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STRANDED: A NOVEL
First they had to survive the island … then each other … then their rescuer.
All Marine Corps reservist Jake Chalmers wants is to give his dying wife a last, romantic cruise to the Philippines. Unable to save her in a mass murder aboard ship, he washes ashore an uninhabited jungle island, where he discovers three other survivors. Heartbroken that he failed to save his wife, he is determined not to fail these helpless castaways.
Federal prosecutor Eve Eriksson rescues a young girl and her elderly great-aunt from the same ship. They badly need Jake’s survival skills, but why is he so maddeningly careful? She needs to hurry home to nail a significant career trial. And, please, before Jake learns her secret that she’s responsible for his wife’s death.
Available in digital and print at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OQGJBUY Over 1.300 reviews on Amazon
FORGOTTEN: A NOVEL

It’s frightening to lose your memory. Even scarier is to forget what’s at stake.
Federal prosecutor Eve Eriksson disappears under mysterious circumstances and shows up a year later in a coma. What happened, and where has she been? She can’t remember, and her life is in jeopardy. Four people are hunting her down. Three claim to have been stranded on an island with her. The fourth is her old nemesis, Chicago drug lord Danny Romero, who still wants her dead.
Jake Chalmers is shocked to discover his fiancé is a federal prosecutor. Why did she hide this from him on the island, and who is going to such great lengths to prevent their reunion? If she doesn’t regain her memory, he’ll be thrown into prison for murder.
Available in digital and paperback at https://www.amzn.com/B01N639LXP
TARGETED: A NOVEL
When Lady Justice is targeted, who stands a chance?
Federal Judge Eve Eriksson is aghast when her fiancé agrees to raise the five-year-old grandson of her archenemy, Chicago drug lord Danny Romero. Little does she know that the cost of saying no will be the loss of her reputation, her judgeship, and the safety of three children. Murder sends her fleeing into hiding until justice can prevail. But will it?
When Marine Corps reservist Jake Chalmers makes a commitment, he won’t fall short in executing it—even when it means risking his life to rescue an enemy’s orphaned son for adoption. But does the boy have to put Jake’s wedding plans at risk? Jake’s fiancée has to flee for her life because of the boy. Jake can protect her, but first he must find her—assuming she wants to be found.
Available in digital and paperback at https://www.amzn.com/B082H4HFNX
DUNCE HAT KING: When Life is Pass or Fail
A Memoir
Man was I excited! I was four years old, and I finally got to go to school, just like my four siblings! All the grades, kindergarten through eighth, were together in the same room, and we shared the same teacher.
My desk was right against Teacher’s. How cool was that? I turned around and waved at my siblings. This was a big day. My first day at school! Who else did I know? I wanted to look at everything, hear everything, be a part of everything. And I was going to learn lots of stuff! Or was I?
Before a week had gone by, Teacher marched me up front to a corner next to the blackboard. “Face the wall and don’t turn around,” she commanded. I shrank back as a pointed dunce hat landed on my head. Honestly, I was trying to learn my ABCs, but how could I sit still that long? If I even wiggled, Teacher’s eyes shot to me and she shook her head. My chest snuffed in a sharp breath. I hung my head when I heard my classmates giggle.
Available in digital at https://www.amzn.com/B08ZJT33DN
I love how the female and male perspective were so authentic in this book. I’m curious how the two of you accomplished that so well…must be love.
Thanks for such a wonderfully told story.
Am tickled that you noted this, Cindra! Yes, each of us was sensitive to how the genders were presented. Two examples: Don’s comment to what I’d written about Jake – “Men don’t think like that.” My comment to what Don had written about Eve – “That’s insulting to a woman.” And, yes, 50 years of marriage has contributed a lot of love to the process! 🙂
As a Venetian, I respect and enjoy the differences between the way our minds work and the Martian brains from the male species.
The military trained mind and self-discipline of Jake, tempered with his relationship with God and love of those he cares about, is such a cool combination and one I recognize in my own husband. And I love the realism of Eve’s skeptiicism, needing to feel in charge and being her own-person while not being vulnerable. (Good example of the paradox many women in today’s world find themselves in.)
Ya- I just kinda loved reading this book and I’m having withdrawals for the 4 survivors.
Awww, a big *hug* to you, Cindra, to comfort you until you see them again–in the sequel!
WOW! What a twist to the old ‘ship wrecked’ theme. Great characters and plot.
Thanks, William. We had a ball writing this!
I loved this book. It was so real.
Thank you, Joyce! That is a high compliment, as we worked hard to make our research and our writing achieve this reality for the reader.
Look forward to a sequel,let me know when it is available.
The sequel will be published sometime between the end of the summer and Christmas, Wanda. If you sign up for the newsletter, you will be included in those who get the news first. 🙂
That was a great read! Will the sequel carry on with the same characters?
Yes, Sandy, same characters in the sequel.
IReally enjoyed this when does the sequel come out
Hi, Janice! The sequel will come out sometime in 2016. If you sign up for our newsletter, it will keep you updated on the sequel’s publication date.
im glad i read this book. it was an awesome read.
Thank you, Robert! “Awesome read” is what we’d hoped for!
Great book. When does the sequel become available?
Hi, Donna! The sequel will come out sometime in 2016. If you sign up for our newsletter, it will keep you updated on when the sequel will be published.
LOVED Stranded! The characters were real people, struggling as we all do to reconcile faith, life, love and hardship under extreme conditions that kept me up late reading chapter after chapter. The python attack will keep me away from jungles and even reptile exhibits forever! Bravo!
LOL re the pythons, Karen! Glad you loved the book in spite of the snakes!
I enjoyed this book . The characters were all wonderfully chosen and written.
Thanks, Shelia! It was fun putting on their shoes (or should I say sandals/moccasins?) to tell their stories!
I love this book! A great read that was hard to put down at bedtime! When will the sequel be ready?
Big *hug* for loving our book, Cyndi! The sequel will be ready sometime in 2016. If you sign up for our newsletter, it will keep you informed on when the sequel comes out.
AWESOME ! I really enjoyed this book.
Dancing on clouds, Wanda, because “awesome” is a description we love!
This is a very good book. It kept me on the edge of my seat!!!
Yay, Pat! Edge of the seat is right where you want to be with a suspense novel! 🙂
I loved this book! The only thing I would suggest is that you have a picture of the map in the beginning or near where they are on it. I kept trying to picture it and wished I could see a map. I would love to see a sequel too.
Good idea about the map, Val. Unfortunately, our artist didn’t have it ready until 3 months after the book was published. 😦
Wonderful read. Looking forward to the sequel
Thank you, Marcia! *hug*
Well this was my second time reading this book and it was still as good as the first time. I even got more out of Eve’s story than I remembered. Looking forward to the next one.
Second time? Now, that was a big hug from you to me! Thank you, Deborah!
looking forward to the sequel. That was an intense read. I felt closterfobic when they were in the tunnel. I found it hard to breathe until they got out. My imagination ran wild through the whole book. It was like a movie. I felt the terror and imagined the pain and struggle as the lepord dug into Jakes body. The end was a little fast and a bit unbelievable, especially since it wraped up so quickly and with less detail, but it was still good. I am guessing leaving my email address will allow me to know when the next book comes out even though it wraped up well enough to just end and make up my own sequal in my head. Can’t find the sign up for the newsletter.
Oh yeah, I’d love to have Stranded made into a movie–but it sounds like you did quite well as a producer in your head, Tammy! LOL! The sequel will take up where Stranded ended and tie up some of those lingering questions. The sign-up for the newsletter is in the upper left-hand corner. See it?
Tammy, newsletter sign-up is where it says “Free Subscriptions via Mailchimp.”
Good reading..good writing.
Thanks, Jo! Yep, the two sides of the coin–good reading, good writing! Glad you enjoyed Stranded!
Thank you for such a wonderful book!
Glad you found it a wonderful read, April!
Dear Authors,
Thank you very much for giving us such a wonderful story. The fact that I became sad when the characters were troubled and rejoiced when they were happy, itself shows how I loved the plot. Way to go! I almost always was reading your book; even if I got 10 minutes spare time, I was reading it. It was so captivating.
Big *hug* to you, Raghavendra, for “joining” our characters on the island!
Wonderful read it really had me gripped all the way through looking forward to the sequel
Love that Stranded had that kind of hold on you, Marriette!
I chose this book from reading the description..Giving it my usual trial run of the first couple chapters. Little did I realize what I had stumbled onto. Imagine my surprise when I discovered Christian content and that these were Christian Writers. I simply couldn’t put the book down. Spell bounding from start to finish. Loved, loved the book and especially how it confirmed our relationship with a Loving and forgiving God is never out of reach for anyone who seek Him. So look forward to the continuing story line. May God grant you knowledge and inspiration in your next series…..A new fan, Lethia Fox
Lethia, your “discovery” tickles me to no end! So glad your delight in the Lord magnified your delight in the book!
I agree with everything Lethia Fox wrote. I loved the book and your characters. Many places in the story I had to stop reading because I was so tense about what was going to happen. It was like I was watching a movie and had to cover my eyes because I was afraid of what was happening. My husband had a good laugh. Looking forward to the sequel!!kmgrossman@bright.net
Oh my, Marian, that’s a lot of tension if you had to stop reading for a while! I’m glad you persevered to the end and are ready to keep going with whatever happens in the sequel! *blessings*
Thoroughly enjoyed Stranded! Couldn’t put it down, waiting for rescue! Loved your descriptive language because I could visualize the island etc! Looking forward to the continuing story.
Thanks, Rhea-Marie! It gives me joy that my description helped the island come alive for you! *hug*
What next!? Loved it!
Hi, Tracy! The sequel to Stranded is coming up in 2016, but at this point we don’t have a publication date. We’re excited about it, though!
Thanks, Suzanne! Isn’t it fun when a book creates a movie in your head? Or maybe a reality show, LOL? Big *HUG*!
Read thru the comments and many captured my exact feelings. What I was so amazed at was the use of words to capture us and not want us to stop still we found out the next and the next and the next. It kept drawing me in. It has been a while since I read fiction novel because most of the time i read non fiction Christian so I checked out 2 books and they were boring then #3 was yours. I just started reading and it captured me to the end. My imagination could clearly see the people and the places and the challenges and injuries and the battles between the characters. Thanks so much and I am glad you are making a sequel.
Couldn’t put it down! I am married to a long-suffering man a bit like Jake, and I tend to be hard-headed like Eve, so this spoke to me. Although I’m pretty sure my husband would have boxed my ears for taking the lighter!
Hahahaha,Shannon! Love it!
Such a great book!! I bought it as part of that 5 book set on Amazon. I finished it a few hours ago. I’m so attached to the characters that I can’t even go on to the next book. Went to Amazon to find more of your titles. Nothing! Nothing? Say it isn’t so!! What are you doing reading this? Go write! Please! LOL!! Looking forward to reading more!
Hahaha, you gave me a good laugh, Lisa! The sequel will be coming out in 2016, but as of yet I have no idea when. *hug*
Loved the book! Couldn’t stop reading. I can’t wait till the sequel is released! Have found a new favorite author to add to my list! Will tell everyone to get this book!
You make my heart sing, Kathy! Thank you!
Loved, loved, loved this book. I could not put it down and now I am so excited to read your next book! What an adventure! Thank you!!
Three big *hugs* to you, Nancy, for love, love, loving our book!
Where do I sign up for the newsletter. I don’t see a link for that.
Hi, Marcia! You can sign up for the newsletter in the upper left-handed corner where it says “Free subscription via” … Welcome aboard!
I loved the book and can’t wait for the next one.
Big *HUG* for the love, Linda!
Real page turner from the beginning. Loved the plot and the characters. Hope for more. Can’t wait!!
Thank you, Dave! Hang in there for the sequel!
Oh my. It was hard to put down this book, but I had to go to work, eat, sleep. Wanted more and now I am anxious for the sequel.
LOL, Tonya, it is terrible, isn’t it, when life gets in the way of reading books!
I am sad to have read the last page! I want to know more about the four survivors. I appreciated the realness of their relationship with God and their response to every situation. I look forward to the next chapter in their lives. I can’t wait to receive your newsletter. D
It is sad to say goodbye to beloved book friends, Deborah, but they’ll be back this year to continue their adventures. Stay tuned!
I. CAN. NOT. WAIT! I read this a year or more ago and was just cking to see if the sequel was comming anytime soon! This was truly one of my all time favorite books! And I have read MANY! I’m so excited that it will be this year😁
Big hug to you for waiting so enthusiastically … and patiently!
Really enjoyed your book. Plot was exciting and fresh. Loved the reference s about God and Christian beliefs. Great job looking forward to your next one.
Thanks, Rick! Always so encouraging when readers like the inclusion of God and Christian beliefs!
Would love to read the sequel to this book, since I enjoyed it so much. Also this would make a GREAT movie!!!
We’d love to see it made into a movie too, Jane, but the most we can guarantee is a sequel! Maybe next fall?
I absolutely LOVED this book!!! I couldn’t put it down except for the many times I was so tense from what was about to happen. I’d read a few lines, try to breath, read a few more close my eyes, and read some more. I even snuck the book to the bathroom at work because I had to know what was going to happen next! I can’t wait for the sequel…. It’s sure to be just as amazing!!! This will rank as one of my all time favorites!!!!
LOL, Pam, I love this! I hope you post it on the Amazon link! Big *hug* to you!
Done!!!! I think I need help seeing the link for your newsletter … Can you direct me please? Upper right hand corner but all I see is search??
Sure, Pam. Upper left hand corner where it says Free Subscriptions Via. Glad to have you aboard!
How soon can w e get the sequel
I’m afraid we had a 9-month delay because of difficult circumstances in 2015, but we’re making up for it now and chugging ahead. Best prospect is this summer, worst is Christmas. So sorry! If only we could see the unforeseen! 😦
Just finished ready for the second time. Was worth a revisit.
Seeing life from four perspectives makes you take a another slant on life.m
Thanks, Paul ~ we love it when a reader finds a revisit worthwhile!
I am really looking forward to your second novel of Stranded. Had difficulty putting this novel down long enough to get anything done.
Hee hee, Jane, I get so tickled with comments that the book was hard to put down! Big *hug*! Second novel hopefully will be available at the end of the summer, or Christmas, if worse come to worse!
Just love reading that others loved your book as much as I did and especially appreciate that you answer each on personally. Not many authors do that. It takes a special person to do such a thing.Thank you!
Oh, thank you, April! That is very, very kind of you! We truly enjoy communicating with our readers, and are humbled that so many love our book. Big *hug* to you!
I am anxiously anticipating the second book of this series. Really looking forward to reading!!
Thanks, Jane! Your words of encouragement help me keep moving toward (finally) getting it finished!
Awesome book! I read it on my tablet, but I manage a church library, and less than halfway through decided I needed to order a hard copy for the catalog. When I started looking for more books by the same author, I was shocked to find this was a first novel. Great writing and characters! You should definitely get it on ChristianBook.com to generate more interest and sales. Can’t wait for the sequel!
Thanks, Patty! Your praise is a wonderful reward for our efforts, and we appreciate your putting a hard copy in your church library. Big *HUG*! We’d love to sell it on ChristianBook.com, but they don’t accept self-published books. 😦
Just had to tell you how much I enjoyed this book. I just finished reading it for the second time! I read it some time ago on my Kindle and forgot that. I began it again and couldn’t put it down! Look forward to your next novel!
Oh, Ann, that tickles me not only that you read it a second time but that you still couldn’t put it down! Two big *HUG+HUG* for reading Stranded twice!
Loved the book. Would make a good movie or series.
Hi, Kathy! So glad you love our book! *hug* We’ve received many comments that the book would make a good movie ~ sigh, wouldn’t that be exciting! 🙂
Absolutely spellbinding. Loved this book. I read a lot of Christian fiction and this book was the best yet.
Oh, wow, Mary, that is a wonderful compliment! Great big *HUG* to you!
Our book club is reading this now. Meeting at end of month. I just finished it. The book was great! The last day or so I couldn’t put it down cause I just had to know what was going to happen. Can’t wait to hear what the other ladies have to say. Really enjoyed the story. Thanks!md
I’m so delighted to hear this, Denise! I suspect you already know I have a tab for book club discussion questions to use if you liked. 🙂 Oh, I think I’m as excited as you are! Hugs to all the club members!
We had our book club meeting tonight and everyone one raved about Stranded and we are all are looking forward to the next one. They were doing a bit of speculating on what we will learn in the next book, but decided that we will just have to wait for it to be released. We were all saying how we couldn’t put the book down. The day that I finished it was my laundry day so I would read and then I would have to put it down in order to move the clothes from the washer to the dryer. Thanks for a great reading experience.
LOL, Denise, I’m glad it was laundry day and not cooking going on, or you might have had some disastrous results! So THRILLED your book club group loved Stranded! *Snoopy dancing* If any of you (the more the merrier) would be willing to post a review on Amazon–even a simple “Loved this book!”–you’d make our day! Good reviews are authors’ pats on the back and hugs. 🙂
Loved this book. When will the sequel be out?
Thank you, Denice! The best three words I could hear about Stranded! We’re aiming to have the sequel out by next Fall or Christmas.
I just finished the book. I loved it. So happy to hear there will be a a sequal. When I saw “the end”, I said no I want more. You made the characters so real that I want to know all about their coming home etc.
Big *hug* to you, Janet, for our characters being so real to you! We’re hoping the sequel will be on the market next Fall or Christmas.
When I was signing up for your news letter, I noticed your address. I used to live in Indianapolis, on the west side in Wayne township. Still in Indiana but way up north now. Small world.
And we’ve moved a little bit south, to Greenwood. 🙂
I still get to Indy now and then as I have family there. Greenwood is a great place. Can’t wait for the sequel. Have fun writing it.
What an awesome read! It kept me captivated from the beginning! I loved the adventure & the heart-pumping encounters. I absolutely LOVED how you unfolded each character. Most of all, I loved the reality & different facets of God’s relationship with individuals & how He allows adversity to still show forth His unconditional Love, Grace & Mercy He has for us all! Thank you for a fanatic book! I cannot WAIT until the sequel.
Oh, Michelle, thank you for such a lovely comment! I can’t tell you how encouraging your words are! We’re hoping the sequel will be out by the end of the year. 🙂