I am a Christian, a retired teacher, a mother and a grandmother. I love to read and I love the Lord Jesus Christ! Unless otherwise specified ,all visual illustrations are from the YOU VERSION APP of the Bible.
When Detective Jo Fournier’s cousin goes missing with her sweet five-year-old Alexia, Jo heads straight to where they were last seen. Her heart stops when she finds their unlocked car—one door has been left open and Alexia’s beloved teddy is lying in the snow. Jo’s blood runs cold as she realizes her family have been kidnapped…
Even as she swears to bring them home, Jo makes a discovery that chills her to the bone: other young, single mothers have vanished with their little daughters just before Christmas.
As Jo’s team re-open the cold cases, they make a terrible discovery. Buried deep under the snow in the forest near Oakhurst are the bones of a mother and daughter who disappeared. The snowy grave contains a little angel, the kind you would hang on a Christmas tree.
With no sign of her cousin and little Alexia, Jo is sure that they are in the hands of a twisted serial killer and running out of time. Discovering suspicious activity in the security footage from the day her cousins were taken gives Jo the clue she’s been desperately searching for. Can Jo bring her family home safe, or has the killer lured her into a terrifying trap?
My Thoughts
This is the first book that I have read in this series, but it definitely won’t be the last as I am a newly devoted fan to Detective Jo Fournier. In this book, Jo is personally involved with a crime since her cousins are kidnapped and she is desperate to find them before it is too late. The book combines the genres of police procedural with family drama and high suspense. The pace is fast and furious as Jo races find Paxton and little Alexia, with lots of roadblocks and false clues along the way. The characters are realistic and the narrator switches between the police investigation to the perpetrator and his expectations for his captives. It was interesting to read how determined Paxton was to keep her and Alexia safe and play along with the “game” of the captor until she could figure out a possible way to escape. The setting was eerie, just creepy enough to give me chills, and the action was pulse pounding and realistic. I especially enjoyed how methodical Jo was in her investigation, following clues relentlessly. Because the victims are young and innocent, the book appealed to my need to see a quick and happy resolution. The crime was not the first one for this perpetrator though so there are a lot of red herrings and false trails for Jo and her team to follow before they find the right one. My favorite part of the book was the insight into the thought processes of the investigators and how tenacious they were. This book is enjoyable, compelling and intense with some clever twists and a satisfying conclusion. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bookouture via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Rated PG-13. This is an intense crime thriller and police procedural.
About the Author
For more information about the author and her other books, go to www.mmchouinard.com
With many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book and for introducing me to a new-to-me detective series.
Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Doctor’s Christmas Dilemma by Danielle Thorne, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book
Title: The Doctor’s Christmas Dilemma Author: Danielle Thorne Publisher: Love Inspired Release Date: October 24th, 2023 Genre: Inspirational Romance
Home for the holidays…
Or home for good?
Once upon a time, Ben Cooper left his hometown to follow his dreams of becoming a big-city doctor. Now he’s back to run his father’s clinic and spend Christmas with his daughter, not to fall for McKenzie Price, the woman who broke his heart. But when McKenzie steps in to help Ben reconnect with his little girl, and old sparks begin to ignite, will Ben give up city life for a second chance at love?
From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Predictably sweet romance and so warm-hearted that it gave me all of the tingles in my toes! Dr.Ben Cooper returns to his small hometown to help out his father, a physician who had heart surgery and who needs Ben’s help running his rural clinic while he recovers. Ben gets reacquainted with Mackenzie Price, his former girlfriend in high school who basically dumped him publicly. Ben left and hasn’t looked back except to visit his daughter who lives with his parents. Now, that part of the book, I found a little unbelievable. He had a wife but she wants nothing to do with the cute little sweetheart, Ben is too busy establishing his career as a big-city doctor, so he drops his darling daughter off with his parents, calling infrequently and visiting less frequently. Thus, Ben is not a hero but starts out as a zero for me. He does redeem himself in the course of the book, but it is an uphill battle since he is presented as rather self-centered and career-minded rather than wanting to actually help others as the doctor he is trained to be. The good news is that he is a dynamic character and he changes, albeit slowly and somewhat reluctantly. I enjoyed getting to know all of the characters in the little town of Kudzu Creek, especially Ms. Olivia, the elderly lady who insists that Ben be her physician regardless of his reluctance. I liked how the characters discovered things about themselves as the story progressed and how they were willing to learn and change. The pace was moderate, a perfect pace for a romance to develop. This is my first book by Danielle Thorne but I will definitely be on the lookout for other books she has written since this one was entertaining and enjoyable. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Just Reads Publicity Tour for the purpose of reviewing the book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Clean and inspirational romance. Rated G.
About the Author
Danielle Thorne writes happily-ever-afters set in the South for Harlequin Love Inspired. A graduate of BYU-Idaho, she also writes stories about Regency ladies, pirates, and not-so-distressed damsels from her home south of Atlanta. Free time is filled with documentaries, too much yard work, and not enough travel. When not writing wholesome romances, Danielle hangs out with friends or chases cats. She enjoys the outdoors and serving in her church and community. Danielle’s been married to the same fellow for thirty years, has four sons, four bonus daughters and two grandbabies. She loves them more than life. Connect with Danielle by visiting daniellethorne.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will win an autographed print copy of The Doctor’s Christmas Dilemma, a bookmark, and a $25 Amazon gift card!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 7, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 14, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Serial dater and travel blogger Jayna Scott lands a dream assignment in Bimini, Bahamas at Mario Delgado’s resort. But after she falls hard and fast for her host, she discovers his terrible secret. Her flight instinct sends her to the mountains of North Carolina on a trip with a Tampa church group, but Mario pursues her, determined to prove his actions were justified.
Private investigator Liam Bracken helps his best friend plan a surprise engagement in Beech Mountain to the woman he once liked. Now, the mysterious Jayna, the new addition to their group, tugs at his heart, but his instincts warn him she’s running from something. When Jayna emerges at the epicenter of his agency’s high-profile drug investigation, Liam prays he can save her—and guard his heart at the same time.
My Thoughts
Although this is the second book in a series, it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone. This novel tells the faith journey and perilous adventures of travel blogger Jayna Scott. Traveling to the Bahamas, she gets unwittingly trapped into illegal activity there and has to depend on new friends from her Bible study group to help her out. The genre is cozy mystery with a firm faith foundation. The characters are relatable and realistic and the plot moves along at a good steady pace that is engaging and entertaining. I especially enjoyed how Jayna interacted with the Bible study group and really wanted to be a part of it even though she did not feel as though she really belonged. I also liked Liam Bracken’s willingness to be a hero for a young woman he barely knows but who touched his heart. The mystery is just complex enough to keep me on the edge of my seat at times as I cheered for the good guys to get there on time and for the bad guys to be thwarted. This is a feel-good and satisfying read, but readers should be warned that there are triggers like sexual and emotional abuse within the storyline. This is a Christian read with no graphic details or expletives, so I found it suitable for anyone able to read on this level. With a breathtaking setting and an engrossing story, this is one not to be missed for those who enjoy powerful stories with engrossing suspense. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author as part of her launch team. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Christian fiction with intense suspense. Rated PG
About the Author
Kristen Hogrefe Parnell writes suspenseful fiction from a faith perspective for women and young adults. Her own suspense story involved waiting on God into her thirties to meet her husband, and she desires to keep embracing God’s plan for her life when it’s not what she expects. Kristen also teaches English online and enjoys being a podcast guest. Her young adult dystopian novels, The Revisionary and The Reactionary, both won the Selah for speculative fiction, and she has partnered with Mountain Brook Ink for her Christian romantic suspense series, beginning with Take My Hand (2022). Hold Your Breath, book two, releases November 2023. She also enjoys guest blogging opportunities for both The Write Conversation and the KHCB Network. Kristen lives in Florida with her husband and young son.
This was the first book that I have read by Kristen and I really loved it so much that I purchased the first book in the series and I’m enjoying it, too. What a talented faith-filled author! Don’t miss her newest book! The first book in the Crossroads Suspense series, just FYI. All of Kristen’s books are on her website that I listed under her photo. Please check them out!
Helping with youth wrangler camp is how Kate Spencer is atoning for her past. But now she and ranch manager Rand Walkins are trapped in the Superstition Mountains with two girls as illegal miners hunt them down. Rand has every reason not to trust Kate, much less forgive her. But working together is the only way they’ll escape from the danger that threatens them all…
My Thoughts
A plot that includes a ranch with the purpose to help kids adjust to their troubled lives enticed me to read this book and I’m so glad that I had that opportunity! The story is centered around ranch hands who have a past history together and really need to walk the road to forgiveness. Rand Walkins is a bitter young man who lost his chance to be a rodeo star because of a careless choice by new employee Kate Spencer. The two of them are characterized perfectly, a little brittle and wary and not ready to even talk to each other. The kids in the group are typical teens, determined to do their own thing and not caring that others share in their consequences. The entire story was told realistically, with a lot of details about surviving in brutal weather conditions in the wilderness. The story was fast-paced as the characters went from one dangerous situation to the next and had to cooperate together in order to survive the storms and the villains. I enjoyed the romance but the adventure kept me engaged in the story and the faith element was an added bonus. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Just Reads Publicity Tour. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
CATHY MCDAVID wrote her first book at sixteen. The self-illustrated children’s story featured a young girl whose lack of responsibility nearly resulted in the demise of her pet fish. It’s quite possible the book was an autobiography, but Cathy’s not telling. She wrote her second book, and first romance, at nineteen with the help of a portable Smith Corona typewriter. One never knows how the unrequited crush on a college professor will affect their eventual career. These days, with over 57 titles and 1.6 million books in print, she still incorporates a little of her own life in each story. A lover of all things western and former avid horsewoman, her stories include riding, ranching, and rodeo because, well, who doesn’t enjoy a good cowboy romance? Mother of grown twins and married to her own real-life sweetheart, Cathy is living her dream penning heart-stopping suspense thrillers and heart-touching family dramas for Harlequin. Connect with Cathy by visitingcathymcdavid.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.
Tour Giveaway
(2) winners will win a print copy of both Blizzard Refuge and Her Surprise Cowboy Groom, a $5 Starbucks gift card and a cowboy coffee mug!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 31, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 7, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Legal investigator Finley O’Sullivan has dealt with her share of shady characters, but the firm’s latest client has an even darker past than most. In fact, Nashville Metro Police seems to think he’s a murderer.
Finley isn’t so sure. Her investigation into Ray Johnson’s history focuses on the unsolved murder of a teenager who died seventeen years earlier. The case went cold, but questions remain. Months after the girl’s death, people close to her started disappearing—her mother first, then Ray’s brother. But why?
As Finley races to solve a decades-old murder, she uncovers new clues and long-buried secrets that could blow the case wide open. But whoever killed the girl all those years ago may still be a threat—and now the chase is on.
My Thoughts
Finley O’Sullivan is a kick butt and take no prisoners private investigator and lawyer. She wants all the truth, but first she has to methodically weed through the lies. She’s my favorite character in the series because she is damaged but refuses to be broken, vulnerable but not weak, intelligent and intuitive. In the latest Finley novel by Debra Webb, Finley has to try to solve a cold case of a murder and a disappearance that are over a decade old. Lucy Cagle was an intrepid high school student, determined to investigate a crime syndicate and expose the bad guys just like her famous reporter mom did. But Lucy was killed and her murderer was never found. At the same time, Ian Johnson, a younger son in the Johnson crime family, disappeared, never to be seen again. Now it is up to Finley to find out if the two events are related and if so, how since she is helping her employer Jack investigate Ray Johnson for an impending case against him. There are a lot of very satisfying twists in this novel that had me wondering just where the story was going and how it was going to get there. But author Debra Webb never disappoints in weaving a tale that is complicated and that stimulates my imagination as it keeps me mesmerized in the story and the characters. Each character contributed to the story and none was more evident than Finley’s unassuming and kind-hearted father who apparently knew something about Lucy that he wasn’t sharing. I loved the dynamics of the characters and how Finley had to prod and poke at them to get to the truth. This is a book with breath-stopping suspense and sharp, addictive writing that kept me reading and guessing all the way to the end. With well-crafted and cleverly written twists, this book is absolutely brilliant and one of the best suspense books that I have ever read! With a compelling and multi-layered mystery, this novel had me intrigued, only willing to put the book down once I had reached the satisfying conclusion. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley as well as from the author as part of her street team. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Rated PG-13 for content
About the Author
DEBRA WEBB is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 150 novels, including reader favorites the Faces of Evil, the Colby Agency and the Shades of Death series. She is the recipient of the prestigious Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Romantic Suspense as well as numerous Reviewers Choice Awards. In 2012 Debra was honored as the first recipient of the esteemed L. A. Banks Warrior Woman Award for her courage, strength, and grace in the face of adversity. Recently Debra was awarded the distinguished Centennial Award for having achieved publication of her 100th novel. With this award Debra joined the ranks of a handful of authors like Nora Roberts and Carole Mortimer. With more than four million books sold in numerous languages and countries, Debra’s love of storytelling goes back to her childhood when her mother bought her an old typewriter in a tag sale. Born in Alabama, Debra grew up on a farm and spent every available hour exploring the world around her and creating her stories. She wrote her first story at age nine and her first romance at thirteen. It wasn’t until she spent three years working for the Commanding General of the US Army in Berlin behind the Iron Curtain and a five-year stint in NASA’s Shuttle Program that she realized her true calling. A collision course between suspense and romance was set. Since then she has expanded her work into some of the darkest places the human psyche dares to go. Visit Debra at www.debrawebb.com.
Available for preorder now! Releases on 11-07-23. Purchase Links:
Detective Trevor West is determined to find the sister who went missing in Alaska over a year ago. Bush pilot Carries James is determined to track down the person who murdered her closest friend. When the two join forces and skill sets to solve these mysteries, they’ll discover they are connected in ways they never imagined.
My Thoughts
The setting in the wilds of Alaska invited me into the pages of this book and the plot and characters kept me there all the way to the end. The premise is that Trevor West, a detective from Montana, arrives in Alaska with the sole purpose of finding out what happened to his missing sister Jennifer. Jennifer left behind photos but no other clues about her strange disappearance, so Trevor seeks the help of intrepid bush pilot Carrie James. Carrie has just suffered a devastating loss when her mechanic and best friend Isaac is murdered, so she agrees to help Trevor follow the clues in the photos if he will help her find who killed Isaac. The hunt is on, for Jennifer and for Isaac’s murderer, but it is not without peril to the determined duo. Just when I thought things were calming down, something else happened to bring danger closer to both Carrie and Trevor and anyone whom they question. Something strange is going on in the wilderness and the trail these two follow is scattered with bread crumbs and false leads. The plot is fast-paced and heart-in-your-throat thrilling as they get closer to the bad guys who are set on taking them out before their deeds are uncovered. The plot is believable and completely engrossing, with an addictive mystery as well as a developing romance. I enjoyed getting to know Trevor and Carrie, but I especially enjoyed some of the native characters like Elias and Rip, men who are not afraid of danger or taking chances to help others. There is an underlying faith element in the story that is the glue that holds it together as the lives of the main characters are being ripped apart. The plot threads are intricate and masterfully woven together into the stunning landscape of Alaska. With sharp writing and authentically riveting details, the author tells a story that is rich and intriguing. I cannot wait for the next book in the Missing In Alaska series, although each book can definitely be read as a standalone. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley as well as from the author as part of her review team. In addition, I purchased two copies, one for myself and one for a gift. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
This is an amazing thought-provoking book with multiple layers that had me enthralled from beginning to end. The premise of Cora having to return to her old home at Moonberry Lake and try to discover the secret why she and her mother left suddenly when she was a child is one that promised from the start to be revelatory and it was. I enjoyed the story and the faith that undergirded it, but mostly I really enjoyed getting to know the characters who were all different and who all added to the tale. Cora was the vulnerable one who needs to find her place in the world. Sam is her helpful guide, the one who meets her and explains the requirement that she stay in her grandparents’ old lodge for one year in order to inherit it. Kitty is my hands-down favorite; she keeps the cemetery orderly and offers wise advice if anyone will listen. I even liked the old grumpy neighbor who insists that Cora is living on his land and he will get it back, one way or another! I think the most memorable character is the handywoman named Widgy who not only fixes things but she also tries hard to apply her lifetime worth of knowledge to fixing people, too. She is homespun hilarity in a bundle of energy! The story is an emotional one that made me laugh, cry and even think a lot as I read about Cora’s quest to make a new life for herself that doesn’t include constantly moving to a new place or running from old entanglements. The novel is very well-paced and totally engaging, but the characters make the story and the setting adds the charm. This is a debut novel but I would not be able to tell it from the masterful craftsmanship displayed in the telling of a story of finding hope for the future and depending on virtual strangers to be kind. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Rated G for all audiences. Christian Fiction and a clean read
About the Author
Check out the author’s website at https://www.hollyvarni.com/ for additional information and to listen to her podcast or read her blog.
This first book in a new series by Irene Hannon is a heart-pumping, edge-of-your seat read from the first page to the satisfying conclusion. Bri Tucker is a former smoke jumper turned fire investigator and when one of her former colleagues is killed in a fire, Bri takes on the responsibility of investigating his death as well as others that he was investigating when he died. Assisted by swoonworthy hero and ATF agent Marc Davis, Bri can’t seem to avoid danger. In fact, she seems perfectly content confronting it, much to the consternation of Marc and her siblings Jack and Cara. All of the characters were realistically portrayed and relatable, but none more so than the vulnerable Bri who was hurt in the past and not looking for more pain in her present. The plot moves along at a fast and fiery pace, with head-spinning twists and riveting revelations along the way. There are red herrings and false trails galore, plenty to keep the mystery buff in me totally happy and reading long into the night. I loved the action and suspense, but I was completely enamored with the characters and their willingness to face danger in order to pursue truth and justice. This book is addictive and held me spellbound, so I’m already anticipating the second book in the series! Irene Hannon is a master storyteller who expertly crafted this tale that I would categorize as high-octane thriller and sparkling romance, too. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Clean Christian Read, probably a PG because of intense suspense and conflict
About the Author
Irene Hannon is a bestselling, award-winning author who took the publishing world by storm at the tender age of 10 with a sparkling piece of fiction that received national attention. Okay…maybe that’s a slight exaggeration. But she was one of the honorees in a complete-the-story contest conducted by a national children’s magazine. And she likes to think of that as her “official” fiction-writing debut! Since then, she has written more than 60 romantic suspense and contemporary romance novels. She is a seven-time finalist for and three-time winner of the RITA award—the “Oscar” of romance fiction—and a member of the Romance Writers of America elite Hall of Fame. She has also received a Career Achievement award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work. Her many other awards include Daphne du Maurier, Carol, HOLT Medallion, National Readers’ Choice, Retailers Choice, Booksellers’ Best, and Reviewers’ Choice from RT Book Reviews. She is also a two-time Christy award finalist. Irene, who holds a B.A. in psychology and an M.A. in journalism, juggled two careers for many years until she gave up her executive corporate communications position with a Fortune 500 company to write full time. She is happy to say she has no regrets! In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, gardening and singing. A trained vocalist, she has sung the leading role in numerous musicals, including “South Pacific,” “Brigadoon,” “Oklahoma” “The King and I” and “Anything Goes.” She is also a soloist at her church. When not otherwise occupied, Irene and her husband enjoy traveling, Saturday mornings at their favorite coffee shop and spending time with family. They make their home in Missouri. For more information, go to the author’s website at https://www.irenehannon.com
Publisher : Lake Union Publishing (October 10, 2023)
Publication date : October 10, 2023
Language : English
Print length : 263 pages
My Thoughts
This book presents a complicated and emotional story of a family in turmoil after a young girl drowns in a neighbor’s reflecting pool. Almost two decades have passed and Astrid, the older sister of young Nina, is loathe to return to Heron Bay but does so when her aunt urgently summons her. The action really begins to pick up and keeps a fast pace once Astrid arrives in Heron Bay and confronts her past and all of the ghosts that haunt her dreams. There is an eerie feeling that something is missing from her memory and Astrid is determined to discover the truth about Nina’s drowning, a tragedy for which Astrid blames herself. As Astrid delves deeper into mysterious letters typed on an old manual typewriter, I was fascinated with the research into how the letters matched the typeset and the expertise of Astrid as one who verifies documents. The entire story flowed seamlessly, even with multiple characters and flashbacks into an illusory, dreamlike past. I enjoyed the mystery and suspense, but I especially liked the clever character development which was slowly revealed and so brilliantly written. The plot was compelling and multi-layered, with secrets hidden by most of the characters and plenty of red herrings to keep me guessing. The drama is intense, the characters are dynamically unique and the entire book is a well-crafted dive into the waters of what you think you know because your subconscious tells you it is true. As the story progresses to the climax, it fairly crackles with tension that captivated me all the way to the stunning conclusion. For fans of suspense that does not waiver and authentic details that are riveting, this novel is perfect! Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Rated PG
About the Author
As a child, A. J. Banner loved reading everything from Nancy Drew to Tolkien to her parents’ spy novels, borrowed from their bookshelves and hidden beneath her pillow. She wrote her first thriller, Mystery at Crane Corner, at the age of 11. She drew her own cover art and bound the pages with staples. Born in India and raised in North America, A. J. graduated from high school in southern California and received degrees from the University of California, Berkeley. She tried various professions after college, including a stint in law school and a memorable job at a veterinary clinic, since she loves animals, but eventually she returned to writing.
Q and A with A. J. Banner
1. What was the most interesting (or most frightening) thing you learned in the research you did for this book?
A letter written in blood.
A typewriter used to type threatening notes.
During my interviews with a forensic document examiner and a former police detective, I learned that people act in extreme and unexpected ways. Reality is stranger than fiction, seriously! It’s true: a forensic document examiner (not the one I interviewed, but someone she knew) was once asked to analyze a letter written in blood! And the former detective told me about a case in which a man stalked his ex‑girlfriend and typed her sinister letters on a typewriter. He thought that if he used a typewriter, he could remain anonymous, but he didn’t know what each typewriter has a particular “fingerprint.” The typewriter in his possession was identified and matched to the letters, and he was arrested.
2. What was your favorite part of writing this book/series?
I always love typing my first drafts on my collection of manual typewriters! A typewriter is like a percussion instrument. I find the clacking sound extremely satisfying, and I can see the print appearing on the page as I type! I cannot go back and edit what I’ve typed. No distractions, no digital notifications. I have to set aside perfectionism and simply keep going, wonderfully liberating!
3. Did anything in the story end up surprising you or changing trajectory?
My stories always surprise me and change direction! In my first draft, I presented the entire story in chronological order, beginning with Nina’s drowning 17 years ago, the aftermath (about 100 pages in that early draft), and then moving forward in time to Astrid in the present day. But I ended up completely restructuring the book and opening with Astrid’s arrival in Heron Bay in the present day, with occasional flashbacks to her sister’s drowning. Also, the final revelation changed! It was entirely different in the first draft. No spoilers.
4. When and how did you know that you wanted to be an author?
From the time I was about eight years old, growing up in a small Canadian town on the shores of the Winnipeg River, I knew I wanted to be an author. I typed stories on a toy typewriter, drew cover art, stapled the pages together and wrote little copyright notices inside the front covers. When a little boy in town self-published his stories, and they appeared in a box set in our local library, I remember feeling incredibly envious of him! I also thought that having a book published was an impossible dream, like shooting for the moon. But eventually, my dream came true.
5. What is your writing process like?
When I’m writing a book, it always feels like the first time. I’m full of fear, joy, pain, worry, self‑doubt, and I feel as though I’m writing garbage. Then I love what I’m writing. Then I hate it. Then I love it again. I tear down the story and rebuild it again multiple times. Whoever said writing was easy? It’s extremely difficult, but it’s also wonderful. In the end, I’m the only one who cares if I ever complete a writing project. So I need incredible self-discipline and inner drive.
6. What would be your advice to new authors?
If you’re an unpublished, aspiring writer, I suggest reading a lot, writing a lot, treating writing as a lifelong endeavor, and learning the craft. Respect the profession. Find a mentor.
7. What is your favorite thing to do when you are not writing or reading a book?
I enjoy antiquing and discovering vintage stationery and typewriters. I regularly exchange typed letters with wonderful type pals all over the world. I love walks in the woods and on our wild Pacific Northwest beaches. I also play piano, take care of rescued cats, and I love photographing the wildlife in our garden, which is a certified wildlife sanctuary.
8. Is there anything else you would like your readers to know?
I hope my readers enjoy Dreaming of Water and reach out to me with comments and questions! Thank you for a wonderful interview.
Genre: Fiction Tag: Lost and Found Publisher: Revell Publication Year: 2023 ASIN: B0BW1373WH ISBN: 9780800739522
Trudy Yoder shares a passion for birding with Micah Weaver–and she has an even greater passion for Micah. Their friendship is finally turning romantic when Micah abruptly grows cold. Worse still, he wants to leave Stoney Ridge.
Micah Weaver thought he was over Trudy’s older sister. A year and a half ago, Shelley had broken his heart when she ran away from Stoney Ridge to pursue a singing career in Nashville. Then, out of the blue, she’s started to leave distressing phone messages for him.
When the bishop asks for volunteers to scout out a possible church relocation in Tennessee, Micah is the first to raise his hand. Despite scant details, he’s confident he can find Shelley. After all, his reputation as a field guide is based on finding birds that don’t want to be found.
What Micah doesn’t know is that what you’re looking for isn’t always what you find.
My Thoughts
Set in the quaint Amish town of Stony Ridge, this book included all of my favorite characters and gave me greater insight into some of my favorites. Most of the characters are facing difficult life choices and have to learn to depend on God and each other to make their decisions. David is the pastor of the local church and has to decide whether to relocate his church or not since the Beachy Amish have moved in and are encroaching on their farmland and tourism. Micah Weaver, an intrepid birder and a good friend of Trudy Yoder, faces his own challenges when he answers a call for help from Shelley Yoder, a young woman who left Stony Ridge and is not apparently in some kind of trouble. Trudy thought her relationship with Micah was progressing well until he starts insisting that he has to leave the town. It makes her question her judgment and her developing feelings for him. I thoroughly enjoyed the insight into each character’s mind and heart as they faced almost impossible difficulties and had to overcome them. The story tells how they reached their decisions and why as well as adding details about the other Amish citizens and the dynamics of the town itself. The pacing is good, just right for the story that is being told. The characters are all dynamic and relatable, especially Trudy who has to learn to live with a broken heart and move on with her life. I especially liked the descriptions of the birds at the end of each chapter featuring Trudy as she relates the birds to Biblical truth and stories. I also appreciated the author’s notes at the end explaining the schisms between the Amish and why there are three different groups referenced in the novel. I learned from this book, Biblical lessons about trust and faith, and practical lessons about getting along with others and life in general. Inspirational and welcome addition to the series that can certainly be read and enjoyed as a standalone! Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Rated G, clean Christian fiction
About the Author
Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher wrote her first novel in sixth grade, about Pompeii, a dog, and the erupting volcano (terrible ending!) and, from that point on, she was hooked on the writing life. Curiously, she doesn’t remember anyone, ever, telling her she was a talented writer. She just loved to write. (And she worked hard at the craft. She still does.) College happened, work, then marriage, children, a sprinkling of corporate transfers, and Suzanne kept plugging away at freelancing for several magazines. (Four kids = lots of great material.) As her children headed off to college, Suzanne had the time to get serious about writing. She wrote a little World War II love story, Copper Star, which was published by Vinspire, a small royalty press. The novel won some awards, and it also caught the eye of a wonderful agent. And that’s when things started to happen. Joyce Hart of the Hartline Literary Agency knew of an editor at Revell Books who was looking for an author who had a genuine connection to the Plain People. Knowing that Suzanne’s grandfather was raised Plain, Joyce connected her to that editor. The result was Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World, a finalist for the ECPA Book of the Year. Thirty-some books later (in a variety of genres—historical fiction, contemporary women’s, and Amish fiction), Suzanne is still writing for that same editor at Revell Books. And she still loves to write. For more information, go to her author page at https://suzannewoodsfisher.com/meet-suzanne/
Vickie's Book Nook and Meditation Corner 