When young real estate agent Sandra Lejeune receives an anonymous letter threatening her family, she leaves her home in Cypress Bend, Louisiana and travels to England, intending to warn her estranged mother. But first she has to find her. Sandra starts her search in the Suffolk coastal village of Eden Cove, untangling memories and mysteries along the way. Who sent the letter? Her father’s shady business partners? The private investigator Sandra previously hired? Or someone else entirely?
She came to warn her estranged mother of danger. But will the cost of unraveling family secrets be too much to bear? If you love domestic suspense with romance, you’ll love The Key Collector’s Promise.
Award-winning author Donna Jo Stone delivers a tale of domestic suspense infused with family drama and a dash of southern charm. You can purchase The Key Collector’s Promise: A 1980s Suspense with Romance on Amazon, which released on September 6, 2024.
The Key Collector’s Promise is part of the Our House on Sycamore Street, a new multi-author, multi-genre series set in quaint and quirky Eden Cove, an English seaside town with plenty of spirit. With stories of redemption and salvation behind every door, you’re sure to find a new tale of romance, intrigue, humor or heart. All you have to do is knock!
Donna Jo Stone writes southern-flavored novels for the inspirational and general market for adults and young adults. Her stories are often about people facing tough times. Not all of her books have romance but when they do, the romances are sweet. No graphic language, sex, or violence, just plenty of heart-tugging emotion with endings that leave readers with a sense of hope.
When she’s not writing or reading, she spends her time hanging out with family and friends, and occasionally visits bookshops and fabric sales.
You can learn more about Donna Jo by visiting her at donnajostone.com.
Once upon a time, when I was new to fiction writing, I brought a chapter to my weekly workshop/critique group. I read a selection from a romantic suspense where the heroine receives a package from a stalker. In the padded envelope was a dead bird.
My workshop leader/writing teacher/mentor complimented the writing and plot twist, then asked me a question.
“What kind of bird was in the package?”
(I had no idea.) “Hmmm. A little brown bird. A sparrow?”
“Why not say sparrow instead of bird?”
“I don’t know.” (This shows how much I needed to learn.)
“Authenticating details are part of what takes good writing to great writing.”
It took me a long time to understand what my mentor was saying: specificity makes the scene come alive for the reader. “Bird” could mean anything from penguin to turkey and your reader pause to wonder just how big that package was. A sparrow evokes a specific image.
What are some ways to add depth and details to our story worlds?
Choose the specific over the general, such as buzzard rather than bird, rose instead of flower. But don’t go so far into specifics (unless it’s vital to the plot), that the reader must pause and research what a long-wattled umbrella bird looks like (black, short-tailed, with a head crest. The males have long wattles).
Weather can help set the mood. It’s hard to describe a suspenseful scene if it’s a bright and sunny day. Are the clouds dark and menacing, full of rain? Or white and puffy, moving gracefully across the sky?
Food. Is your character eating fries out of a bag while driving their Mini Cooper or leaning over a sink, eating a ham on rye sandwich? Or sitting alone at a long table in an ornate dining room with candles and green cloth napkins to eat a bucket of chicken?
Music. What’s playing in the car or in the café? Does a song evoke an emotion in your character?
Smells. A steak sizzling on the grill elicits a different expression than driving by a dairy farm. (Trust me, it’s not pleasant.)
Clothes and fashion. In the movie Grease, when Sandy’s attire changes from Peter Pan collar blouses and skirts to black leather and off-the-shoulder tops, the viewer knew instantly she was telling Danny she was willing to change to fit into his world.
Accessories. Does he wear pearl stud cufflinks and a matching tie pin? Does she wear an armful of bracelets or a colorful necklace?
Props. If they scribble a note to say they’re meeting a friend for coffee, do they use a fountain pen, a broken crayon, or a highlighter?
Anything that adds visual detail to your scene will help your readers know and “see” your characters. An engaged reader is one who keeps turning the page. Exactly what we want.
Carrie Padgett lives in Central California, close to Yosemite, but far from Hollywood, the beach, and the Golden Gate Bridge. She believes in faith, families, fun, and happily ever afters. She writes contemporary fiction with romance. She recently signed a contract with Sunrise Publishing to co-write a romance novel with New York Times bestselling author Rachel Hauck that will be published in 2022. Carrie and her husband live in the country with their high-maintenance cat and laid-back dog, within driving distance of their six grandchildren.
Lethal Cover-Up is a story about sisters and what happens when one is tragically ripped away from the other. Here’s a sneak peek.
Some secrets are dangerous…
But uncovering the truth could be deadly.
Border patrol officer Madison Steele knows her sister Leah’s fatal car crash was no accident. Someone’s willing to kill to cover up a pharmaceutical company’s deadly crime of distributing tainted drugs. Now they are after Madison to tie off loose ends. But with her high school sweetheart, Canadian police constable Tucker Reed, at her side, can Madison expose the company’s deadly plan before she becomes the next victim?
Why do you write? Do you have a theme, message, or goal for your books?
I write to share Christ through fiction. I believe readers can be encouraged while reading a novel. My stories always center around my relationship with Christ. My characters go through many emotions and struggles concerning their faith…some of which I’ve gone through. Knowing we can come out on the other side if we only believe and trust in our sovereign God are key components to my storytelling.
How long have you been writing?
I started when I was young with a “Mindy Dobson” series like Nancy Drew. LOL. However, more seriously within the past ten-fifteen years.
And how long did it take you to get your first major book contract? Or are you published non-traditionally? How did that come about?
It took me approximately ten years to find an agent and get a traditional pub contract. Every writer’s journey is different. I met my agent at a writer’s conference and pitched to her. That same year, I was blessed by winning a Genesis Award for one of my novels.
Which of your books is your favorite?
Such a hard question. How can I pick from my babies? LOL. I would have to say that there’s more of “me” in Lethal Cover-Up.
Do you have a favorite character or scene in one of your books?
I can’t say I have a favorite, but I was able to relate to Madison (Lethal Cover-Up) the most. I also enjoyed writing the scene in that book where Madison and Tucker’s car plunges off a bridge into the river. Madison has to figure out how to get the unconscious Tucker to the surface.
How long does it take you to write a book?
The word count for Love Inspired Suspense is 55K, so it takes me approximately three months from start to finish.
What’s your writing work schedule like?
I’m an early bird, so after I do my devotions and go for a walk, I check social media, create memes and schedule posts. Then I get to writing. I write until about mid-afternoon. My evenings are spent reading, relaxing with my fave show, possibly more writing, or zooming with other writers.
Do you have an interesting writing quirk? If so, what is it?
Not really a writing quirk…but I love colored pens (I write my ‘to-do’ list on my calendar in a different color each day). I also have probably 30 plaid shirts. haha
What has been your greatest joy in your writing career?
Hearing from readers who have been touched by the stories I write. Just this week, I had someone thank me for ‘nudging’ her back to God after being angry with Him for a while. She related to my character. It brought tears to my eyes. This is why I write. For Him. I always ask Him to give me HIS words, not mine.
What has been your darkest moment?
I would have to say the times when I felt like giving up, but then God would remind me through someone else’s words of encouragement. It kept me going.
How many times in your career have you experienced rejection? How did they shape you?
A fellow writer once told me that every rejection takes us one step closer to publication. This is so true. I went through a roller coaster of rejections. My first two manuscripts were never picked up. It was my third that Love Inspired Suspense contracted.
Where do you get your ideas?
I often have ideas spark from watching scenes in movies and TV. Also, from some news stories and even dreams!
Who is your favorite author to read?
So hard to pick just one! DiAnn Mills, Steven James, and Ted Dekker. There are many more but the list is too long to include them here.
What advice can you give aspiring writers that you wished you had gotten, or that you wished you would have heeded?
I would say keep on and don’t give up. I know that’s easy to say as there were times when I felt like giving up, but I had many supporters cheer me on.
What are common mistakes you see aspiring writer’s make?
Trying to fast-track their writing journey. One author told me once to “wait” to be published. Don’t try to jump the track as in the end that could hinder your writing career down the road.
Where/How do you recommend writers try to break into the market?
Read writing books, go to conferences, and find a writing mentor. Write blogs, devotions, articles, etc to get your name out there. These will all help.
Darlene L. Turner is an award-winning and best-selling author and lives with her husband, Jeff in Ontario, Canada. Her love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message. You can connect with Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders.
Books can be purchased: Amazon (both .com and .ca), Barnes & Noble, Christianbook, Chapters-Indigo, BAM
I met Lynette a few years ago at a writers retreat, and our paths have crossed again at other conferences. She’s a kind-hearted, humble, and talented writer. So it was a delight to chat with her about her latest novels in the Blue Justice Series. The first book in the series, Oath of Honor, is a page-turner with an intricate plot. And a cute little dog named Mozart.
Becky Wade
Becky and I discovered we have something in common—we’re both the oldest of our siblings. And so is her heroine in Falling for You, the second novel in the Bradford Sisters Romance Series. The paths of a famous model and a famous football player cross again when they’re enlisted to help a young girl solve a family mystery. Will the love they experienced before be rekindled? This story is a page-turner, too!
The next Novelists Unwind Giveaway will be announced on Saturday, October 6th, at novelistsunwind.com. Be sure to enter for your chance to win a print edition of an amazing inspirational novel.
Meet Johnnie
Johnnie Alexander creates characters you want to meet and imagines stories you won’t forget. Her award-winning debut novel, Where Treasure Hides (Tyndale), made the CBA bestseller list. She writes contemporaries, historicals, and cozy mysteries, serves on the executive boards of Serious Writer, Inc. and the Mid-South Christian Writers Conference, co-hosts an online show called Writers Chat, and interviews inspirational authors for Novelists Unwind. She also teaches at writers conferences and for Serious Writer Academy. Connect with her at www.johnnie-alexander.com and other social media sites via https://linktr.ee/johnniealexndr.
Called To Protect is the second book in the Blue Justice Series.
Here’s the back cover copy:
For the past year, Chloe St. John has been working as a K-9 cop with her German shepherd partner, Hank. After being dumped by her fiancé for another woman, Chloe has decided that Hank is just about the only male she likes. She’s over the whole romance thing and focuses her attention on doing her job. Because a serious case of human trafficking with connections to her missing cousin just landed in her lap.
When US Marshall Blake MacCallum’s daughter goes missing, he’s ordered to kill the judge he’s protecting and tell no one about his daughter’s disappearance or she will die. Blake races against the clock to rescue his daughter while Chloe and Hank are asked to be a part of the task force assembled to bring down the traffickers. Chloe finds herself attracted to the silent, suffering man, but thanks to her previous bad judgment, she wonders if she can trust him. And can Blake trust himself around this firecracker of a woman?
Why do you write? Do you have a theme, message, or goal for your books?
I started writing out of loneliness, but fortunately, it morphed into a full-time job. There are different themes/messages throughout the books. Mainly, I write to entertain—and to minister. If God chooses to use the words to touch someone’s life then I praise Him for that.
How long have you been writing?
Since 1999.
And how long did it take you to get your first major book contract?
8 years
How did that come about?
I submitted to Harlequin’s Inspirational trade size line not realizing they were closing it. I got an editorial letter asking me to cut 30,000 words from the 90,000-word manuscript and resubmit. I did it and they bought the manuscript for the Love Inspired Suspense line.
How long does it take you to write a book?
That varies. It depends on the length of the book and what’s going on in my life at the time. LOL. But usually, a Revell book takes me about 4 months to write and a Love Inspired takes about 6-8 weeks. I have written a Love Inspired book in three weeks before, but that was awful and I don’t recommend it. LOL. And I hope to never do it again.
What’s your writing work schedule like?
On a normal day, I write 8-10 hours a day with breaks and errands worked in there throughout the day. When I’m pushing deadlines, I can write up to 16 hours a day taking breaks, of course.
Do you have an interesting writing quirk? If so, what is it?
I don’t think so. I love to write in my car simply because there aren’t many distractions and it’s comfortable. Is that a quirk?
What has been your greatest joy(s) in your writing career?
Whenever someone emails me to tell me that a book touched their life in some special way. And, I have to say, when one of my mentees has gotten a book contract. That’s a really cool feeling.
What has been your darkest moment(s)?
In writing? Probably when life got really hard for about a year with various family issues/crises and I had to write and meet deadlines even when my creative meter—and energy level—was on empty.
Which of your books is your favorite?
Code of Valor. It’s the one right after Called To Protect. I simply love how my heroine turned out.
Who is your favorite author to read?
I have to pick just one??? That’s impossible. LOL.
In the CBA: Dee Henderson’s earlier works, Terri Blackstock, Carrie Stuart Parks, Colleen Coble, Ronie Kendig, Lynn Blackburn, DiAnn Mills. And Edie Melson got me hooked on her Steampunk series with her Maiden of Iron book.
In the ABA: Lee Child, James Patterson’s Michael Bennett series, and I love Meg Gardiner’s Unsub series. Sorry, I told you I couldn’t pick just one!
What advice can you give aspiring writers that you wished you had gotten, or that you wished you would have listened too?
If a published writer gave me advice, I generally listened to it. I would say, don’t worry about getting it right the first time. Get the story on the pages and then go back and fix it. If you stress about making it perfect, you won’t get it written.
How many times in your career have you experienced rejection? How did they shape you?
I was rejected three times before I got the call from Love Inspired Suspense. I submitted four times total. LOL. The rejection wasn’t fun, but it challenged me and made me determined to figure this whole writing thing out.
Do you have a favorite character or scene in one of your books?
One of my favorite scenes was also one of the hardest ones I’ve ever written. The heroine just discovered her best friend was murdered and she was ugly crying all over the hero while sitting on the bathroom floor. It was very intense for me to write.
Where do you get your ideas?
Everywhere because everything—and I do mean everything—has the potential to be a story.
What are common mistakes you see aspiring writer’s make?
Not doing their homework and learning the craft. Thinking they’ve attended one writing class or one conference and now they’re ready to be published.
Where/How do you recommend writers try to break into the market?
That’s a tough one. I would say making sure your platform is spot on and then telling a story an editor can’t put down will get you in the door. I got in via Love Inspired, but that’s a very specific audience and is also pretty hard to break in to. I think writer just needs to understand that it’s a very demanding/picky/subjective profession even for those who’ve studied and learned and done all the right things when it comes to this journey to traditional publication.
BIO
Lynette Eason is the best-selling, award winning author of almost fifty books.
She writes for Revell and for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line. Her books have appeared on the CBA, ECPA, and Publisher’s Weekly bestseller lists. She has won several awards including the Carol Award, the IRCC award, the Selah, and the Christian Retailing’s Best 2017 Award.
She placed in the top ten in the James Patterson 2016 co-writer contest. The movie, Her Stolen Past, based on Lynette’s novel, aired February 2, 2018 on the Lifetime Movie Network. Lynette is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Romance Writers of America (RWA), Mystery Writers of America (MWA), International Thriller Writers (ITW), and Faith, Hope, and Love (FHL) chapter of RWA as well as the Kiss of Death (KOD) chapter.
Are you writing a mystery or a thriller? Do you know how to tell the difference between suspense, thriller and mystery subgenres?
The three categories are related and often overlap. Mysteries often have elements of suspense and a thriller may involve a mystery.
However, experts advise writers to identify the primary subgenre before pitching a manuscript. A story may be clearly in one genre, or straddle two, but it can’t be all three.
The following descriptions will help you determine which category fits best.
A mystery is about solving a crime or a puzzle. The protagonist’s goal is to uncover the clues, solve the mystery and bring the antagonist to justice. Typically, the crime happens near the beginning of the story the identity of the antagonist (murderer) is not revealed until the end. See a list of common mystery subgenres below. Examples include Agatha Christie, Murder She Wrote and Psych.
A suspense novel is about suspense. The reader knows the protagonist is endangered from the start, but the protagonist may only gradually become aware of the danger. The suspense genre covers everything from romantic suspense to psychological suspense and horror. Examples include Nora Roberts, Lynette Eason and Alfred Hitchcock movies.
A thriller is about action and danger. The protagonist’s goal is to stop the bad guy’s evil plan from succeeding. The protagonist and/or others are in danger from the start. Thrillers come in a wide variety of subgenres, including: espionage, political, legal, eco-terror, disaster, treasure, and sci-fi. Big names include Tom Clancy, John Grisham, and Clive Cussler.
Common mystery subgenres
Amateur Sleuth—the protagonist is not a P.I. or employed in law enforcement, and he or she does not get paid for solving the crime. Examples include Dorothy Sayers and the Hardy Boys.
Cozy—clever sleuthing without the gore, violence or naughty words. Miss Marple is a classic example. Modern cozies often feature a theme like cats (Lillian Jackson Braun) or cooking (Diane Mott Davidson).
Hard-boiled/Noir—crime fiction with a dark tone, plenty of gritty brutality, and tough-guy protagonists. Most definitely not cozy. Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler are classic examples.
Historical—a mystery set in the past. The sleuth may be an amateur, a PI or a policeman. Examples include Anne Perry, Elizabeth Peters, and Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries.
Legal/Medical—the protagonist is a lawyer or doctor and the plot revolves around details of that profession. Usually written by medical or legal professionals. Big names include Lisa Scottoline and Robin Cook.
Police Procedural—the protagonist is a law enforcement professional, the solution involves detailed investigative techniques, and the story is more about proving guilt than discovering whodunit. Think CSI or Law and Order.
Private Investigator/Private Eye—the protagonist is a professional rather than an amateur sleuth. Like the police, solving crimes is how they earn their living. Think Sue Grafton, or The Rockford Files.
Psychological Suspense—these crime novels explore psychological issues, and typically feature a protagonist who is a psychologist or psychiatrist. Gillian Flynn and The Silence of the Lambs.
Romantic Suspense—a female protagonist is in danger, often while trying to solve a crime. In the end justice prevails and true love wins out. Authors include Terri Blackstock and Colleen Coble.
FBI Agent Laurel Evertson’s investigation in to a scam targeting the elderly takes an unexpected twist when key evidence leads her to Morton Wilmington, a felon she arrested five years ago on her first undercover assignment. That case has haunted her since, and though she’s vowed to forget Wilmington–and what she sacrificed to put him away–he is now her best lead.
Houston Police Officer Daniel Hilton fears his grandparents may be the scammer’s next targets, and he’ll do anything to protect his family–even force interagency cooperation. But he’s quickly drawn to laurel’s empathy and zeal and agrees to follow her lead…even if it means teaming up with a felon.
As the unlikely trio uncovers evidence suggesting the scam is more extensive and deadly than they imagined, both Laurel and Daniel find themselves in the crosshairs of a killer. Together they must decide if they can trust Wilmington’s claims of redemption, or if he’s leading them straight into a double cross.
[bctt tweet=”As the unlikely trio uncovers evidence suggesting the scam is more extensive and deadly than they imagined, both Laurel and Daniel find themselves in the crosshairs of a killer. “]
Publisher Information:
Copyright 2015, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. www.tyndale.com
Genre:
Romantic suspense
Characterization Critique:
Most of the characters are very believable. The major characters are Laurel, the FBI agent, Daniel Hilton, the Houston PD officer, Morton Wilmington, the reformed crook, who was sprung from prison early so he could help with the investigation, and Daniel’s grandparents, Abby and Earl Hilton.
Supporting cast includes Marsha Leonard, the director of Silver Hospitality, a senior center where the elder Hiltons spend their days. Two additional characters include FBI agents, Thatcher Graves, who will become the focus of the third book, and Liz Austin, an employee of Silver Hospitality who keeps coming on to Daniel.
The interaction between the three major characters, Daniel, Laurel, and Morton is interesting reading. Daniel, who is Christian, still suspects Morton’s faith is “jailhouse” faith, something to say to get him released from prison. Laurel, who has trouble believing in a God who would allow her parents to be murdered, never believes Morton was really converted. Morton is portrayed as much as possible, as a real Christian, who is not perfect, but who makes the effort. In the end, well, I won’t spoil it for you.
DiAnn Mills
Plot Development:
It generally moved along well. DiAnn is usually noted for unusual twists, but in this case, she was a little too obvious about who the real culprit was, even though that character didn’t “seem” to be the guilty party. It wasn’t apparent at first, but as the characters voiced their suspicions, it was almost a letdown when the truth was revealed, because it had already been suspected.
Other than that, I thought there was enough excitement to sustain reading.
[bctt tweet=”The three major characters move from one problem to the next, trying to solve the mystery.”]
What I Liked:
I like that DiAnn creates stories and characters who seem real and who struggle with self-esteem issues, just like all of us do. She also tackled the issue of Alzheimer’s within the parameters of the plot and character development in the story. There are no easy answers, and the grandfather, Earl Hilton, has his good times and his wooly thinking times. A reader favorite (from posted reviews) is Abby, Daniel’s grandmother, who seems to take Earl’s condition in stride, never seemingly frustrated or angry herself that her husband slips by inches.
What I Didn’t Like:
There wasn’t much I didn’t like. Like I said in the plot development section, I wasn’t surprised at who the person behind the conspiracy was, because there had been much suspicion cast on this person already, whereas in Firewall, whew! Didn’t see that one coming at all.
