ISLAND OF LAST RESORTS

Dear Readers, I’m thrilled to share this romantic suspense novel with you. Mary Ellis has been a friend for a long time, and I love reading her novels. Each suspense book has a strong plot line with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. This one is a little bit darker than most of them. Being the fourth in a series, many of the characters feel like my real live friends. They pulled me into the story, and I lived it right along with them. And as always there is a happily-ever-after ending. You won’t want to miss this wonderful read.

Welcome back, Mary. Tell us a little about yourself and your background.

I am an author of twenty-six published books, including Amish fiction, historical romance, and romantic suspense. My most recent story, Missing, is a novella which appeared in the Summer of Suspense anthology. My fellow authors and I were thrilled when the book made the USA Today bestseller list. I have a BS in Education and taught middle school for 10 years before I worked in sales and marketing and finally, started writing full-time. I live in Ohio with my husband of many years and my dog.                                                                                                                                                 

How did you become interested in writing?         

It seems like I’ve always been interesting in storytelling, but I became interested in fiction writing from the encouragement of a friend. She was already a published author and loved how I could weave a simple sequence of events into a high-drama tale, complete with the possibility of romance. Once I started writing novels, I can no longer say “hello” in less than a paragraph. Twitter, for me, is out of the question.

                                                                                               

Twitter has doubled the number of letters allowed. Maybe you can now. What compelled you to write a book on this subject?

Islands have always held a special appeal for me. I find them wildly romantic, yet oddly mysterious at the same time. There is an air of danger if no road or causeway connects you to the rest of civilization. So I loved the idea of turning a dream getaway at a luxury mansion into survival of the fittest or bravest for a group of coworkers. People don’t know what they’re capable of until they are put to the test.

                                                                                                                                                           

What is the main theme or point that you want readers to understand from reading your book? Are there any other themes present in the book?    

I believe the major theme of Island of Last Resorts is perseverance. We must not give up in the face of adversity. With God’s help, we never know what we are capable of achieving or enduring.  A secondary theme would be trusting those we love and/or respect.                                                                             

Are there some specific lessons you hope readers will learn and apply to their lives after reading your book?

Never let fear determine the outcome of your daily battles. Each day we are tested, whether small trials like being trapped in traffic for hours, to major battles like a life-changing diagnosis. We must give control of each outcome to God. We can do virtually nothing without His Grace.

                                                                                   

That is the truth. My 2019 has been full of situations where we had to completely rely on Him. And He is able. What makes your book different than any other books similar to yours that are in circulation today?      

I use multiple points of view to tell my story and deepen the mystery because no two people will ever experience a situation in the same way. When up against a wall, people will find a variety of methods to solve their dilemma.    

                                                                                                                                   

I loved that about the book. How does the book intertwine with God’s call on your life and how you are currently serving Him?

I have always found it easier to commune with God while walking the beach or on a path in the forest. There I see His hand in the beauty of nature, and He speaks to me best when I’m alone. So I created a story in which the characters must look deep inside themselves and call upon their faith if they wish to survive this island.                                                                                                                                                                   

Do you have a favorite Scripture verse?

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you: never will I forsake you.’”  (Heb. 13-5 NIV)

                                                                                                             When you are not writing, what do you like to do? Do you have any hobbies?

When I’m not writing I love to read, of course, walk my dog, work in my 3-acre yard, and ride my bike. (anything, but housework…lol) I also love walking on the beach and snorkeling, but I can no longer manage those due to bad arthritis.

Arthritis has limited some of my usual activities, too. As we close, is there anything else you would like to add?

If readers enjoy my humble story half as much as I enjoyed writing this book, I would be overjoyed!

Then let me pour some joy on you. I loved, loved, loved it. Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

Readers may find me at www.maryellis.net or on Facebook at Mary.Ellis.Author.

Thank you, Mary, for sharing this book with my blog readers and me. After reading it myself, I’m eager for them to read this novel.

Readers, here are links to the book.

Island of Last Resorts (Marked for Retribution series) - Hardback
Island of Last Resorts (Marked for Retribution series Book 3) - Kindle

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