Showing posts with label Romantic Suspense. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Romantic Suspense. Show all posts

Thursday, August 19, 2021

Our Stories BEFORE The Story ~ Cooper Callahan and KC Briggs ~ in ~ JUSTICE AT DAWN ~ by ~ Valerie Massey Goree

Cooper Callahan:

I just returned to San Diego after a successful assignment to return a missing teenager to his anxious parents in Florida. Those outcomes are always gratifying, but I’ve had my share of failures, too. You see, I’ve been an agent with the International Retrieval Organization for fifteen years. We don’t always locate the missing person, or free the hostage, or keep the witness safe, but we always give one hundred percent to every case.

Over the years, I’ve fulfilled many roles in the organization. For the past five years I’ve been the chief training officer for recruits. Many rookies these days enter the program thinking they’re going to be the top dog in no time. It’s my job to teach them what an agent needs to know, but I also gauge whether or not they’ll make the cut. Being an effective agent is more than completing course work. Agents must have the inner strength to forge ahead with the assignment no matter what is happening around them or to them. They must be intuitive, trust their partners, and trust their instincts. I can’t teach them that.

I’m sitting at my desk in the office, reading the application form from the newest recruit, a woman named Kitty Claire Briggs who has an appointment with me in fifteen minutes. She seems to have all the necessary prerequisites. The boss had slapped a sticky note on her application. Hold on to your cap. This rookie will surprise you. I wonder what he meant. Oh, well. I’ll soon find out.

I open my desk drawer and remove a file where I keep a list of all the agents I’ve trained thus far. During the time I’ve been in charge of the program, I’ve updated the coursework and hands on training assignments. I’m proud of the improvements I implemented. I rock in my chair and think back to my rookie period. As a former small town sheriff with a college degree in criminal justice, I thought I was going to sail through the course and impress the shirts off those in charge. Not quite. I did have it easier than some, but I had a lot to learn too.

Those early years were hard but fun. Until the accident. Since then, I’ve had to remind myself numerous times why I left the sheriff’s department to become an agent. Unique cases. Extensive resources. Superior technology.

I shift in my chair and check my watch. The recruit will be here any minute. Compose yourself, Cooper. If you’re going to ask her why she wants to work for IRO, remember your reasons for applying.

After taking in a deep breath, I open her folder. A knock on my door. I stand and call, “Come in.”


KC:

Whew. I can’t believe I’m this nervous. Applying to be an agent with IRO was a risk for me. Sure, I want to help people in traumatic situations, but what if the bigwigs discover the real reason I applied? I’ll have to be extra careful during my training and later, if I make it. Who are you kidding, girl? Of course you’ll make it. Top of your class in any physical course you took. You hit the target every time you fire a gun. You’ve overcome so much in your short life. You’ll be an agent before you know it.

I’m parked outside the office building, and although I have an alarm set on my phone, I keep an eye on the dashboard clock. I sip my iced tea then set the bottle in the cup holder and check the vanity mirror. Why, I’m not sure. Habit I suppose. I don’t wear lipstick and my hair is, well, I’m bald. Shave my head every morning. My parents often ask me why I continue although I’m cancer free, and I have no ready answer except maybe in rebellion. Not toward them. Never. I love them as if they were my birthparents. I might be a rebel at heart, though. As a kid, I always wanted to do everything contrary to what was expected. Learn to cook. Nope. I chose to fix our bicycles with my brothers. Help Mother with her scrapbooks. Not when the boys were building a tree fort.

A bus rumbles by the parking lot. I look in the mirror again. Maybe I should dab on some lipstick. Or blush. My honey-toned skin is flawless, for which I’m grateful, but I need more color. I pinch my cheeks. Better. I wipe at a smudge of mascara under one eye. Gray eyes. Unusual for sure. Did my birthmother have gray eyes? I knew she was Caucasian, but that’s all.

The feeling of abandonment is never far from my soul. I clutch the jacket over my heart and blow out a breath. If I become an agent, I will find out what happened to her.

The alarm beeps. Time to go. I climb out of my car and smooth my skirt. Shoulders back, I stride toward the office door. Watch out world, here comes the next IRO agent.

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Valerie is offering a print or ebook copy (winner's choice)
to a US resident or e-book to winner outside the US
Drawing will be held Wednesday evening - August 11, 2021

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Our Story Title:   JUSTICE AT DAWN

Our Story Genre:  Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Our Story Releases:   July 30, 2021

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The Author of Our Story:    Valerie Massey Goree


American Christian Fiction Writers' Genesis Award winner Valerie Massey Goree resides on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula of Washington State.

After serving as missionaries in her home country of Zimbabwe and raising two children, Glenn and Valerie moved to Texas. She worked in the public school system for many years, focusing on students with special needs. Now retired in Washington, Valerie spends her time writing, and spoiling her grandchildren.

Novels include: Deceive Me Once; Colors of Deceit; The Stolen Lives Trilogy, Weep in the Night; Day of Reckoning; and Justice at Dawn. Set in Australia, Forever Under Blue Skies, is now available from Amazon.

Valerie loves to hear from her readers.

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  Get Connected with our author:

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WHERE can our book be purchased?

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Thursday, June 10, 2021

Our Story BEFORE The Story ~ ~ in ~ COLD CASE TRAIL ~ by ~ Sharee Stover

I’m Trey Jackson, Nebraska State Trooper and K-9 handler for my Belgian Malanois, Magnum. He’s the best partner in the world. He knows all my secrets and limitations and still accepts me. Dogs are amazing that way.

But sometimes those secrets resurface, and we’re forced to remember.

The night Kayla called, Magnum and I were working a manhunt in the middle of nowhere Nebraska. Miles of cornfields, cows, and open land make for difficult work, but it was our very first assignment together and we were up to the challenge. My training as a trooper solidified the call on my life to help people. It’s what I was meant to do, and I love it. So that night, we knew the community wouldn’t be safe until we found the perpetrator.

I wasn’t oblivious to the urgency in Kayla’s voice, but she had a knack for drama and considering I’d recently told her about my feelings for her best friend, Justine Stark, I assumed she was plying for attention. I couldn’t have been more wrong. For the record, I didn’t ignore Kayla. I asked my older brother, also a trooper, Slade, to go to her apartment and help her. But she slammed the door in his face. Literally. The action really had me wondering what her motive was. If she’d been in danger, why not accept Slade’s help?

How was I to know that night would change everything? How could I have known Kayla would fall victim to her stalker? And that Justine would hate me.

I’m Justine Stark. I never imagined I’d see Trey Jackson again after Kayla’s funeral. It would’ve been so much better to have his friendship to lean on after losing my best friend, but I knew she’d called him for help, and he hadn’t been there for her.

Just like I hadn’t been. I’m not ignoring my role in her fate.

Kayla was everything I wanted to be, lively, fun, charismatic. And she was in love with Trey so how could I possibly tell her that I cared for him too? Easy, I couldn’t. So, I didn’t. Best friends don’t cross that line—even after they’re gone.

I guess if I’m analyzing myself, I’d say I live in a perpetual state of making atonement. I wanted to help others because I wasn’t there the night Kayla needed me.

I promised Kayla’s death wouldn’t be in vain and allowed the loss of my best friend to propel my career. That’s why I chose psychology. I’ve testified in numerous cases, cared for the victims and sought justice for them. All because I couldn’t offer that justice to Kayla. Blaming Trey was easier than accepting Kayla’s stalker had taken her life. And it wasn’t until that same killer hunted me, that I realized just how much I needed Trey’s help.

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Sharee is offering one signed copy (US only)
Leave a comment - your name will be placed in drawing, which will take place
Wednesday evening, June 16, 2021

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Our Story Title:   Cold Case Trail

Our Story Genre:  Romantic Suspense

Our Story Released:   May 25, 2021

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The Author of Our Story:    Sharee Stover


Colorado native Sharee Stover lives in Nebraska with her real-life-hero husband, three too-good-to-be-true children, and a ridiculously spoiled dog.

A self-proclaimed word nerd, she loves the power of the written word to ignite, transform, and restore. She writes Christian romantic suspense combining heart-racing, nail-biting suspense and the delight of falling in love all in one.

She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Sisters in Crime, Faith, Hope and Love, and Nebraska Writer’s Guild.

Sharee is a triple Daphne du Maurier finalist, winner of the 2017 Wisconsin Fabulous Five Silver Quill Award, and her debut, Secret Past, won Best First Book in the 2019 National Excellence in Romance Fiction Awards.

When she isn’t writing, Sharee enjoys reading, crocheting and long walks with her obnoxiously lovable German Shepherd.

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Get Connected:

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WHERE can the book be purchased?

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Thursday, December 03, 2020

Our Story BEFORE The Story ~ Keegan Stryker & Taya McGill ~ Grave Christmas Secrets by Sharee Stover

My name is Keegan Stryker and I’m an ATF agent (Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives). I’ve worked undercover to takedown a weapons trafficker.

Been undercover so long, I can’t remember what life was like before that, but suffice it to say I’m a loner. No relationships because those are dangerous in my line of work. Okay, truth is they’re dangerous for me period. Too much at stake. And what woman wants to be involved with someone who might not come home after a day in the “office”?

My career with the ATF transformed me from the man I once was, but I don’t regret that. Discipline and integrity combined with chameleon abilities taught me to be a better, wiser agent. But no amount of training equipped me to deal with the intensity and irrational thoughts that emotions bring. I can work any scene, any crime, any takedown without issue until people I love are involved.

My stepsister Patrice became an ATF agent too. Following in her big brother’s footsteps. I encouraged her to climb the ladder of success, and I meant it. But her choices and case took her down a dark road that neither of us dreamed would change our lives forever.
Patrice is the reason I met Taya McGill. Well indirectly anyway. Taya’s a force to be reckoned with and she’s a praying woman with a warrior’s heart. I never imagined I’d fall so hard for anyone. Isn’t it strange how tragedy becomes something beautiful when God’s involved?

My name is Taya McGill and I’m a forensic anthropologist. My career is fascinating but the truth is, I live the most boring life imaginable. I dress boring, I decorate boring. I also prefer being around the dead far more than the living. I know it sounds morbid but they’re far less opinionated. They’ll never hurt you. I love uncovering the mysteries behind the cases I work and bringing due justice for victims and families. I longed to work for the FBI but that dream was stolen by someone who promised to love me forever. He lied. And I lost my dream. But I have solace in my job now and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.  And I like it that way.

At least I did until Keegan Stryker threw me over his shoulder. I can laugh at that now, but I wasn’t thrilled in the moment. I’m used to fighting for myself, I’ve had to my whole life. I’m the one who gets ignored, remains invisible in the group. I’m just forgettable, I guess? But I don’t mind. I like the anonymity.

Okay, truth is, having your heart broken can make anyone a recluse. I didn’t consider myself one, I really felt like I was just devoted to my work. That was easier than admitting I was terrified of ever losing control of my life again. Of having a man destroy my heart. And in my self-imposed prison I thought I was protecting myself. Until Keegan walked into the picture, then I realized I wanted to feel love again more than I wanted to live safe.

Love is empowering, terrifying, and absolutely wonderful.

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MS STOVER is gifting one signed copy of GRAVE CHRISTMAS SECRETS 
to one US resident who leaves a comment.

Drawing to take place WED evening DEC 9, 2020


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My Story Title:   Grave Christmas Secrets

My Story Genre:  Romantic Suspense

My Story Released:   November 2020

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The Author of My Story:    Sharee Stover


 
     Colorado native Sharee Stover  lives in Nebraska with her real-life-hero husband, three too-good-to-be-true children, and a ridiculously spoiled dog. A self-proclaimed word nerd, she loves the power of the written word to ignite, transform, and restore. She writes Christian romantic suspense combining heart-racing, nail-biting suspense and the delight of falling in love all in one. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Sisters in Crime, and Nebraska Writer’s Guild. Sharee is a triple Daphne du Maurier finalist, winner of the 2017 Wisconsin Fabulous Five Silver Quill Award, and her debut, Secret Past, won Best First Book in the 2019 National Excellence in Romance Fiction Awards. When she isn’t writing, Sharee enjoys reading, crocheting and long walks with her obnoxiously lovable German Shepherd. Visit her at 
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Thursday, November 05, 2020

Our Story BEFORE The Story ~ Jake Miller & Kali McIntyre ~ Northern Hearts ~ An Anaiah Christmas Novella

Jake Miller: I couldn’t sleep, so I’m here an hour early for the morning flight up from Winnipeg. It’s freezing sitting here in the truck, but if I go inside our tiny Churchill airport the reality of meeting this unknown relative of Cora’s—a niece, no less—means that my life is about to change completely.

At least my coffee’s good and hot, to keep my fingers from going numb in the cold. Ever since my business partner Cora McIntyre died last week, The Great Northern Lodge and Restaurant has been in an uproar. We knew her battle with cancer was ending, but none of us were ready to let her go.

Cora was my mentor, my friend, and almost a mother figure to me. Growing up in foster care in Toronto, one of Canada’s largest cities, I spent my childhood moving from home to home with a plastic garbage bag of my belongings. It was a fluke that I got myself into cooking school and came up here to Churchill, the gateway to Canada’s arctic, for a trip after graduation. I saw the sign Cora had posted looking for a sou-chef and applied, never thinking I’d get the job. And here I am, ten years later, waiting to find out if the young woman getting off this next flight is going to take away my livelihood, my dream of owning my own place—The Great Northern Lodge and Restaurant.

Hi, I'm Kali McIntyre. Now that I’m finally on this plane, I’m nervous about heading up to this arctic town on my own! I’ve always hated flying, so thank goodness this flight will be over soon. I’ve read over the lawyer’s letter in my purse a hundred times. He’s in Churchill, one thousand kilometers north of Winnipeg where I live, and he says I have an aunt who’s left me “a great deal of property both in real estate and cash” in her will. I never knew I had an aunt! My father’s never mentioned having a sister before, and my mother grew up a spoiled, only child of an extremely rich family.

I hate arguing with my father, but I have to know what this inheritance means. He wants me to join the family law firm and make use of my law degree, but I want to open my own dessert bar in downtown Winnipeg and forget the law entirely. Baking is my first love, and I want to make my mark on the restaurant scene. I’ve already found the perfect spot and hired an interior designer. Maybe I’ll inherit enough money from this mysterious aunt to make my dream a reality.

Wow, that’s a tiny town outside my window. The plane’s about to land, and I can see about five streets running east to west along the shoreline of Hudson Bay. No wonder my father told me this was a crazy idea. I hate it when the landing gears come down, and it feels like the plane’s about to fall out of the sky! Now we’re rumbling along the airstrip, braking on the ice… is the plane going to stop? Blood’s pounding in my ears. Everyone else seems to be fine. I take another peek out my window at the bright blue building that looks more like a storefront than an airport. Oh, Kali, what have you gotten yourself into?

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My Story Title:   NORTHERN HEARTS
                            Heroes Of The Tundra
                     An Anaiah Christmas Novellea
My Story Genre:  Romantic Suspense 

My Story Releases:   December 06,2019

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The Author of My Story:    Laurie Wood

           




Laurie Wood lives in Central Canada and writes inspirational romantic suspense with an edge of danger. She’s also a military wife who’s raised two wonderful special needs children to adulthood. They’ve lived all over Canada and are still on that journey. When she’s not writing she can be found at her spinning wheel, knitting, or hanging out with her dogs in the garden. She loves to hear from readers and always replies so feel free to get in touch with her.

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Get Connected:

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WHERE can the book be purchased?

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The author will be honored to gift a winner an ebook copy of
NORTHERN HEARTS
Leave a comment (with Email address so we can contact you)

DRAWING TO BE HELD WEDNESDAY EVENING ~ November 11, 2020
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Thursday, July 09, 2020

Our Story BEFORE The Story ~ Henry Roarke & Olivia Vance ~ Explosive Situation

HENRY
Hi there, I’m Henry Roarke. I’m a K-9 officer in the bomb squad division for the newly formed K-9 Unit in Brooklyn, New York. My parents divorced when I was very young. My mom was more interested in her own happiness than taking care of me so I bounced back and forth between my parents’ homes. My mother lives in Michigan and is remarried with no other children. Though my father stayed in Brooklyn, he remarried several times and had a child with the last wife. That marriage lasted for 13 years before my father and stepmother were tragically killed in a car accident, leaving behind a 12-year-old daughter, Riley.

Growing up, I always longed for an intact family, so there was no question that I would take in my little sister. I was twenty-five and already with the NYPD with a serious girlfriend, but she wasn’t interested in a readymade family so she dumped me and I decided I wouldn’t try romance again until Riley was on her own. I moved to the K-9 unit and was partnered with the best little bomb-sniffing beagle in the world, Cody. Okay, I’m biased, but he’s had my back more often than I can count.

I want to be a good parent, which is proving difficult to a now 18-year-old girl. I’m protective of Riley, though she tells me I’m smothering her. I’m afraid of failing her. I just want to make sure she never feels neglected or alone the way I did when I was a kid.

Now I’m being set up for a crime I didn’t commit, and I must navigate internal affairs while keeping Riley safe from some maniac who keeps taunting me with texts and bombs. But the investigating officer, Olivia Vance, is determined to know every aspect of my life. She’s become a complication I don’t need even as I find myself attracted to her. I’m not sure which is more dangerous, the bomber or my growing feelings for Olivia.

Olivia
Hello, my name is Olivia Vance, I’m an investigator for the NYPD internal affairs. I’m the middle child of five, two older brothers and two younger sisters. My father’s a captain at the 120th precinct on Staten Island. My mother stayed home to care for her children but was always busy with church and other charity functions, which left me to ride herd over my siblings. Two of my brothers are law enforcement officers in Manhattan. One sister is with the DA’s office in Manhattan and our baby sister is a paramedic in Brooklyn. We gather for family meals every Sunday.

I followed my father and brothers into law enforcement and at my father’s urging went into internal affairs because it was the quickest way to move up the ranks. I married a dentist. He seemed to understand my drive and wasn’t put off by the long hours of work. I wanted to start a family and he refused. We drifted apart. I dragged him to counseling and we tried to bring back the spark. Or at least I thought we were trying. Then he was killed in a plane crash with his mistress and I realized I was the only one fighting for our marriage.

Eight weeks ago, I was promoted and put on a new case, investigating Henry Roarke. Almost the same day, I discovered I was pregnant with my deceased husband’s child. I’m overwhelmed by the future as a single parent and will need to lean on God and my family more than ever. But I also need to prove myself as an investigator so sticking close to Henry and observing how he operates is a must, especially as there’s a mad bomber on the loose who’s targeting those close to Henry, including me.

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Our Story Title:       Explosive Situation 

Our Story Genre:    Romantic Suspense

Our Story Released:  July 1, 2020

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The Author of My Story:    TERRI REED

Terri Reed’s awarding winning romance and romantic suspense novels have appeared on Publishers Weekly top 15 Romance Bestsellers and Publishers Weekly top 10 Religion Fiction Bestsellers, Nielsen’s Bookscan top 100 Bestsellers and featured in USA Today, and have been Amazon Bestsellers and Fresh Picks at Fresh Fiction.

Her novel A Family Under the Christmas Tree was adapted into a Hallmark movie and retitled Picture a Perfect Christmas in 2019.

She is an active member of Romance Writers of America, American Christian Fiction Writers, Novelist Inc. and a member of the Authors Guild.

She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her college-sweetheart husband.

When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends and agility training with her dog.

www.terrireed.com

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Get Connected:

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WHERE can the book be purchased?

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The author will be honored to gift a winner a $10 Barnes and Noble gift card 
and a signed back-list book. 

ONLY COMMENTS WITH EMAIL INCLUDED ARE ELIGIBLE TO WIN!!!

DRAWING TO BE HELD WEDNESDAY EVENING ~ July 15, 2020
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Thursday, June 18, 2020

Our Story BEFORE The Story ~ Kylie Stone (not really my name) & Luke Dryden ~ Justice Undercover by Connie Queen

Hello, my name is not really Kylie Stone. But don’t tell anyone. If I want to stay alive, I must remain dead. Three years ago, I was US Marshal Melody Garner and lost a young mom and two children under my protection to Hal Alcott, a popular businessman accused of laundering drug money and racketeering—a killer who will stop at nothing to protect the empire he built by illegal means. Injured and fearing Hal will come after me, I fake my own death and change my identity. My life is even more complicated by my mother’s cancer diagnosis, and I desperately want to get back to my loving family and let them know I’m alive. But first, Hal Alcott must be brought to justice. Even though my greatest fear is losing another family, I take a nanny job for a Texas Ranger so I can investigate his sister’s death—a death I believe may be connected to Hal.

Hello, my name is Luke Dryden. I’m a 34-year-old Texas Ranger and recently learned my dad—the man I idolized and loved—adopted me. I can’t believe I’ve been lied to my whole life and now I’m leery to trust others. My sister died and left me to care for her two-year-old twins. Not believing her death was an accident, I hire a nanny and delve into my sister’s past to see if I can find answers.

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My Story Title:   Justice Undercover

My Story Genre:  Christian Romantic Suspense

My Story Releases:   June 2, 2020

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The Author of My Story:    Connie Queen

Connie Queen spent her life in Texas where she met and married her high-school sweetheart. Married for 34 years, they’ve raised eight children and are enjoying their grandchildren.

As a child, Connie remembers her mom and sisters reading, but she preferred to be outside. It wasn't until later, she found the joy of being whisked away into another world.

Today she resides in Nebraska with her husband, and Nash, her Great Dane, where she’s working on her next suspense.

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Get Connected:

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WHERE can the book be purchased?

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The author will be honored to gift a winner a signed copy of
JUSTICE UNDERCOVER.

Be sure to leave a comment with an email address where you can be reached should you win.

DRAWING TO BE HELD WEDNESDAY EVENING ~ June 25, 2020.

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Thursday, May 14, 2020

Our Story BEFORE The Story ~ Miranda (Randee) and Ace ~

My name is Miranda Jareau, but I’ve adopted the nickname Randee for my latest covert assignment with Ace Steele. I always wanted to go into law enforcement, but an ATF agent (Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms) was the most natural choice, simply because I wanted more than anything to be like my dad. He was an ATF agent too—the very best. That’s no lie. No matter what the confidential files say, my dad didn’t make stupid mistakes. He wasn’t careless. In fact, Dad was the very opposite of careless—he was precise, meticulous and always on top of things. So, whatever went wrong the day he died, it wasn’t his fault. Dad’s death and his commitment to the job created a gaping relationship gap for he and my mother. For that reason, I understand her adamant refusal and attitude when I told her I’d joined the ATF. She’d lost one person she loved and didn’t want to lose another. I tried to please her by going to a different jurisdiction, but the ATF is home for me. Hopefully, she’ll forgive me and see I need to live my own life…someday.

Providing protective detail for PrimeRight Scientist, Ace Steele was like coming into my own. But no amount of training prepared me for the unexpected deadly twists and turns we would encounter while watching over his prototype, Ghost. The thing seemed to take on a life of its own. The pivotal factor I failed to consider was how Ace would affect me.


My name is Ace Steele. I spend my life comfortably hidden in a laboratory developing and creating. I’m the behind-the-scenes guy and I like it that way. My partner, Fritz Nelson, is Mr. Personality. The guy who scores new contracts and negotiates deals. We make a good team, and I trust him to handle the business end of things. I never imagined the life-threatening danger signing that government contract to create a completely plastic 3D printer gun would create. I love a challenge, but Ghost, that’s the name of the super top-secret prototype, was enough to make me rethink my career options. Still, I understand Ghost’s development is revolutionary, deadly, and a necessary means in the evolution of weapons. Staying ahead of the progressive curve means thinking like a criminal at times. I had plans to make the gun and hand it over to the ATF.

I never dreamed Ghost would take me on the ride of my life and introduce me to a woman who changed how I saw everything and everyone.

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My Story Title:   UNTRACEABLE EVIDENCE

My Story Genre:  ROMANTIC SUSPENSE

My Story Releases:   MAY 5, 2020

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The Author of My Story:Sharee Stover

Colorado native Sharee Stover, lives in Nebraska with her real-life-hero husband, three too-good-to-be-true children, and a ridiculously spoiled dog. A self-proclaimed word nerd, she loves the power of the written word to ignite, transform, and restore. She writes Christian romantic suspense combining heart-racing, nail-biting suspense and the delight of falling in love all in one. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Sisters in Crime, and Nebraska Writer’s Guild. Sharee is a triple Daphne du Maurier finalist, winner of the 2017 Wisconsin Fabulous Five Silver Quill Award, and her debut, Secret Past, won Best First Book in the 2019 National Excellence in Romance Fiction Awards. When she isn’t writing, Sharee enjoys reading, crocheting and long walks with her obnoxiously lovable German Shepherd.

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Get Connected

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WHERE can the book be purchased?


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Sharee will be honored to gift a winner a signed copy of
UNTRACEABLE EVIDENCE (US only)

Be sure to leave an email address when  you comment, so we know where you can be reached, should you win.

DRAWING TO BE HELD WEDNESDAY EVENING ~ May 20, 2019.

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Thursday, December 12, 2019

Our Story BEFORE The Story ~ Slade Jackson and Asia Stratton ~ SILENT NIGHT SUSPECT

My name is Slade Jackson and I’m here to share my story behind the story of Silent Night Suspect.

My roots are set in small town Iowa. Don’t live there anymore but it made me who I am. Our hometown is the kind of place that exists only in old black and white movies. Everyone knows everyone else’s business, people watch out for one another, and there’s no need for daycare when the whole neighborhood is watching your children.

It was a wonderful place to grow up. Safe. Never more than 800 people even during the fourth of July events. The favorite shindig of the year that brought even those who’d moved away home for that holiday.

I met the woman I knew I’d marry in kindergarten. Asia was the only one for me and I never doubted her love. It was like we were meant for each other. Destined to be together. Until Zander Stratton moved into town. The people I’d know all my life were cold. Unwelcoming toward him. So when Asia brought Zander’s lonely plight to my attention, I jumped into action. That’s me. The rescuer. Except I managed to rescue Asia right into Zander’s arms.

Maybe there’s no one to blame. Maybe I saw Zander infiltrating my territory and I was over confident. Thinking she’d never choose him over me. Until she did.

Our senior prom was our last night together. My sisters rallied around Asia acting like her personal ladies in waiting. Doting on her. And I could picture our future together. Our own huge family interacting with my siblings and their children.

And it might’ve happened except that I made the mistake of sharing my proposal plan with Zander.

Everything was magical. There with Asia, dancing under the fabricated stars (made by using old Christmas lights). Life was perfect. Until it wasn’t.

Zander had disappeared. Asia was worried since he’d seemed depressed that night. I went outside to find him. He always took off to smoke a cigarette. Sure enough, I found him.

Zander dropped an anvil on my head with his confession. He’d fallen in love with Asia. It bugged me but I figured he’d get over it because she didn’t feel the same way. Zander assured me she did. I didn’t believe him. Blew it off thinking it was lies. But when I asked Asia about it at the end of the night while we stood in front her house with the single bulb porchlight illuminating us, her eyes told me everything. She begged my forgiveness and said her feelings for Zander went beyond friendship. She asked me to set her free.

What could I do? Maybe I should’ve fought for her. Maybe I should’ve demanded Zander leave her alone. Instead, I gave in. If she didn’t want me, there was nothing left to say.

And with my heart shattered, I kissed her goodnight and agreed to let her go with one condition, she and I never stop being friends. If I couldn’t have her as my wife, I wanted her to have everything her heart desired. Even if her heart desired Zander. So long as I could be with her as a friend, I’d take it. Whatever it took to keep Asia in my life.

I'm Asia Stratton and Slade’s reminiscence isn’t wrong, but I viewed our teenage years somewhat differently. My name is Asia Stratton. Slade’s correct about how he describes our hometown. But where he saw it’s greatness, all I saw was boring. My whole life was boring. I didn’t realize at the time how beautiful boring can be. Everything was stable. I had a mom and dad still together, still in love. My life was easy. I had a steady boyfriend, and we’d talked about getting married someday. Slade and I had been a couple forever. We were inseparable. He was reliable and safe. He came from a large family. They were loud and loving. The Jackson home was a second family for me.

Until Zander Stratton moved into town our senior year of high school.

Zander turned our 1950s town upside down with his rugged good looks, too long hair, and leather jacket. His whole persona screamed bad boy. It was intriguing. At least I thought so, but our welcoming corner of the world suddenly went cold. Slade and I saw the way Zander was treated and felt bad for him. We befriended him and became the three musketeers.

I’m not sure exactly when it started but somewhere along the line, I viewed Zander differently. I told him nothing could happen between us until I talked to Slade. I wouldn’t do that to him. Breaking up would be hard enough. But he jumped the gun at prom and before I knew it, things had changed instantly.

Life with Zander was hard. He was the polar opposite of Slade. Where Slade was easy-going, reliable and secure, Zander was needy, impatient and sporadic. At first it was exciting, but our life quickly became harder to handle. Then Zander started doing drugs. He had affairs that broke my heart and with each one my heart died a little bit. I was so embarrassed about our life that I never told anyone. I slid into a lonely existence. Then Zander’s erratic behavior got stranger and before I knew it, he demanded I stop talking to Slade.

When he disappeared, I wasn’t too worried, because he’d done it before. Gone on binges and reappeared weeks later. But when weeks became months, I knew something was really wrong.

I never dreamed that I’d be on the run, fearing for my life. Never knew that Zander’s decisions would be the catalyst that changed my life. And that I’d be relying on Slade more than ever to unravel the mess that had consumed my life.

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My Story Title:   Silent Night Suspect

My Story Genre:  Romantic Suspense

My Story Released:   December 2019

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The Author of My Story:   Sharee Stover


Colorado native, Sharee Stover, lives in Nebraska with her real-life-hero husband, three too-good-to-be-true children, and two ridiculously spoiled dogs. A self-proclaimed word nerd, she loves the power of the written word to ignite, transform, and restore. She writes Christian romantic suspense combining heart-racing, nail-biting suspense and the delight of falling in love all in one. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Sisters in Crime, Romance Writers of America, and Nebraska Writer’s Guild. Sharee is a three-time Daphne du Maurier finalist and the winner of the 2017 Wisconsin Fabulous Five Silver Quill Award. Her debut novel, Secret Past, was named Best First Book 2019 by the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Awards. When she isn’t writing, Sharee enjoys reading, crocheting and long walks with her obnoxiously lovable German Shepherd.

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Get Connected:


  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shareestover/

    • ~ ~ ~ ~

    WHERE can the book be purchased?

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    The author will be honored to gift a winner a signed copy of
    Silent Night Suspect to a winner within the U.S.

    Be sure to leave a comment with an email address where you can be reached should you win.

    DRAWING TO BE HELD WEDNESDAY EVENING ~ December 18, 2019.

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    Thursday, September 19, 2019

    My Story BEFORE The Story ~ Steve Gableman... Gainer? ~ The Other Neighbor

    I'm Steve Gableman, but for now, I'm calling myself Steve Gainer. I'm an FBI agent, but I'm not sure for how much longer. A few months ago I was injured in the line of duty. I know it's always a risk, but no one really expects it to happen to them. I thought I was being realistic, knowing it could happen to me, but still, it wasn't like I expected. I always thought I'd have some down time, and I'd be back on duty.

    But that's not what happened. I'm back on duty, but it's light duty. Not much better than sitting behind a desk. I hate it. But at the same time, I'm not sure I'm ready to jump back in and risk life and limb for the good of my country and its citizens. I almost died, but in the big picture, I don't know if it made much difference to win this one.

    I still have time to figure things out. For now I've been assigned to surveillance. But I'm not pretending to be a drug addict or petty criminal. No. I've got a room full of top grade equipment, in a fully furnished house. Hot and cold running water. A full fridge. I can cook three meals a day. My team is close by, a cell-phone call away, twenty-four seven.

    The tip line got a report about the owner of a hydroponics store making plans to build a bomb, and it's my team's job to discover the target, and arrest all the perps, not just the leader.

    It's my assignment to do surveillance on the bomber's neighbor who lives on the other side of his duplex - every few days he gives her a bag, then quickly leaves. I need to find out if she's involved, and if she's not involved, use her to find something out, after all, they share a wall. I'm going to close my file soon, I'm sure she's clean. In fact, from what I've seen, she's so clean she probably squeaks.

    I've never been so bored in my life.

    But I have a feeling something's going to change...

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    My Story Title:   The Other Neighbor

    My Story Genre:  Romantic Suspense

    My Story Released:  November 2018 ~ 
              coming up on an anniversary!

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    The Author of My Story:    Gail Sattler

    Gail Sattler lives in Vancouver BC Canada (eh!) where you don't have to shovel rain. When she's not madly writing (Gail Sattler has over 40 published novels and novellas, plus a few works of non-fiction) she plays bass for an Elton John tribute band as well as a community jazz band, plus she plays piano for a smaller private jazz band. When she's not writing or making music (or at her day job) Gail likes to sit back and read a book written by someone else, along with a good cup of hot coffee.

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    Get Connected:

    ~ ~ ~ ~

    WHERE can the book be purchased?


    ~ ~ ~ ~


    journeystojoy will be honored to gift a drawing winner an Amazon gift card within the U.S.

    Be sure to leave a comment with an email address where you can be reached should you win.

    DRAWING TO BE HELD WEDNESDAY EVENING ~ September 25, 2019
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    Thursday, April 25, 2019

    Our Story BEFORE The Story ~ NORTHERN DECEPTION

    Kira: I’m Kira Summers and my brother Michael and I were raised by our Aunt June after our ne’er-do-well Dad left us on her doorstep when we were in middle school. Michael took care of me and dragged me to the church youth group because he could make friends with anyone. I remember being angry most of the time, but I didn’t know why or at who.

    Lukas: I’m Lukas Tanner and Michael was my best friend. We went through school together; getting in trouble, driving fast cars, and pulling crazy stunts. I noticed Kira straight away when he brought her out to youth group. She liked to dye her hair green and blue and wore black skinny jeans. Once she learned to drive, she’d race us out on Jefferson Road after school.

    Kira: I couldn’t believe it when Lukas Tanner, of all people, asked me out! He was the richest guy at school. His dad bought him a vintage ’67 Mustang for his 16th birthday, and he always sprung for everyone’s meals at our favourite fast food place after school. He ran for Class President and won. I have no idea what he saw in me back then, but I kept him on his toes! I loved beating him in drag races!

    Lukas: Kira was–is–the smartest person I’ve ever met. She’d ace every science and math exam. I remember our guidance counsellor, Mrs. O’Grady talking to her about scholarships to university because she was number one in our graduating class. She doesn’t dress or act like it, but she is brilliant!

    Kira: I love Lukas but he’s a perfectionist. His car is immaculate, his clothes are perfect, everything must be “just so” or he gets upset. It’s his one flaw, but he’s such a great guy I try to overlook it. He’s smart and funny and doesn’t care I don’t come from money like he does. I know his father doesn’t approve of me and wants him to date girls in his “social sphere”. Lukas just laughs at him.

    Lukas: We got into the same university! I was terrified we’d end up miles apart because Kira got into all three schools she applied to and I only got into one, but we’re both accepted there, so it’s all good. When we graduate, I’m going to ask her to marry me!

    Kira: A terrible, terrible thing happened to me last night. I can’t get out of bed. I’m not turning on the lights. I need to be in darkness. Lukas has texted me fifteen times but I’m ignoring him. This is horrible… I can’t tell anyone… I’m so ashamed…

    Lukas: I’m asking Kira to marry me tonight! I’ve got the dinner ordered at our favourite restaurant, there’s going to be a violinist playing, and the ring is perfect! Here she comes… she’s so beautiful, it takes my breath away. Her hair is glowing in the candlelight and her laugh! I love her laugh! “Kira, I love you. Will you marry me?”

    Kira: My breath hitches in my chest and my vision tunnels into a pinpoint. I stagger as I get up from the chair, my hands out to ward off Lukas’s hand holding out a diamond solitaire. I turn and run away… out of the restaurant and away from Lukas, as fast as I can.

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    My Story Title:   NORTHERN DECEPTION

    My Story Genre:  Romantic Suspense

    My Story Released:  December 4, 2018 

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    The Author of My Story:    LAURIE WOOD

    Laurie Wood is a military wife who’s lived across Canada and visited six of its ten provinces. She and her husband have raised two wonderful children with Down Syndrome to adulthood, and their son and daughter are a wonderful blessing to their lives. Over the years, Laurie’s books have finaled in prestigious contests such as the Daphne du Maurier (twice), the TARA, the Jasmine, and the Genesis. Her family lives in central Canada with a menagerie of rescue dogs and cats. If the house were bigger, no doubt they’d have more.

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    Get Connected:

    ~ ~ ~ ~

    WHERE can the book be purchased?



    ~ ~ ~ ~


    The author will be honored to gift a winner a signed copy of
    NORTHERN DECEPTION
    Be sure to leave a comment with an email address where you can be reached should you win.
    DRAWING TO BE HELD WEDNESDAY EVENING ~ May 1, 2019.

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    Thursday, April 04, 2019

    This Is My Story BEFORE The Story ~ The Wrong Suitcase

    I’m Regina Larson, Reggie for short, and here I am in Tel Aviv. But instead of basking in the sun on the Mediterranean beach across from the hotel, or shopping in the eclectic markets of the old port, I’m dragging a stranger’s suitcase over cobblestoned sidewalks back to the hotel.

    It’s my fault. If I hadn’t been in such a hurry to begin this trip-of-a-lifetime, this pilgrimage, I would have checked the label on the suitcase before grabbing the wrong one at the airport. So now I’m stuck in Israel with a bag full of men’s clothing. It should have been an easy exchange. The voice on the beater phone I found in the suitcase said to return ‘it’ to Halper’s Bookstore in Joppa at 4:20. The man was obviously irritated and hung up before I could ask any more questions.

    But there was no man at the bookstore.

    Why is this happening? After saving for years for this Holy-Land tour, I’m finally here, ready to see places that have only been words on a page before. And I’m ready to get my calling. What better place to receive God’s calling than in the promised land—the land where Abraham received a covenant, Mary discovered her purpose, and Jesus changed the lives of many. Instead, I’m lugging someone’s suitcase back to the hotel with a virtual stranger.

    This stranger—Jacob Ross—seems overly curious about the suitcase. He’s asking too many questions and insists on walking me back to the hotel. Is he just being nice? He’s charming and interesting, but something’s off. All I want is a shower, a change of clothes, and a short nap. And I want MY SUITCASE!

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    My Story Title:   The Wrong Suitcase

    My Story Genre: Romantic Suspense

    My Story Released: February 2019

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    The Author of My Story:   Sherri Steward




    Sherri Stewart loves a good suspense novel, sprinkled with romance and a strong message that challenges her faith. She spends her working hours with books—either editing others’ manuscripts or writing her own. Her hobby is traveling to potential settings for future stories. Next stop: Israel. Sherri lives in the Orlando area with her family and lazy dog, Lily. She loves to chat with readers about their ideas. Contact her at www.stewartwriting.com.

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    Get Connected:

    ~ ~ ~ ~

    WHERE can the book be purchased?


    • Amazon: The Wrong Suitcase
      This book is available in paperback, eBook, and Kindle Unlimited.

    ~ ~ ~ ~

    The author will give away a signed copy of
    THE WRONG SUITCASE
    Be sure to leave a comment with an email address where you can be reached should you win.
     
    DRAWING TO BE HELD WEDNESDAY EVENING ~ April 10, 2019.

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