Hello readers! If you're like me, this month has been a blur of ups and downs. When my husband flew to Florida for a family funeral, I decided to make it a retreat week for me. I never turned on the television, didn't know what was going on, and didn't care. I needed soul-refreshment.
Once everything quieted, inside and outside, I knew it was time to start writing again. For me, the experience of writing is a bit like hiking up a mountain in thick fog. You can see the path, but only a few feet of it. Ultimately, you have to trust yourself to find the way.
I'm only four thousand words or so into the final book of the The Contract series, but I have a title, The Call for Freedom, and I like where it's headed. So this is good! Like the prior books, it is a political thriller involving international players. My background in theology and counseling really doesn't help much, so I'm constantly researching locations, rivalries, and much more. Our common humanity is at the core of why I write. No matter where we might live, we are family. I try to underscore that truth in my writing.
While on my "retreat" I read the reviews of The Culmination and beamed with gratitude. Today I share three of the reviews, and at another time, I will share others. These reviews are from writers of series. Mae Clair is a master Mystery writer. Jill Weatherholt excels in writing Christian Romance. D.L. Finn's series entices through angels and the paranormal. All three are extraordinary writers, and I highly recommend them. My sincere thank you, Mae, Jill, and Denise. 💗
Once everything quieted, inside and outside, I knew it was time to start writing again. For me, the experience of writing is a bit like hiking up a mountain in thick fog. You can see the path, but only a few feet of it. Ultimately, you have to trust yourself to find the way.
I'm only four thousand words or so into the final book of the The Contract series, but I have a title, The Call for Freedom, and I like where it's headed. So this is good! Like the prior books, it is a political thriller involving international players. My background in theology and counseling really doesn't help much, so I'm constantly researching locations, rivalries, and much more. Our common humanity is at the core of why I write. No matter where we might live, we are family. I try to underscore that truth in my writing.
While on my "retreat" I read the reviews of The Culmination and beamed with gratitude. Today I share three of the reviews, and at another time, I will share others. These reviews are from writers of series. Mae Clair is a master Mystery writer. Jill Weatherholt excels in writing Christian Romance. D.L. Finn's series entices through angels and the paranormal. All three are extraordinary writers, and I highly recommend them. My sincere thank you, Mae, Jill, and Denise. 💗
Excerpt from Mae Clair's Review:
A political thriller, that addresses denuclearization, tensions in the Middle East, and the fate of refugees, much of the story echoes current headlines. The plot is complex involving multiple heads of state, along with the strategical give and take of political maneuvering on a global level. The author clearly put an extensive amount of research into this book, and it shows. Adrenalin-fueled scenes alter with more cerebral moments, and even a few romantic interludes.
I especially loved the evolution of the relationship between the two central characters, Margaret Adler, VP of the United States and Ivan Smirnov, acting President of Russia. During the course of the novel those titles change, and we learn more about each, including richly developed backgrounds. I was thoroughly invested in the difficulties Margaret and Ivan faced, both on personal and political levels. Their scenes together were among my favorites of the book. There’s also a young refugee child who factors into the story and who stole my heart.
I especially loved the evolution of the relationship between the two central characters, Margaret Adler, VP of the United States and Ivan Smirnov, acting President of Russia. During the course of the novel those titles change, and we learn more about each, including richly developed backgrounds. I was thoroughly invested in the difficulties Margaret and Ivan faced, both on personal and political levels. Their scenes together were among my favorites of the book. There’s also a young refugee child who factors into the story and who stole my heart.
Excerpt from Jill Weatherholt's Review:
Written by award-winning author Gwen Plano, The Culmination is a must read for readers who enjoy political and military intrigue. This book is the third in the Contract series, but it can certainly be read as a stand-alone. That said, I recommend the other two books as well. The characters in this third installment are well-developed. They take you through action-packed situations, relevant to our current world. This captivating thriller, along with a thread of romance, will keep you turning the pages.
Excerpt from D.L. Finn's Review:
The Culmination is the third book in the Contract Series. I loved all the books, but this one topped them. It touched me on a level of reality and fear, bringing the idea of hope in our current cold social climate. It starts after the second book and an assassination attempt. There is a group determined to cause mayhem and stop anyone in their way, including heads of state. There's not only exciting action but developing relationships and political intrigue. I found a lot of what was going on in the story relevant for current times. Where Ms. Plano took this story is a place where I could imagine the right things being done in the middle of chaos. I loved the American Vice President with her logic and heart. Beautifully written and thought-provoking with scenarios all too familiar, some heartbreaking, and some tender. This book not only scared me but offered an optimistic option at the same time. I highly recommend it and the whole series.
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