Welcome! Today we have two more book reviews for Tim Eichenbrenner and A. L. Evans. Plus, interviews with both! In this third episode of Book Reviews and Author Q&As, I am reviewing a Christian Medical Suspense and Christian Speculative. Read on for the inside scoop on these wonderful Christian Fiction Authors and their stories. And if you missed the fun in Episode 2, you may want to check that out next.
Book Reviews and Author Q&As:
Book Review for In Search of the Hidden Moon by Tim Eichenbrenner
In Search of the Hidden Moon, a Christian Fiction Suspense novel, is a story of deep, heart-wrenching drama with highs, lows, and a dose of romance and humor sprinkled in for good measure. This story kept me on the edge of my seat with its page-turning adventures. This is a good versus truly evil tale filled with intrigue, mystery, action, adventure, moral dilemmas, tested faith, and childhood trauma, all rolled into one and then some.
The main characters, Gil, Alex, and Luna, are endearing, tenacious, and lovable. Each of their worlds goes topsy-turvy in different ways and their inner strength is tested when they face difficult and, in some cases, life-threatening struggles. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself crying while you read, for this story deals with human trafficking. And though the thought of this depravity may make us sick, hiding from the truth of this wicked practice perpetrated on the most vulnerable in society won’t make it go away.
This book is a compelling and convicting call to action. It may not be a trafficked person you are called to help. But there may be one person who needs someone, and that someone might be you. Or me. I highly recommend In Search of the Hidden Moon. Yes, it’s entertaining, but even more than that, it’s a message that needs to be heard.
Author Q&A with Tim Eichenbrenner
Sandy: What does your writing and research schedule look like?
Tim: Retirement affords me the luxury of writing when I’m inspired to do so. Sometimes, that’s every day, but sometimes I’ll put my laptop down for a week. I do research when I need to (see Question #9).
Sandy: Tell us something about yourself that is non-writing related.
Tim: I love baseball and, when I was fifty, I went to the Detroit Tigers fantasy camp for a week and played baseball with former Tigers and other campers!
Sandy: Why did you decide to write for the Christian fiction market?
Tim: At a time of tragedy in my family’s life, I grew weak in my faith and had to journey back to God. I wanted to share that experience and recovery from my faith lapse, but it was too personal to be non-fiction, so I wrote fiction. Besides, Jack’s journey in my first novel, To Live in the Light, is more interesting than mine!
Sandy: You started your writing career after retiring from your medical practice, but did you do any writing before retirement or earlier in life?
Tim: When I do book events, I often get that question. I joke that for thirty-eight years of medical practice, all I wrote were prescriptions! Honestly, the only writing I’d done was putting together adult Sunday School lessons for years. Of course, that’s non-fiction, but I always embellished the lessons to keep them interesting, and I discovered the joy of creative writing.
Sandy: Does writing Medical Suspense force you to stay current on new medical practices and discoveries?
Tim: So far, no. The medical events I include in my writing are real-life but pretty basic—nothing cutting edge, thus far. The genre, Medical Suspense, for my writing simply means the protagonist, a medical professional, is put into a suspenseful story.
Sandy: What do you like to read for fun?
Tim: The only non-fiction I enjoy is American History and presidential biographies. I mostly read fiction, from thrillers like Baldacci and Grisham to beach reads by Kristin Hannah, Lauren Denton, and others. I particularly enjoy southern writers—Pat Conroy is my all-time favorite.
I read more female authors than male authors as it helps me to learn the female voice—not easy for a man to write!
Sandy: What was the inspiration for In Search of the Hidden Moon?
Tim: I’d read novels by Francine Rivers, Wm. Paul Young, and Charles Martin, all of whom had used Biblical parables as the basis for novels. I thought to myself, “I can do that too!”
Sandy: What was the most enjoyable part of writing In Search of the Hidden Moon?
Tim: As a writer of novels, my most enjoyable experience is simply creating a story that moves nicely and, at heart, teaches us something about faith and how it plays such a huge role in our lives.
Sandy: What was the most challenging aspect of writing In Search of the Hidden Moon?
Tim: Educating myself about the depravity and extent of human trafficking. It required research and reading, as I knew very little about the topic.
Sandy: I found In Search of the Hidden Moon to be a “call to action.” Not necessarily for human trafficking alone, but in a variety of circumstances. Was your intention for this story to inspire others to step out of their comfort zones and pay attention to ways they can be helpful to someone in need?
Tim: Absolutely! Let’s face it, we all live pretty charmed lives, and seldom have to confront the question, “What would it take to leave the comfort of the ninety-nine to go and help the one lost soul (or sheep!)?” That’s a question we should all deliberate.
Sandy: In your research, did you find a trustworthy organization that rescues children from slavery that you would like to encourage our readers to consider supporting?
Tim: Again, absolutely! My rescue team in the novel is patterned after Operation Underground Railroad, a group of former military operatives who’ve dedicated their lives to rescuing folks from dire situations, especially trafficking. Their efforts were brought to life in the movie, “Sound of Freedom,” that starred Jim Caviezel. O.U.R. is well worth anyone’s benevolent dollars!
Book Reviews and Author Q&As
Book Review for Forged in Fire by A. L. Evans
Forged in Fire, the debut novel, by A. L. Evans is a Speculative fiction that drew me in rapidly and kept me intrigued and entertained from beginning to end. This novel is action-packed and intense, with a sweet romance budding amid the turmoil. The unique cast of characters in Forged in Fire made it all the more fun. And the “villains” were evil personified. In fact, this story was a literal battle between good and evil.
The darkness is drawing ever closer, and Elizabeth finds herself under attack. But why? Secrets have kept her in the dark, but can the light within prepare her for what’s ahead? Choices must be made, and preparation for an uncertain future means Elizabeth’s life is about to be turned upside down. And perhaps ended altogether.
Thankfully, Mark comes on the scene and is ready to help Elizabeth find the truth. And he's also prepared to protect her with his life. Will Mark's support and spiritual guidance give Elizabeth the strength she needs to heal from the pain of the past? Can she trust her heart to someone else after the trauma she’s already lived through? What about God? Can she trust him, too?
The secondary characters in this story are as engaging as Mark and Elizabeth, and I hope to see some sequels follow behind Forged in Fire that will share more of their journeys! This book is filled with action, suspense, mystery, and romance, and I highly recommend it even if you aren’t a speculative fiction reader. I admit this is a new genre for me, but I was not disappointed and am looking forward to more from this talented author.
Author Q&A with A. L. Evans (Andrea)
Sandy: What does your writing and research schedule look like?
Andrea: I work a full-time job so any writing or research is done in my free time - evenings or weekends. I have to be careful not to spend all of my free time writing. I still need to carve out time for myself and for my family. Finding balance is still a struggle.
Sandy: Tell us something about yourself that is non-writing related.
Andrea: I’m a cat mom. I never thought I would have a cat because I’ve always wanted a dog, but having a dog doesn’t fit into my daily schedule. And I have found that cats are pretty self-sufficient. Of course, I have a cat with an attitude who is antisocial and hates everyone except for me. And she only tolerates me.
Sandy: Why did you decide to write for the Christian fiction market?
Andrea: That wasn’t my original plan. My plan was to appeal to the general public in order to reach a wider audience and subtly mention or reference God. After all, He is the giver of Light. He can reach anyone by any means. But I felt Holy Spirit say “Speak Jesus”, and I knew exactly what He meant by that. I was not to hold back. The message of Jesus needed to be evident.
Sandy: This is your debut novel. Do you have plans to write another? If so, will it be a sequel to Forged in Fire?
Andrea: I am currently working on the sequel to Forged in Fire, and hope to have it finished by August (fingers crossed). It will be a continuation, and some new characters will be introduced as well. Grace and Sloan both have a story to tell, and we will see more of them in the second book.
Sandy: How long did the process take from the idea to a published book?
Andrea: It took way longer than I thought it would. From start to finish, almost three years. Several times I almost gave up. Those doubts started to creep in, did I really hear from God? What was I thinking trying to write a book? You have no training, you can’t do this. I’m glad I didn’t listen to those voices.
Sandy: Forged in Fire is a Speculative Fiction. Is that your favorite genre to read as well?
Andrea: I’m a fan of books and reading in general. I fell in love with reading as a child, but after having kids of my own reading took a back seat until they were much older. I picked reading up again after they were in high school. My favorite genre would be a good mystery mixed with a little romance, but I will read just about anything.
Sandy: What was the inspiration for Forged in Fire?
Andrea: During my prayer time one morning I felt Holy Spirit tell me it was time to create, and the story started to unfold. I had no idea what all would transpire that day, but I gave God my yes. I started writing with no goal in mind but to be obedient. It was a very challenging three years, but I look back in complete awe of what He did through me. I would write and the story would unfold. Not that it was always that easy. I would have weeks where the words would not come and times where the details would not come together.
So, nothing as grand as a lifelong dream just obedience through prayer.
Sandy: Do you have a favorite character in Forged in Fire?
Andrea: Believe it or not, my favorite character is a side character. It’s a pretty close tie between Grace and Sloan. But I think my favorite would be Sloan. She’s hard and edgy and rightfully so. She will have a book in the future, and I can’t wait to write her story.
Sandy: What was the most challenging part of writing Forged in Fire?
Andrea: The editing! I spent more time editing than I did writing the story. I really struggled with adding the creative details. I had to read and study about creative writing.
Sandy: Who was the most challenging character to write?
Andrea: I would have to say Uncle Devon. It’s difficult to write about a character who loves someone so fiercely but would also hide something so important that it would be life changing if they ever found out. His actions caused so much pain for Elizabeth even though in his mind he was protecting her. More about that will come out in book two.
Sandy: Is there a spiritual lesson you learned while writing Forged in Fire that has stayed with you?
Andrea: I am created in God’s image, and that means I’m creative because He’s creative. He enjoys creating with me, and God loves to do life with me. When I’m struggling to write I have to stop and reorient. I can’t force it or make it happen. He’s had me studying scriptures recently about finding my rest in Him. If I’m struggling then I’m not resting in Him. His yoke is easy. There is joy in being with Him, if that joy is missing then I’m not spending enough quality time with Him.
Wow! Those Q&As were so informative! I hope you enjoyed that as much as me. Don't forget to check out Operation Underground Railroad. They need all the support they can get to rescue those poor lost sheep, financially or through our prayers. And I definitely resonated with Andrea (A. L. Evans) on that last question. The Lord has taught me some of those same lessons.
Come back next time for two more Book Reviews and Author Q&As! Make sure you are subscribed so you don't miss a thing! And remember to like, comment, and share to help me grow!
#ChristianFictionWriter #ChristianFictionAuthor #ChristianHistoricalRomance #ChristianHistoricalRomanceWriter #ChristianBlogger #ChristianReaders #ChristianFictionReaders #BookReviews #AuthorQ&As #AuthorInterviews #BookReview #ChristianSpeculative #ChristianSuspense #TimEichenbrenner #InSearchofTheHiddenMoon #A.L.Evans #ForgedinFire
Comentarios