas. Book 2 of the series has just released Word Gets Around involving a missing person nightmare.

I’m so glad you were able to join us here at Suspense Sisters today. Now, I know you have a lot of things that you’re good at. Certainly writing. But what would you consider to be your passion?

For the past eleven years it has been to let people know that God is there and He cares. I try to show that in my writings, whether it in woven into my novels, the devotionals I am contracted to write, or on my blog Where Did You Find God Today.

That is why I write “Mysteries with a Message”, and why I love to read mysteries as well. Mysteries have a common theme―seeking justice through discovering the truth. That hopefully leads the way to repentance. As it says in Malachi, what God requires of us is that we seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our Lord. Don’t we all want to do that?

So many people seem to need His presence but often cannot see the ways the Holy Spirit is moving in our lives. Their faith-eyes have installed blinders due to hurt, anger, guilt, or a myriad of other reasons. I pray the Holy Spirit uses my writing to help remove some of those obstacles as my readers follow my characters through the mystery.

Oh, I’m with you on that. I love how the Lord shows me things about Himself even through everyday events. Especially through what I read! But you have a unique niche in today’s market . . . sort of an Agatha Christie thing going on. Why do you write about senior sleuths?

I am a senior, so I relate to these characters more than mystery solvers in their thirties. But my main reason goes a bit deeper. There is so much worry out there about Alzheimer’s and other dementias in the elderly it is assumed all people over sixty are becoming feeble-brained. Not so at all. My mother was blessed to have life-long friends who had wit and charm well into their mid-eighties. I so admired those women. Therefore, to dispel that misnomer, I wanted to write about witty, savvy, and sharp senior women, all widowed friends like my mom and hers. They each have their quirks and personalities. They are hardly perfect but they love each other and forgive each other when snarkiness creeps up. These spirited fillies aren’t ready for the pasture yet.

You’re right about that. Wanda is anything but “ready for pasture.” She’s a hoot, and Word Gets Around shows some great examples of her character and the inter-workings of a small town. Tell us about the theme from your latest book?

Word Gets Around is the second of five, maybe six, planned books in the Wordplay Mysteries. Each book is based upon a word game, which is another love of mine. In this one, one-word notes are left on the windshield of cars around town and the women scramble to decipher the message thinking it to be a ransom note for a missing reporter. Underlying the story, the message in the mystery, is that jealousies can become destructive, especially when combined with ambition. When we start comparing ourselves to others in order to receive glory rather than striving to improve ourselves for God’s glory, we open the door for all sorts of negative decisions and reactions.

Yes, that creeps up throughout the story. Now every time we chat, you’re working on some new project. What’s next for you?

I am continuing the Wordplay Mysteries series. In Other Words is in edits, and I have recently turned in Hang on Every Word to my publisher, Write Integrity Press.  I plan to start writing the fifth one, Away with Words soon.

But I’m taking a detour and writing, along with six other mystery writers, The Visitor series. They are planning to release in 2023.

Yea! I’m getting to write on that series with you. I’m having so much fun with it.

Each novella involves a thirty-eight year-old woman who has inherited her parents’ non-profit foundation, and inevitably bumps into in a mysterious crime.

All seven of us have chosen people for our Visitor to visit along with fundraising plans for the foundation and a juicy mystery to solve. Your story idea is clever. I can’t wait for you to share that soon. Are you doing any other writing?

I continue to write devotionals for three publications, as I have since 2009, and produce my own blog as well. I’ve also recently become contracted with two publishing companies as an editor and continue to accept freelance editing for both fiction and nonfiction faith based works on the side.

One busy lady. Thanks so much for visiting with us today, Julie. We’ll have to chat with you again when your next puzzle hits the stands.

Here’s a little about Julie’s release: Word Gets Around

Random Notes,

One-Word Messages,

And a Puzzle that Might Be Too Hard to Solve.

Wanda Warner loves word games, but when she and her friends find random words stuck to their windshields, even her skills are challenged. A rising star reporter has disappeared and the newspaper office is trashed.

Could the words be clues as to why?

And can Wanda decipher the meaning of the complete message before it's too late to matter?

Get your copy of Word Gets Around at this HERE or click the cover image. And don’t forget to leave a comment. Got a question for Julie or Marji? By all means, ask! One commenting reader will receive a free e-copy of Word Gets Around. Be sure to leave your email address in the comments and make your comment by September 3, 2021.

Interview and Book Giveaway with a new Author!

Marji Laine chats with newly published author, Dena Netherton. And be the first to own Dena's hot new release, HAVEN'S FLIGHT, Book #1 of her The Hunted series. Leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway for a free e-book copy of this riveting suspense.

Marji: I'm so excited you were able to join on this with me, Dena, and I'm excited about your story, HAVEN'S FLIGHT! This story has been a long time in the making. How did you begin this journey and what have been your greatest challenges?

Dena: Yes, I’ve had this story in my head for years. I thought about trying to write it when the kids were still in the house, but between raising children, working at the church, going back to school, and teaching a full load of piano and voice students at home, there wasn’t time to learn how to write. The nice thing about writing is, you only gain more experience—and hopefully, wisdom, too— with the passage of time. So, your writing isn’t going to suffer if you put off telling a story.

After my third and last child got married, my husband and I moved to Estes Park, Colorado. We lived in a gorgeous mountain home at an 8000 foot elevation, with wrap-around decks and huge windows that looked out on the mountains. It was the perfect atmosphere to start writing. My office looked out on the Twin Sisters Peaks. Herds of elk used to congregate just outside my window. An occasional bear or coyote wandered by, too.

Marji: Oh my gosh! Sounds heavenly!

Dena: I wrote a novel and took it to several agents who nicely told me I needed to work a bit on my writing craft. Well, writing’s a lot like learning to sing well or play the piano. At first you think, “No sweat, I can do that.” But the more you learn, the more you realize how much more you have to learn. So I joined three writers groups, got into a critique group, bought lots of books on the craft of writing, and practiced. The biggest challenge for me has been the temptation to be discouraged. It’s not easy to face rejection or receive less-than-steller critiques from judges. But I believed that I had a good story, so I pressed on.

Marji: Your story sounds a LOT like mine! Critiques and writing groups along with books on every element of the writing craft. But it was worth it for me, and definitely worth it for you with this first book of "The Hunted" series. HAVEN'S FLIGHT has a distinctively “creepy,” hair-tingly feel to it with the stalking issue. Did that layer of the story come from anything you experienced or just from your vivid imagination?

Dena: I was stalked briefly years ago when I lived and worked in San Francisco,

Marji: Yikes!

Dena: I’ve never forgotten the tension in my stomach each day as I left work. I took different routes back home and kept looking around to make sure the guy wasn’t following me. Somehow he found out where I worked and showed up at my office. Fortunately, it was my last day of work. The next day, I flew to Michigan to go to school.

Marji: Oh, how terrifying. Well, you certainly shared that tension you felt with your readers! While

you were writing Haven’s Flight, did you have any moments when the story elements seeped into reality? Like did you ever find yourself looking around to make sure no one was watching you?

Dena: The main thing I did whenever I went into town was look for people who looked like my characters. Once in a while I’d pass somebody and think, “He looks just like Jesse.” Or, “She’s almost blonde and petite enough to be Haven.”

Marji: That's fun. You really get to know your characters well when you're spinning their stories. What have you found to be the most fun part of today’s publishing environment or the writing process as a whole? Did you find anything that surprised you?

Dena: I love the friendships I’ve developed with other writers. Most people think a writer’s life is lonely, but it’s anything but. Probably because publishing has changed so much in the last few years, it nudges writers out of their offices and into social venues with readers and other writers. Which is a good thing.

Marji: I would certainly agree with that. I was sure surprised by that element. It’s obvious from your detailed descriptions that you love the Cascade Mountains. When did you move there, and what do you like most about the area in which you live?

Dena: I first visited the Cascade Mountains when I was a teenager. Something about the area resonated with me. It’s kind of like meeting your soul mate. I love the misty weather, the mountains, the cedars and Douglas firs. That’s when I knew I had to set some of my future books in the area. I visited the Seattle metro area several times. When I started writing Haven’s Flight, I came out three more times to take notes and photos and gather maps and cultural information. My husband and I moved to the Northwest two years ago, long after I’d written Haven’s Flight. The town I live in is north of Seattle, close to the Canadian border. It’s got the best of everything: the sea, the mountains, mild weather, beautiful trees, and fun cultural stuff going on all the time.

Marji: In addition to your writing, you also have other sides to your life. Tell us about the rest of Dena Netherton.

Dena: I love to hike and take photos. I love classical music, theater, opera, ballet. But I also appreciate good singers and musicians in other kinds of styles. I’m passionate about prayer, and when I pray it’s often out loud. I get a lot of praying done when I take my walks, which is why I like to walk by myself! I love people. I love to be in church. I love animals, too. I love a good story. I adore road trips. I’m left-handed, but I’m pretty much ambi-dextrous. I’m an insomniac, but that’s okay because late at night is when some of my best story ideas come.

Marji: I'm not an insomniac, but I do love to write late at night when my filters are down. So, what is Haven going up against next?

Dena: Haven is still determined to keep her father in the dark about what happened to her in the mountains. But when an old friend resurfaces with disturbing news, Haven realizes she must put distance between herself and those she wishes to protect. A new town, a new job, and a new romance hold the possibility of safety and a new life for Haven.

Marji: Ooo, romance! That'll be fun. So here are some "Quick Ques":

a. Beach or mountains? 

            Why choose? I have both where I live!
b. Dogs or cats? 

             I love them both, but I ‘d rather have a donkey.
c. LOL! Tea, coffee or soda? 

             Definitely dark, dark coffee. I’m Norwegian, after all.
d. Sweet or savory? 

             Sweeeeet.
e. Pizza, Burgers, Ribs, or Tacos? 

            When I’m really hungry, I crave a good burger.
f. Date night out or game night in? 

            Take me out to a fine seafood restaurant.
g. High heels or sneakers? 

            I love to don high heels and load up on the jewelry.

Marji: Thanks so much for sharing with us!

Dena's new book, HAVEN'S FLIGHT is discounted right now (as an e-book pre-order) for $2.99, a 40% discount, until it's release on April 4th. And she's giving away one of those copies to one of you who are reading right now. Please leave a short note to encourage this new author (and include your email address) in the comments to be entered in the giveaway. The random drawing will be held on April 7, 2017. Here's the short version of her riveting suspense:

How can you flee from an unseen enemy?

Haven Ellingsen enrolled in Life Ventures Therapy Camp in the Cascade Mountains to help her heal from horrible memories of her mother’s violent death at the hands of an armed robber. But now, a greater fear dogs her steps. The rustle of leaves or the snap of a twig could be nothing. Or it might signal the sinister presence of the stalker who won’t stop following her. It seems like a cruel trick from God to throw Haven into another dangerous situation only a year after her mom’s murder.

He hides near her tent and listens to the girl talk with the counselor. Mostly she talks about her father. She’s unhappy, and he can’t stand to listen and do nothing about it. He needs to rescue her. He needs to make sure she doesn’t ever go back to that man. His own father was the cause of his mother’s death. And Ruth’s. He can’t let that happen again. Not with this girl. When the time is right, he’ll take her away to his hidden cabin where she’ll be safe. And he will feel peace for the first time in years.

Can one month of survival training equip a girl to face all that the rugged wilderness and a madman can dish out?

Marji and Dena will be talking about the publishing atmosphere on Publishing Laine, 7PM on Blogtalk Radio. Join them live or listen after the fact at this link.

Oh, and take advantage of Write Integrity Press's April Fool's 99¢ Sale on Mystery and Suspense to celebrate the release of Dena's new book. Learn more at the Write Integrity Press website.