WHAT'S HOLDING YOU BACK?

by Patricia Bradley

Have you ever set a goal only to fail to meet it? I know I have…losing weight, saving money, eating healthier… oh, yeah. I’m not real great at reaching those goals, and I bet you have trouble there, too. The thing is, none of us likes to fail…

Which made me think about the farmer. Yep, you read right. The farmer. Think about it. Every spring, regardless of past failures, he plants a new crop, hope and anticipation mixing with the fresh turned dirt. He plants his seed in faith, and then he waits. He’s done all he physically can do. He can’t make the seed grow or control the amount of rain that falls. Those things are in God’s hands.

Like the farmer, we set our goals, do the preparation and look forward to seeing the harvest. But sometimes our goals don’t get the needed rain or they stagnate, and we perceive that as failure. So we quit trying. 

What is fear keeping you from doing? What are you not doing because you fear you’re not good enough, smart enough, whatever? A few years ago, when my mother was in her eighties, she learned how to program a VCR. Then a few years later, she wanted to learn how to text and how to use a computer but was afraid she couldn’t do it. I told her anyone who could program a VCR could learn how to Google or text. She accepted the challenge and before long, she was googling, and texting the whole family, and keeping up with everyone on Face Book. She even had her own FB page. 

If my ninety-year-old mother could risk failing, so can you. So can I. 

Not long ago I sent out a proposal for a new series. Because I’d been late on the last two projects that required a LOT of rewriting, I hesitated to send it, not sure if my publisher would take it, but I did. Then I waited, knowing the harvest was in God’s hands. 

And that’s what I challenge you to do—if there’s something you want to try, do it! Don’t let fear hold you back. If I had, I wouldn’t be working on a new book now. 

What new thing have you always wanted to do but fear holds you back? Leave a comment and I’ll enter you in a drawing for an audio code for Counter Attack (or Fatal Witness if you’ve read Counter Attack).

Alexis Stone has no sooner been sworn in as the chief deputy for Russell County, Tennessee, when a serial killer dubbed the Queen’s Gambit Killer strikes again–this time in her hometown. 

Pearl Springs is just supposed to be a temporary stop along the way to Alex’s real dream: becoming the first female police chief of Chattanooga. But the killer’s calling card–a white pawn and a note with a chess move printed on it–cannot be ignored.

Review: COUNTER ATTACK

Breathless! 

That's what I am after finishing the newest suspense by Patricia Bradley. I know in this photo, she looks like a sweet lady, but this new story of hers tells of a devious mind hiding behind that smile! She is a master of twists and keeps the tension at the perfect balance of breath-holding gasps and sighs of relief. 

This story opens as Detective Alex Stone works undercover to trap a serial killer. When the set up turns into an unexpected tragedy, she moves back home to the small town where she grew up. Not only does she need to heal, but her grandfather, the county sheriff, needs her help while he recuperates from an unexpected health scare. 

Strangely enough, the serial killer seems to move with her. Or is it a copy cat? This plot is sheer poetry. I'm not going to say I was completely surprised, but there were some elements of the ending that I did not see coming - to my sheer delight! 

I loved the details in this story, from the different chess moves and the threats that they can represent to the police procedure and even the typical commands for a K-9. It all felt so real and genuine. I hesitate to share more as I would give too much away, but there are a few moments when I'm right alongside Alex, thinking I can't take another moment of this. You'll see what I mean when you get to that part! 

The characters had deep and genuine personalities that were so natural. Especially Gram. She made such an impact on me. Don't get me wrong, she wasn't the quiet, unassuming grandmama type. She was a little on the pushy side, even, but her wisdom and the love she obviously had for Alex were priceless. She wasn't the only "voice of reason" in the story, but she nailed the spiritual aspects. 

As with the Natchez trace series, the beautiful setting near Chattanooga, Tennessee fills the story with a rugged color and sets the tone for this fast-paced psychological thriller. Patricia Bradley has quickly become a favorite of mine, and this story is a sheer delight. 

Just be sure to leave a nightlight glowing! 

Here's a little more about COUNTER ATTACK: 

A brand new heart-stopping series from a USA Today bestselling author.

No sooner has Alexis Stone been sworn in as the interim sheriff for Russell County, Tennessee, when a serial killer dubbed the Queen's Gambit Killer strikes again--this time in her hometown. Pearl Springs is just supposed to be a temporary stop along the way to Alex's real dream: becoming the first female police chief of Chattanooga. But the killer's calling card--a white pawn and a note with a chess move printed on it--cannot be ignored.

Pearl Springs chief of police Nathan Landry can't believe that his high school sweetheart Alexis (he refuses to call her Alex) is back in town, and he can't help wanting to protect the woman he never stopped loving. But as the danger mounts and the killer closes in, can Nathan come through on the promises he makes to himself to bring a killer to justice before it's too late.

You can order your own copy of COUNTER ATTACK here or get it on Audible like I did. LOVED the narrator! 

What book have you read where you felt exactly what the main character was feeling - panic, exuberance, victory, despair? Share the title and your thoughts in the comments. And don't forget to sign up for our $100 Starbucks giveaway! HERE's the link! 

Interview with Alex Stone from Counter Attack

 Good morning, Suspense Sisters' followers! I've hijacked Patricia Bradley's post today. If she can make me return to Pearl Springs when that's the last place I want to be, I can take over her blog post!

And don't even get me started on what it's like to leave the Chattanooga police department, destroying my opportunity to be the first Chattanooga Police Chief! 

But she knew me well enough to know that I wouldn't leave the grandfather who raised me in a bind. Plus this gig as his chief deputy is temporary. Or at least it's supposed to be. 

If I leave, it's going to be hard to leave Nathan Landry, the Pearl Springs Police Chief. And we do work well together, me running the Russell County Sheriff's Office and him the city police department.

And, he knows chess...which I don't and the killer in Counter Attack is leaving chess moves at each murder... I have no patience to sit there and try and figure out what my opponent is going to do next...although I should. I do it every day in my quest to capture criminals. But at least with criminals, I don't have to figure out algebraic equations. That's what chess is, you know...

And Nathan is ever so easy on the eyes...Patricia doesn't tell you in the book, but he looks really good in a tight-fitting tee shirt. Those abs...Alex clears her throat. 

Oh, and I suppose you're wondering about the name Alex. It's really Alexis, but really, can you see a bunch of macho men in a police department taking me seriously as Alexis? No, Alex works much better, even though Nathan refuses to call me anything other than Alexis.

Patricia really stretched me in this story, making me delve into the Dark Web. Can I tell you a little secret? The Dark Web isn't all bad. People use it in countries where it isn't safe to contact their relatives or where every email is scrutinized, and the Dark Web lets them email family and friends without worrying about repercussions. 

Well, I better get back to work--Patricia has me really busy in her next book, Fatal Witness...but if you want to know if Nathan and I get together, check out Counter Attack! I hear it's getting really great reviews...

Alexis Stone has no sooner been sworn in as the chief deputy for Russell County, Tennessee, when a serial killer dubbed the Queen’s Gambit Killer strikes again–this time in her hometown. Pearl Springs is just supposed to be a temporary stop along the way to Alex’s real dream: becoming the first female police chief of Chattanooga. But the killer’s calling card–a white pawn and a note with a chess move printed on it–cannot be ignored.

Pearl Springs chief of police Nathan Landry can’t believe that his high school sweetheart Alexis (he refuses to call her Alex) is back in town, and he can’t help wanting to protect the woman he never stopped loving. But as the danger mounts and the killer closes in, can Nathan come through on the promises he makes to himself to bring a killer to justice before it’s too late?

To learn more, click here.

Leave a comment and I'll enter you in a drawing for a copy of Counter Attack! Or if you already have it, a $10 Amazon gift card. Let me know if you've ever dipped into the Dark Web!

Last month's winner is Amy Bradsher. 

WHAT'S NEW IN INSPIRATIONAL SUSPENSE

 By Patricia Bradley

Wondering what's new and HOT in Inspirational Suspense? This week we're featuring my book, Counter Attack that releases today ~ May 16. 

A brand new heart-stopping series from a USA Today bestselling author

No sooner has Alexis Stone been sworn in as the interim sheriff for Russell County, Tennessee, when a serial killer dubbed the Queen's Gambit Killer strikes again--this time in her hometown. Pearl Springs is just supposed to be a temporary stop along the way to Alex's real dream: becoming the first female police chief of Chattanooga. But the killer's calling card--a white pawn and a note with a chess move printed on it--cannot be ignored.

Pearl Springs chief of police Nathan Landry can't believe that his high school sweetheart Alexis (he refuses to call her Alex) is back in town, and he can't help wanting to protect the woman he never stopped loving. But as the danger mounts and the killer closes in, can Nathan come through on the promises he makes to himself to bring a killer to justice before it's too late.

You can find buy links for Counter Attack here.

WE LOVE BOOKS!

BEGINNING AGAIN

 By Patricia Bradley

This cartoon captures exactly where I am now. I have a book due November 1, 2023, with the first chapter due by June 5...and I haven't a clue what this story is about. 

Oh, I know what I said when I proposed three books set in the South Cumberland Plateau area just above Chattanooga: A politician is coming to Pearl Springs and someone is out to kill him. I know who the main characters are at this point -- Russell County Deputy Amanda Hart and TBI agent Maxwell (Max) Anderson. 

I know why the antagonist wants to kill the politician -- the Congressman helped push through a bill to build a dam on the Pearl River that flooded the antagonist's land. Land he wanted to keep.

That's all I know. What I have to do next is to figure out why this matters to my hero and heroine, and what their internal struggle is. Sounds simple, doesn't it? If you think that, I have some swampland in Louisiana that is perfect for you to build a house on. I'll sell it really cheap...

And while this sound daunting, it's what I love to do. I love seeing a story come together with all the parts that make it exciting and scary and finding the HEA (Happily Ever After) for the heroine and hero.

What about you? Do you think it's easy for writers to do what they do? Do you think the story practically writes itself? I've actually heard writers say those very words...unfortunately, I've never had that happen to me. Every word is a struggle sometimes, couched in much prayer. In fact, I think I've prayed more since I've been a writer than ever before. ;-)

I've just turned in the second book in the Pearl River Series, Fatal Witness. The first book, Counter Attack, releases May 16, and it delves into the Dark Web, chess, and a serial killer. I can't wait for you to read it!

Leave a comment and I'll enter you in a drawing for one of my books in the photo below. Be sure to leave your email address! If the winner chooses one that's out of print, I'll send you a digital copy. Oh, and The Defender isn't in the photo but it's available in digital...and if you have KU you can read it for free! 

Cherie J was last month's winner. But she didn't leave an email address...so Cherie, please contact me at pat at ptbradley dot com

COUNTER ATTACK--RELEASING MAY 16!

by Patricia Bradley

What do you do when you have a blog post due and you are so far behind on your edits you think you'll never see the light of day?

Why, you post about your new book that releases in May! :-) And try to make up for it next month.

I really thought I'd have my edits in by now, but what had happened was...

*sigh* My cardiologist talked me into taking a statin because my cholesterol hovered around 200 and he said my blood was 'sticky'. Of course, no one wants sticky blood--might cause a stroke or heart attack. So...I had the prescription filled and purposely did not read the side effects--that's a sure way for me to have side effects. 

Two weeks into the prescription, I noticed I was really tired and my brain was foggy, but I just thought I was really tired and my brain was foggy. And it would get better.

It didn't. And then I got vertigo. Try sitting at the computer with the room spinning like a top. I was getting further and further behind on my extensive rewrites.

Then Sunday afternoon, I finally decided to check out the side effects of the statin I was on...you guessed it: extreme tiredness, brain fog, and vertigo. 

So I have five minutes to finish this blog and get back to work. ;-)

The first book in my new series releases May 16. You can preorder at Baker Book House and get 40% off and free shipping! 

Here's the cover and back copy:

Alexis Stone has no sooner been sworn in as the chief deputy for Russell County, Tennessee, when a serial killer dubbed the Queen’s Gambit Killer strikes again–this time in her hometown. Pearl Springs is just supposed to be a temporary stop along the way to Alex’s real dream: becoming the first female police chief of Chattanooga. But the killer’s calling card–a white pawn and a note with a chess move printed on it–cannot be ignored.

Pearl Springs chief of police Nathan Landry can’t believe that his high school sweetheart Alexis (he refuses to call her Alex) is back in town, and he can’t help wanting to protect the woman he never stopped loving. But as the danger mounts and the killer closes in, can Nathan come through on the promises he makes to himself to bring a killer to justice before it’s too late?

Leave a comment and I'll enter you in a drawing for Counter Attack when it releases in May! Print for US Addresses, digital for all others! Do you play chess, want to learn, or watched The Queen's Gambit? 

Winner of last month's drawing for Jessica R Patch's book, Her Darkest Secret is Barbara Diggs!