SITDOWN WITH MELISSA KOSLIN

By Patricia Bradley

Join me today for a sit-down with Suspense Sister, Melissa Koslin, as she talks about her new book, Endless as the Rain (she's giving away a digital copy). But first, a little about Melissa.

Patricia: Can you please provide a brief summary of your novel, Endless As The Rain?

Melissa: A young woman is kidnapped by the son of a mobster. Alec is certainly dangerous, but is he a threat to her, or is he truly trying to protect her from attempts on her life? She must uncover the truth of his past, how it entwines with her own, if she wants to survive.

Patrica: What inspired the title Endless As The Rain? What sparked the first seed of this story—an image, a question, a character, or a “what if” moment?

Melissa: The title of the book comes from the poem “Long-Felt Desires” by Louise Labe from the 1500s, which includes the line “endless as the rain.” 

The spark came when I was watching an interview with a writer, and she’d mentioned she came up with her story idea from a dream. I know that might sound silly. But as I thought about it, I realized I had a story that I’d dreamt about years before when I was a young teenager. It was one of those ones that sticks with you for some reason. I remembered how intense the emotion had been. I picked up a random notebook and started writing the story. I haven’t stopped writing since.

This book has actually been published before. I had written for a long time under a different pen name. It was romantic suspense mostly, but not yet explicitly Christian. I have since devoted myself strictly to Christian fiction. I removed all past books from publication and deleted social media profiles and my website- everything. But I decided this book series was too special to leave in the trash pile. I rewrote it to bring it up to my current standards, and the Christian element naturally wove into the story. It makes it make more sense. The book is now as it always should have been, and I’m extremely excited about that.

Patricia: Where did the inspiration for Alec’s character come from?

Melissa: I felt like the book needed a dark, brooding, wounded, but powerful hero, and Alec fills that role perfectly. There is so much in his past that has shaped him in unique ways that other people won’t really understand.

Patricia: What’s your favorite scene? And why.

Melissa: I’m not sure I can nail down just one. I think something I really love is that we know the whole book Alec is hiding things. We know he’s got his hands in some way with the criminal element. We know he’s powerful and feared. And yet, we feel his goodness as well.

Patricia: Where did the inspiration for Adriane’s character come from?

Melissa: I picked the name due to its similarity to the word rain. Adriane sees herself as invisible due to pulling away from the world after her father died five years ago. Yet, she is anything but. I wanted the invisible girl to find her voice and be the hero in a lot of ways.

Patricia: What was difficult about writing this book?

Melissa: This was the first book I ever wrote. It’s been rewritten literally more times than I can remember. When I came at the editing this time, I came with fresh (and more experienced) eyes and completely rewrote large swaths. AND I changed it from 1st person to 3rd person—THAT was a lot of work!

But I think even more difficult than that was how obsessed I got. I had to make sure I didn’t let real life responsibilities slide while I did the rewrite. There is something about this book that has always made me passionate.

Patricia: What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

Melissa: The mystery, the constant taunting about who Alec really is and what his real goals are.

Patricia: What do you hope readers will take away from Endless As The Rain?

Melissa: Trust God when he nudges you. His path is always better than our own. Talk to God and ask for guidance. He’s always there ready to listen, eager to guide—no matter how dark your past is.

Patricia: What keeps you at the keyboard, especially on days you would rather do something else?

Melissa: The stories. That’s what keeps me excited after all these years.

Patricia: Is there a part of the book that comes from your own life?

Melissa: Funnily enough, my job in property management helps me write his business a little more realistically. The lion’s share of his business is real estate investing, so I am able to include some details that the average person may not think about. It’s not an exciting aspect, but it made writing those scenes a lot easier and accurate. 

Also, he’s a skilled martial artist. His first introduction to martial arts was traditional Taekwondo simply because that’s where the bulk of my training is. I’m a 4th degree black belt. I love writing fight scenes.

Patricia: How long does it usually take you to write a book from thought to finish?

Melissa: This varies widely. It could be a month (my quickest book), or it could be a year. Before I had our daughter, it was closer to a few months, but now it’s closer to a year.

Patricia:  A couple of fun questions now. What’s your favorite beverage? Coffee, tea or something else?

Melissa: I don’t like coffee. I don’t even like the smell. Never have. 

But I like some tea. I go for the mild ones, not spicey. My favorite right now is Tazo lemon loaf (literally tastes like lemon cake).

Patricia: What are you working on now?

Melissa: I am doing two things right now. I’m finishing up the rest of this series—almost done rewriting the last book. 

And I’m working on a new speculative fiction book—it theorizes that the Amazons are real (though not all the myths are accurate) and that they started due to being inspired by stories of Deborah (Judges chapters 4 and 5).

I researched the Amazons and potential inspirations of the original myth. Some will say past religions and cultures held women up in power, but what I found was almost all about intimate physical aspects of womanhood (mostly related to temple priestesses, who were really just temple prostitutes). It was never actual respect for them as people. But the Bible introduced the radical concept that women are of equal value as men. I can only imagine how that affected the people of that time. 

Patricia: Where can our audience go to connect with you?

Website: www.MelissaKoslin.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelissaKoslin/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/melissakoslin?lang=en 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissa_koslin/?hl=en 

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/melissakoslin/ 

To be entered in a drawing for a copy of Endless as the Rain, be sure to leave a comment with your contact info! You can let us know if you've read any of Melissa's books! Or just say "hi"...

Endless as the Rain by Melissa Koslin

For Adriane Graham, the real question comes down to whether she's Alec Kaden's guest or prisoner…

If she's a guest, then that means Alec freed himself from his family ties to organized crime and that he's telling the truth when he says he's protecting Adriane from dangerous men. It means they both can shake off the shackles of haunted pasts and begin anew together.

If she's his guest, then Adriane Graham is no longer alone. She's safe. And maybe…just maybe…she can finally find the strength to love.

But…

If Adriane is Alec's prisoner, that changes everything.

It means his tenderness is simply a ruse to keep her under control; his kindness is just poisoned hypocrisy. It means Alec is a cruel liar, and that somehow, by some desperate way, she's got to get out of this charming man's well-guarded house…before it's too late.

Troubling questions pour like fountains through Adriane's heart…flowing…

Endless as the Rain.

Join Christian author Melissa Koslin as she explores the fine line between love and danger.


And I didn't forget that today is the anniversary of 911. My prayers are with all of the families who lost loved ones on that date. And pray for this country, that history doesn't repeat itself.

Book Review: JACK by Susan May Warren

Marji Laine here.

I know this series is from last year, but I've only just found it! I'm SO becoming a huge fan of the Minnesota Kingstons! 

Usually I have my book reviews planned in advance, but I couldn't decide on this one. Then I spotted the cover of JACK. (I am a sucker for a pair of sensitive eyes.) I've read Susan May Warren's books before. (There is a reason why she's an award-winner, a best-seller, and a highly-acclaimed writing coach!) Most of what I'd read before were romances, heartwarming and life-changing with huge obstacles to overcome, but not mystery or suspense novels. 

I was delighted to find that this one has both a mystery and suspense. In fact, she now has so many suspense novels. You can bet I'll be enjoying a LOT of these series! 

JACK the first epic book of the Minnesota Kingstons, so I expected to have a lot of introductions. I didn't expect to get the feeling like many things had already happened. The author has done an amazing job of building in-depth back stories, and some of them have even been previously published in another series. I did a little investigating and the Alaska Air One Rescue books are a prelude to this series. I know there are at least a few characters that are shared between them. 

Something unique: (at least to me) this book started with a male perspective. The hero and heroine (Jack and Harper) share the point of view, but it was so interesting seeing the layout, the initial information, from a his-perspective instead of a hers. And I also loved getting into his head. Being the oldest in his family, he made a problem that brought conflict in before the first page of this book. Going back home to a Minnesota winter, for his sister's wedding was an issue before he ever got there. Conflict and tension was on every page even before the suspense started. 

Something refreshing: (at least to me) these characters had a realness about them. Especially their mistake and their guffaws. Not telling a lie, I was belly laughing during the dance practice! Seriously, Jack? That's the best you could come up with?? Oh, you have to read what he said! 

Something heartwarming: (at least to me) I love the family dynamic in this story. Susan May Warren didn't just fill out the characters of Jack and Harper. Each family member has a distinct personality. Each has an opinion of Jack, particularly when it comes to the dispute that he brought to the family before the book started. Some are still ticked. Some are slightly resentful. Some are completely over it. And some, like Jack's dad, have special moments. (Yes, there were tears that I had to wipe away!)

When the ignition to the suspense did happen, the elements were all there. Characters with something to hide. People with a past. Plenty of motives all around, and a missing bridesmaid who typically has her own way of doing things. Was she really "missing" or just on a lark? It was hard to say, until Jack and Harper started trying to track her and found more danger than answers. 

And the subtlety of the romance of these two is palpable. They are magnets that teeter back and forth between attracting and repelling. Definite chemistry there. 

This isn't a thriller by any means, but there is the impending danger, the ticking clock as it were, that is in all suspense books. And I LOVED it! Jack and Harper will stay with me. I'm so ready to pick up the next book in this series and hunker down for another brilliant story. And yes, I will review it.

This book's subtitle is: The grumpy tracker. The girl he never forgot. A missing bridesmaid and a second chance he doesn't deserve. Here's a little more about the book: 

Her secret blew apart his life—and now she needs his help? If only he could say no…

Ten years should be long enough for Jack to forget the girl-next-door, his kid sister’s bestie and the woman—no, girl—who derailed his life. Now, he sort of likes his loner world as a missing person’s tracker. Well, mostly. But of course, when he returns home for his sister’s wedding, there she is…
Nope, not forgotten at all.

Of course Jack the Grump has shown up for his sister’s wedding, and by the way he looks at Harper, um, clearly her sins aren’t forgiven. So what—she’s sooo over her best-friend’s brooding, dark oldest brother. Really.

Then a bridesmaid goes missing.

And sure, Harper is a journalist who knows how to sniff out truth, but the clock is ticking and there’s only one person who can help…Perfect. No problem. She’s not going to fall for her childhood crush again. Promise.

Yes, Jack can admit that Harper’s not the girl he used to call Pigtails anymore. She’s all grown up…but he’s not going to get burned again. Still, what’s a guy going to do?

So, find her missing friend, get the bride down the aisle and ditch town before they find themselves in over their heads…or worse.

Dead.

Jack is a best friend’s brother, childhood crush, grumpy-to sunshine, sweet but sizzly romantic suspense about second chances and finding the family you always wanted…

Get your copy HERE!

--

I was ready to pick up Conrad, book 2 of this series, but I think I'm going to go back in time and do the Alaska Air One Rescue series. I think that starts things from the beginning. And if they are anything like JACK, I'll be happily reading for the next several months. :)

In a recent book you've read, or maybe one you're reading now, what was something unique, something you didn't expect, that happened? Share in the comments and you just might win an e-copy of COUNTER POINT, book 1 from my Heath's Point Suspense series. 

But I do hope you'll pick up a copy of JACK, and I hope you LOVE it! 

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:

WHAT'S HOT IN INSPIRATIONAL SUSPENSE

 BY PATRICIA BRADLEY

Wondering what's HOT in Inspirational Suspense this week? 8 Down by Kimberly Woodhouse was just released last week!

How do you catch a serial killer who attacks through cyberspace?

Investigator Carrie Kintz has been on the job with the Alaska Bureau of Investigation in Anchorage for only a couple of months. But she’s already been thrown into the deep end: there’s a serial killer on the loose. Not only is he claiming he’s already killed eight people, but he’s also vowed that eight more lives will be eliminated if demands aren’t met. The only clues to help law enforcement stop him are the ones he sends in crossword puzzles across the country–always in the same 8 Down position.

As Carrie works the case, she can’t help but feel she’s in over her head. And worse, there are signs that the deaths may be part of a frighteningly elaborate cyberattack. But without knowing how the victims are connected, tracking down a killer determined to prove he’s smarter than everyone else may be impossible.

With the clock ticking and lives hanging in the balance, Carrie is desperate not to fail and be fired–or worse, to find her faith fading in the face of danger and uncertainty. But when she calls in security specialist Scott Patteson for his expertise on the case, she’s suddenly also in danger of losing her heart.

Best-selling author Kimberley Woodhouse’s thrilling romantic suspense series continues with this melding of cybercrime and true crime, perfect for fans of Irene Hannon, Lynnette Eason, and Colleen Coble.

You can find buy links here.

We love books!

WHEN PLANS GO AWRY

 By Patricia Bradley

I had planned to write this post yesterday...and should have. Today I'm writing it with a brace on my wrist, a very badly swollen right eye that is turning a glorious shade of purple trending to black...and an ice pack on said eye. And I have a television interview at the National Religious Broadcasters Conference...

So far I haven't canceled the interview or driving to Nashville to the conference tomorrow. Satan isn't winning this one! I did get checked out at the hospital and everything looked fine. One friend even suggested I do the interview and tell them they should see the other guy. 

So you might be wondering how I happened to have a black eye--that's what happens when you kiss the concrete with your head. I actually stumbled over a curve when I was cleaning up my car at the car wash...note to self...watch where you're walking.

And while I know it was my fault for not watching, I think satan would be very happy for me not to attend the conference since the platform I'll be speaking on is Christian Fiction's Role in the World. My books often cross over to the general market and therefore they reach a wide audience with the Gospel. 

There is a silver lining--I don't have to wear eye shadow today. So, if you happen to think about me, I could use prayer for divine appointments and wisdom about the interview....

Leave a comment  -- tell me if you've ever had a black eye, and I'll enter you in a drawing for an audio copy of Fatal Witness! And if you've won a copy of Fatal Witness, I will get them out next week as soon as I turn in edits of Deadly Revenge, the next book in the series!

WHAT'S NEW IN INSPIRATIONAL SUSPENSE

 by Patricia Bradley

Wondering what's HOT in Inspirational Suspense? Our very own Suspense Sister Mary Alford has a book releasing today! Book Four in her Hope Island Securities Series--Chasing the Past

The past is the last place he wants to return.

Yet the past still haunts Hope Island Securities member Eli Warren every night. His last mission as an Army Green Beret will be forever branded on his heart. Most nights, he can still see her face. The woman who was more than his asset. She called herself Sashi. She’d provided critical Intel for his unit in Afghanistan until she was unknowingly compromised.

No one knew the terrorist his unit had been hunting discovered Sashi was working for the US until it was too late. Before Eli could save her, Sashi was forced inside a building. Seconds later, it exploded, and Eli’s world crumbled around him.

When Eli spots a woman on Hope Island, Maine that is the spitting image of Sashi, he can’t believe his eyes, or the woman’s reaction when he confronts her.

Badly injured, Asal Noor escaped the collapse of Afghanistan and was flown to Cairo, Egypt, where she remained in a coma for weeks. When she awoke, her fiancé was there at her side, and she had no memory of him or her past.

Traveling with her fiancé Omar to Hope Island, Asal meets a man who claims to recognize her by another name. Meeting Eli brings terrifying flashbacks of something dreadful that doesn’t align with what Omar told her about her life.

Can the former soldier who claims to love the person he believes she is help Asal fit the missing pieces of her past together before the terrorist who tried to silence her once returns to complete his deadly mission?

You can buy it on Amazon here. 

We Love books!

A new release, a new puppy and distractions!

 

After a very cold spring, we are now launching into the 90's as of today.  Still, spring and the start of summer are always beautiful--a time of new beginnings. 

Our perennial flowers are blooming, the grass is lush and green. We may not have stunning mountains or a gorgeous rugged coastline here in the Midwest, but the soil is rich and everywhere you look, there seem to be a thousand shades of green. 

The scents of lilacs, Lily of the Valley, and new-mown grass fill me with joy.  The emergence of wood ticks and gnats, not so much!  ☺

Speaking of new beginnings, have you ever received a completely unexpected gift? Folks who follow me on Facebook or my blog know I'm a passionate animal lover. I've had horses since first grade, and have rarely been without an assortment of rescue animals. When Elmo died, the sweetest border collie ever, my husband insisted that our golden retriever rescue Sage was all we needed as a house dog. He was adamant, but apparently, secret plans were afoot. 

When he surprised me with an eight-week-old golden puppy for Mother's Day this spring, I was both speechless and overjoyed! Little Doogan is such a sweetheart.  Still covered in plush puppy fur, he is adorable...but boy, has life changed. For the first couple weeks, he was like a new baby--without diapers--who could run through the house like an antelope.  Crate training has helped a lot, though the incessant, piercing barking while he plays with "grandpa" Sage is something else we need to address. If you have any ideas to curtail the barking, please let me know!

I'm very grateful for the new puppy and the work going on now to repair the exterior of our house, due to the damage from the derecho that hit Iowa last August. But I have to admit it's a bit distracting, so I haven't gotten a lot done...and I'm behind on my tasks than I want to think about! The moment I realize the puppy has gone quiet for a few moments, it's time to launch out of my chair and go check on him!

Still, I'd like to share that the first two books in my romantic suspense Northern Pines series are available now.  ONE MORE DANCE is at $.99 for a short time!  CLICK HERE for more information and buy links. 

Also, ONE MORE WISH came out in May. 
You can CLICK HERE for more information on it.

Leave a comment here, and you will be entered in a drawing for a free copy of ONE MORE DANCE!

Wishing you a wonderful summer,

Roxanne Rustand

One More Dance...a romantic suspense, and chance for a free book..... Roxanne Rustand

 How badly can a relationship be broken before there's just no chance to save it?

When veterinarian Kate Mathers drives past the scene of a terrible accident and sees an ambulance race away, she whispers a prayer for those involved, not realizing that it's her husband's car in flames down in the ditch--and that a woman died in his car.  A complete stranger. Now Jared is in the ICU on the verge of death, and only a miracle can save him.

Kate is at his bedside, trying to face Jared's precarious condition and also deal with the fact that someone is targeting both her husband and her veterinary practice. How had their marriage gone so wrong?

If only they can one more chance to talk and forgive, and one more dance in each other's arms...

On sale March 19th at all e-book retailers, and available now for pre-order.  Here is the AMAZON link.

Since it's bitterly cold, snowy, and icy here in the Midwest, it seems like a perfect time to enjoy cozy evenings by the fire with a good book or something to watch on PBS...though I really ought to be in my office every waking hour. There are four more books coming out this year in the Northern Pines romantic suspense series!

How have you been faring during these short winter days?

Are you enjoying the arctic weather we have now, or are you appreciating the balmy sunshine of a southern state?

And, now that Valentine's Day is just around the corner, do you have a favorite memory from 
Valentines Days in the past?

Ours will certainly be quiet...at home as always, during these pandemic times. Even so, it will be a day to remember how grateful we are to still have each other and to pray for those who have lost their own loved ones this past year.

Leave a comment and be entered in a drawing for a free e-copy of Snowbound with the Cowboy!

Wishing you blessings and peace,

Roxanne