Christian Fiction

The Visitor Has a Ball ~ Betty Thomason Owens

/ Gail Johnson / 6 Comments

Betty Thomason Owens has a new book releasing Friday, July 14. I asked her to come by and tell us a little about this new story. Of course, I’ve read it, and I’m sure you’re going to like it.

Take it away, Betty!

About the Book

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Length: 153 pages

Publisher: Write Integrity Press

Amazon Link: Buy here

About the Author

I’m a writer of historical romance with a touch of suspense. That is, until a couple of years ago when I wrote Still Water, which was a mystery with a touch of romance. With that story, I dipped my toes in the murky waters of suspense writing and found out it was not for the “faint of heart.” It wasn’t as easy as I had envisioned.

So, when my publisher presented her idea for a multi-author novella mystery series with a common theme, I balked at first. I was already working on book two of the suspense series and didn’t want to take time away from that.

Then a golden retriever visited my thoughts, and an idea formed. He was an emotional service dog. His visit stirred up the old storyteller’s instincts. Hmm. This could be fun. I had to write it—a mystery without a body—kind of like Nancy Drew.

I set the family in a beautiful home on a couple of acres. Brought in a landscaper who may or may not have something to do with the crime. My main character, a young woman still finding her way in the world, needs her Aunt Connie’s help with her grieving mother. The level-headed Connie Wright helps maintain order when things…um…get a little weird.

I love dogs and cats, so of course, I included a couple of pets in the story. Not only do they provide occasional comic relief, but emotional support as well. And finally, romance—not too much—just a hint.

If I had it to do over, I may have included a body because, by the end of the story, I was definitely ready to put someone out of their misery. Fortunately, the main character and her mom had a different idea–one that I hope will inspire you.

Links

To connect with Betty and learn more about her books, visit her Blog, Facebook, and Instagram.

Happy reading, writing, and anything else you are doing to spread hope!

Still Water – Betty Thomason Owens

/ Gail Johnson / 9 Comments

Good morning! I’ve enjoyed my time off this week with family. I hope your holiday was filled with fun, family, and friends.

This Friday’s fiction spotlight is on Still Water (Home Found Suspense Book 1) by Betty Thomason Owens

First Line

My father was dead?

About the book

Title: Still Water (Home Found Suspense Book 1)

Author: Betty Thomason Owens

Release Date: March 18, 2022

Publisher: Pursued Books: an imprint of Write Integrity Press

Genre: Suspense, Mystery,

Length: 397 pages

Back Cover

The Sins of the Father?

A car wreck, recurring nightmares, questions without answers…
Could all of this point to a forgotten past?

Crime reporter, Jake Bradley, has stumbled onto a suspicious accident. The clues lead him to Lisa Oliver, the daughter of the victims. Something about her draws Jake Bradley, and he vows to help her at all costs. When the FBI warns him off the case, Jake is more determined than ever to find the truth and keep Lisa safe.

After the sudden death of her parents, Lisa Oliver yearns for a place to call home. When she meets Jake, she wants to trust him, but her father’s mantras of self-sufficiency and independence create a stumbling block. As the wall between them crumbles, the past encroaches, and Lisa fears she will never be free.

Is she forever doomed to her parents’ nomadic lifestyle, fleeing unseen enemies?

My Thoughts

Betty Thomason Owens is an established historical romance author with Write Integrity. This year, she offers her readers a suspense novel with a thread of sweet clean romance. The first in her portfolio. Still Water is Book 1 in a three-book series.

I could empathize with Lisa Oliver’s heartache of losing her parents and everything she thought was real in her life. Something no one wants to face.

And then there’s Jake Bradley. He’s a go-getter and a hero, wanting to protect those in trouble.

Both Lisa and Jake are relatable characters.

With a laid-back writing style, Owens invites her reader along to gather clues to solve the Oliver case and discover Lisa’s true identity. I enjoyed the plot, characters, writing style, and setting.

The setting? The 70s. A decade of long hair, bellbottoms, flouncy tops, wild colors, and political turmoil.

Mature readers will enjoy the trip back while young readers will enjoy visiting another place in time. Everyone will enjoy the story.

Vacation and Summer Reads

/ Gail Johnson / 16 Comments

This week, I’m taking a few days off to relax with my daughter during her school break. She has four weeks left in her first year of medical assisting classes! I am so proud of her. It has been a wild year for my family as we’ve faced physical and spiritual battles. But God has been faithful through it all.

But enough about that. This post is about books. So what are you reading? Anything special? If not, I have a few suggestions. 😊

Read/Reading

No Longer Alone by Melinda Inman (Historical)

I’d love to see this on the big screen. Prentis’ and Avery’s love story is one I’m glad I didn’t miss.

A Love Most Worthy by Sandra Ardoin (Historical)

A delightful visit to Klondike country with Rance Preston and Hallie Russell. A story of hope, healing, and restoration.

A Southern Season: Four Stories from a Front Porch Swing by Eva Marie Everson, Linda Yezak, Claire Fullerton, and Ane Mulligan (Contemporary)

Haven’t finished it yet. But y’all! ❤ Just get the book.

Coming Home: A Tiny House Collection by Yvonne Anderson, Michael Ehret, Kimberli S. Mckay, Pamela S. Myers, Ane Mulligan, Chandra Lynn Smith, Linda W. Yezak (Contemporary)

Short sweet reads. Perfect for the beach, pool, or anywhere you can sit or stand. LOL.

Fully Committed by Dora Hiers (Contemporary)

A lovely surprise. Rand Tenneson wasn’t the average contemporary hero. A story of second chances.

In Hand

The One Year Experiencing God’s Love Devotional by Sandra Byrd

Soul Care for Writers by Edie Melson

Next on the List:

Jessie’s Hope by Jennifer Hallmark

Hedges by Jerry B. Jenkins

Salvation by Olivia Rae

On Eagles Wings by Lynnette Bonner

A Tamale Christmas by Linda Rodante

A Father for Bella by Jill Weatherholt

The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman by Carole Brown

So there ya go. I hope this week will find you buried nose-deep in a book or two. Until next week, stay safe and have fun!

Let me know what you’re reading this week and how it’s going so far? Good? Bad? Meh?

XOXO

Gail

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Photo courtesy of Jill Wellington on Pixabay