Friday Feature Author Interview with Elise Cooper: Storm Warning by Elizabeth Goddard

Book Description

Haunted by a half-forgotten past, former army photographer Remi Grant is working at an isolated storm-watching lodge on the rocky Washington coast when she receives a mysterious puzzle piece. The piece may be the catalyst to unlock a disturbing incident she struggles to remember–the event that sent her into hiding. But with heavy storms rolling in, she must focus on the present, not get caught up in the past.

When a mysterious man at the lodge saves her life–more than once–Remi becomes suspicious and confronts him. After a catastrophic event in his own life, former military pilot Hawk Beckett is trying to get some perspective at the suggestion of his former commanding officer. Faced with the fiercest storm to hit the coast in a decade, Remi and Hawk are forced into survival mode.

But they’re not alone at the lodge. Someone doesn’t want Remi to remember what happened–and they will stop at nothing to see her dead.

Elise’s Thoughts

Storm Warning by Elizabeth Goddard has non-stop action and mysterious circumstances with unexpected twists that will keep people totally engaged. There is international espionage, betrayal, and dangerous secrets.

The female lead, Remi Grant, is a former army photographer who has no memory of a tragic day in her past. She has moved to Cedar Trails Lodge, getting a job as the manager. Trying to work through her memory problems, it appears someone is trying to help her remember by sending her packages containing puzzle pieces and notes. Her quiet solitude is disturbed by a series of events that threaten her life. First there was the shredding of a rope ladder she needed to climb to get safely out of the ferocious ocean tides.  Had it not been for the strong hand of a total stranger, Hawk Beckett, who pulled her to safety, she would have fallen to her death. He is at the Lodge to try to recover from the hurt and pain from a mission gone bad when an army helicopter pilot, loss of his job in law enforcement, and a fruitless search for his brother who he believes to be an assassin.

It seems that someone is trying to silence Remi permanently and Hawk always seems to be in the right place at the right time to help save her. They decide to team up and watch each other’s backs.

To add to the tension is the environment with the whipping winds, cold rain, and the dangerous Washington coast.

This gripping tale will take readers on a wild and crazy ride from the beginning chapter to the end with twists that will shock them. The story if full of shocking suspense.

***

Author Interview

Elise Cooper: The idea for the story?

Elizabeth Goddard: I wanted to set a story off\\\\ the Washington coast for a very long time.  There are people who come to watch the storms during the winter. I had in my mind to write a former military photographer. I put it all together to write a mystery surrounding a storm watching lodge.

EC: Does nature play a role?

EG: Yes, with its beauty and brutality that makes for a great suspenseful story. Hidden Bay is fictional but based on several bays in the Olympic Peninsula that are close to the ocean, rugged, with a rocky coast and a wilderness area.   It has a rain forest with winds, cold, and rain.

EC: What role does the lodge play?

EG: It houses certain individuals that want to stay hidden from the outside world.  It seems invisible to the world. It is based on a real lodge that overlooks the ocean. There is very limited cell service.

EC: How would you describe the female lead, Remi?

EG: She has amnesia.  Someone who is wary, vulnerable, impulsive, secretive, built walls yet is determined, mysterious, and tough. She has brain trauma, which I relied heavily on research I had done regarding my own son who has a brain injury from ten years ago.

EC: How would you describe the male lead, Hawk?

EG: Charming, former Army as a Night Stalker, competitive, compassionate, and protective. He is very heroic who was a former Army helicopter pilot that delivered special ops teams anywhere in the world.

EC: What about the relationship?

EG: I have a book quote, “She came to the lodge to remember, he came to the lodge to forget.” She is originally distrustful of him. They are kindred spirits running from demons who are damaged.

EC: What about Cole, Hawk’s brother?

EG: They are two competitive brothers whose father pitted them against each other.  They had a sibling rivalry. He is a hired gun, someone who is rogue, ghost-like. He has contempt for what he believes Hawk has become.

EC: Next book?

EG: It is Jo’s story, a forensic artist and a handy person on the run who was introduced in this book.  She teams up with someone who was in book one to find out who wants to kill her. The title is Perilous Tides coming out in July of this year.

THANK YOU!!

***

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.

Feature Post and Book Review: High Density by Freya Barker

Book Description

Since taking over the veterinary clinic in Libby, Montana last year, Janey Richards has been burning the candle at both ends. She’s grateful she is busy, but there has barely been any time to build a life outside of work. To help pay down her debt faster, she agrees to take on responsibility for the livestock at Libby’s annual rodeo, but perhaps she should’ve thought twice about the added stress.

Although, her personal life is definitely looking up.

JD Watike never thought he’d end up following in his father’s footsteps, but he’s found his stride these past six years as a member of the High Mountain Trackers team. He enjoys the simplicity of small-town living, which has only gotten more interesting since Doc Richards appeared on the scene.

Spending most of the past year patiently observing from a distance, the time feels right for him to make his move.

Or at least to clear up some misunderstandings.

The opportunity presents itself sooner than expected, when the pretty veterinarian stumbles onto some serious criminal activity at the Libby Roundup, and a young woman disappears from the grounds, he has plenty of cause to stay glued to her side.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210196437-high-density?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=TiRe3XqaLN&rank=1

***

My Book Review

RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars

HIGH DENSITY (High Mountain Trackers 2nd Gen) by Freya Barker is the third action-packed romantic suspense in the 2nd Generation quartet of books in the High Mountain Trackers world. This can be read as a standalone story, but there are carryover characters from other books in the series since the Trackers all work together. I have read and loved them all and recommend reading the series in order.

JD Watike has been interested in the new veterinarian for a while now, ever since she arrived in Libby to take over the clinic for the retiring doctor. He finally gets his chance when Doc Janey gets called to High Meadow ranch to help a horse with a partial breech birth. He is determined to take it slow until the Doc gets hired to take care of the livestock for auction and the rodeo livestock for the annual Libby Roundup and she stumbles onto criminal activity. He is determined to stay by her side.

Dr. Janey Richards has been aware of the handsome High Meadow Tracker, JD Watike, but considers him a player until they begin to see each other. When she discovers criminal activity involving the cattle up for auction, she and JD alert local law enforcement and the FBI. The danger they are in escalates as quickly as the chemistry between them.

Besides the danger at the roundup, young women have gone missing and later found assaulted and dead. JD and Janey get pulled into this investigation, too. Danger is all around them. Are the cases connected or is it a strange coincidence?

I love this series and was very happy to see JD finally step up and start a relationship with Janey. Janey is a strong heroine who stands up for herself and while she appreciates JD caring for her, she does not tolerate him making decisions for her or her life. She wants a partner, not a boss. There are a few intimate sex scenes which I felt were appropriate to their growing adult relationship, but I never felt they were gratuitous. The intertwining crime/mystery plotlines were fast-paced, intriguing, and kept me guessing and quickly turning the pages to see what happened next. I am looking forward to the next book in this quartet which will finally give me Jackson’s story.

I highly recommend this exciting addition to the High Mountain Trackers 2nd Gen series!

***

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Freya Barker loves writing about ordinary people with extraordinary stories.

Driven to make her books about ‘real’ people; she creates characters who are perhaps less than perfect, each struggling to find their own slice of happy, but just as deserving of romance, thrills, and chills in their lives.

Recipient of the ReadFREE.ly 2019 Best Book We’ve Read All Year Award for “Covering Ollie, the 2015 RomCon “Reader’s Choice” Award for Best First Book, “Slim To None”, and Finalist for the 2017 Kindle Book Award with “From Dust”, Freya continues to add to her rapidly growing collection of published novels as she spins story after story with an endless supply of bruised and dented characters, vying for attention!

For the latest news and updates on books and upcoming releases, you can subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/Freya_Newsletter

Social Media Links

Website: https://www.freyabarker.com/about/

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

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/freyabarker.bsky.social

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/freya-barker

Feature Post and Book Review: In the Name Of: A Hidden Valor Military Veteran/K-9 Suspense by Candace Irving

Book Description

He’ll do anything for his country…even murder.

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.

This time, she might not make it home.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/194928469-in-the-name-of?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=gj4J4t0kEH&rank=1

***

My Book Review

RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars

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!

***

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”).

Social Media Links

Website: https://candaceirving.com/

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

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-garbage-man-a-hidden-valor-military-veteran-k-9-suspense-1-by-candace-irving

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Name-Psychological-Suspense-Military-Veterans-ebook/dp/B08PCB9S3S/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3E3RTO1RWBJAZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9GhOylO

Feature Post and Book Review: Murder Takes the Stage by Colleen Cambridge

Book Description

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?

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/205762581-murder-takes-the-stage?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=aQyk04Ojl3&rank=1

***

My Book Review

RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars

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.

***

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.

Social Media Links

Website: https://www.colleengleason.com/colleen-cambridge/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColleenGleason.Author

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/colleengleason.bsky.social

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/colleen-gleason

Friday Feature Author Interview with Elise Cooper: Hostage Security and A Match for the Sheriff by Lisa Childs

Bachelor Bodyguards – Book #14

Elise’s Description and Thoughts

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.

***

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.

THANK YOU!!

Friday Feature Author Interview with Elise Cooper: B Is for Bonnet and Unforgotten by Shelley Shepard Gray

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.

###

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.

***

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.

###

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.

***

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.