THE BREACH - Diane and David Munson - One Free Book

Welcome, Diane and David. How did this book come about? When we began writing The Breach eighteen months ago, the working title was Justice Unmasked. It is our twelfth novel featuring Federal Agent Eva Montanna and her FBI partner, Griff Topping. Although each of our novels stand alone, our readers have watched Eva adjust to life’s events for the past fifteen years as we’ve written about her exciting and dangerous job, and her devotion to her husband Scott and her three kids. In The Breach, we show what happens when Eva is doxed and the challenges she faces in tracking down her enemies. We show Eva, and Griff too, growing in their Christian faith in the age of corruption, cyberhacking, and cell phone texting, all while they are pursuing justice and trying to protect their families. Because we wrote this during the Covid pandemic, we believed readers would be weary of hearing about masks, so we changed the title from Justice Unmasked, to The Breach. It really fits the storyline perfectly, and we are glad we made the change. Jesus stands in the breach!

Tell us about the book’s cover and what makes it unique. The cover draws the reader into Eva’s fight and also into David’s career as an NCIS and DEA Special Agent where he often wore aviator sunglasses. These sunglasses have become a trademark of Federal agents. Can you picture those dark glasses worn by the Presidential Secret Service Agents? The aviator sunglasses on the cover of The Breach are a special touch, reflecting green (the color of money) computer programming code in one lens and “access granted” in the other. The cover features the U.S. Supreme Court building and the American flag because this thriller peels back layers of intrigue involving a Federal court case and judge as Eva and her fellow agents battle hackers gaining access to our government secrets, Eva’s cell phone, and that of her teenage daughter.

Please explain and differentiate between what’s fact and fiction in the book. In our earlier thriller, The Camelot Conspiracy, which sprang from David’s contribution to the investigation of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, we fictionalized the retelling of the events leading up to Lee Harvey Oswald’s involvement in the killing of Kennedy. So, on the last page of Camelot, we listed the events which were true and those we fictionalized. We did the same thing in Stolen Legacy which included the Monuments Men during WWII. Since we write about real cases and David’s experiences as a Federal agent and Diane’s as a Federal prosecutor, our books are all based on real cases and events, but we fictionalize them by changing names, places, and dates. Much of what we write in our latest novel actually happened to us and/or our colleagues, and is still happening today.

How much research did you have to do for this book? Readers might assume because of our legal/justice careers we’re able to write realistic crime stories without much research. But in fact, all twelve of our thrillers have required considerable research. We want readers to have the most authentic experience possible. This new release incorporates research we did while visiting Israel, our experience of living and working in Washington, DC, as well as our travel and research to Amish communities in Berlin, Ohio, and Nappanee, Indiana. Because John Lapp, a new character who enters the life of our main character, Eva Montanna, we researched a new topic. John Lapp is an agricultural college instructor in Ohio and a computer expert too. We delved into organic farming practices, cybercrime, and also life and customs on Amish farms. Eva discovers John was born into an Amish family and that he advises Amish farmers regarding raising organic crops. We consulted with a cybercrime experts, and were blessed by an Amish friend reading through the Amish portions and suggesting changes.

What are some of the most interesting things you found about this subject that you weren’t able to use in the story? When John Lapp visits an Amish farm for the first time in his life to advise Eli Miller how to grow the best possible organic produce, John learns much about the life he would have known had his mother not left him with an urban Christian family to raise due to her terminal illness. We enjoyed our brief venture into Amish life, but because we write thrillers, this aspect needed to blend in seamlessly with the other sub-plots in The Breach. We cut out several farming scenes though they were vivid reminders to David of his grandfather and wonderful times spent as a child on Grandpa’s farm.

What inspired and surprised you while you were writing the book? The time we spent in Israel, and especially in the Galilee region, the land where Jesus lived and spent much of his ministry, inspired and motivated us throughout the writing of this novel. Also, John Lapp’s character took on a life of its own! We had planned to include him in this thriller, but we were surprised by how much he added.

And on a lighter note, this project brought us each an interesting dynamic. As we wrote about John Lapp helping Eli to learn about growing organic food, Diane became more aware of the benefits of eating organic, especially for a woman’s need to avoid GMO’s and milk additives. At the same time, David’s curious mind saw organic foods as a means for unscrupulous business persons to make increased profits on fraudulently-labeled foods. Now it takes us twice as long to shop for groceries, as there are ongoing tugs-of-war between the grocery shelves and our shopping cart.

What do you hope the reader takes away from the story? Our careers were hectic and at times frightening. We saw threats against ourselves, others, and against the safety of our societal underpinning on a regular basis. In our latest thriller, we write about Eva and Griff facing similar challenges as well as Judah, their Israeli Mossad counterpart. We’ve just celebrated Christmas, and we look forward to Easter, which would not have happened but for Christ coming as an infant. Thankfully, because Jesus the Christ came to redeem mankind, He stepped into The Breach, and we know at the end of each day that God is bigger than any threat and He is in control. He is sovereign. What a wonderful God we serve!

What is the next project you’re working on? We wrote The Breach during the recent pandemic, and we praise God for His help and direction. Our future projects are in His hands. While our careers have given us a seemingly endless supply of danger and excitement from which to launch thrillers, we are praying about the next book as several ideas are germinating. May the Holy Spirit water them and make them grow!

What do you do when you have to get away from the story for a while? When we are not writing, David is a fiddler. He finds endless projects on which to fiddle. Meanwhile, Diane loves to read and do Bible studies. Together, in addition to singing in past church musical productions, we both enjoy driving to new country settings and photographing God’s creation.         

Please give us the first page of the book.

“Guilty! Darin Hilton is guilty!” Judge Reginald Ginsburg pronounced the verdict in such a loud voice, his words bounced around the crowded courtroom like a boomerang.  

“The defendant is guilty on all counts!” the judge bellowed again.

 “I think Ginsburg likes saying the word guilty,” FBI Special Agent Griffin Topping whispered to the federal prosecutor sitting beside him. “But not nearly as much as I enjoy hearing it.”

An eerie silence filled the federal courtroom. Finally, the truth seemed to sink in, with the bevy of court watchers coming alive and gasping, “Arghh!” all at once.

A shrill female voice shouted from behind Griff, “Darin, no!”

“Quiet in the courtroom!” Judge Ginsburg commanded. “Or you will be cleared.”

Griff had been the case agent during the swift two-day trial, and was seated at the prosecutor’s table on the other side of the courtroom from Hilton and his defense lawyer. Reporters dashed out to file reports before the noon news. Griff suppressed a smile in the midst of the swirling chaos.

He glanced at Patrick O’Rourke, the Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA), who’d just chalked up another conviction.

 “Ginsburg gave me fits that he might find Hilton not guilty,” Griff confided to Patrick. “I kept track of how many times he ruled for the defense during the trial.”

The way Patrick stared straight ahead without flinching, Griff decided the AUSA expected the guilty verdict all along. Then Patrick surprised him by saying, “Me too.”

Patrick clenched his hands on the table, his knuckles white, which told Griff the guilty verdict also caught the seasoned AUSA off guard. Griff had even shared with his wife over a hurried cup of coffee this morning that he was concerned the judge might let Hilton off. Dawn shone with her usual beacon of encouragement.

Her words, as she’d filled his coffee mug, floated through his mind: Take heart, darling! I’m praying the judge will discern the truth of the evidence and find justice.

Griff’s wife often prayed for him to be safe while doing his dangerous job, and she lived out her faith in the trenches, too. As a federal probation officer, she worked for Judge Ginsburg and other judges in the courthouse to ensure convicted defendants adhered to judicial orders of incarceration and supervision. Dawn would be thrilled to know her prayers were answered.

How can readers find you on the Internet? Our website at http://www.dianeanddavidmunson.com/ contains more information about us, as well as a subscription link for our newsletter, a description of our earlier books, and the option to get autographed copies of each one. For those who want to get an iTunes or Nook version they are available at iTunes, Barnes and Noble, or the Kindle and print version are available at Amazon.com.

Our FaceBook author page is: https://www.facebook.com/Diane-and-David-Munson-143446772367345

Thank you, Diane and David, for once again allowing me to feature one of your wonderful suspense novels with my blog readers. I’m eager to read it, and my husband will red it as well.

Readers, here are links to the book.

https://amzn.to/3pB9NwR - Paperback

https://amzn.to/2WTSyu6 - Kindle

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

NORTH BY STARLIGHT - Diane and David Munson - One Free Boook

Bio: After writing ten suspense novels seasoned with romance, ExFeds, Diane and David Munson have completed their first Romantic Suspense. Responding to fans of their earlier thrillers, North By Starlight offers a romance seasoned with suspense where this spousal duo provides a glimpse into attorney Madison Stone’s exciting legal efforts to save Jordan Star’s Vermont resort from a mysterious and unknown relative, only to find herself entangled with a former as well as a future love interest. It’s been said of Diane and David Munson that “he nailed ‘em…and she jailed ‘em,” because David was an NCIS Special Agent and undercover DEA Special Agent and Diane was a Federal prosecutor. Now these authors of high velocity suspense novels, combine their exciting and dangerous cases into ‘factional fiction’ by changing the names and places. Fans of their earlier ten novels will be pleased with the return of Attorney Maddie Stone (Hero’s Ransom) and other favorite characters from the Munson’s family friendly, stand alone adventures. 

Welcome back, Diane and David. Since you’re being published regularly, what new avenues will your future books take?

Our first ten Christian suspense novels were inspired by our exciting and dangerous careers. They are realistic novels seasoned with touches of romance. In this, our eleventh novel, we launch out into what we describe as inspirational romantic suspense. North by Starlight is still suspenseful, and features attorney Maddie Stone who is assigned to rescue bachelor Jordan Star and his inheritance from a surprise mystery heir. Maddie Stone is the attorney in our fourth novel Hero’s Ransom, where she was so busy helping her client that the reader never learned of her love-starved commitment to the law. We are thrilled this all changes for Maddie in North by Starlight. So we hope readers will enjoy this lighthearted thriller and our foray into inspirational romantic suspense.

I am eager to read this new book. What conferences will you be attending this year? Will you be a speaker at any of them?

This year we will not be attending any conferences as we will be promoting our new release at various churches and other speaking engagement. In the past we have attended and spoke/presented at:

Calvin College’s Festival of Faith and Writing, in Grand Rapids, MI

Breathe Christian Writer’s Conference, in Grand Rapids, MI

Evangelical Church Librarian Conference, in Wheaton, IL

Florida Southern Baptist Librarian Conference, Lakeland, FL

If you were in charge of planning the panel discussion at a writing conference, what topic would the panel cover, and who would you ask to be on the panel, and why?    

Christian books and authors are in a precarious position. As a result, we can’t help thinking the panel would take conferees on a tour of the Book Publishing Cemetery and examine the tombstones of Borders Book Stores, Family Christian Book Stores, STL Christian Book Distributors, and many more.

Panel members would include an unemployed book salesman, an unemployed acquisitions editor, and Coupon Connie who buys all her books on Amazon, but has to buy her Christian greeting cards at Walgreens because the only Christian Book store in her town has closed.

The last panelist would be a hybrid author who survived traditional publishing and is now hiring professional editors, cover and interior designers and publishing his/her own books using CreateSpace and Ingram POD and making four times the amount on each book sold, although not in B&N or Lifeway’s ever shrinking fictions section.

This may sound harsh, but we hear from authors of every stripe nearly every week wondering about the future of Christian publishing. We would want our panel to address innovative ways to reach readers of Christian fiction, using social media, community venues, and churches. Lynn Austin, Teri Blackstock, Brandilyn Collins, Dee Henderson, Joel Rosenberg, and Robert Whitlow would be featured, and we all look forward to hearing about their inspiring stories of their writing and how God is leading them on their future writing path.

Actually, Amazon is no longer publishing through Create Space. They’ve  made KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) with another focus as well. KDPP (Kindle Direct Publishing Print). How important is it to you to be active in writing organizations?

We both feel it is very important to be supportive and to have the support of Christian writers. Early in our writing careers, we both joined American Fiction Writers Conference (ACFW), where we benefited from writing courses. We have attended writing conferences to learn from published authors all that we could about writing. It was through submitting sample manuscripts to acquisition editors that we were encouraged to change our goal of writing historical fiction, to suspense. It was also through submitting our suspense manuscript for Facing Justice to an acquisition editor at a writing conference, that we received our first contract. Having said this, we caution aspiring writers to be sure they have supportive mentors and critique groups where their writing samples are being critiqued by other aspiring authors. We are aware of some aspiring writers who were discouraged from continuing to write. Seek God’s wisdom and direction above all!

That’s very good advice. And it’s why I’ve hosted a writing critique group in my home for over 25 years. Where in the community or your church do you volunteer?

We are active in our large church where we both sing in the choir, which puts on several large events each year, including a Broadway-type Christmas presentation. It is very time consuming and rewarding! Also, we serve in a Bible Fellowship class and in prayer ministry. We sing hymns at a local nursing home with others in our class, where our teacher brings the residents the Gospel message. Our church has a food bank to reach those in need, and we have helped there too. We strive to share the love of Jesus with those in our neighborhood too with different events.

Who are the five people who have made the most impact on your life, and how?       

To keep this answer from being too long as there are two of us, we both are inspired by our parents, all Christians. They raised us to follow Jesus, read the Bible, and to show love to our neighbors. And they instilled in us a love for reading! God blessed us with Godly parents.

If you could write the inscription on your tombstone, what would it be?

“Here lies David Munson who dodged early death, by the believable lies he told (and by the grace of God).” David, as a Federal undercover agent, used false identities, supported by government issued documents as he met with and traveled internationally with criminal gangs, who would have killed him, to avoid prison, if they knew who he really was.

Diane’s tombstone: “Here lies Diane Munson, who ruined her knees praying that David’s lies were believable.”

In truth, we would both want ours to say, “Saved by the Grace of Jesus!”

Tell us about the featured book.

Similar to what you might see in a Hallmark Christmas movie, North by Starlight is the story of young, single, attorney Madison Stone who has recently ended a relationship with attorney Stewart Dunham, who was more interested in riches and travel than was she. Maddie’s boss sends her to Starlight, Vermont, to represent the estate of the late Maynard Star, who built much of the village of Starlight, it’s signature hotel, the Edelweiss Lodge and the ski resort on Star Mountain. Maynard’s only surviving grandson, Jordan Star grew up helping Maynard run the tourist destination, following the death of his parents. Maddie finds the sole heir and bachelor to be quite attractive. They are thrown together as Maddie is expected to ward off a claim by a here-to-fore unknown family member who expects to share the estate with Jordan.

Please share the first page with us.

Attorney Madison Stone’s spirits soared high as the judge announced the ruling in Maddie’s favor. Though she wanted to shout, “Hooray!” she kept her lips sealed tight. The long hours she’d spent advocating for this family had finally paid off.

Judge Cawley tapped a stout gavel against the wooden judicial bench and with authority intoned, “Court is adjourned.”

A winning smile crept across Maddie’s face, and she jumped to her feet so quickly one of her high heels wobbled beneath her. She grabbed the table edge to steady herself.

Relief washed over her. Though this was her ninetieth case, a milestone in her six-year legal career, it wasn’t the win making her feel giddy. Justice being accomplished for a family and their small foster child erased Maddie’s frustration at having to battle nonstop against opposing counsel for the past few months.

She started gathering the hodgepodge of papers spread across the courtroom table, when the foster mother of Maddie’s court-assigned infant client enveloped her in a bear hug.

 “Thank you!” Mrs. Wolsey chirped. “I can keep LeSwana in my home.”

           

Maddie was about to warn the foster mother about attempted visits from the imputed father when Judge Cawley interrupted, “Ms. Stone, I need a word with you.”

Alarm sizzled through Maddie. She sped to the elevated desk unsure what she’d done wrong. Had she made a misstep? It was rare for Judge Cawley to engage in chitchat with attorneys in her courtroom.

 “Your Honor,” Maddie said, setting both hands lightly on the bench. “I’m sure Mrs. Wolsey won’t let us down. She loves baby LeSwana.”

The judge leaned over. As if including Maddie in a conspiracy, she lowered her voice to a bare whisper and said, “When I assigned you to this case, I had no doubt you would pull another rabbit from your giant hat.”

           

“Your Honor, I need to correct the record.” Maddie’s face grew warm at the judge’s praise. “Harry Black is our private investigator. He is the one who found the imputed father’s earlier arrest for child abuse, despite his using an alias.”

“You were the one who asked him to search.” Judge Cawley treated her to a friendly smile. “I knew you wouldn’t quit digging.”            

She patted Maddie’s hand, telling her, “Good job.”

           

Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

https://www.DianeAndDavidMunson.com

Thank you, Diane and David, for sharing this new book with my blog readers and me. I love reading inspirational romantic suspense. So do they.

Readers, here are links to the book.

North by Starlight - Paperback
North by Starlight - Kindle

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:

Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

THE LOOMING STORM - Diane and David Munson - 2 Free Books

Dear Readers, Diane and David are giving a free copy of the print book, which is available to a commenter in the US, and a code for a free audible copy of the book, which is available to a commenter outside the US,

Welcome back, Diane and David. As an author, I know it takes a lot of people to birth each book. Who were the people involved in the birthing of this book, and what were their contributions? 

We call our thrillers “factional fiction” because each one is inspired by real events and our cases in the legal system that we were involved in as a Federal Prosecutor (Diane) and Federal Agent (David). In the The Looming Storm, we draw from people we worked with in the Congress, The White House, and in the Justice Department when we lived and served in Washington D.C. Our latest novel is influenced by a group of drug smugglers who once owned an island in the Florida Keys, where David as an undercover DEA agent was their guest. They remain unnamed, as they were convicted and served time in prison. Our research visit to the Florida Keys led to many themes and scenes in The Looming Storm, a merging of Washington authorities locked in a battle with culprits in the Florida Keys intent on harming our nation.

If you teach or speak. What’s coming up on your calendar?   

When we’re asked to speak at churches and/or civic groups, we often speak about the exciting and dangerous events that occurred during our careers. It’s amazing to remember the examples of God’s intervention and protection. We also do mystery dinners, where we create a scenario to share with diners. Each table receives a clue from us, which when read by the diners, leads the group to discover “who done it,” or as happens in our thrillers, who appears to “have done it.” Often it’s not the obvious culprit. Our next mystery dinner is on February 7, 2017 at North Lake Presbyterian Church, Lady Lake, Florida.

That sounds like fun. If you had to completely start over in another place, where would you move, and why?

We had a lively debate before settling on a favorite spot. In Jackson Hole, Wyoming, we could spend more time roaming the wonderful region, including Yellowstone, which we absolutely love. Could it be one of our next thrillers might be set in the West?

If you could only tell aspiring novelists one thing, what would it be?

It’s actually two things. First is to pray for God’s leading and guidance, which is the most important. Secondly, write from your heart, what you love, and what you are passionate about.

You’ve been asked to be in charge of a celebrity cruise. Who would you ask to take part, and why? (AS in what program, singers, etc. [it doesn’t have to be writing related])

This is a fun question. The program will be inspirational – helping participants to see/find where God is moving in their lives. Number one speaker we’d invite is Franklin Graham as he is doing so much through Samaritan’s Purse to help soldiers, children, and hurting people in the name of Jesus, who is our hope and the hope for all the world. Alex and Stephen Kendrick will be wonderful to hear from as they co-produced such “giant” Christian films as, Facing the Giants and War Room. Many will want to meet Ken Ham, the Christian man who built Noah’s Ark and is following a call on his life to proclaim the truth of the Bible at the Creation Museum. Also, Tony Dungy and his wife Lauren will add much about living for and standing up for Jesus. There will be an author track, with Joel Rosenberg, Robert Whitlow, Terri Blackstock, and Lena Nelson Dooley leading panels about infusing fiction with faith and story.

Music is a must. The Collingsworth Family and Charles Billingsley are favorites. So are Kristian Stanfill, Hillsong, MercyMe, Chris Tomlin, Casting Crowns, Matt Redman, Laurie Story, and Steven Curtis Chapman. Choirs from Prestonwood and Brooklyn Tabernacle will greet us when we all walk onto the ship. As we both sing in the choir at our church, it is such a blessing for us to listen to praise songs and hymns as we write. So, who wants to sign up for this cruise?

I’m honored to be included in your list, and I’d absolutely love the cruise. Tell us about the featured book.

What is our rock in the midst of every storm? In our last book, Embers of Courage, we revealed persecution of Christians in the past and in the present. As tumult continues in the world, the words to the hymn, “The Solid Rock,” kept reverberating in our minds while we plotted The Looming Storm. So did verses in Mark 4:35-41 when Jesus the Christ rebuked a terrific storm on the Sea of Galilee by telling the winds and waves, “Quiet! Be still!” The waters and winds instantly obeyed and became absolutely still. What power Jesus has!

This is the hope we convey in The Looming Storm.

Tomorrow’s headlines leap from the pages when Federal Agent Eva Montanna’s daughter Kaley travels to Eastern Europe on a class trip. Their lives are altered in the blink of an eye. The gutsy federal agent must cling tightly to her faith in God as Eva discovers a menacing threat to harm Eva, husband Scott (the press secretary for the Speaker of the House in D.C.), and their three children. To stop the threat, Eva and Griff Topping, her FBI partner, use every trick to infiltrate a band of Florida smugglers. The agents are shocked when their undercover charade exposes the full measure of the sinister plot.

Secrets are shredded in our tenth stand-alone thriller, and readers may find it surprising how we rip the veil from a labyrinth of covert criminal enterprises. We hope readers will also enjoy lighthearted moments with Eva and family as well as a hint of romance for a new character we introduce, DEA agent Brett Calloway, who is from the south and loves his Harley and his momma’s gumbo. 

Please give us the first page of the book.

Monday began with a burst of turbulence, like many workdays did for Federal Agent Eva Montanna. Her awakening to a boisterous alarm quickly morphed into a hectic struggle to pry three sleepy kids out of bed and brew coffee before Scott left for work. A moment of calm touched her life when at six a.m. she stood on tiptoe to kiss her husband’s cheek.  

      

“Sure you can’t wait for me to fix an egg with your bagel?” Eva stifled a yawn.

    

Scott shook his head, a lock of his brown curly hair falling loose. “I’m needed early on the Hill to fend off the media circus. A new Supreme Court nominee doesn’t happen every day. The Speaker wants to keep pressure on the Senate.”

He winked before stepping into the garage. Eva’s heart overflowed with love as she watched him back the car out of the garage. His job as press secretary to the Speaker of the House kept him plenty busy. So did hers as Federal Agent for Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Eva ran to change into work attire. She flipped the light on to her walk-in closet. The bulb fizzled out in a blinding flash. Not willing to search for a spare or find the ladder, she snatched navy slacks and a white blouse off the rod using her smartphone for light.

Minutes later, she was buttering toast when her youngest son ran in the kitchen.

“Mom, I banged my toe,” Dutch cried.

“Let me see.”

He held up his tiny bare foot. Blood squirted from a gash in his big toe. She rushed to the half-bath and found a bandage to stop the bleeding. Breakfast was hurried and at last, she corralled her children off to school. Eva had a few spare minutes to pull herself together. A quick flick of a brush through her wheat-colored, shoulder-length hair, and a dab of pale gloss to her lips completed her look.

Wait, were those new lines around her eyes?

Oh well. Scott still found her pretty; he’d told her so just yesterday. And life presented issues more important than wrinkles, though when she’d started pursuing criminals, Eva had youthful skin and clear periwinkle eyes. Under the harsh bathroom lights, her face revealed long days and nights of surveillance, car chases and foot chases, and scrapes and bruises from tackling guys bigger than her.

Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

Website: www.DianeAndDavidMunson.com

FaceBook: Diane and David Munson

Thank you, Diane and David, for sharing this new book with us.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
The Looming Storm - paperback
The Looming Storm - Kindle

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

EMBERS OF COURAGE - Diane and David Munson - Free Ebook for Every Reader of this Blog

Dear Readers, the Munson's have offered a free ebook copy of this book to every reader of this blog who will email them. info@dianeanddavidmunson.com So order your copy now.

Welcome back, Diane and David. Why did you become an author?

(Diane) Writing has been in my bones since I was a young girl. In the second grade, a friend and I wrote and staged a play for the neighborhood kids. We made a theater out of cardboard and puppets with string for hair. As a lawyer, representing clients involves telling their story to a judge, the jury, or the opposing side. I enjoy bringing voice to everyday heroes and making their dreams and struggles come alive on paper. In crafting Christian suspense with my husband David, we want to highlight God’s love through Jesus.

(David) Diane asked me to type her first historical fiction, which she’d written by hand onto legal paper. Helping her realize her dream led to publishers wanting Christian suspense written by both of us. It’s been a fun ride taking cases from my career as a federal agent and spinning stories with Diane.

If you weren’t an author, what would be your dream job?

(David) I had my dream job before I was an author. Most people want a job that provides satisfaction and that has the respect of others. For twenty-seven years, I was a criminal investigator for the Federal Government. As a Special Agent for NCIS and later DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration), I faced the challenge of outwitting criminals who would take advantage of society. As an undercover agent, I sometimes infiltrated their criminal organizations, recorded their criminal boastings on tiny recorders taped to my body, and traveled with them to foreign countries. There was great satisfaction when these persons were sentenced to prison as the result of my testimony. Not only was it a great career, it also provides endless fodder for our suspense novels.

(Diane) As with David, I had my dream job before I became an author. After practicing as a lawyer, I was appointed by President Reagan to his Justice Department. That assignment gave me the opportunity to interact with the White House and Congress as we worked on policy issues affecting the nation. Then I served as a Federal prosecutor in Washington, DC, bringing to justice those who committed crimes. What more could a girl want? I met such an assortment of people whose identity can be disguised when they’re written into our novels.

If you could have lived at another time in history, what would it be and why?

(Diane) Without a doubt, it would be when Jesus lived. How precious to have known Him, to sit under His teaching and know Him face-to-face. Because of His sacrifice, one day I will bow before His throne!

(David) While the question suggests past history, I am a creature of modern comforts so it’s hard to imagine living in the past. I would like to be alive when the rapture occurs and in the twinkling of an eye, Christ returns for those who’ve put their faith in Him.

What place in the United States have you not visited that you would like to?

(David) The coastal region of Maine.

(Diane) It would be wonderful to tour Alaska and visit God’s creation near Denali. David and I love to go walking and bird watching.

How about a foreign country you hope to visit?

A mission trip to the Amazon River basin, would be great.

What lesson has the Lord taught you recently?

We live in an age of uncertainty more than ever before. Trusting in God is all the more essential. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to trust the Lord with ALL our heart. The emphasis is ours. God has shone us what it means to trust Him completely and not to hold back a portion of our hearts, even a tiny bit. Fear, worry, doubt, can creep in, but He is faithful in every circumstance and is trustworthy.

Tell us about the featured book.

Embers of Courage is the culmination of a fifteen-year effort. Years ago, Diane began writing a novel set in the fifteenth century, including Johann Gutenberg’s printing press and what it was like for her early ancestors in the Netherlands to possess one of the first Bibles. After the terrorist attacks of 9/11, a publisher asked us to write a suspense thriller. Demand for historical fiction was waning at that time. Eight thrillers later, in Embers of Courage we return to Christians being targeted now and in years past.

Federal Agent Eva Montanna is plunged into a daring rescue operation when Egyptian terrorists capture her taskforce partner, NCIS agent Raj Pentu. Eva puts her life in danger to defeat tyrants oppressing Coptic Christians. Meanwhile, her teen-age daughter Kaley faces discrimination in school for her Christian beliefs. Eva’s ancient family Bible, mysterious ashes, and fifteenth century persecution collide, revealing her courage in trying circumstances. The cover design shows that weapons of humans will turn to ash in the power of Jesus’ return and symbolizes how the embers of courage from past martyrs brings strength to us today. Our ninth thriller is the third in which we highlight history (See also: The Camelot Conspiracy and Stolen Legacy).

Please give us the first page of the book.

April in Fairfax County, Virginia

Federal Agent Eva Montanna hadn’t been home from church more than five minutes before her husband Scott and their three kids became glued to the TV. A roar coming from an auto race was so thunderous, it shook the plates she’d set on the dining room table. How could she ever tune out such earsplitting noise?

Her job as a special agent with the Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) was hectic, and often carried over into the weekend. But this Sunday she had off. An idea spun in Eva’s mind as she hustled to the raucous family room.

“Let’s all head to the exhibit for veterans at Patriot Park,” she announced.

It was as if her clan hadn’t heard a word. They were hooting too loudly. Her son Andy tore open a bag of chips and plopped next to Scott, who reached in the bag.

“Thanks, buddy.”

As Scott shoved a fistful of chips in his mouth, Eva left the room to Scott’s cries, “His tire’s goin’ down!”

Eva opened the fridge, noticing a leftover chicken casserole among the purple containers. Her family didn’t act as if they wanted to sit around the table, so she took down five bamboo trays. She would go support the local veterans by herself after lunch. Because of their sacrifice, she and her family could live and worship freely.

Another idea gripped her. She and the kids could help the church youth group place American flags on graves of fallen soldiers. She turned back toward the race zone.

“He hit the wall!” Andy blurted.

At fifteen, he loved all kinds of action. Dutch, their youngest, sat on Scott’s other side, and Kaley, her seventeen-year-old daughter, looked precious wearing a cap from her favorite driver. Eva left them to enjoy their fun time, and sped to the small antique desk in the far corner of the living room. She wrote a quick note to the pastor. On the way back to the kitchen, something sparkling on the mantelpiece caught her eye.

The sun shone through the picture window, its rays brightening an ornate metal container. Eva did a double take. Inside that round container rested a pouch of unexplained ashes. Up until now, she’d blocked those ashes from her memory. How come?

Last summer, she and Grandpa Marty found a deerskin pouch at his farm in Zeeland, Michigan. All he could remember was that his Dutch aunt had given it to him at WWII’s end. Eva had secured the pouch in the container several months ago. The ashes had apparently rested undisturbed for centuries. She now traced the filigree with her finger.

“Who are you?”

I’m sure my readers can hardly wait to find out who it is as well. How can readers find you on the Internet?

Website: http://DianeAndDavidMunson.com

NCIS Critiques and News Blog: http://DianeAndDavidMunson.com/blog

Our Author Page on FB:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Diane-and-David-Munson/143446772367345

Thank you, Diane and David, for sharing this new book with us. Your stories are so authentic, they pull me right into the story.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Embers of Courage - Christianbook.com
Embers of Courage - Amazon
Embers of Courage - Kindle

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

STOLEN LEGACY - Diane and David Munson - One Free Book

Welcome back, Diane and David. I love your new photo. How did you come up with the idea for this story?

Lena, thanks for featuring us and our new thriller, Stolen Legacy, on your popular blog. We are so excited what God has shown us to write about WWII heroes.

The idea has been ten years in the making. I (Diane) first wrote an historical thriller many years ago after studying the genealogy of Christ. Fascinated by the idea of how God knits us together in “His story,” with my husband David’s help, I created Peter Vander Goes, a 15th century judge who helps finance Johann Gutenberg’s printing press and endures persecution because he has one of the first printed Bibles in his language. Publishers liked the manuscript; however, since 9/11 had recently occurred, several suggested that we should write suspense novels. This made sense to us, as we could draw upon our careers in the justice system. So, we decided to write about a 21st century descendent of Peter Vander Goes, Federal Agent Eva Vander Goes Montanna.

Eight novels later, we are circling back to the original idea, as Eva helps Grandpa Marty Vander Goes write his memoirs from WWII. She and her family visit his farm in Zeeland, Michigan, and soon, strange things begin to happen. When Grandpa Marty is threatened, Eva races to stop a relentless enemy, bent on ruining Eva’s family, all because of the 15th century legacy.

This sounds very interesting. If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why?

Oh, what a fun idea! We have always wanted to plan an event involving Christian authors and readers to fellowship over stories, plots, favorite characters, and everything fiction. Let’s plan it together. First, we’ll invite our book club friends who go to Christian bookstores and buy Christian books!

Lena, you must come, and tell everyone what inspired you to write Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico. Perhaps, our party should take place in Golden. What do you think? Pam Meyers will talk about Love Finds You in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. She grew up there and we “love” the Midwest, where we lived for many years. Okay, we can’t leave out Brock and Bodie Thoene. Wait, you say, they write historical and Biblical fiction. Right, that’s what we thought too, until we met Ramona Tucker (OakTara) recently at the Evangelical Church Librarian Association’s (ECLA) Conference near Chicago. We were surprised to see the Thoene’s book, Love Finds You In Lahaina, Hawaii, and have enjoyed it. Traveling to Hawaii was one of our first trips together. The lush scenery makes us think the beautiful islands must be what the Garden of Eden was like.

To round out this party, Robert Whitlow will talk about his newest release, The Living Room. We have been reading Robert since his first novel, The Trial, and so appreciate knowing another lawyer who honors God with his creative side. Finally, the party wouldn’t be complete without us all hearing from Karen Kingsbury. When we’ve appeared at various events, Karen has been there many times. She is so gracious, talented, and committed to her family. She has opened up the whole Christian fiction market in a tremendous way. Her readers, whom we have met all across the country, are just as committed to her writing. Her newest release is Fifteen Minutes.

I would so be on board for that party. Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why?

Lena, you will come and share the journey of your writing historical novels in the McKenna’s Daughters series, including the first Maggie’s Journey, which tells of the trials and triumphs in late 19th century America. We have helped friends deal with adoption issues, and Diane has represented many children through the adoption process.

At the ECLA Conference we mentioned, Lynn Austin inspired us with how God led her to write The Restoration Chronicles, the first in the series being Return To Me. Lynn brings to life the prophet Zechariah and his wife. Then, the Thoene’s are invited again! Their Zion Chronicle and Zion Covenant Series motivated us as husband and wife to begin our writing career and to keep on truckin’ in this ever-changing business.

Christian fiction would not be what it is without Janette Oke and her historical novels, many of which have been made into wonderful family-friendly movies with Michael Landon. She is a dear Christian woman who shines the light of Jesus wherever she goes. Her latest DVD is based on her inspirational book, When Calls the Heart. Michael will fascinate us all about how he has branched out into writing Christian novels. His newest is Traces of Mercy, set in post-Civil War. God brought us together recently at the ICRS event in St. Louis where the two released, When Calls the Heart.

We sense a theme and that continues to be how God weaves His children into beautiful tapestries to bring glory to His name. We strive to do so with our writing. Another author who means much to us is Michael Phillips. Diane first found his work when he edited many of George MacDonald’s novels. Michael also wrote a series about Russia with Judith Pella, which helped fashion our desire to write of God’s faithfulness through fiction. A recent release from Michael is The Treasure of Celtic Triangle, which takes the reader on a journey into history in Scotland and Ireland.

David and I are intrigued by all things Scottish and Irish, with some family roots there from long ago.  

                       

Who will join us in our “Writer and Readers” Party? We hope many of you will delve into our novels and enjoy the adventures we’ve carved from real events in our lives as a former NCIS agent and Federal Prosecutor.

I love all those authors you mentioned, and I’ve met many of them. I'm honored to be included with them. I’d love meeting the others and sharing an evening with avid readers. Many times, people (and other authors) think you have it made with so many books published. What is your most difficult problem with writing at this time in your career?

Our exciting careers provide us with much fodder for plots, so we have never suffered from what some call “writer’s block.” One big challenge is writing in this time when brick and mortar stores are diminishing. Publishing companies are constricting and promoting fewer authors, so we must make more public appearances to keep readers aware of our newest books. We hit the road together, which is a huge plus. So are many wonderful readers we meet along the way. Yet, the constant travel and promotion can interfere with our writing time. We praise Jesus for His companionship on this bumpy and twisting road. He is our Shepherd, our Strong Tower, and Mighty Fortress.

That’s true, and He’s the planner of our writing careers. Tell us about the featured book.

Stolen Legacy tells a story of betrayal and courage inspired by Diane’s father and David’s Uncle who served in WWII. Our heroine is Eva Montanna, the strong Federal Agent who stands up to criminals every day. She appears in our seven other novels that stand alone.

In our latest international thriller, Eva is shocked to uncover secrets from her grandfather’s past that rock her life. When Grandpa Marty is threatened, her faith is tested beyond what she ever imagined. She frantically searches for clues in his WWII journals and unravels a devious scheme involving Dutch Masters. Readers are immersed in the Dutch Resistance and those who stand up to Adolf Hitler and his quest for a “final solution” in eliminating Jewish people from the earth. A recent visit to a holocaust museum brought fresh tears to our eyes. And history came alive for us as we interviewed WWII survivors.

The foundation theme is The Cornerstone, because Christ’s legacy, the price He paid for us, is eternal, and can never be stolen.

Please give us the first page of the book.

This link will lead readers to the book page on our website which has the video trailer and Prologue: http://www.dianeanddavidmunson.com/books/stolen-legacy.shtml

Also, here is the first page of Chapter One:

June - Five years later, Zeeland, Michigan

Federal Agent Eva Montanna tore after the suspect with tremendous speed. Her heart banged against her ribs. She fled across a slippery slope, the reassuring grip of her Glock giving her courage to pursue the woman. No matter how Eva tried, she couldn’t breach the distance. Her prey was escaping with astonishing speed.

Fury rose within Eva. She pulled in extra air, urging her legs to ramp it up and catch the woman. A federal agent couldn’t simply fire at a fleeing felon without cause. Still, if the woman turned and pointed her gun, Eva could shoot. She would shoot.

But what if the woman never quit running?

Eva yelled again, “Federal agent! I said stop!”

The suspect dressed in black sped down the hill. Eva drew nearer. But her foot collided against a rock. She careened onto the wet grass, her body sliding dangerously close to the mountain’s edge. Eva stifled a scream.

The woman turned, raising her gun. Eva’s eyes locked onto the woman’s vivid turquoise-blue eyes. Fear jolted through her. Where was her Glock?

  

A noisy bell rang. Eva’s eyes flew open. Where was she?

To the erratic beating of her heart, she surveyed old-fashioned furniture spread about the room in a hodgepodge fashion. Eva tried shaking off her grogginess. She felt exhausted from working so many hours just to get away on vacation. A colorful watercolor of a woman hung on the living room wall above her. She was lying on a couch. Okay, she was in Grandpa Marty’s house in Zeeland, Michigan. Eva and her family had arrived yesterday for a two-week vacation.

The eerie dream bothered her. She mentally zipped through her past cases, not recognizing anyone with such odd-colored eyes. What about the woman’s gun? Eva had seen one like it—in a WWII museum she’d visited near Washington D.C. It looked much like a German P38. Eva roused herself and stood, convinced neither the woman nor the gun had any bearing on her life.

I can’t wait until my copy gets here so I can continue reading this story. How can readers find you on the Internet?

Because David is a former Special Agent with NCIS, we now write a weekly critique of the NCIS show, which is viewed by nearly 23 million each Tuesday night on CBS. Our NCIS blog is found on our website home page at www.DianeAndDavidMunson.com

Or at www.DianeAndDavidMunson.com/blog

Autographed copies of our book can be purchased from our website and eBook copies are available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and at ChristianBook.com.

Thank you, Diane and David, for the interesting interview. I’ll have to check out your reviews of NCIS. James and I enjoy the shows.

Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Google +, Feedblitz, Facebook, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.

Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

NIGHT FLIGHT - Diane and David Munson - One Free Book

Welcome back, Diane and David. Tell us about your salvation experience.

David’s parents came to know Christ when David was only five. Thereafter, he was taught about Christ in Sunday School. He accepted Christ as his savior, as best he understood at the age of nine. It was as a teen that David better understood Christ’s sacrifice for him personally, and committed his life to living in obedience to God’s commandments.

           

For Diane, growing up in the church with head knowledge of Jesus blossomed into new life when she met her Savior personally in law school. Thank you Jesus, for saving me. Your shed blood is my salvation and You are my Strength and My Shield. Jesus, You are the Hope for the entire world! We love you and want others to know of you through our writing.

You’re planning a writing retreat where you can only have four other authors. Who would they be and why?

Lena, this is a tough question as we have many more than four. But we’ve whittled down the list just for your readers:

Apostle Paul – a lawyer and writer of at least thirteen books of the New Testament (not counting Hebrews). God used Paul in a mighty way to build His Church.

C.S. Lewis – his salvation story and his influence on our culture is tremendous.  

Brock and Bodie Theone – This husband and wife writing team have impacted so many lives with their historical suspense, including ours. We would love to trade stories with them and tell them how much we appreciate their writing.

Grace Livingston Hill – Diane in particular fell in love with Christian fiction while reading Grace’s inspirational fiction. Her writing presents such a clear Gospel message and moved Diane to approach David about writing Christian fiction. The rest is His-story!

Do you have a speaking ministry? If so, tell us about that.

When we are asked to speak, we are eager to tell of God’s faithfulness in supporting and protecting us in our exciting and dangerous jobs. We continue to look for creative ways to proclaim the message of Christ’s love to us. A fun example is when a lady asked us to create a “mystery dinner” for her group at church. We decided to involve the audience in solving a mystery that we wrote and revealed evidence through written clues at each table. That luncheon was such a great success that we now prepare mystery events for churches and other groups. Our testimony of God’s protection during very dangerous assignments and in these tough times is woven through every presentation.

Also, in each thriller we write, we present historical or real events from our careers, such as new evidence in the JFK assassination (The Camelot Conspiracy), the heartbreak of modern slavery (Redeeming Liberty), Chinese espionage (Hero’s Ransom), and Bible prophecy (The Joshua Covenant). These plots make for interesting topics at church groups, libraries, book clubs and writer’s conferences.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you and how did you handle it?

One day before cell phones, we had agreed to meet for lunch. We both went to the correct street corner, but we failed to find each other! After eating alone, we were shocked to discover we misunderstood each other and had waited at different corners in the busy city. Though we chuckle about it now, we were red-faced at the time. Through the years, we have honed our communication and rarely misfire.

People are always telling me that they’d like to write a book someday. I’m sure they do to you, too. What would you tell someone who came up to you and said that?

Yes, Lena, hardly a day goes by when we do not hear from someone who wants to write a book. We encourage the people of God to let Him do the leading. Our lives were written by Him before we were born. Seek Him and trust Him with all your hearts (Prov. 3:5-6)

In our case, when Diane wrote her first historical fiction, she had the hope of someday receiving a contract from a publisher. Realistically though, she was prepared to simply share the finished manuscript with family and friends. Praise God, we received contracts for our suspense and our writing continues full force. For those of you with a story to tell, by all means write it, even if for your family to enjoy. Take a writing class, attend a writer’s conference (where we met our first publisher), read books on writing such as The Plot Thickens by Noah Lukeman and Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King, and keep praying about your goals. God is faithful to complete His good works in us.

Tell us about the featured book.

Our latest release, Night Flight, is fruit from our sixth novel, The Joshua Covenant. In that thriller, CIA agent Bo Rider is assigned to pose as a diplomat at the U.S. embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel. His wife Julia and teens Glenna and Gregg go with him. The kids had so much fun in that book, and we had so much fun writing about them, that we wrote Night Flight. It’s our first novel for Young Adults and adults who are young at heart.

Night Flight is a heartwarming tale of what happens to the Rider family when Bo adopts a mature dog. The teens aren’t happy with their dad’s choice because they wanted a puppy. But when Blaze confronts some scurrilous criminal counterfeiters, Glenna and Gregg discover how special their dog really is. The story soars when they realized that Blaze is a retired law enforcement working dog. With the help of their gutsy grandfather, Glenna and Gregg put Blaze and his trained nose to work solving crimes. They even uncover a way to collect rewards. And the teens have a purpose beyond the adventure: to earn money for a cancer fund when their good friend is stricken with teenage-leukemia. Readers will enjoy Blaze as he surprises us all with a final twist. The entire family learns what Jesus means in commanding us to love our neighbors.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Glenna Rider clutched the wheel of her parents’ van, training her eyes on the dangerous curve ahead. Dad’s erratic breathing made it hard to focus. Gusty wind shoved the van across her lane to the right. Fear stuck in her throat.

“Dad!” she cried. “The wind’s strong. Am I too close to the edge?”

“Nope.” He leaned over to check the speedometer.

“You’re doing fine,” he assured her.

She stole a glance at him in the passenger seat. His voice had sounded calm, but his face seemed tense. Could he be afraid too? This was only her second time driving since she received her learner’s permit. She had overestimated her driving ability in offering to buy groceries for Mom, but it was too late now.

Glenna navigated the curve, chewing her bottom lip. Snow flurries swirled across the windshield. With each wind gust fear bolted through her. Hoping to make it home before the roads became slippery, she turned up the heat. Her eyes locked onto the rearview mirror.

A yellow Hummer roared up behind her, the driver’s beady eyes threatening her to get out of his way. She pressed down on the gas pedal.

“Slow down, Earnhart,” Dad cautioned.

“But a crazy guy is hugging my bumper.”

“That doesn’t matter. The speed limit is for him too. He’ll have to slow down.”

Glenna lifted her foot, easing off the gas. The van slowed and thankfully, the SUV dropped back. Following another sharp curve, Glenna’s eyes flew to the mirror to check the SUV. The yellow beast nearly smacked her bumper. Adrenaline pulsed through her veins.

 

“He’s almost in our backseat!” she cried.

Anger radiated from the man’s eyes. She was frantic to pull off the road. But she had nowhere to go. A dangerous drop-off lurked by the edge of her lane. The shoulder was nothing but a strip of gravel. What should she do?

That’s a really good hook! How can readers find you on the Internet?

We’d love for you to check out our website, which includes our “Two ExFeds New Wrap” blog that we pen each week following the CBS hit show, NCIS. Since David was an NCIS Special Agent and Diane a Federal prosecutor, we critique each week’s show. Click the “blog” tab on our website at http://DianeAndDavidMunson.com. Readers can sign up for our free, quarterly newsletter, where we host contests and keep readers informed of our events. Follow us on Twitter or visit our Face Book Fan Page. Our books are also sold in print at Lifeway and other good Christian stores, as well as e-book versions on Internet sites, including Christian Book Distributors, Barnes and Noble, and Amazon.

Thank you, for introducing this book to us.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Night Flight (Truth Seeker Series) - paperback
Night Flight (Truth Seeker Series) - Kindle


Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

THE JOSHUA COVENANT - Diane and David Munson - 2 Free Books

So glad to have the two of you back on my blog with one of your heart-pounding suspense novels. What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about?

With careers in law and law enforcement, we have lived in the midst of much adversity and trouble. Each one of our “factional” thrillers reveals an aspect of our personal faith in Christ Jesus. We have explored how Eva Montanna, a federal Special Agent and believer, dealt with the death of her sister on 9/11. As Eva’s faith falters, God gives her a new beginning as she tracks down the masterminds who fund terrorism. This feisty and courageous agent learns to rely on God. Also in Facing Justice, another character faces his failures and learns to trust in Jesus.

Our subsequent novels examine the beauty of forgiveness and how we as believers can show the love of Jesus to friends and family (Confirming Justice); how God sends His protection for those who follow Him (The Camelot Conspiracy); reliance on God for all our needs, especially in difficult circumstances (Hero’s Ransom); and how a believer’s firm insistence that she cannot marry a non-believer brings him to a place where he discovers the liberty in Jesus (Redeeming Liberty).

In The Joshua Covenant, readers are immersed in a fast-paced plot as CIA agent Bo Rider is thrust in Israel surrounded by enemies on all sides. We had an intriguing time blending ancient truths from the book of Joshua with modern-day turmoil in the Middle East. God’s promises to His people take center stage.    

What other books of yours are coming out soon?

The Joshua Covenant released on November 11, 2011. Bo Rider CIA is assigned to America’s U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv and in his second week discovers there is a spy leaking secrets. Bo and his family are in for a wild ride.

We so enjoyed bringing Bo’s two children to life in Joshua, that we are expanding our writing to young readers.  It is our prayer to release Night Flight in the fall of 2012. While it is aimed at teens, we hope adults will also enjoy reading about Bo Rider and the adventures of his kids. After they adopt a retired law enforcement dog, the family discovers excitement and what it means to love your neighbor as yourself.   

If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why?

Diane – Franklin Graham, the son of Billy Graham. He is sold out for Jesus with Samaritan’s Purse and is never ashamed of the Gospel. He brings the love and truth of Jesus all around the world, including North Korea, South America, Alaska, and everywhere. If only I could have his vision and drive to save the world. He is in my many prayers.

David – Juan Williams, author and former NPR commentator, now with Fox News. While he and I probably don’t agree on many subjects, I think a conversation with Juan would be civil and stimulating. I would like a chance to be salt and light to him.

What historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why?

David – I would like to interview Judas, the disciple of Jesus, a man who never wrote about his time with Jesus. He was flawed like most of us and betrayed Jesus, but in doing so, he fulfilled God’s plan for Christ’s crucifixion. What would he have to say now? What might he write about his regrets?

  

Diane – A writer whose work has had a tremendous impact on me and my own writing is George MacDonald, the Scottish writer, pastor and poet, from the late 1800’s. His fiction is genius. My faith is stronger after reading his novels, where he weaves in tenets of the Christian faith in exciting plots, and also the genuine love of Christ. If your readers have not read his books, I urge you to check them out, starting with The Curate’s Awakening.  

How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers?

Never give up and keep praying for God’s blessings on the works of your hands. Jeremiah 29:11 says God has a plan for us, a plan to give us hope and a future. Each person is created by God to be unique, with his or her own talents. Diane started writing in the late 1990’s, doing research for an historical fiction. David typed every word she wrote on yellow legal pads. Taking this manuscript to a writer’s conference led to meeting our first publisher and being offered a contract for suspense. The offer came after about eight years of writing, studying the craft of writing, and honing the story. So what we thought was going to happen, didn’t. And God had a better plan for us—to write together stories with a factional twist, using our long careers.

On a final note, nothing is impossible for God.

Tell us about the featured book.

Lena, thanks for the opportunity. In The Joshua Covenant, we blend in David’s days as an NCIS Special Agent and some of Diane’s time as a federal prosecutor. We call our books, “High Velocity Suspense,” but we do not use graphic descriptions. In our latest family-friendly adventure, we ratchet up the intrigue and throw in several surprises as we take readers behind the scenes of espionage in the Middle East.

After years of clandestine spying, CIA agent Bo Rider is posted to the U.S. Embassy in Israel where he is rocked to find a menacing plot against America’s ally. His wife Julia loves being in the ancient land of the Bible and finds her new-found faith in God soaring. She home schools her two children, thirteen-year-old Glenna and eleven-year-old Gregg, bringing them on tours with a Bible scholar. When Bo’s life is threatened by an unknown enemy, he finds help from a surprising person: the same Bible scholar. Plunged into a search for an elusive spy, Bo discovers how God’s covenant to the Jewish people intersects with His prophecy for the end days.

Meanwhile Bo battles sinister forces that challenge not only his loyalty, but also his identity. He faces the greatest threat ever to his career, his family, and his life. (Bo stars in Hero’s Ransom and Redeeming Liberty, but all our books can be read in any order).  In The Joshua Covenant, we give readers a glimpse of tomorrow’s headlines in the Middle East. Although the book is just being released, several events we write about are coming true. Read to the last page for the ultimate thrilling conclusion. 

Please give us the first page of the book.

1

Julia Rider bounced onto the cable car with a smile, her dream of journeying to this old-new land finally coming true. She marveled at the aqua sea rolling against Israel’s northern coast. Suddenly the steepest cable car in the world lurched and she rocketed down the sharp cliffs.

Panic erupted, crawling up her throat. How could she remain calm in front of her children? Though Gregg and Glenna giggled at the fast approaching water, Julia tried to steel herself. Strong winds jolting the cable car roiled her stomach. She squeezed her eyes shut.

“At the bottom, I’m searching for gold coins,” Gregg shouted over roaring winds.

Julia gripped the middle railing, wishing she hadn’t listened to Clara Cohen. The Ambassador’s wife had coaxed her and the kids to join the last-second tour with other embassy wives to the towering Rosh ha-Nikra and the grottos. Her husband, Bo, toiled at the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv, completing an urgent project for his new boss, Ambassador Hal Cohen.

Someone shook Julia’s arm and she popped open an eye.

“Mom, look! You’re missing the best part.” Gregg pointed at rugged cliffs zooming by.

            Julia blinked. In her eleven-year-old son’s shining gray eyes she glimpsed a much younger version of Bo. Would he follow his father’s footsteps into the CIA? A shudder ripped through her. Bo lived to take risks and she didn’t want Gregg living in constant jeopardy. At least Bo’s new assignment in the State Department kept him close to home. Well, on most days

.  

            “Cool! Watch those jets diving,” Gregg chirped, his nose plastered against the window.

Julia’s daring glance upwards was rewarded by the sight of a jet swooping dangerously low. She reached for Glenna, and her thirteen-year-old daughter hurtled toward her just as two more fighter jets roared overhead. A moment later a huge explosion and fireball erupted in the sky.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

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Also on our website we feature our new blog entitled, “Two ExFeds News Wrap,”

http://DianeAndDavidMunson.com/blog where we write a weekly posting about the hit TV show, NCIS, and have offer insiders’ comments on law and justice headlines.

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Thank you so much, Diane and David, for dropping by. Our visits are always stimulating. 


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