Former Army detective Kate Holland finally remembers what happened during her eleven hours as a POW in Afghanistan. She wishes she didn’t.
Her PTSD raging, Kate’s ready to turn in her badge with the Braxton PD, but she can’t. The wife of a Muslim US Army soldier has been found stabbed and left to burn in a field, and Kate’s boss has turned to her. Again.
Kate suspects an honor killing…until the wife of another soldier is found in the next town over, also stabbed and burned. When a third military wife is murdered, Kate uncovers a connection to a local doctor. But the doc is not all she appears to be. Worse, Kate’s nightmares and her case have begun to clash. The fallout is deadly as Kate’s lured back to where it all began.
IN THE NAME OF: A Hidden Valor Military Veteran/K-9 Suspense (Hidden Valor Book #2) by Candace Irving is another edge-of-your-seat action suspense/mystery/police procedural mash-up featuring a small-town deputy who’s past as a former Army detective seems to continue to follow her. Both books, one and two have been great reads and with Kate’s continuing battle with PTSD and the overlap of important characters, I feel they are best read in order of release.
Deputy Kate Holland’s PTSD is taking over her life and even though she has started seeing a VA psychiatrist, she feels it is best to turn in her badge. Then she gets called to a horrific scene of a female with stab wounds and her burned body in a field. It brings back flashbacks from her attacked burning Humvee during her deployment. When a second body is found the same way in a neighboring town, Kate is reunited in her investigation with Deputy Aresh, who is still in the Army Reserve and helped in The Garbage Man case. Both believe these are “honor killings”. Both women are Muslim, and their husbands are Muslim Americans in the active services.
The women all seem tied to a doctor who claims no knowledge of either, but Kate knows she is lying. When a CIA operative warns them off the case, Kate and Aresh only dig deeper after a third murder, and Kate discovers that she must return to a place she swore never to return to.
I cannot say enough about this series. Kate is a complex, realistic, fully developed protagonist that makes me feel every emotion as I discover more and more of her story. She is a complex mix of fragile and yet strong. I enjoyed the scenes with Kate’s German Shepard, Ruger once again, even though he does not play a pivotal role in this plotline. It is also nice to see Kate take another chance on a “maybe” romance after so many men have let her down or betrayed her in the past. There are graphic descriptions of stabbed and burned women, but I never felt it was gratuitous. Kate’s PTSD is realistically portrayed, and the author does provide information on PTSD and the treatment regimen Kate is receiving in a postscript. The suspense plot in this story is intricately plotted and fast paced to lead Kate and Aresh in many different directions due to their own personal past experiences and it kept me guessing all the way to the climax. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
I highly recommend this powerful and thrilling action suspense/mystery!
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About the Author
A former US Navy Lt., Candace Irving is the daughter of a librarian and a retired boatswain’s mate chief. Candace grew up in the Philippines, Germany, and all over the United States. Her senior year of high school, she enlisted in the US Army. Following basic training, she transferred to the Navy’s ROTC program at the University of Texas-Austin. While at UT, she spent a summer in Washington, DC, as a Congressional Intern. She also worked security for the UT Police. BA in Political Science in hand, Candace was commissioned as an ensign in the US Navy and sent to Surface Warfare Officer’s School to learn to drive warships. From there, she followed her father to sea.
Candace Irving writes gritty military thrillers. She is the author of the Deception Point Military Detective Thriller Series and the Hidden Valor Military Veterans/K9 Psychological Suspense Series. She also writes military romance and romantic suspense as Candace Irvin (without the “g”).
Housekeeper Phyllida Bright is quite in her element at Mallowan Hall, the charming English manor that she keeps in tip-top shape. By contrast, the bustling metropolis of London, where her famed employer Agatha Christie has temporarily relocated, leaves Phyllida a bit out of her depth. Not only must she grapple with a limited staff, but Phyllida also has to rein in a temperamental French cook who has the looks of Hercule Poirot, but none of the charm.
When a man named Archibald Allston is found dead in an armchair onstage at the Adelphia Theater, first impressions are that he died of natural causes. But the very next day, the unlucky actor playing Benvolio at the Belmont Theater is found with his head bashed in. And when a third victim turns up, this time with double-C initials, the fatal pattern is impossible to ignore.
With panic erupting among theater folk—a superstitious bunch at the best of times—Phyllida steps up to help with the investigation. The murderer’s M.O. may be easy to read, but can Phyllida uncover the killer’s identity before the final curtain falls on another victim?
MURDER TAKES THE STAGE (Phyllida Bright Mystery Book #4) by Colleen Cambridge is another wonderful addition to this addictive historical mystery series featuring Agatha Christie’s housekeeper, Phyllida Bright. I look forward to reading each new murder mystery and catching up with this memorable cast of characters. Each book can be read as a standalone mystery, but the characters continue to evolve so I have enjoyed and recommend reading them in order.
Phyllida Bright is the housekeeper of Mallowan Hall for her friend Agatha Christie, but Agatha and her husband are in London at the moment to see about a proposed production for one of her plays and she has asked Phyllida to follow to take care of their rented home in the city. Phyllida is anxious about being in London due to her past, which is still a mystery to everyone but Agatha and Phyllida.
Phyllida gets a call to come to the theater and discovers a dead actor on the stage. While it appears to be a death by natural causes, she can’t help being struck by the circumstances. The actor was Archie Allston asleep in an armchair at the Adelphia theater. The very next day, Trent Orkney who is playing Benvolio is found on a stage balcony with his head bashed in at the Belmont theater. When a third victim, Claudia Carmichael is catapulted from the catwalk at the Clapham theater, Phyllida is determined to uncover and stop the killer before they can murder their way through any more of the alphabet.
This is my favorite so far in the series. Besides the fun alliteration and the perfectly paced murder plot, this book finally reveals Phyllida’s secret and the reason she never likes to travel far from Mallowan Hall or be around law enforcement. This book also advances the budding attraction between Phyllida and Bradford, the Mallowan’s chauffeur, but we are still waiting for more of Bradford’s backstory which is only hinted at. Phyllida’s denouement was dramatically given on a theater stage and walked the cast of characters and the reader through all the possibilities, twists, and red herrings which led to the grand reveal of the killer. It was a surprise to me, and I love it when that is the case.
I highly recommend this historical crime mystery series! It is always a must-read for me.
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About the Author
Colleen Cambridge is the pen name for an award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. From a young age, Colleen has loved reading mysteries and now she couldn’t be happier that she is able to write them.
Under several pseudonyms, she has written more than 36 books in a variety of genres and is always plotting her next murder—er, book.
Hostage Security is a suspenseful romance that involves a child being kidnapped. Five years ago, Josh Stafford ended his engagement to Natalie Croft after he pleaded guilty to a crime he did not commit to protect his loved ones. As he was leaving for prison, he told Natalie that he did not love her, which devasted Natalie. She does not want anything to do with Josh, so she never tells him she was pregnant with his child, Henry. Fast forward to the present where Josh is out of prison and working as a security specialist for the Payne Protection Agency as a guard at Natalie’s’ family jewelry store. Now the son he never met is kidnapped. Natalie, Josh, and the rest of those at the Agency must find Henry before it is too late.
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Bachelor Cowboys – Book #8
Elise’s Description and Thoughts
A Match for the Sheriff has single mom Sarah Reynolds raising her 6-year-old son, Mikey, and taking care of the elderly ranch owner, the father of the Cassidy family. She is worried that her son may have started the fire at the ranch they were living in, but he refuses to talk to her. Marsh, the sheriff of the town, wants to get to the bottom of who started the fire or whether it was an accident. After he starts to suspect that his dad’s nurse or her son knew something about the fire, he begins to spend time with them to get answers. But the longer he is with them the more he starts to care for them. Readers will enjoy finding out what will happen between Marsh and Sarah as well as how the fire mystery will be solved.
Both books are entertaining and will keep readers turning the pages.
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Author Interview
Elise Cooper: Is Hostage Security the first book in a new series?
Lisa Childs: Yes. It is a continuation of my “Bachelor Bodyguard Series,” which has been going for many years. This is the first book in the “Payne Protection Agency Series,” somewhat of a spin-off. I think there will be five books total. The two brothers heading this Agency, are connected to Penny Payne, the matriarch of the Payne family. These brothers are a bad-boy characters that were also suspects in the first couple of books. They are Polish and I am half-Polish myself.
EC: How would you describe the female lead, Natalie?
LC: She feels helpless and does not feel like she is in control. She is scared. I think she is straight-forward, honest, angry, frustrated, and bitter. She is brave because she will do whatever it takes to get her child back.
EC: How would you describe Josh?
LC: Resentful, selfless, has made sacrifices, and he is scared for his son. He knows with hostages they must act quickly to get them back.
EC: What about the relationship?
LC: When he went to jail, she was devasted. Her trust in him and herself was shaken. She is resentful and mistrustful. They both have lies and secrets that they have kept from each other.
EC: Did you do any research?
LC: I looked up police procedures and spent a lot of time on the FBI website.
EC: What is the role of Henry?
LC: Natalie did not want Henry, her and Josh’s son, to visit him in prison. As he was going to prison, he said he did not want anything to do with her, which she assumed meant nothing to do with her and her child. Henry is the something good coming from something bad.
EC: In your other book, A Match for The Sheriff does the fire plays a big role?
LC: It is an ongoing theme since no one knows how it started. Everybody was worried that Cash Cassidy, one of the brothers, started it after his lighter was found. I was an insurance agent for over twenty years and wrote how the insurance company was dragging out the payment, where the adjuster is notorious for pushing arson charges so that he could deny claims.
EC: Is this a new series?
LC: No. This is the eighth book in the “Bachelor Cowboy Series.” I am writing four more books coming out in this series.
EC: Do the cowboy hats the Cassidy brothers wear reflect their differences?
LC: Yes, they are very different. Readers can tell their different personalities by the different colors they wear with the hats. Cash wears brown, enjoying being in nature and taking care of animals. Marsh wears white, the lawman and is the peace maker. Colton wears black, he is the fireman that must handle ashes. Collin does not wear one.
EC: How would you describe the hero, Marsh?
LC: Has a sense of humor, calm, and very observant. He felt a loss when his brother Cash went away for all those years.
EC: How would you describe Sarah?
LC: Strong, resilient, vulnerable, compassionate, anxious, protective, and distrusting.
EC: What was the role of Sarah’s son Mikey?
LC: He was bullied and had a rough time in school because his dad was a criminal. Sarah is very protective of him. She is a mama-bear. He is sensitive, quiet, shy, skittish, impressionable, and loves animals.
EC: What about the relationship between Sarah and Marsh?
LC: She feels intimidated by him. They are both uneasy about their feelings. Marsh can read her. Sarah is very nervous as to why he takes a sudden interest in her. She also cares about Marsh and does not want him to lose the election because he associates with her. In a way she is protective of him.
EC: Next books?
LC: There will be books about the Lemmon brothers. The first book has one of them finding a baby on the ranch. It is titled The Cowboy’s Baby Surprise out in July.
Personal Security is the title of the next book coming out in May. It will be Ivan’s story where he is assigned to protect an art gallery. It was once a front for money laundering. The heroine is trying to open the gallery to honor her late dad, but someone is sabotaging her efforts.
Today I am sharing my Feature Post and Book Review for THE PROMISE SHE MADE by Julie Hartley on this Bookouture Books-On-Tour blog post.
Below you will find a book description, my book review, an about the author section, and the author’s social media links. Enjoy!
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Book Description
As our ship starts to sink, I see flares lighting up the midnight sky. ‘Hold on tight. I will keep you safe. I promise,’ I say to my terrified little sister as I hold back my tears. But I know I can’t hold on for much longer and as she slips away, my heart breaks. Will I ever see her again?
England, 1942. On a dark night of the Blitz, Ruby returns to her beloved hometown with her heart shattered. Tears sting her eyes as she remembers the Nazis sinking their ship, and her little sister Eliza drifting away from her on the dark sea. It was their one chance of escape and it cost Ruby so much to leave behind her fiancé Antoine. She’s devastated that she couldn’t keep the promise she made to her dying mother – to keep her little sister safe.
When Ruby finds her family home destroyed, she falls to her knees in tears. The Germans have taken everything from her – first her family, and now her home. Among the ruins of her life, she wonders if she has the strength to carry on. But then, she finds a mysterious note.
Eliza is alive. I’ve seen her. You must find her…
A flicker of hope is ignited in her heart, and Ruby vows to never give up looking for Eliza. But her newfound courage is put to the test when a message from Antoine reveals something about Eliza’s fate that changes everything. She must find him again to learn the truth, but with England at war, will they find their way back to each other? And will she ever see her little sister again?
THE PROMISE SHE MADE by Julie Hartley is a compelling WWII historical fiction story which follows a young English woman over several years of the war in England and the life-altering decisions she makes that not only effect herself but also those she loves.
Ruby promises her dying mother she will always keep her little sister, Eliza, safe.
From this promise forward in the story, Ruby attempts to keep this promise, but makes decisions that not only do not work out as she hoped but also hurt and alienate those who love her and Eliza. The story is divided into parts that cover a specific few months in Ruby’s entire life story and the consequences caused by either the war, her personal decisions, or both. Ruby is not an easy main character to like due to her temper and inability to listen to others who love her. She is led by guilt over uncontrollable situations and her inability to understand this.
While this is a story that pulled me in and kept me turning the pages, Ruby and the secondary characters around her felt more like a compilation of character stories with Ruby being an archetype of many women’s stories during the war, but that did not take away from my enjoyment of this story. Ruby and Antoine’s romance plotline is believable and had me on an emotional roller coaster throughout the story. The resolution of the story brings all the plotline threads together and left me satisfied.
I recommend this emotional WWII historical fiction read.
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About the Author
Born in Lincolnshire, England, Julie Hartley is a writer, storyteller, creative writing teacher and writing retreat host currently based in Toronto, Canada. She has an MFA in Creative Writing and she is the author of a middle grade novel, The Finding Place, published by Red Deer Press; a poetry collection, Deboning a Dragon, published by Mansfield Press, and a book on how to teach Shakespeare, published by Theatrefolk. Julie teaches creative writing to children, teens and adults in schools and universities, and at her own studio in Toronto. She is the instructor for annual creative writing retreats in Costa Rica, Mexico and England. Her next book – a historical novel set on the south coast of England in 1940, is forthcoming with Bookouture in September 2024.
Today I am sharing my Feature Post and Book Review for DREAMS OF THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS by F.L. Everett on this Bookouture Books-On-Tour blog post.
Below you will find a book description, my book review, an about the author section, and the author’s social media links. Enjoy!
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Book Description
As the castle comes into view beside the sun-dappled loch, Cat wonders if this magical place is where she will finally heal her heart…
In desperate need of a fresh start after a recent heartbreak, Cat Hardwick leaves her life in the city behind and travels to the remote Scottish Highlands. Arriving at her godfather’s estate, she hopes returning to the beautiful place she remembers from childhood will help mend her broken heart.
But as she steps into the grand hall, the castle isn’t as she expects. With a sagging roof and buckets to catch the leaks, Cat soon realizes the estate is in trouble. Determined to save the place that gave her such happy memories, she offers her expertise as an event planner as a way to breathe new life into the estate. Surely there must be a way to save this magical place?
The only person opposed to her plans is her godfather’s son, Logan McCaskill. He is just how Cat remembers from childhood – grumpy and irritating, but maddingly attractive with thick black hair and piercing dark brown eyes. Each time he rejects her ideas in his lilting Scottish accent, she feels her cheeks flush, caught between anger and desire.
Cat spends her days avoiding Logan. But when an unexpected storm forces them to seek shelter in an abandoned cottage on the estate, with nothing but a flickering fire and a flask of whiskey for company, it is a night that changes everything forever…
But then Logan starts acting distant, just as her old flame unexpectedly appears. Cat hoped this place could be her new home, but now she feels more lost than ever. Will Cat find the courage to face her past and embrace her future? Or is she destined to leave this magical place alone?
DREAMS OF THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS by F.L. Everett is an enchanting escape to the Scottish Highlands. This contemporary romance’s main character, Cat, has lost her London job and is looking for a new start helping her godfather find ways to save his run-down Scottish Highlands castle. This has a slow burn romance with a curmudgeonly son of the laird, but it also has a cast of family and friends that make this so much more than just a romance.
Catrina “Cat” Hardwick lost her job and the man she loves. When her mother tells her about an opportunity to help her godfather, Sir Alastair, in Scotland, she jumps at the chance to get out of London and return to the beautiful place she visited as a young girl. When she arrives, she discovers the disrepair of the castle and offers her assistance as an event planner to bring in revenue to repair and save the castle.
Logan McCaskill is the eldest son and just as attractive as Cat remembered. He is also still disagreeable and irritating. He is opposed to every suggestion Cat and her godfather suggest. While touring the estate a storm forces them to seek shelter and Cat wonders if this could be the new start she was looking for, but Logan’s old flame reappears in town and Cat feels she may have lost her new home and family forever.
I loved all the characters in this story, including all the various dogs. The humans are all fully developed, believable, and played important roles in changing Cat’s life and saving the castle. The dialogue between Cat and Logan is fun to read with their very different attitudes, but I felt there was a little too much at the beginning of the story spent on Cat’s inner dialogue and her self-negativity which slowed the pace and became a bit repetitive. I also wish Cat and Logan had just communicated more. I don’t enjoy romance plot problems based solely on not communicating. When the event to save the castle ends up being hilarious and does not go quite as planned, the author finds a brilliant solution plot twist to save the castle that was unexpectedly perfect.
I recommend this entertaining contemporary romance. Overall, this is an enjoyable read in a beautiful setting with a heartwarming romantic ending.
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About the Author
Flic Everett is a Mancunian writer who now lives in a cottage in the beautiful West Highlands with her patient husband and two deranged cocker spaniels. She still misses Manchester, and returns like a homing pigeon every month to see family and friends. She spends a lot of time writing on trains.
Flic has owned an award-winning vintage shop, guest-presented Woman’s Hour and was once a part-time tarot reader. She has a grown up son who makes her laugh more than anyone on earth, and she likes reading, painting, cooking, clothes, animals, Art Deco and rummaging in charity shops for bargains. Her greatest fear is being stranded without a book. She has spent many years as a freelance journalist and editor for national newspapers and magazines and can’t believe she’s finally allowed to make up stories from the comfort of her own home. Newsletter: https://bookouture.com/subscribe/f-l-everett/
B is for Bonnet and Unforgotten by Shelley Shephard Gray are both riveting stories.
Book Description
Raised by their divorced, lapsed-Amish father and English mother, siblings Jonny, Martin, Kelsey, and Beth can’t wait to reinvent their lives. The four don’t have much in common, but they long for the stable sense of family they felt when visiting their New Order grandparents, Josiah and Sylvia Schrock, in peaceful Holmes County, Ohio. And the Schrocks couldn’t be more surprised when the grandkids want to try living with them—and joining their faith . . .
When Jonny hears startling news about his health, he knows it’s past time to change his life. Quitting college, he unexpectedly finds the fulfilling job of his dreams. And he’s instantly smitten with cafe owner Treva Kramer, whose baked goods are as warm and delicious as her lively personality. But no matter how hard Jonny tries, he can’t seem to get past her secret sadness and distrust. Can he prove that his feelings for her are for real—and forever—in time?
A bad breakup left Treva heartbroken—and resolved to be independent without relying on anyone ever again. Exhausted from pouring everything she’s got into her cafe, she’s stunned by Jonny’s easygoing ways—and drawn to his optimistic nature. But when she thinks his real interest is in becoming Amish, she’s even more determined to stay focused—and keep her heart safe . . .
Soon, deep secrets and hidden family truths will test Jonny and Treva in unexpected ways. And with help from his warm-hearted grandparents, he and Treva might gain the happiness they secretly long for—with each other.
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Elise’s Thoughts
B is for Bonnet continues the story of four English raised siblings, Martin, Kelsey, Beth, and Johnny, who return to their grandparents Ohio community as they ponder becoming Amish. This book is Johnny’s story who becomes smitten with Amish café owner Treva Kramer. He and she must navigate the difficulties of being heartbroken, she by a former boyfriend and he by his father, Matt, who was MIA during his childhood. This book is about love, forgiveness, family and second chances where Treva is willing to take a chance on a new relationship and Matt tries to be closer to his children.
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Book Description
Even though Bethanne Hostetler has found some peace seven years after an attempted assault and the accidental death of Peter Miller, she is still haunted by the memory. When her Englisher cousin, Candace–who has just been crowned Miss Crittenden County–reveals that she has a stalker, all of Bethanne’s old fears come rushing back.
Jay Byler had once been Peter’s best friend, and the fact that he did not protect Bethanne that fateful night has haunted him ever since. To make matters worse, she continues to avoid him–even as he continues to love her. Jay can only hope and pray that one day Bethanne will see the person he is today and not the boy he used to be.
As Candace’s stalker becomes bolder, Officer Ryan Mulany becomes her escort to various events. He knows he should only think of Candace as a job, but the more time they spend together, the harder it gets to maintain professional distance. And when everyone’s worst fears are realized, all four must work together to prevent another tragedy before time runs out and another innocent person is hurt.
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Elise’s Thoughts
Unforgotten, is Bethanne Hostetler’s story. Readers might remember her from book one, Unforgiven. This book also delves into abuse and has Bethanne’s cousin, Candace, being stalked, bringing to the surface all of Bethanne’s fears and memories. As Candace’s stalker becomes bolder, Officer Ryan Mulany becomes her escort to various events. He knows he should only think of Candace as a job, but the more time they spend together, the harder it gets to maintain a professional distance. Bethanne also wants a relationship with Jay Byler, a man feeling guilty about not helping during and after her traumatic event. She realizes she wants a relationship, but needs to move slowly, something he is willing to do. Just as it seems the four might find their happily ever after, a chilling plan hatched by Candace’s stalker puts their lives in danger. This story has romance, suspense, healing, forgiveness, plus the issues and aftermath of assault and PTSD.
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Author Interview
Elise Cooper: How far through the alphabet do you plan on going in this series?
Shelley Shepard Gray: When I first started writing an alphabet series with my editor and we laughed about writing stories surrounding the whole alphabet. I started thinking I would write three books with the Amish ABCs. I am happy to say I just got a contract for D and E, slowly making my way through the alphabet.
EC: How did you get the idea for the story in B is for Bonnet?
SSG: This book involves Johnny, the youngest sibling. I thought that it would be nice to have the parent’s point of view, which is why Matt, the dad, and Kennedy play a role in this book. I think the story is richer because of putting them in the book.
EC: How would you describe Johnny?
SSG: He is independent, secure, confident, sensitive, sarcastic, sweet and kind. Sometimes he says things and does not think before he says them, basically impulsive. He has a little bit of growing up to do. He contrasts with Beth and Martin who are very cautious. Johnny is at a crossroads as he tries to figure out his future.
EC: How would you describe Matt, the dad?
SSG: He sometimes angry and resentful. He feels adrift. Matt regrets that he does not have a good relationship with his children. He had tunnel vision but now wants to mend bridges with his children.
EC: Matt’s relationship with Johnny?
SSG: He is an example of someone who just goes about their day until they get that phone call that something happened. The conversation with Johnny over his health was Matt’s wake-up call. Matt is trying to reinvent himself with his children. Johnny feels Matt talked down to him and did not listen. Yet, he is more open to have a give and take with his dad.
EC: How would you describe Kennedy, Matt’s lover?
SSG: She is free spirited, a pet sitter. She is nurturing and independent. Kennedy can be matter of fact. She will question Matt about his past and thinks he is charming. Kennedy is forthright.
EC: How would you describe Treva, the female lead?
SSG: Insecure, an only child, sensible, very confident with her work, and almost a workaholic. She has insecurities with relationships, including with her family. She needs to embrace her life.
EC: What about the relationship with Johnny?
SSG: She learned that a career does not make a full life. At first, he is judgmental, misconstruing her statements. They were encouraging of each other.
EC: What about the book Unforgotten?
SSG: I came up with the idea of two cousins that were close but very different. It is not the last book in this series. Bethanne needed a point of view, and I wanted her to become the heroine in this suspenseful story.
EC: How would you describe Candace?
SSG: She is not Amish and has won the beauty contest for Crittenden County. She always looks out for Bethanne. Candace’s mom has decided not to be Amish and has never been Baptized. Candace is vulnerable, sociable, caring, and is fearful because of her stalker.
EC: How would you describe Bethanne?
SSG: She is very timid in the beginning but ends up as a survivor. Her mom is Amish. She tries to overcome her fears and now has PTSD. In some sense she feels captive in her own house and is determined to break away from it. She has a mother who is overbearing and shelters her.
EC: The relationship between Bethanne and Candace?
SSG: They are like sisters and are protective of each other. They now have both been abused. They are very close.
EC: How would you describe the relationship with Jay and Bethanne?
SSG: He helps her see the world from outside her own perspective. He is caring and respectful of her. He has some guilt about being a friend of the one who tried to rape her. He is good for her because he is even-tempered and kind. He is not pushy and is willing to wait for her to come around.
EC: What about Ryan and Candace?
SSG: He is considerate of her. He is six years older than her so is more mature. He feels like an outsider of the town. They resisted the relationship at first but there were sparks between them. They were thrown into a strange situation.
EC: Next books?
SSG: C is for Courting is finishing up Martin and Patty and features Beth. The mom, Helen, of the four children will also be in scenes in this book. Matt will also be in this book. It will be out in October. Hopefully the readers will feel there is closure. In the alphabet series “D” and “E” will be with new characters and a trilogy but set in the same fictional town.
The third book in the Amish Suspense Series comes out in June and is titled, Unshaken. It does take place in the same town. The plot has an Amish girl witnessing a murder and must go into hiding. It will have new characters.
There is another book coming out in April for Harlequin, a contemporary romance series. It is set around a food bank. It is a small-town romance series, with the first book titled Their Surprise Reunion.
Another series, I am writing, will be about an Amish Widow’s Club for Revell. It is about a group of women, some English, some Mennonite, and some Amish who are widows and for various reasons do not ever intend to marry again. But of course, life takes a turn.
THANK YOU!!
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BIO: Elise Cooper has written book reviews and interviewed best-selling authors since 2009. Her reviews have covered several different genres, including thrillers, mysteries, women’s fiction, romance and cozy mysteries. An avid reader, she engages authors to discuss their works, and to focus on the descriptions of their characters and the plot. While not writing reviews, Elise loves to watch baseball and visit the ocean in Southern California, with her dog and husband.
