Gayle Roper and Free Books!

When does being found become safer than remaining lost?

Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the free copy of Ane Mulligan's historical southern women's novel, In High Cotton, is:

rbooth43@...

Congratulations! We'll get your book right out to you. I encourage readers to keep commenting and/or subscribe at right (above my list of books) in order to learn about new releases! U.S. subscribers are entered in the drawings a second time when they comment.

And now let's visit with novelist Gayle Roper, author of the romantic suspense novel, Hide and Seek (December 2019).

Gayle Roper has been in love with story for as long as she can remember, whether reading one or writing one.

She has authored more 60 books over a fifty year career in Christian publishing. She has won the Carol Award, the RITA Award, a Romantic Times Book Report Reviewer’s Choice Award, and finaled repeatedly in the Christys. She has won the Holt Medallion three times and twice her titles have won the Inspirational Readers Choice Award.

Her nonfiction title, A Widow’s Journey, won the Golden Scroll Award as the best nonfiction of the year. Romantic Times Book Report has given her the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Several writers conferences including Mount Hermon CWC, Florida CWC and Greater Philadelphia CWC have cited Gayle for her contributions to the training of writers. She lives in Southeastern Pennsylvania, where she enjoys her family, her friends, and eating out.

Please tell us one random thing we might not know about you.

I love to eat out (which is a companion to the truth that I don’t enjoy cooking).

I hope you're still managing that, despite the lockdown. Here in California, we're only able to enjoy outdoor dining, so the choices are relatively limited!

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Hide and Seek. 

When Ellie runs away to protect her then nine-year-old son, Nick, she never expects to return. When her grandmother is dying, her heart demands she come home, despite the danger.

Gabe, small town police chief and high school football coach, is impressed with Nick’s talent on the gridiron but aware Ellie is keeping secrets. His responsibilities and his growing affection for both Ellie and Nick create massive conflicts.

Joey, Nick’s father, has been looking for Nick ever since Ellie spirited him away. When he finds the boy, his goal is to make Ellie pay.

Ellie’s fear, Nick’s growing independence, Gabe’s questions, and Joey’s vendetta force clashes and confrontations. Each individual must decide whether to continue hiding from past conflicts or seek the freedom and resolution of trusting in God.

What is it about Ellie that will make your readers care about her?

Ellie has made some foolish choices in her life, but she has determined they will not define her. While they force certain limitations, she works hard at reaching beyond them. She’s gutsy and strong. She loves Nick and does everything in her power to keep him safe. She cares for underdogs like Nick’s friend, Kenny, and Avery, the poor little rich girl next door.

When Ellie becomes a Christian, she learns to trust God to redeem not only her soul but her life situation. As she falls in love with Gabe, she can’t believe something this good has happened to her. She will not let Joey ruin what God has provided.

How much prep work do you typically do before you start writing a novel?

This particular novel was almost ten years in the writing. My problem was a good one to have in that I didn’t know enough about the emotional ramifications of abuse. My first editors, both survivors of abuse, laughed at my lack of understanding. I had to read and listen and learn to be able to realistically portray a situation I have not experienced. But this is what we do as writers. We get in the skin of people so we can tell their stories. Just as it takes longer to understand some real people, it takes longer to understand some characters. The struggle is always worthwhile.

How smart of you to use as your first editors people who are survivors of abuse. Experiencing abuse is a unique circumstance (not unique enough, of course), and one that sometimes comes about so insidiously that one can't fake its damage to a victim's emotional makeup.

What is the last novel you read that you would recommend?

I just finished listening to Lynn Austn’s If I Were You. (I’m a huge fan of audio books.) Great concept—a friend assumes the life of a British war bride/widow with the American family she’s never met. Then the story goes back to World War II and the experiences of the two women. The depth of historical detail is woven in so naturally you don’t realize the research Lynn must have done. Well written and fascinating. I’d love to know what you think of the ending.

I love audiobooks too! Because I walk every morning, I always have an audiobook going. I'll have to check into If I Were You. It sounds wonderful.

What are you working on now?

I’m working on my eighth Seaside, NJ, book, SeaChange. I’ve been writing this setting since 2000 in novels, a novella, and a short story. In SeaChange Janine has lost her job and been forced to return home to live, and Ross has had his life upended by events beyond his control. Family and its impact on our lives is an important thread as Janine and Ross learn to trust the Lord even when things don’t go well.

My favorite Seaside character, Clooney, appears with his usual gift that somehow saves the day.

Where else can readers find you online?

I’m on Facebook and have a website, www.gayleroper.com. There are a few A Widow’s Journey segments on Youtube.com that some might find interesting or helpful.

The book can be purchased online via the following button:



Readers, you can read a sample from the book HERE (click on Look Inside)

Finally, Gayle, what question would you like to ask my readers?

What makes you decide to read a specific book if you aren’t familiar with the author?

Thanks, Gayle, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Gayle has offered to give away a free copy of her book. To enter, leave a comment and your email below in answer to her question, above. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. Remember that U.S. 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.

Only United States residents are eligible for the drawing, but anyone can subscribe to the blog posts via the GDPA-compliant Feedblitz box above my list of books, at right.

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.

Annoying legal disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases; drawings void where prohibited; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. See full disclaimer, GDPA notice, and my Disclosure of Material Connection HERE