Writers Read: Romantic Suspense by Sandra Peut
Welcome to our summer Writers Read series (even though I know it is technically spring and some of you are still looking out at lakes covered in ice). Today, I am delighted to welcome Sandra Peut to the blog to talk about romantic suspense. And, she has kindly offered to raffle off her romantic suspense book, Blue Freedom. Read, comment, and enjoy! —Rochelle, the Write Now! Coach
Writers Read: Romantic Suspense by Sandra Peut
Who doesn’t love a good mystery? Add in a dash of romance (as WS Gilbert said, ‘It’s love that makes the world go around’), and you have the perfect recipe for a fast-paced plot that will keep you reading into the night.
Growing up my head was constantly buried within the pages of a book, especially a good mystery – think Nancy Drew, Enid Blyton’s Famous Five or Secret Seven series, Trixie Belden, or the Hardy Boys.
Now as an adult, I like my suspense storylines sweetened with a romantic sub-plot – nothing too racy (no Fifty Shades of Grey here!), but something to provide a perfect balance to the spicy robustness of the more crime- or thriller-based plot elements.
Here are some of my recommendations in the romantic suspense genre (all of them in the inspirational/Christian category, as these are the books I’ve read the most):
The Healer by Dee Henderson
Dee Henderson has written scores of novels in this genre, many of them winning writing awards. I’ve chosen The Healer as the main characters are a psychologist for the Red Cross (and I work in healthcare) and a fireman (everyone loves a fireman hero!).
Brief description: When a flood surges through their community, it swallows up a crime scene, with the murder weapon falling into the hands of a child. Unless trauma psychologist Rachel O’Malley and fire captain Cole Parker can solve a murder still hidden by the floodwaters, another tragedy may soon follow – with Rachel caught in the crossfire.
Double Minds by Terri Blackstock
Terri Blackstock is another prolific, best-selling author in the romantic suspense genre, with a well-deserved spot on my list. I’ve enjoyed many of her books (including the CapeRefuge, Newpointe 911, and Sun Coast Chronicles series), and have recently read her ‘Double Minds’ novel.
Brief description: When struggling singer/songwriter Parker James uncovers high-level corruption in the music industry, on top of being terrorized by a menacing stalker, she really needs a friend – and musician Daniel fits the bill nicely. As the danger escalates, Parker begins to question her dreams, her future, and even her faith.
Cora Villa by Meredith Resce
Lovers of historical fiction will appreciate this romance that examines duty, deceit and desire in 19th century Victoria, from Australian author Meredith Resce. This is the first of Meredith’s novels that I’ve read, prompting me to seek out more of her numerous titles.
Brief description: As a young girl in 19th century Australia, Cora was betrothed to a former neighbour’s son. Now she is grown, Cora is forced to choose between the love of her father and the love of a mysterious stranger – one who is all too secretive about his past…
Solemn Oath by Hannah Alexander
Husband and wife writing duo Cheryl and Mel Hodde have collaborated under the pen name ‘Hannah Alexander’ to write the ‘Sacred Trust’ series of medical romantic suspense novels. ‘Solemn Oath’ is the second book in the series, (the only one I’ve read so far – was able to follow the plot without reading the first book), and I liked its blend of small-town characters, mystery, and romance.
Brief description: ER physician Lukas Bower had escaped city life to settle in a small community in the Ozarks, but a local arsonist is keeping the ER busy. With the increased responsibilities, Lukas finds himself working more and more with Dr. Mercy Richmand. When his feelings for her turn into more than he expected, Lukas faces the most difficult decision of his life.
Best Forgotten by Paula Vince
I really enjoyed this latest award-winning novel from Australian author Paula Vince. She does an excellent job of creating characters the reader cares about, combined with a well-crafted suspense plot.
Brief description: A young man is hit by a car and wakes up in the hospital with no memory of who he is. Once he’s identified and police return him to his family, Courtney discovers he no longer identifies with his past life in a gothic heavy metal band, he has a seriously dysfunctional family, and his supposed girlfriend is strangely distant. Even worse, he can’t shake the feeling that he’s in serious danger…
Book giveaway
Do you like to read romantic suspense novels? Reply in the comments section with your favourite title for a chance to win a copy of my own romantic suspense book, Blue Freedom.
Brief description: Running from a tragic past, Bella accepts a work assignment travelling through the South Pacific and Thailand. But instead of offering an escape, she finds herself and her hunky photographer colleague Jay being trailed by a hit-man – and entangled in the underhanded schemes of their desperate boss. Will Jay survive the attempts on his life, and will Bella find the peace she is searching for?
About the author. Sandra Peut is writer, dietitian, and lover of dark chocolate and good coffee. She manages to fit sporadic writing and blogging sessions around work, a crazy home life (four young children), and strolling along the nearby beach with her better-half. Her first novel, Blue Freedom, received third place in the 2009 Rose & Crown New Novels competition, and was subsequently published by Sunpenny Publishing in 2010. It was also shortlisted for the 2011 Caleb Awards. She has just completed her second manuscript, a Young Adult supernatural romance titled ‘The Guardian’. You can find her online here.
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I grew up on Trixie Belden and Nancy Drew and now Terri Blackstock is one of my favorite authors. Blue Freedom sounds intriguing as well and I may have to check out that Hannah Alexander book you mentioned.