Tag Archives: Betrayed

What Makes A Hero?

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Everyone love a hero, right? But what makes a hero? I’m sure there are many different ways to define or describe a hero, but I believe a hero is someone who puts themselves out for someone else without any expectation of getting a “reward” whatever it might be.

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In Deception, Patti must unravel the disappearance of her twin sister, in spite of the fact that she feels her sister ruined her life. She chooses to do the right thing. That’s what makes a hero!

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In Betrayed, Maria thinks her nightmare is over until her husband calls–her supposedly dead husband. Terrified for her daughter’s safety, she flees. Then she hears another child is missing. Thinking her “dead” husband could be responsible, she must make a choice to hide or to help. She chooses to do the right thing. That’s what make a hero!

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In Redemption, Jamie puts her own life in danger to help a friend find her missing child in spite of the danger to herself. That’s what makes a hero!

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In real life, we aren’t usually faced with these types of choices but…

We can choose to do the right thing when no one is looking.

We can choose to be kind in the face of another’s anger.

We can choose to do our best in whatever job we find ourselves.

That’s what makes a hero!

What about you–what do you think makes a hero?

UNTIL NEXT TIME…GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!

Coming soon…REDEMPTION

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I’m thrilled (and a little sad) to announce the release of the third and final book in my Sisters by Choice series—REDEMPTION on September 18.  Well, probably last. I do have an idea for a fourth and final book rattling around in my brain, but it’s only an idea at the moment. Who knows if it will grow into a book?

Anyway…back to REDEMPTION.

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Dictionary.com defines redemption as an act of atoning for a fault or a mistake; deliverance or rescue; deliverance from sin; salvation; atonement for guilt.

Wow! As I look at those definitions, I realize REDEMPTION is full of all sorts of redemption. No wonder that’s the title I chose.

The story begins with Patti not understanding why her twin, Jamie, continues to place herself in serious jeopardy time and time again. Jamie doesn’t understand either. Only that she needs to help others if and when she can no matter the danger to herself.

As the writer I know why, and I’ll share the secret with you. And don’t worry—I’m not spilling any secrets that will ruin the book for you!

Jamie is ashamed of things she’s done in her past. As a result she feels God can’t love her the way she is. So she seeks redemption by putting herself in dangerous situations to help other people.

But the redemption part of the story doesn’t stop there. Enrique, the tall, dark, and handsome FBI agent seeks redemption as well. From Jamie.

Then there’s the bartender Jamie meets on her quest to find a friend’s missing child. He’s trying to overcome a lifetime of criminal acts. More redemption.

And then there’s the father of the kidnapped child—who is the kidnapper! Talk about needing redemption.

Like I said, no wonder this book is named REDEMPTION.

To celebrate the release of REDEMPTION, I’m giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card. But wait…there’s more! I always feel bad for the people who enter the contest but don’t win. So I’m also going to pick FIVE more lucky names to win a $5 Amazon Gift Card. Just the right amount to buy REDEMPTION! Just kidding, the winners can use it to buy whatever they wish. Contest ends October 18th!

Leave a comment here and you’ll be entered in the contest! Easy Peasy!

UNTIL NEXT TIME…GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!

Writing Tip Wednesday: EXPLOSIVE ENDINGS

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It’s been a few weeks since I posted writing tips so just as a reminder, I’ve been talking about my sure-fire way to publication: best beginnings + marvelous middles + explosive endings = PUBLICATION! We’ve gone over the first two and today we tackle explosive endings.

One of the keys to creating an explosive ending is to resolve all the story plots, not only the major one. Readers have invested time and emotion in your story. Don’t cheat them by not giving them the resolution they want. It’s not fair to leave them hanging and wondering.  If it’s a series, it’s fine to give a hint to an upcoming story but it’s still important to finish the current story.

For example in my Sisters By Choice series, in BETRAYED there was a main character whose son was kidnapped by his father but it had nothing to do with the story plot. It was simply a fact of the character’s life. But at the end of the story readers just know that Jamie can’t resist helping her new friend.  And that becomes the basis for my about to be released book, REDEMPTION.

In a Christian romantic suspense, there are usually three main areas that need an ending along with any subplots. First we have the suspense plot, then the romantic thread, and finally the spiritual arc.

A famous quote from Mickey Spillane says it all. The first chapter sells the book. The last chapter sells the next book.

Your ending will either give you a satisfied reader who will want to buy your next book and recommend it to others or one who won’t read another book you write—ever. The choice is yours.

Many books actually have two endings—mine usually do. Often the crucial resolution scene (stopping the murderer—rescuing the damsel in distress) happens in the next to the last chapter and the final chapter is used to tie up all the other story lines in a happy little bow. Nothing wrong with that. It’s a good plan.

UNTIL NEXT TIME…GOD BLESS & GOOD READING & HAPPY WRITING!

 

BUSY! BUSY! BUSY!

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Lots going on these days.  So an update is in order.

On the health front, I’m in a holding pattern as I wait for my second brain tumor to be officially declared dead. I’ve been off the steroids for a few months. I still have a few symptoms from them, but it’s getting better every day. More energy and less pain! Both good things!

I’m on a new treatment that will hopefully preserve what hearing I still have in my left ear.  I’m completely deaf in my right ear so it’s important to save what hearing I still have.  I also have severe balance problems that probably won’t go away unless God intervenes with a miracle.

AND I’M ALL FOR A MIRACLE!

On the publishing front, things are great. Even as I struggle with my health, God is blessing me in my writing career.

On Saturday, I submitted a new novel to a major publishing house.  So, I’m holding my breath and would appreciate prayers that the editor likes it. If that’s not enough I have 3 more books scheduled to be published this year. How awesome is that! UNTIL DEATH DO US PART will be out sometime this week and I’ll do a separate post on that one tomorrow.

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Then the first in my new mystery novella series will be released July 18. DEADLY COMMUNICATIONS features a crime-fighting speech pathologist! Have you ever heard of such a thing? Neither had I, but after more than 30 years of being a speech pathologist I thought it was time to meld my two passions together into one great story!

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And the last scheduled book (at least at this time) is REDEMPTION. It’s the third book in my Sisters By Choice Series. Don’t worry, you’ll hear much more about this one as the scheduled date of September 18 gets closer!  And last but not least is my last release, BETRAYED. It’s the second in the Sisters by Choice series so if you haven’t read it yet, you might want to before REDEMPTION is released.

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UNTIL NEXT TIME…GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!

CrossReads Book Blast With Lillian Duncan

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BETRAYED

By Lillian Duncan

About the Book

Witness Protection Program claims they can keep anyone safe if only they follow the rules so Maria follows the rules–every rule. She’s given up everything–her friends, her family, her past, even her name to ensure her daughter has a future.

Reborn as Veronica Minor in the sleepy little town of Sunberry, Ohio, she struggles to rebuild their life amid the beauty of her flower shop. A life where her daughter can have a happy normal childhood. A life where her daughter will never know that her father was a monster.

When a child disappears, Veronica prays it has nothing to do with her past, but what if she’s wrong? Not knowing who to trust, she trusts no one…and that’s her first mistake

LINK to KINDLE | LINK to PAPERBACK

lil2011dLillian Duncan

Stories of faith mingled… with murder & mayhem.

Lillian is a multi-published writer who writes the type of books she loves to read—suspense with a touch of romance. Whether as an educator, a writer, or a speech pathologist, she believes in the power of words to transform lives, especially God’s Word.

To learn more about Lillian and her books, visit: www.lillianduncan.net. She also has a devotional blog at: www.PowerUpWithGod.com as well as her personal blog, Tiaras & Tennis Shoes at www.lillian-duncan.com

Follow Lillian Duncan

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Enter to Win a $50 Amazon Gift Card!

Enter below to enter a $50 amazon gift card, sponsored by author Lillian Duncan!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This book blast is hosted by Crossreads.

We would like to send out a special THANK YOU to all of the CrossReads book blast bloggers!

CELEBRATION!!!

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AND A GIVEAWAY!

To enter the giveaway, simply leave a comment. Winner will be drawn on Feb. 14!

This is a special day for me so I hope you’ll come celebrate the day with me. My eighth book is being released today. BETRAYED is the second in my Sisters by Choice series (DECEPTION was the first.) You might think after seven books, a new release is just one more, not that big of a deal. Wrong! It’s might not be that big of a deal to anyone else, but it is to the writer. If not, they shouldn’t be writing.

But this is even a bigger deal to me.  

I was diagnosed with bilateral brain tumors in 2012. Since then, I’ve had two treatments and all the side effects that go with the treatments. I am not the same person I was on the day I was diagnosed. Chances are I will never be as healthy as I was.  I have permanent balance and hearing issues that aren’t going away–unless God chooses to heal me.

 As we get older many of us will face serious health issues, just as I have and still am. When that happens we can give up or we can keep going on the best we can. Sometimes, adjustments have to be made to the situation, but that’s not the same as giving up. And I have no plans on giving up any time soon!

 So, come celebrate with me today!

 Ever wonder what kind of woman can be married to a terrorist and not know it? 

BETRAYED:  

Witness Protection Program claims they can keep anyone safe if only they follow the rules so Maria follows the rules–every rule. She’s given up everything–her friends, her family, her past, even her name to ensure her daughter has a future.

Reborn as Veronica Minor in the sleepy little town of Sunberry, Ohio, she struggles to rebuild their life amid the beauty of her flower shop. A life where her daughter can have a happy normal childhood. A life where her daughter will never know that her father was a monster.

When a child disappears, Veronica prays it has nothing to do with her past, but what if she’s wrong? Not knowing who to trust, she trusts no one…and that’s her first mistake.

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AMAZON LINK

To celebrate the release of BETRAYED, I’m giving away a virtual gift basket! The virtual gift basket includes: DECEPTION, the first in the Sisters By Choice series as well as a copy of my books, SERENITY SPRINGS, OHIO; DARK ALLEYS; and GEESE MATE FOR LIFE.  Along with the books, a $25 Amazon gift card is included. To enter the contest, simply leave a comment on this post.  To earn an extra entry, share this post on Twitter, FB, or any social media site, then be sure to tell me in the comment that you did.

Winner will be chosen and announced on February 14.

GIVEAWAY OF GOODIES!

AMAZON GIFT CARD–$25

An ecopy of each of my books:

BETRAYED–Maria gave up everything to protect her daughter, but her dead husband just called from the grave!

DECEPTION–When a niece she knows nothing about calls, Patti must unravel the truth of her twin sister’s life and her disappearance.

THE CHRISTMAS STALKING–Country music star, Destiny’s life isn’t all glitz and glamour, someone wants her dead!

PURSUED–Trusting Dylan will either be her best decision or her last!

DARK ALLEYS–Homeless and alone, Tessa witnesses a murder, now he’s after her.

SERENITIY SPRINGS, OHIO–His open and shut case just got complicated.

GEESE MATE FOR LIFE–Jenni wants justice for her murdered husband, but is she willing to die for it?

Books by Other Writers:

GLASS by Suzanne Williams: Andre Garner, up-and-coming glassmaker, thought the trip to the island was worth the risk. He’s been warned the place is full of mystery, and that the old woman living there is peculiar and anything can happen.

Suzanne D. Williams, is a native Floridian, wife, mother, and photographer. She is the author of both nonfiction and fiction books. Her  blog link is at http://suzanne-williams-photography.blogspot.com/

Escape to Big Fork Lake by Mary L. Ball: A Romantic Suspense–Will an inheritance bring happiness or a trap for murder?

Mary L. Ball lives in North Carolina between the wondrous mountains and beautiful beaches. She is a member of ACFW and loves the outdoors. The characters in her novels face real-life problems while learning the true meaning of grace.  Amazon link:   http://buff.ly/1gvDuGM    

 Cleansed by Fire, by James R. Callan: Churches are being torched and a man is killed. One minister is swept into the search for the arsonists. But can he save his own church? Can he save his own life?

James R. Callan has written six mystery/suspense books and four non-fiction books. His latest suspense book is A Ton of Gold (2013). His latest non-fiction book is How to Write Great Dialog (2014).  His website is: www.jamesrcallan.com

The Last Detail by Lisa J Lickel: Hope, love, and loss meld two polar opposite personalities. How long can they keep passion for their ministry and each other after the wedding?

Lisa Lickel is a Wisconsin author, editor, and mentor. She collects dragons and loves to connect with other writers. Visit www.LisaLickel.com. 

Heaven’s Prey by Janet Sketchley: A grieving woman is abducted by a serial killer—and it may be the answer to her prayers. Heaven’s Prey tells the story of a villain’s last chance at redemption and a vulnerable woman’s obedience to pray for her enemy.

Janet Sketchley is a Canadian author who writes about God’s tenacity and how faith applies to real life, through weekly devotionals and Christian living posts on her blog. Learn more about Janet at http://janetsketchley.ca/.

Imagine The Future You by Ada Brownell:  This motivational Bible study will help you discover evidence for faith; how to look and be your best; who can help; choosing a career; and how to avoid hazards, all mingled with true stories that make you smile. Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001KJ2C06

Ada Brownell, a devoted Bible student, has written for Christian publications since age 15 and spent much of her life as a journalist for The Pueblo Chieftain in Colorado.

Journey of Eleven Moons by Bonnie Leon: A successful walrus hunt means Anna and her beloved Kinauquak will soon be joined in marriage. But before they can seal their promise to one another, a tsunami wipes their tribe from the rugged shore—everyone except Anna and her little sister, Iya, who are left alone to face the Alaskan wilderness.

Bonnie Leon is the author of nineteen novels, including the newly released Journey of Eleven Moons.  She and her husband, Greg, live in Southern Oregon.  They have three grown children and seven grandchildren. You can find Bonnie at http://www.bonnieleon.com

DON’T FORGET TO LEAVE A COMMENT TO BE ENTERED IN THE CONTEST!

Thanks,

UNTIL NEXT TIME…God Bless & Good Reading!

COMING SOON–BETRAYED

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BETRAYED by Lillian Duncan (that’s me!)

Witness Protection Program claims they can keep anyone safe if only they follow the rules so Maria follows the rules–every rule. She’s given up everything–her friends, her family, her past, even her name to ensure her daughter has a future.

Reborn as Veronica Minor in the sleepy little town of Sunberry, Ohio, she struggles to rebuild their life amid the beauty of her flower shop. A life where her daughter can have a happy normal childhood. A life where her daughter will never know that her father was a monster.

When a child disappears, Veronica prays it has nothing to do with her past, but what if she’s wrong? Not knowing who to trust, she trusts no one…and that’s her first mistake.

 

My newest book, BETRAYED,  will be released January 10 and I’m so excited about it. If you love romantic suspense, you should enjoy this one. It has plenty of suspense and romance. So as the time approaches, you’ll get to read a bit more about the book plus I have a great giveaway planned. You’ll learn more about that later. So stay tuned for more information.