Christian Mystery Fiction About a Family With Different Talent
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The story takes place in modern times and follows the live
Terri Blackstock is a brilliant writer. In book one of her Restoration Series, Blackstock captured my attention and imagination, making it quite difficult to set a slow, steady pace to read it. I establish myself like I was when a kid, sneaking in little reading sessions whenever I could. Putting off other tasks in order to read. Bringing the book with me everywhere in case I had merely 5 minutes in which I could read further in the story.The story takes place in modern times and follows the lives of a wealthy family and neighborhood when a global effect disables all technologically advanced machines. This includes all vehicles, cell phones, digital watches, plumbing systems, and phone lines. In the midst of confusion, anarchy, plane crashes, and inability to communicate long distance, the characters in the main family notice themselves launched into unexpected and unwanted journeys. To add together to their worries and desperation, a killer makes him or herself known in their neighborhood and creates a tailspin in the lives of these well-crafted characters.
I am at present a Terri Blackstock fan for life. I tin can hardly wait to become my easily on the sequel, Nighttime Light.
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I don't retrieve she could ever be accused of writing great literature, but she does write great stories. It's not that her writing is attrocious. It's just that I find her metaphors and similes occasionally to be a tiny flake cheesy. In one case in a while, t
Terri Blackstock used to write Harlequin romances under a different name. She decided she should be using her writing talents to glorify Jesus Christ and encourage people in Him, and then now she writes Christian mysteries. This volume is Volume Ane of a series.I don't think she could always be accused of writing great literature, but she does write corking stories. It's not that her writing is attrocious. It'southward just that I find her metaphors and similes occasionally to exist a tiny fleck cheesy. Once in a while, they make me cringe. But for the virtually function, her metaphors and similes - also as her writing in full general - are fine.
In this story, I got a flake frustated with how Deni was not allowed past her parents to grieve the losses she was suffering as a result of a ability outage that was apparently national, if not international. They treated her similar she was existence immature for whining a bit while they immune to each other to whine. Deni was portrayed as being selfish in her expressions of disappointment when I thought she was simply behaving normally, given the circumstances. In the terminate, she does behave very selfishly, puttting herself and others at adventure, simply I don't recollect the author sold the character's selfishness along the style.
None of this is to say that I did not enjoy the book. Like every other Blackstock novel I've read, past the fourth dimension I was halfway through the book, I was losing slumber staying up tardily to read "just 1 more chapter." Overall, I enjoyed the read immensely and will before long head for Borders to look for Book 2.
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The premise is cracking - culture shuts down and reverts to a fourth dimension before applied science, electricity, and all the animal comforts we have become accustomed to. A plot device that had such keen potential became a "trust in god and you will b
Let me preface this past maxim I am non a religious person, nor did I know upon downloading this book (for free to my Kindle) that at that place would be such a blatant hit-you-upside-the-caput-with-a-bible message in information technology. That most definitely colored my opinion of it.The premise is great - civilisation shuts down and reverts to a time before technology, electricity, and all the creature comforts nosotros take become accustomed to. A plot device that had such dandy potential became a "trust in god and y'all will be saved" story with no resolution and no catastrophe. Maybe there are other books to follow, but I won't be reading them.
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Once again an middle opening book that has me thinking, could I give my fears over to Christ for His protection. I similar to call back I would but until faced with something like Covid I still struggle. I highly recommend this book for your eyes to be open as well. Great read!! ...more
That being said, I call up information technology is great that there is a Christian market for literature. Why not? At that place is a romance novel market place, sci-fi/fantasy, mystery. P
This was my first Terri Blackstock novel and my second "Christian Fiction" novel. I read Left Behind many years ago. I am a spiritual person but not a devout "pray-before-every-repast", "pray-through-every-crisis" Christian. I try to benefit things and effort not to estimate too harshly. I believe in "live-and-let-alive". I look for the good in people.That being said, I think information technology is great that there is a Christian market for literature. Why not? There is a romance novel market, sci-fi/fantasy, mystery. Plenty of room for other genres. I've decided it just is not my affair. That is merely my personal – very personal – feeling. I think it is interesting to larn the writer of this Christian fiction novel also wrote Harlequin romance novels, a genre that is known for lots of hot, premarital sex. Nevertheless she judges one of the characters in Last Light as evil for owning an adult book shop. Hm.
In Terminal Light, the globe has lost technology. All of it. Except for bombardment operated flash lights apparently. The story centers effectually 1 man and his family who have decided to cope past getting the neighborhood to work together to survive. But there is a killer among them. Someone taking advantage of the loss of power to impale and steal any might be useful later. And so far, I like the plot. But nigh a third of the way through the volume I realized I was never going to like whatever of the characters. Life is full of unpleasant people so I accepted that. I figure it adds some realism to the story. Information technology made it a difficult read, though.
The oldest girl, Deni, is constantly whining. She is xx-two years old and acts similar she is twelve. I hateful zippo maturity. Not simply a matter of existence young and thinking 1 is indestructible. I mean this person went abroad to college in Georgetown, graduated, and came home with no sense of being able to take care of herself. How tin can that be? How is it that anyone who is an adult tin go through 16 years of school and not know the sun rises in the east?! Ok, I can accept a graphic symbol that is unpleasantly whiney simply not one every bit unrealistically stupid and oblivious equally Deni.
Not one kid in this family unit has any real appreciation for the suffering of others, of what is really of import in life. I do not know how realistic this is, information technology is across my feel knowing anyone truly like that – even cocky-absorbed children. Simply ok, I will accept that it is possible, even in a supposedly devout Christian family. Once more, this is unpleasant but tolerable.
The parents seemed to cope best. And I recall their interactions with each other and the children were the most realistic. I exercise non call back they were every bit perfect equally the author ready out to make them, which is a good thing. In 1 scene the Mom has given abroad canned food to a neighbor in desperate need. The Dad initially feels anger but information technology wanes in deference to his Christian conventionalities in helping others. Then in some other scene, the dad offers a needy neighbor ane of several bikes they own. Bikes have get extremely valuable as the merely means of getting around and this needy family does not have any. The mom gets furious when she finds out, later explaining that it was because the dad did not consult with her starting time. What a hypocrite! Did she consult with him earlier handing out the concluding of their food? Was he allowed to get angry? No! And the dad was ok with this. Unpleasant but very possible in real life.
Like any apocalypse-themed volume or moving-picture show Last Calorie-free makes y'all recollect about what your reaction might be in the same situation. Would information technology be every-man-for-himself or would yous be willing to ring together and how would yous cope with others who are of the commencement mindset? I would accept liked this book more if there had been at least one likeable grapheme. For me the last several chapters were over-the-elevation preachy. Just that is what I would expect to find in Christian fiction so that is not a valid criticism. Just my personal stance.
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How exercise I describe this, sans spoilers? Nosotros open here subsequently what is plain an EMP attack or event of some kind (ElectroMagnetic Pulse). There are a few things in the story that don't ring truthful for that and even imply that whatsoever "happened" may still be "happening" and was/is not a "pulse". So, something knocked out all ability and all electronics "apparently" everywhere. That's at leas
Okay...another a bit hard to rate. I'd get iii.5 hither and I circular information technology up to 4 every bit, well nosotros don't take "half stars".How do I describe this, sans spoilers? Nosotros open hither later what is apparently an EMP attack or event of some kind (ElectroMagnetic Pulse). There are a few things in the story that don't ring true for that and even imply that whatever "happened" may still be "happening" and was/is not a "pulse". So, something knocked out all ability and all electronics "apparently" everywhere. That's at to the lowest degree everywhere we are able to become to or find out virtually and no one ever shows up to tell these people otherwise.
The book is built around a given family whose girl has only arrived dorsum from college, planning a visit back to her "hick parents" earlier she goes to work as an intern for NBC in Washington DC and gets married.
This might sort of be chosen a post-apocalyptic At Home in Mitford. Yous need to be aware that this is a very Christian novel. Information technology is yet a good novel. I'yard aware of the "Christian novels aren't as practiced every bit secular Novels" assumption. Here it'southward not the case. The book is well written, Just the Christian sections are rather heavy handed. I'm a Christian and I can't go along with some of the ideas that are here. That doesn't bother me. Christians disagree and minor points of doctrine aren't "bargain breakers". (A Presbyterian Pastor I like, Steve Brown says that when we stand up earlier Christ He'll say, "I've got adept news and I've got bad news. The bad news is you were all incorrect, the good news is it's okay.") (view spoiler)[ At one bespeak the older son sneaks off alone at night after there has been a killing, endangering himself, his male parent (who goes to find him) and his unabridged family unit as he was on, "baby-sit duty"....This when he's been told not to go. Dad finds him drunk. Afterward 1 of the big issues seems to be drinking in general. The teetotaler version of Christianity here. I don't agree, but I wouldn't have issue with a Christian who thinks all drinking is incorrect. (hide spoiler)]
Much of the activity here is built around those who can't come up to grips with a alter in reality, the bad decisions made in this situation and the nighttime side of human nature. None blindingly original but equally I've said ofttimes I doubt in that location are any actually "original" plot points left. This places these elements in an interesting setting and tells a good story with good characters.
Await, I think you can read this book without the Christian aspects of it bugging you lot if you like. If you are a Christian of any stripe I call up too y'all'll enjoy the book even if you disagree. The book is meliorate than another "survival books" I've read or tried to read and I may follow information technology up.
Bated from that I wasn't really in the mood for this blazon volume. I'thousand over loaded with books to read and my brain is in a fantasy/brain-candy vein right now. I nonetheless give information technology a good rating.
Then, family friendly, somewhat hopeful, and a flavor of realism (view spoiler)[ the whiny spoiled kids almost drove me abroad from the volume completely. Of form and then I had to stop and consider how I must audio to God at sure times. (hide spoiler)]
Recommended. Savor.
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The story follows the Branning family unit through a terrible ordeal in which all electronic equipment is rendered useless. Without power, advice, vehicles, clean water, or the power to get to the grocery store for food or even the bank for coin, they must learn how to survive in a new world along
Some consider this volume to be also religious, but I personally capeesh its stiff, Christian bulletin. Without the religious aspects I would probably requite this book four stars. Notwithstanding a great volume.The story follows the Branning family through a terrible ordeal in which all electronic equipment is rendered useless. Without ability, communication, vehicles, make clean water, or the ability to go to the grocery store for nutrient or even the bank for money, they must learn how to survive in a new earth along with their neighbors.
The plight that the Brannings and their neighbors notice themselves in worsens when they find that there is a murderer among them killing innocent people in their own homes. The community must band together in order to survive, but no one tin be trusted. The story unfolds through the optics of the devout Christian family who must learn how to survive and protect themselves while helping their neighbors and protecting their community at the aforementioned time.
This story is a dandy thriller with enough of positive, Christian teachings thrown in. I enjoyed it very much.
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Though I dear the genre of end-of-the-world scenarios and ur Without bothering to explain Himself, God takes away all electrical and mechanical power from humanity. Teenagers are outraged, eye anile parents and neighbors throw tantrums, and general clamor ensues. While shallowly depicted characters in stereotypical situations work out their responses to the crunch of no cell phones, running water, or Dwelling and Garden Network, a killer decides this is the perfect time to begin his serial career.
Though I honey the genre of end-of-the-world scenarios and urban survival, this ane was tough to read, just not well-written. Filled with Christian-ese, blocky dialogue, and a filthily predictable plot, I only finished information technology because a friend recommended it, and I hate to non finish books. Sorry, Terri Blackstock, I am no Steinbeck myself and should not gauge, but I will not be reading yous once again.
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Do you retrieve that God volition save your family from starving?
Practice yous remember prayer solves everything?
Then this book might be for yous!
I love the whole EMP no power, what now? I dearest the plot idea. And I know this is a Christian volume and I am not a Christian, and so I have been giving this volume a lot of elbowroom, but here are the things I detest about this book:
1. Deni. She should have been a teenager, because surely she is equally impaired and cocky-captivated
Do you call back pornography is as abhorrent and sinful as murder?Do you think that God will save your family from starving?
Practice you think prayer solves everything?
And so this book might be for you!
I love the whole EMP no power, what now? I love the plot idea. And I know this is a Christian book and I am not a Christian, then I have been giving this book a lot of leeway, just here are the things I hate about this book:
1. Deni. She should have been a teenager, because surely she is every bit dumb and self-captivated as the worst stereotype of a teenager.
2. Oh, y'all sell pornography? You must exist the worst possible evil! Because clearly anyone who sells porn cannot possibly be anything other than evil.
iii. Heavy-handed preachiness...yep, I know this is a Christian book, just nevertheless. Preachiness nearly everything.
four. How in the world does a college graduate 20 something NOT know that the sunday rises in the east and sets in the west?!?!
If yous can stand up Deni (gag), and are cool with the whole "let me tell you all nigh morality" thing, you will probably enjoy this book more than I did. Because in that location is a expert story every bit the frame there. EMP, murder mystery, stranded people, no ability, how practice we survive? Proficient frame of a story. It just would be better without all the preachiness...and without Deni.
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Deni is at the airdrome with her Dad when pandemonium and mayhem breaks out. Everything stops working: the airport equipment, prison cell phones, vehicles, airplanes, lights, etc. The results of this is absolutely shocking and devastating. Trying to get habitation with no car or cell phone, they see bicycles suddenly being fought over as the
I don't call back I've e'er read a book like this 1! It had me pulled in and totally engrossed from the very showtime! I didn't expect this, Terri Blackstock, but I loved information technology!Deni is at the aerodrome with her Dad when pandemonium and commotion breaks out. Everything stops working: the airdrome equipment, cell phones, vehicles, airplanes, lights, etc. The results of this is absolutely shocking and devastating. Trying to become dwelling house with no car or cell phone, they see bicycles suddenly being fought over as the highest commodity, people'southward ugly side coming out in many ways, and more chaos equally a consequence.
All of a sudden, things are very different, and people have to learn how to survive in a blacked-out world, with no sign of hope or sure solutions on the horizon. Men are having to step upwards and exist more than courageous than ever before. The entire family and community, the whole world, having to piece of work hard for things that always came easily for them, giving up other things they never dreamed of doing without. Travel becomes hard and very dangerous. How volition they survive? Only one mode: learning to depend on God, each other and choosing to not be selfish when it'southward the most tempting.
I read the entire serial and and so recommended it to my Dad. He picked it upwardly and couldn't put information technology down! This is a must read!
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Volition they exist able to keep their faith and stay positive and prophylactic before the lights turn dorsum on?
I read this now because of the mild state of panic our world is in due to COVID and seeing the similarities in a fictional story written long earlier covid happened was really interesting.
"I've seen God do amazing things in my lifetime. Maybe this is ane of those things"
"I've seen God practise amazing things in my lifetime. Maybe this is one of those things" ...more
The characters: The main focus of the first installment of this serial focus on the Branning Family, who needs to come to terms with a globe of no electronics, and mainly on the eldest daughter, Deni. Deni irritated me so much in almost role of the book, lament nigh everything and came across very selfish and irresponsible,
I beloved Terri Blackstock's books and this 1 was no different! I've come to expect page turning suspense with characters I enjoy and a Christian theme that challenges you.The characters: The primary focus of the first installment of this serial focus on the Branning Family, who needs to come up to terms with a world of no electronics, and mainly on the eldest girl, Deni. Deni irritated me then much in most part of the book, complaining almost everything and came beyond very selfish and irresponsible, which caused other innocent parties to exist at take a chance. However, I enjoyed to see how Deni grew throughout the story. She is still not perfect, but by the end of the book she recognised her selfishness and accustomed God's will and path. The Deni at the end of the book I connected with and liked. I enjoyed Doug's character and how he is finding God'southward will in this bad situation and stepping up as a Godly man, husband and begetter.
The mystery/suspense: Every bit if the break in ability, electronics and electricity is not bad plenty, in that location is a murderer in the neighborhood. I guessed who the killer was when I was introduced to the grapheme, but there was some other suspects who threw me a bit from my suspect, but was surprised when the killer was revealed. I enjoyed the suspense and found myself proverb, but 1 more chapter, to see how everything volition turn out.
The theme: Trusting God for provision. At showtime I struggled to connect with the characters' whining almost their lives being turned upside downwards, but so started to think. We have piece of cake access to everything and live in a world where everything is fast and electronic, fifty-fifty our Bibles. How would nosotros react when all the privileges of the modern world are taken away. Do we truly trust God with everything, or only with the things we take and are easy to obtain.
This was some other great suspense from Terri Blackstock and recommended to all suspense/mystery lovers.
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I'm loving Marking aaaand can't await for Deni to throw Craig out the window Great serial and then far (ofc, it's written by Blackstock)
I'1000 loving Mark aaaand can't wait for Deni to throw Craig out the window ...more
Honestly, this book wrecked me. It was so incredibly Real. The characters were so existent. It was merely. Real. Similar, I quite literally started to pray for one of the characters at one point and had to stop myself. The book grabbed me from the first page and didn't permit go; folio after page, I fell in until I was
Notable Content: Comments on girls wearing bikinis, and one sits in a guy'southward lap; a few references to sexual practice, cheating, rape, and porn; mentions of kissing. Underage drinking; smoking and drugs.Honestly, this book wrecked me. Information technology was so incredibly REAL. The characters were so real. It was simply. Existent. Like, I quite literally started to pray for one of the characters at one bespeak and had to finish myself. The book grabbed me from the starting time page and didn't allow go; page subsequently page, I fell in until I was stuck in the story. I read it all in a single solar day. The writing was amazing. The settings were astonishing. It was all and so well–idea out. It revealed things at just the right moments and it all wrapped up beautifully. She didn't leave a bunch of loose ends to deal with in the next book; she tied things up but definitely left story to tell. She didn't even use a bewilderment, or need 1, for readers to continue on. Wow, I but keep coming dorsum to say how freaking real the book was. It honestly made me experience terrified that it could happen whatever day to me because it was so real. I don't even know whether to recommend this book, or call it a favorite, because it was then emotionally exhausting and incredible. I don't know whether to give thanks or blame my friend for recommending it to me. Simply information technology was an incredible journey of a book that I beloved and detest with all my heart. This is a book that'll make you forget that y'all're reading, a book that will pull you out of reality and into the story, a book that'll invest yous in the characters until you tin can inappreciably breathe as they fight for their lives. And I can't cease this review without talking about the theme. The theme was the plot. The plot was the theme. But it was so much plot Then much theme. Every writing article I've always read was impossibly and incredibly pulled off in this volume. This book is the epitome of Christian fiction. This book will shake you to your cadre, only not let you lot stop turning pages. I could continue and on discussing everything that'due south so incredible about this book, simply I recollect I'll end information technology here: Mrs. Blackstock, y'all are truly incredible. I didn't know information technology was possible to write a book like this, just y'all did, and I commend you lot.
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A lot of the classic books of this type were written before nosotros were and so dependent on mod applied science. I'm thinking of Alas Babylon, Lucifer'southward Hammer, Earth Abides, The Death of Grass. Last Lite is not of the same quotient and will never be a classic.
A lot of books focus on firearms, gun battles, maneuvers, preps, such as James Wesley Rawles' books. Terminal Light focuses on a typical modern solar day neighborhood, and families who are suddenly without modern engineering science, a situation they accept non anticipated nor prepared for. The book has a definite Christian focus, simply I didn't experience it was preachy. Christians are who the main characters are.
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Not know what to expect...the beginning book starts out at the Airport. Only after Deni Branning arrives, she and her Dad are on their way to pick up her bags. All of a sudden planes offset falling out of the sky...the power goes out. Made me think this is the stop of the world.
What would I exercise if nosotros totally los This series was recommended to me by my Library. They told me they bought the offset book in the series and enjoyed it and so much that they bought the serial. I tried the first ane....information technology is awesome!
Not know what to await...the kickoff volume starts out at the Airport. But subsequently Deni Branning arrives, she and her Dad are on their way to pick up her bags. Suddenly planes starting time falling out of the sky...the power goes out. Made me think this is the terminate of the earth.
What would I do if we totally lost everything that has electrical components? The listing is endless! Fifty-fifty cars stopped filling the highways.
The story keeps y'all thinking all the way to the end. There are unfortunately those people who are interested in greed simply. Through information technology all some of the people, including the Brannings, learn to lean on God. Loved how their faith grew in the face of adversity.
Highly recommend this! ...more
I appreciated the food for thought about what kinds of luxuries
Considering I am fatigued in by pretty much whatever story, I kept trudging through this book of painful, repetitive chapters. I was still intrigued to detect out what was going to happen. And THEN I discovered it was a series and I really have to go through Iv books to reach a real conclusion. I don't take it in me. I almost gave up on this one only I've got a book goal and I would have lost 2 days and like 250 pages if I didn't finish information technology. :-)I appreciated the nutrient for thought virtually what kinds of luxuries we take that we think nosotros can't live without. I remember about what it would be like to brand canned goods last for more than than a few weeks. Gave me a little gratitude. Likewise, I did enjoy the Christian side of it - seeing this family revive.
It did get suspenseful and exciting in the terminal 100 pages.
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Though I am non a big fan of suspense, thrillers, I still enjoyed this one. Information technology did focus a lot on the no electricity part of the story every bit well and to me that made it a lot more interesting!
I loved the fact that the community came together in crisis instead of everyone locking themselves in and thinking only of themselves. I practise hope that if something like this did happen, that would
This was my first volume past Terri Blackstock. I enjoyed it and will continue with the rest of the series right away!Though I am non a big fan of suspense, thrillers, I however enjoyed this one. It did focus a lot on the no electricity role of the story as well and to me that made information technology a lot more interesting!
I loved the fact that the community came together in crisis instead of anybody locking themselves in and thinking only of themselves. I do hope that if something like this did happen, that would exist the instance in real life also. I also hope to see more of the community in the sequels!
It was quite anticipated, I figured out all the plot twists way before they happened, only it didn't take away my enjoyment in reading it much.
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Finally! A Christian book that's not preachy, that doesn't have Mary Sues (or Gary Stues), and doesn't accept the "Accept Jesus and he will prepare everything in a glimmer of an eye, considering he is really just a genie in a bottle for us Christians" cliché!!!
*spontaneous dance political party*
I lowkey quit YA for a few months afterward reading this series to binge read the rest of Terri's works, and I have no regrets.
It has some more grownup themes (only it's completely clean
THIS SERIES IS THE Absolute All-time.Finally! A Christian book that's not preachy, that doesn't take Mary Sues (or Gary Stues), and doesn't have the "Accept Jesus and he will gear up everything in a blink of an eye, because he is really simply a genie in a bottle for us Christians" platitude!!!
*spontaneous trip the light fantastic party*
I lowkey quit YA for a few months after reading this series to binge read the rest of Terri's works, and I accept no regrets.
It has some more grownup themes (but it's completely make clean because it'south Christian, which is amazing).
I loooovveeeee this book, the characters, the plot, EVERYTHING!
READ IT.
...more thanTerri spent the kickoff twelve years of her life traveling in a U.S. Air Forcefulness family. She lived in ix states and attended the first four years of school in Holland. Because she was a perpetual "new kid," her imagination became her closest
Terri Blackstock is a New York Times all-time-seller, with over seven million books sold worldwide.. She has had over thirty years of success as a novelist.Terri spent the first twelve years of her life traveling in a U.S. Air Force family. She lived in nine states and attended the start four years of school in The Netherlands. Because she was a perpetual "new kid," her imagination became her closest friend. That, she believes, was the biggest factor in her becoming a novelist. She sold her kickoff novel at the age of twenty-5, and has had a successful career ever since.
In 1994 Terri was writing romance novels under two pseudonyms for publishers such as HarperCollins, Harlequin, Dell and Silhouette, when a spiritual enkindling prompted her to switch gears. At the time, she was reading more suspense than romance, and felt fatigued to write thrillers most ordinary people in grave danger. Her newly awakened organized religion wove its way into the tapestry of her suspense novels, offering promise instead of despair. Her goal is to entertain with page-turning plots, while challenging her readers to recollect and grow. She hopes to remind them that they're valued past God and that their trials take a purpose.
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