When news editor Kurt Borden sends his star reporter out to do a story on a senator who disappeared more than 40 years ago, the reporter goes missing too.Before we chat with today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the novella collection, Seven Brides for Seven Texas Rangers, including the novella, Partners in Crime, by Vickie McDonough, is:
mindyhoung@...
Congratulations! We'll get your e-book right out to you. I encourage readers to keep commenting and/or subscribe at right (above my list of books) in order to participate in future book give-aways! Subscribers are entered a second time when they comment.
And now let's revisit novelist Susan Page Davis, author of the mystery novel, Breaking News (Tea Tin Press, Print Release March 2018).
Susan Page Davis is the author of more than 80 Christian novels in the mystery, romantic suspense, and historical romance genres. She’s a winner of the Carol Award, two Will Rogers Medallions, and two Inspirational Readers’ Choice Awards.Susan grew up in the state of Maine, where her father was a game warden. She now lives in western Kentucky. She and her husband Jim have six grown children and ten grandchildren.
Please tell us one random thing we might not know about you.
I hate to cook, but I have won prizes for my baking—most notably, zucchini bread.
I love veggie breads! My one foray into zucchini bread was a mushy disaster, so I bow to your prize-winning expertise.
Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Breaking News.
Editor Kurt Borden’s star reporter, Mick Tyler, is struggling with depression. Long before Kurt bought his lakeside house in Maine, a senator owned the cottage next door. When Tyler shows interest in the story, Kurt sends him out to do a feature on the senator, who disappeared more than 40 years ago. Maybe Mick’s fascination with the tale will lift his depression.
But Mick never comes back.Kurt’s wife Janet finds an elderly neighbor ill in his home. The old man, Elwood Fairmont, begs Janet to give a cryptic message to his grown children. Elwood’s children gather, but their father’s words mystify them. Was what he told Janet a dying confession?
Kurt assigns bright young reporter Dave Carpenter to write about Mick’s disappearance. When Dave investigates the story his colleague was pursuing, Kurt’s life is threatened. Janet finds a clue that makes them wonder: Are Elwood’s regrets and Mick’s disappearance connected to things that happened decades ago?
To unravel the close-woven mysteries, Kurt and Janet must rely on their faith and use all their wits and diplomatic skills.
What is it about Janet Borden that will make your readers care about her?
Janet cares about other people. She is an empty-nest mom who gave up her job to move with her husband to his new one, and she has some time on her hands. She uses that to minister to people who need it.
What have you learned about yourself as a result of your writing career?
I can do things I never expected to be able to do, so long as God is in it.
Yes, I always find myself coming back to ask God for guidance about what He wants me to do. It gives me peace that He'll orchestrate my path.
What is the last novel you read that you would recommend?
Sibella Giorello’s Stone and Sunset. I love her Raleigh Harmon mystery series, and this latest episode did not disappoint. This one features Raleigh as a teenager and her genius friend, Drew, who had appeared in a couple of the earliest books. I wondered what had happened to Drew, who is a “difficult friend,” and was glad she made a reappearance.
What are you working on now?
I am writing book 7 in the Maine Justice series, and I just finished up Book 25 in the Tearoom Mysteries, Tea and Promises, the final book of the series.
Where else can readers find you online?
Website
Twitter: @SusanPageDavis
Sign up for my occasional newsletter at https://madmimi.com/signups/118177/join
The book can be purchased online via the following button:
Finally, what question would you like to ask my readers?
Janet and Kurt try to help a neighbor and a coworker who are abrasive and have relationship issues. What have you done, or what could you do, to reach out to someone who at times may be difficult to love?
Thank you, Susan, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Susan has offered to give away an signed copy of her novel. To enter, leave a comment and your email below in answer to Susan's question, above. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. Remember that subscribers are entered an additional time in each drawing. The drawing is done by email, so leave your email address, like so: trish[at]trishperry[dot]com.
Many commenters are left out of the drawing because they forget to include a way for me to notify them of their win (their email).
Also readers, I'd love it if you'd connect with me on Facebook. Just click on my name at the right of today's post title.
Remember, if you'd like information on additional new releases, check out Christian Book Heaven, a new email newsletter for Christian book deals in whatever genres you select. You can subscribe here: ChristianBookHeaven
Annoying legal disclaimer: drawings void where prohibited; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. See full disclaimer, as well as my Disclosure of Material Connection HERE
21 comments:
Great to be back, Trish! Thanks for hosting me.
I Enjoy reading mysteries. They are a great change from the constant romance that I usually read.
Lillian Crouse crouselillian@hotmail.com
I'm sure this is another great book by Susan! I love this answer: "I can do things I never expected to be able to do, so long as God is in it." I have a relative who is often difficult, and I have found the best thing I can do is pray. The next best thing is to not get offended by her, and continue to forgive her, choosing to choose my battles & praying for God's guidance about what is really necessary and what I can just overlook. Then I look for little ways to show her love, like a kind word or unexpected gift. Spending time with her is a struggle, but it becomes an important struggle, bathed in prayer, to show her God's love.
Another winning book from Susan...Yay! For people that seem distant or unfeeling, I try to be very friendly with them. Usually, they are start to warm up. mauback55 at gmail dot com
Lillian, I have a feeling you will like this book.
Becky, you said a mouthful! Those we love are often the hardest to keep peace with. Choosing not to be offended is so hard, but so worthwhile! I started watching the new season on Call the Midwife on PBS last night, and the new character, the girl from Jamaica, is going through this and choosing not to let people's hurtful comments offend her. That must be so hard for her to do on the job, but she is there to serve and she does a beautiful job of it. Prayer seems so simple, but it is so important as we face these hard times.
Melanie, thank you! Glad to see you here. And yes, sometimes it takes a while for the people to warm up, but if we are persistent and gentle, it usually works eventually. Blessings to all of you ladies as you build relationships!
Sadly words can hurt more than physical blows and physical heals but words can never be forgotten. Prayer, forgiveness and the person’s circumstances remembered are ways I can move on. Love with the love of Christ!
Happy Easter All!
tumcsec(at)gmail(dot)com
I enjoyed your interview and Christian Romantic Suspense is my favorite genre'. I love almost anything with suspense and mystery, throw in a little romance and I don't care if its historical or contemporary - I will enjoy it.
Tough question to answer. I have a few family members who are difficult to deal with at times. One or two are difficult more often than not. I try to be positive around them and offer helpful advice when it seems they are seeking it. At other times, my best option is to get away from them before I get pulled into a downward spiraling conversation. When paid professionals have been unable to bring about positive change, my chances are slim. grandaddya[at]Comcast[dot]net
Gail H., you are so right! We need to remember this when we're around difficult people.
Pat, thank you. This book has "a little romance," but it's not the main point of the story. I think you'll like it.
Edward, good to see you here. Good point--if we can't get into that "unoffended" mode, it maybe be best to put some space between you and that person for a while. I understand what you are saying, and sometimes we can get along better and communicate more deeply with a person if it's done long-distance. Take those relationships in small doses if you can, Edward. And try to make each contact loving and meaningful. Blessings!
Oops, I need an editor. It may be best...
It's not always easy to bear this in mind in the midst of dealing with a difficult person, but I try to prepare myself ahead of time, so that I can remember there's a reason that person behaves that way. Sometimes it's chronic behavior, so they've probably had something very sad or hard in their past which has caused them to mistrust others. And sometimes it's just the moment--the moment after something stressful, infuriating, or soul-crushing has happened, and the person hasn't recovered from it yet. I've been there, lol.
Mirroring Christ can be a challenge! I know I forget all about doing that sometimes.
Lots of insight in that, Trish! Thanks for your thoughts on this. It does often help to remember where this person is coming from.
I would put some prayer into the situation before I visit a loved one who is difficult. It is very frustrating when you have to work around these types of people. I used to pray a lot and try not to lose my temper. Try to be on the upbeat side and do my job. Thanks
Christian romantic suspense is my favorite type book to read. When I don't know what to say to someone I just give them a smile.
lhanberry1(at)gmail(dot)com
Prayer is so important, Paula! I do wonder if the people I find difficult find me difficult as well. And Linda, a smile can be very powerful. Thanks, ladies!
Susan--I loved this interview and your description of BREAKING NEWS has me totally hooked. Sometimes what I perceive as "difficult" is actually just "different." A professional I am acquainted with via an internet group is sometimes offensive and often tiresome in posts--I suspect an undiagnosed autism spectrum disorder. Even when I want to respond that she's asked for the same advice for the zillionth time, I simply listen and tell her I'm praying. (And I do pray.) Likewise, I have an adult sister with low cognitive abilities--she's full of street-smarts and lives alone, but I take care of all paperwork and major decisions for her. There are times she drives me bonkers (as much as I love her). It's like long-distance parenting a 55 year-old rebellious teen. But I have to step back and remember that she's not trying to be difficult. She's just being as God created her. My job is to love unconditionally.
Vie, my heart is with you. I have a close relative on the spectrum. Sometimes this person is such a joy to be around, and sometimes not so much. You just go on loving and praying and doing what you can. Thank you for sharing. I know we ALL have difficult relationships. Sometimes it feels as though we're alone with it, but we're not! Hugs!
Sometimes the only thing I can do when dealing with an abrasive personality and to take a deep breath and pray to keep my attitude loving. Breaking News sounds interesting. Thanks for the interview and the giveaway!
momrain(AT)aol(DOT)com
Your new book sounds wonderful, Susan! This was a great interview!
I am convicted by your question because too often, I don't try to reconcile two parties even if I understand what's happening underneath. I do try to point out the opposing view if I can do it in a way that doesn't betray any confidences, but I'm not sure if reconciliation is my goal. Food for thought!!!
I love Susan's books! Thank you for the wonderful interview and the chance to win a copy.
I try to see that person as the Lord sees them. Through His grace I am working through this issue.
psalm103and138atgmaildotcom
If it’s not too late. I forgot my email: paulams49ATsbcglobalDOTnet
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