In The Lovechild, Makaeli Hunt, a successful fashion designer, has been driven far away from home by her family’s dysfunction. While living in Italy, trying to heal the wounds of yesterday, ambition becomes her comforter. When a family emergency forces her to return to her home, in seven life altering days, amidst memories of a tumultuous past,will one revealed secret drive her away from her family and God forever? Or will she discover what it means to be God’s lovechild?
Dealing with issues of racism, depression, self-esteem, drug addiction, mental illness, verbal and physical abuse,The Lovechild is a story of redemption and re-dedication, confirming our victory in Jesus Christ.
Marrying a handsome, wealthy lawyer and living in a Hollywood Hills mansion...it's a dream come true for twenty-four-year-old Jana, from the moment Lawrence Collins swept her off her feet and into his luxurious world. True, she put her studies at a local Bible college on hold in order to wed after a six-month whirlwind romance. Beautiful and vivacious, with a stunning body, Jana knows men like Lawrence don't come along every day, and she vows to be a perfect companion -- the ideal wife -- to this sexy, powerful man. But at what price?
From her wardrobe and hairstyle to her friends and her choice of church, Lawrence seems to want to change Jana into someone she's not...and soon, the man Jana thought she knew will test her values and her faith with a shocking revelation that goes against everything she believes. How far will Jana be willing to go to keep the man she loves? With her "ideal" marriage falling apart, Jana -- the real, modest, smart, and strong girl who knows what she stands for -- must put her trust in God, and follow His guiding light out of the darkness of a broken relationship.
A Review of the novel by Rhonda McKnight
I’ve been a Jacquelin Thomas fan since the beginning of her career. My very favorites have always been Singsation and A Change Is Gonna Come and more recently Redemption. Just when you think an author couldn't write a better story, couldn't possibly tug at your emotions more than they already have...they do it. The Ideal Wife was not a book I thought I'd enjoy. The title suggested a woman working hard at being the perfect Biblical wife and that's been done a million times over in Christian publishing. What I didn't fathom was the criteria for "ideal" in this novel. Without giving it away, being "the ideal wife" had a whole lot to do with a room in the house that was no where near the kitchen or an ironing board. This story took us into the bedroom - you guessed it, the marriage bed and what tangled sheets they were.
Ms. Thomas kept me in suspense with on the edge of the seat conflict and lots of "No he didn't" moments. I loved not knowing where this story was going. There were surprises around every corner, interesting characters and good, snappy dialogue.
I also applaud her for dealing with this taboo subject, while bringing home several spiritual messages, one of the most resounding being that "we" need to be careful to not let others twist the meaning of the scriptures.
About the Author
Jacquelin Thomas is the national bestselling and award-winning author whose many adult novels include Defining Moments, Saved in the City, Soul Journey, A Change Is Gonna Come, The Prodigal Husband, and Singsation. Her short fiction is featured in the Pocket Books anthology Have a Little Faith. A driving force in the world of Christian fiction, she is the founder and producer of the annual Faith-Based Arts Conference, an event showcasing authors in the field.
Today I welcome a multi-published author, Pat G'Orge-Walker to the spotlight at Urban Christian Fiction Today. I met Pat at the Faith and Fiction Retreat this past summer in Orlando. After hearing her publication journey, I knew I had to share this sister's work with the world. I also became intrigued with her new novel, Somebody's Sinning In My Bed. It did not disappoint.
Pat, please introduce yourself to my readers.I’m an Essence Best Selling Author published by Kensington/Dafina Books, recipient of the 2007 AALBS Humor Award, 2004/2005 American Gospel Award; 2000 Gold Pen, and 2003 Elmont Woman of Distinction, as well as other awards exhibited on my website. I am also Pat G’Orge-Walker known to many as Christian Comedienne Sister Betty. I’ve had several careers which include singing with the legendary Arlene Smith & the Chantels, acting and writing screenplays and plays. I’ve also worked promotions for Epic, Columbia and Def Jam Records. I am also a wife, mother of three, grandmother of fourteen and great grandmother of five. I’m also in the process of deciding what I want to be when I grow up J
Tell us about your latest release Somebody’s Sinning In My Bed. My latest novel is Somebody’s Sinning In My Bed. This story is based upon the Biblical story from St. John 8: 3-11; a woman caught in the very act of adultery. It was church folks that dragged her from that bed and attempted to stone her. I placed her in the twenty-first century and dragged the man into the fray. Why should he get away with it? The reader will hopefully learn that when you are forgiven by God there’s no need for a second opinion. And one should never think lesser of themselves than God does.
You have several other novels. Share a little about them. Is Somebody’s Sinning a sequel to either one? My first novel published by a major publisher was “Sister Betty! God’s Calling You, Again.” Sister Betty hasn't been the same since God called her on the phone back in '84. A devoted member of Ain't Nobody Right But Us—All Others Goin' to Hell Church, she's always looking after the welfare of her fellow congregants. It's a big job, considering they're none too good at looking after themselves—or each other.
“Mother Eternal Ann Everlastin’s Dead”… Sister Betty barely has a minute to sit and fan herself before she's off on another "Mission from God." Her friend Mother Eternal Ann Everlastin' has dropped dead on her seventy-first birthday from an overdose of York Peppermint Pattie, and it's up to Sister Betty to see to her final wishes, namely, traveling to a Baltimore religious conference to deliver three one-million dollar checks to three different mega-church pastors.
“Cruisin’ On Desperation”…The ladies of the Oh Lawd, Why Am I Still Single singles ministry devise a way to get payback from Lyon Lipps while improving their chances of meeting men at the same time. They're going cruising aboard the aptly named ship, Desperation of the Seas. And they're planning to trick Lyon into sailing along with them by making him the lucky "winner" of a free ticket.
Pat your novels have "scream out loud" humor in them, which I have observed comes naturally for you. Tell us how the funny stuff shows up? When you are a PK(Preacher’s Kid); my mother was a Pentecostal/COGIC Evangelist/pastor. My father was a Baptist preacher/pastor. Combine all the years I’ve spent as an entertainer and as a part of the entertainment industry with my PK upbringing and it was either “humor” or “do time.” On another note, God gave me a sense of humor and I refuse to give it to the devil. J
What do you want readers to take away from a Pat G’Orge-Walker novel? I always want the reader to take away a Bible-based lesson along with the ability to laugh. Laughter is like a good medicine. Ultimately, I want the reader to learn that there’s no honesty in saying you love God, Whom you’ve never seen; and then not loving your fellow man/woman, who you can see.
I asked Pat a few personal questions and she answered as follows:
Favorite scripture: Jeremiah 29:11
Favorite dessert: Lawd, help my gut and hips… but it’s a “deep-deep dish peach cobbler.” I don’t care if it only has two slices of a peach in it as long as it’s got the syrup and the dough…this is so sad L
If you were a crayon in coloring box, which one would you be? I love the color green in all its various shades.
If you could spend one hour with someone living or deceased, who would it be and why? I would definitely love to spend an hour with my mother. I’d want to discuss her non-stop prayer life and whether or not she was/is proud of what I do. And, what does she know or has learned on the other side of the grave that she could share with me. And then, of course, there are things that I’d like to chat about that I’m not about to put in print J
If you had to go to a solitary place and could only take one novel that you didn’t write, what would it be and why? I would love to take the novel “Their Eyes Were Watching God.” There is something inexplicable that happens to me when I read that novel. My imagination and psyche puts me right there on the sidelines of the story. I laugh, I cry, I become angry and I’m exhausted by the end of the novel. My emotions just run amok and I love that. Of course, if I couldn’t find my copy of that novel then the next choice would definitely be “Sugar,” by Bernice McFadden.
What’s next for Pat G’Orge-Walker? I am currently working on my next novel, “Don’t Blame The Devil.” In this novel Deacon Thurgood Pillar returns from “Somebody’s Sinning In My Bed.” It won’t be pretty but it will be funny. J I’m also working on an online Sit-Com. “The chURch Nuttz.” It’s the Nuttz family and they’ve started their own church and their tenets, based upon a Bible they’ve purchased from the Dollar Store, get them into all sorts of messes. J And, of course, I’m still out and about performing my One Woman comedy shows.
"Blessed are the children, for they shall inherit the earth."
Need a manual on raising children and having healthy relationships? Refer to the Bible. That's what Deidre Collins' inner spirit is telling her to do now that Andre, her son's father, is back in town after deserting them eight years ago.
At fourteen years old, her son, DeAndre, is struggling with his own issues—peer pressure, problems at school, and figuring out how to navigate his first crush.
When DeAndre gets suspended from school for ten days, Andre sees it as the perfect opportunity to get to know his son—and to get closer to Deidre. Can this couple overcome the past for the sake of their son's future?
The Manual is available where ever books are sold and on Amazon.com and Barnes and Nobles.com
Hello Zaria, introduce yourself to my readers. I am Zaria, a first time Christian fiction author. I am also co-owner and staff writer for an online literary magazine EKG Literary Magazine. We aim to be the pulse of the literary community. I’m also a single parent of a son who is going through the terrible teens.
Your debut Christian Fiction novel, Prodigal sounds like a great story. Tell us about it.Prodigal is about twins sisters, Phoebe and Phylicia, who fall in love with the same man. He is Rev. Gary Morgan, who is married to Phylicia. Early on the readers learn that while he deeply loves Phylicia, Gary shared one night of teen-aged passion with Phoebe. The results of that night resurface when Phoebe moves back to town intent on taking from her sister the man she believes is rightfully hers. It’s full of drama, surprises, and most importantly God’s voice.
Sibling rivalry is always a good source of conflict. What inspired this story?
It began as a re-telling of The Prodigal Son from the Bible. I thought it would be interesting to look at the conflict from a female perspective. Unbeknownst to me God was also dealing with me as I wrote it because of my own sibling rivalry with my sister. There were times that I’d go back and reread my own words and suddenly realize that God was speaking to me. Over the years my sister and I have had a roller coaster relationship that has resulted in physical fights as adults. I know that God was not pleased with either of us. Writing Prodigal helped me realize I couldn’t blame my sister for everything. I needed to look at myself and my own actions. Currently my sister and I get along, but we are not as close as we should be. So God is still dealing with us.
Do you have a favorite twin? I put a little bit of myself into the character of both twins, but Phoebe is by far my favorite. She may be seen by some as the “bad” twin, but I still see the good in her. She’s funny and a lot of fun.
What is the spiritual message you’d like for readers to take away from this story?In Prodigal, several of the characters are called upon to forgive one another for various acts of betrayal. Forgiving someone when they have really done you wrong is one of the most difficult things to do. Even sometimes when we think we’ve forgiven a person that wound is still open and it hurts. I hope that the readers will take this opportunity to search their own hearts for forgiveness of loved ones.
Zaria, aside from both writing for the same publisher you and I have something else in common, we both got “the call” that our books were wanted for publication on the same day. Share a little about your journey to publication?
My first book, Baring It All was published under my birth name Gena Garrison in 2005. It was secular writing. It won Mahogany Media’s best new writer award for 2005, and also Mahogany Media’s Best book club selection for 2005. But God stepped in and told me he did not give me the gift of writing to write secular novels. So I began writing Christian fiction. I queried two publishers. The first totally ignored me and that crushed my ego. But my Mom told me not to give up. Shortly after she passed away my grief wouldn’t allow me to sleep. So I got up and logged onto the internet. That’s when I discovered a new Christian imprint at Urban Books. I sent my manuscript to them the next day and it was accepted. I feel deeply humbled and blessed that I don’t have a stack of rejection letters like a lot of writers.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing or reading or being mom?
One of my favorite past times is internet surfing. I enjoy reading gossip blogs, Wikipedia, or just chatting with people on various social networking sites. The internet has so much information I don’t think even I can read it all. I also love music and singing. I sing with my church Praise team, and my son and I like to harmonize together.
Who are some of your favorite authors?Victoria Christopher Murry, Carl Weber, Virginia Deberry & Donna Grant, Kimberla Lawson Roby, Octavia Butler, and Bebe Moore Campbell just to name a few. They all have different writing styles, but they each have a unique manner of telling a story. I’m a firm believer that there are no new ideas, just new twists on old ones. These authors have mastered the art of the twist.
Share some of your upcoming book events and how can readers get in contact with you?My book release party is coming up on November 14 in my hometown of Greer, SC. Any readers who are nearby are welcome to come and celebrate with me. They can email me at zaria@zariagarrison.com and I’ll be sure to send them an invite with all the details.
Faith Morgan is struggling with her faith. Years of poor communication and neglect leave her doubting that God will ever fix her marriage. When a coworker accuses her husband, Jonah, of the unthinkable, Faith begins to wonder if she really knows him at all, and if it’s truly in God’s will for them to stay married.
Pediatric cardiologist Jonah Morgan is obsessed with one thing: his work. A childhood incident cemented his desire to heal children at any cost, even his family, but now he finds himself at a crossroads in his life. Will he continue to allow the past to haunt him, or find healing and peace in a God he shut out long ago?
Secrets and Lies will be available where ever books are sold on November 24th
Click here for pre-order at Amazon and here to pre-order at Barnes and Noble
On the outside, twelve-year-old Jillian Maxwell is the perfect child. She’s helpful with chores around the house, gets straight As in school, has plans for college, and stays out of trouble. She seems to have everything a girl could want: a big, beautiful new home, an adoring little sister, a mother who cares about her, and an attentive stepfather.
But inside, Jillian harbors a terrible secret. Too frightened to tell, convinced that her friends and loved ones, especially her mother, won’t understand—and worse, will blame her—Jillian endures her pain in silence, believing that things will get better. However, as time passes and her dilemma intensifies, the bright, hardworking girl becomes sullen and disinterested in her studies. Then, just when it seems she’s on the verge of losing everything, Jillian discovers she has more strength than she ever imagined…and the power to change her fate.
Kim Roby tells a poignant story of Jillian Matthews, a young girl struggling to survive sexual abuse at the hands of her stepfather. The character is at the heart of this novel, and the intensity of her emotions drives the story. Readers will weep with Jillian and bear the burden of the pain right along with her.
Roby does an excellent job focusing on all the areas of this problem including the development of shame, guilt and depression; the loss of self-esteem. Through subplots we learn how sexual abuse leads to domestic violence, promiscuity, and other psycho-social behaviors.
A Deep Dark Secret is an insightful, timely and necessary look at a growing problem that hides under the veil of manipulation and secrecy. I hope women and teens everywhere will read this story and begin discussions that will uncover the darkness.
Hi! My name is Monique Miller and I am a Christian Fiction author. I’ve been writing for seven years. Many people have different hobbies or things they like to do to relax. For me writing is my outlet. I love to write and really love creating characters that can give people hope and inspiration.
Tell us about your novel, Redemption Lake.
During an exclusive seven day marriage retreat, secluded in the mountains of North Carolina, three couples gather in last ditch attempts to save their troubled marriages. Can these couples pick up the pieces and move on? Will all be forgiven and forgotten? See what happens when marital secrets are exposed and all hits the fan.
The excerpt on your website is great. I’m really looking forward to getting to know these characters. (Especially Charlotte, LOL). How difficult was it to write about three couples?
The story actually ends with the reader getting to know four couples—the three couples who attend the retreat and Phillip and Shelby Tomlinson from my first two novels. It wasn’t hard creating my characters and giving them their own distinct voice and characteristics, what was hard was trying to make sure the reader wouldn’t get lost as to who’s point of view I was writing about. I ended up doing as Ernest J. Gaines did in A Gathering of Old Men. For the most part I told the story from each person's point of view without jumping back and forth between characters.
I like the idea that the pastor’s marriage is in trouble. Tell us why you decided to “go there” with a pastor having marital trouble.
I think many times people think that the grass is greener on the other side, especially when it comes to people of the cloth and or people who may be well-to-do. The fact is that trouble can knock on anyone’s door, even a pastor’s. The devil is out to steal, kill and destroy. And who more does the devil want to attack than a pastor with people who look towards him (the pastor) for spiritual guidance. If the pastor falls, then so may the faith of his flock.
Do you have a favorite couple in the group?
Okay, I love Phillip and Shelby. But out of the three new couples I’ve introduced, Xavier and Charlotte are my favorite couple in this particular novel. Now my favorite person to write about in this novel was Travis. Travis is as trifling as they come. We always want to see the good in people, but sometimes there isn’t any good to be found.
What is the spiritual takeaway for the novel?
As always I hope my novels provide hope and inspiration. And in addition to that, from this novel, I want to encourage people to seek God’s guidance as they struggle through the problems in their lives.
On a personal note you’ve had some changes in your life. Tell us about that.
Oh my goodness. Can I say that God is good? Let me tell you about mustard seed faith. And let me also tell you to be careful about what you pray to God for because you just might get it. About six months ago I was thinking about going to graduate school. I researched graduate schools that were local and schools online. There were many obstacles to trying to go to school locally, because I work full time and have a child. Then I looked at some online schools, but they cost a great deal and I didn’t want to take out more student loans. So after days of trying to figure out how I could make it work, I finally prayed to God and said, “Lord, I want to go to school and I know you can make a way. You said if I asked You, You would make a way. I am believing in You to make it possible.” And I left it at that.
Two nights later I was online checking my email and saw an advertisement for moms to go to school on a full paid scholarship. I had to write an essay telling why I wanted to go to school. In that essay I said I’d just prayed about going to school. I also said that I believed it was God’s way of making a way for me. I entered the contest and left it at that.
A month later a university called me and told me I had a full paid scholarship to their school! I had to pinch myself. I knew God would make a way without a shadow of doubt. But when I got the phone call, I thought I was dreaming. Now I am in my second quarter of graduate school. God is good!
What are your upcoming promotion plans?
I am in the process of setting up book signings. I am also trying to become as innovative as possible in my promotional plans. Just today alone I sent out over 250 text messages to the people in my phone asking them to assist me in getting the word out. I am trying to think outside of the box and use my time and the reader’s time wisely. I am trying to get a grasp on how the blog tours work and I am sure Rhonda can give me a Blog Tour 101 class.
Thanks again Rhonda and I look forward to reading more about how things turn out with Faith and Jonah in December when your novel Secrets and Lies comes out! I wish you the very best that God has to offer!
You are most welcome Monique. it was a pleasure having you today and I can't wait to get my book. Visit Monqiue's home page for the juicy excerpt by clicking here.
Kim you are an author who perhaps needs no introduction, but tell readers a little about yourself?
I am a New York Times bestselling author of eleven novels, two novellas and have a 14th book being released on January 19, 2010, entitled BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU PRAY FOR. I began my career in 1995 when I wrote my first novel, BEHIND CLOSED DOORS, and after being rejected by a plethora of literary agents and publishers, I started my own business in 1996 and self-published it. I then went on to sell just over 10,000 copies within the first six months of publication and before that, I signed with an agent and major publishing house for my second novel.
I’m a devoted fan, so I know A Deep Dark Secret is a very different novel for you. Tell us about it and what inspired the story?A DEEP DARK SECRET is a story about 12-year-old Jillian Maxwell who is a straight-A student, who does chores without being told and is basically the model child that any parent would be proud to have. But what no one knows, including her mother, is that she is harboring a devastating secret—what know one knows is that her stepfather, a beloved an upstanding deacon in the church, has been sexually molesting her for five years. I was inspired to write this story because while I didn’t experience exactly what Jillian experiences in the book, I do know full well what it is like to have an adult male touch me inappropriately when I was between the ages of six and eleven. I have also heard far too many similar stories from other women who were kind enough to share their histories with me.
Did you write the story with teenagers or adults in mind as the readers?Both. I wrote it for teenagers who may be current victims of sexual molestation but are afraid to tell and also for the 39 million adult Americans in this country who are survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
In your estimation or based on the research that you did for the novel, why do you think the secrecy of sexual abuse has so much power? It’s my belief that most children are afraid that no one will believe them if they tell what is happening to them, they sometimes blame themselves, and in many cases their abuser has lied and manipulated them on so many levels that they don’t see any other choice but to live with and deal with this horrible secret all alone.
When I closed A Deep Dark Secret I thought, “This is a very important book”, why is it important for you? It is important because not nearly enough people talk about it, and my hope is that Jillian’s story will bring about much more awareness and conversation, so that victims can finally get the help they need.
You’re writing two books a year now. How difficult is that with promotion?
Yes, this has been very different from when I was writing only one book a year! I don’t really feel that the promotional aspects are difficult, but it is very, very time-consuming. I’ve always been completely hands-on when it comes to marketing my work, but now my efforts have doubled. Interestingly enough, though, the promotion of my novels is something I really do enjoy being involved in daily.
Many authors aspire to make the New York Times Bestseller list, it’s not possible for all, but what are Kim Roby’s key marketing and promotion tools?Communicate with readers online and in person as much as you possibly can twelve months out of every year, build a street address mailing list, an online mailing list, interact and chat with your readers on Facebook regularly as well as on any other social network you might be a member of and do as many public signing and speaking events as you can—locally, regionally and nationally.
If you weren’t an author what would you be? Wow, that’s a good question! I would probably do something in the area of marketing or motivational consulting.
Any plans to tour with this book? What cities might readers find you in?
For A DEEP DARK SECRET, I’ll be visiting Chicago, St. Louis, Kansas City, Schaumburg, IL, Nashville, and Norfolk, VA. Readers can also visit www.kimroby.com for more details and any updates.
Jacquelin Thomas is an award winning, bestselling author with twenty-nine titles in print. Her books have garnered several awards, including two EMMA awards, the Romance In Color Reviewers Award, Readers Choice Award and the Atlanta Choice Award in the Religious & Spiritual category. Jacquelin was a 2005 honoree at the Houston Black Film Festival for the movie adaptation of her novel, Hidden Blessings. She was the first recipient to receive the Writers Achievement Award at the North Carolina Book Festival in Winston-Salem.
Although Jacquelin initially published in the romance genre, she decided to follow the call on her heart to write Christian fiction because she seeks to write books that will touch your heart and uplift your spirits with tales of characters who yearn to have an intimate relationship with God. Committed to writing books that glorify God and her growing teen audience, Jacquelin published the first of her Young Adult Inspirational Fiction series titled Simply Divine in October 2006. Her second book in the series, Divine Confidential was nominated for a 2008 NAACP Image Award. She has since gone on to publish two more books in the series. When asked why she is so passionate about writing teen novels, Thomas shares that teens are confronted with so much—sex, drugs, violence and abuse, physically and mentally. They need to not only listen to what the world says about these things but also to what the Bible says. Jacquelin is a member of the National Writers Union, Romance Writers of America and the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. She is happily married to her best friend and is the proud mother of three children. Jacquelin and her family live in North Carolina.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Jana Collins loves her husband with all her heart. But what if love isn’t enough?
Marrying a handsome, wealthy lawyer and living in a Hollywood Hills mansion . . . it’s a dream come true for twenty-four-year-old Jana, from the moment Lawrence Collins swept her off her feet and into his luxurious world. True, she put her studies at a local Bible college on hold in order to wed after a six-month whirlwind romance. Beautiful and vivacious, with a stunning body, Jana knows men like Lawrence don’t come along every day, and she vows to be a perfect companion—the ideal wife—to this sexy, powerful man. But at what price?
From her wardrobe and hairstyle to her friends and her choice of church, Lawrence seems to want to change Jana into someone she’s not . . . and soon, the man Jana thought she knew will test her values and her faith with a shocking revelation that goes against everything she believes—how far will Jana be willing to go to keep the man she loves? With her “ideal” marriage falling apart, Jana—the real, modest, smart, and strong girl who knows what she stands for—must put her trust in God, and follow His guiding light out of the darkness of a broken relationship.
Drawing from a moving scripture tale with an insightful message for women today, Jacquelin Thomas delivers a provocative and enlightening new novel.
Pat, please introduce yourself to my readers.I’m an Essence Best Selling Author published by Kensington/Dafina Books, recipient of the 2007 AALBS Humor Award, 2004/2005 American Gospel Award; 2000 Gold Pen, and 2003 Elmont Woman of Distinction, as well as other awards exhibited on my website. I am also Pat G’Orge-Walker known to many as Christian Comedienne Sister Betty. I’ve had several careers which include singing with the legendary Arlene Smith & the Chantels, acting and writing screenplays and plays. I’ve also worked promotions for Epic, Columbia and Def Jam Records. I am also a wife, mother of three, grandmother of fourteen and great grandmother of five. I’m also in the process of deciding what I want to be when I grow up J
Tell us about your latest release Somebody’s Sinning In My Bed. My latest novel is Somebody’s Sinning In My Bed. This story is based upon the Biblical story from St. John 8: 3-11; a woman caught in the very act of adultery. It was church folks that dragged her from that bed and attempted to stone her. I placed her in the twenty-first century and dragged the man into the fray. Why should he get away with it? The reader will hopefully learn that when you are forgiven by God there’s no need for a second opinion. And one should never think lesser of themselves than God does.
The story actually ends with the reader getting to know four couples—the three couples who attend the retreat and Phillip and Shelby Tomlinson from my first two novels. It wasn’t hard creating my characters and giving them their own distinct voice and characteristics, what was hard was trying to make sure the reader wouldn’t get lost as to who’s point of view I was writing about. I ended up doing as Ernest J. Gaines did in A Gathering of Old Men. For the most part I told the story from each person's point of view without jumping back and forth between characters. 
Did you write the story with teenagers or adults in mind as the readers?Both. I wrote it for teenagers who may be current victims of sexual molestation but are afraid to tell and also for the 39 million adult Americans in this country who are survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
Jacquelin is a member of the National Writers Union, Romance Writers of America and the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. She is happily married to her best friend and is the proud mother of three children. Jacquelin and her family live in North Carolina.
