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A Suspenseful Romance
The Witness Affair follows a young woman in New York who inadvertently gets caught up in a crime ring and becomes a target, along with the detective trying to protect her. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Having an extensive background in law enforcement and the judicial system, I had always wanted to write a suspenseful romance novel with a criminal element. But what inspired me in this instance was to look at the crime from the viewpoint of the perpetrator instead of the police officer. It was a unique experience to plan and execute the “perfect crime” and then try to solve it. Adding the threats to Susan’s character, as well as her dependence upon Sean, the NYPD detective trying to save her, helped to round out the story.
What was the inspiration for the relationship that develops between the characters?
I wanted the plot to explore what the romantic effect would be of having your life dependent upon someone you had just met. While I wanted Susan to be a strong, independent woman, I needed her to be vulnerable and needing help in an unfamiliar and intimidating environment. Yet, on her own turf, she would need to be courageous, and a formidable force to be reckoned with by any adversary. It was also important for Susan and Sean to be from dissimilar backgrounds. I felt that her being a farmer from the Midwest would contrast well with Sean’s big-city police officer demeanor.
When you first sat down to write this story, did you know where you were going, or did the twists come as you were writing?
In all of my novels, I always have a beginning and an end before I start writing the first chapter. In this regard, The Witness Affair was no exception. But my initial outline of the plot already had several of the main plot twists from the very beginning. Still, as I wrote each chapter and developed the characters, I found opportunities to add additional turns and twists to keep the reader off-guard and hopefully surprised.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
My fifth novel, If Tomorow Could Be Today, is already underway, and I hope to have it ready for publication by this summer. Its genre will definitely fall into the suspense romance category. The story involves a young widower trying to recover from the loss of his wife. When he finally accepts that it’s time to stop grieving and move on with his life, he begins to fall in love with an attractive, yet puzzlingly young woman. But despite their mutual attraction, things are not what they seem and soon he finds himself caught up in a mystery that could have serious consequences for both of them.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
The Witness Affair
The Witness Affair by E T McNamara is a riveting criminal suspense novel that follows a young woman named Susan as she travels to New York City to settle her inheritance. While trying to save her home and farm back in Iowa, she encounters more trouble than she could have ever anticipated. Unbeknownst to her, a conspiracy is unfolding in the city, and she finds herself inadvertently caught up in a crime ring that turns her dreams into nightmares. Along the way, she meets NYPD detective Sean Harris, and as they work together to solve the mystery, love begins to blossom. However, death is never far behind, and the question remains – can love save her?
Author E T McNamara does an exceptional job of transporting readers to the vibrant and bustling streets of New York City. The plotline is captivating and action-packed, making it a true page-turner that genre fans will enjoy. In addition, the descriptive details create an immersive atmosphere. Readers will feel the suspense building and remain on edge till they discover what is happening and why.
The novel is straightforward, without many side plots or unnecessary filler. The author skillfully balances the romantic and suspenseful elements of the story. The development of Susan and Sean’s relationship is a testament to the author’s thoughtfulness in crafting well-rounded characters. While some characters could benefit from greater emotional complexity, the author does an admirable job of exploring supporting characters like Franklyn in greater detail.
The Witness Affair by E T McNamara is a well-crafted romantic suspense novel that has all the elements of a memorable read. The story’s engaging characters, interesting plot, and well-crafted suspense will undoubtedly leave readers on the edge of their seats.
Pages: 366 | ASIN : B0BWWYB1R1
The Sacrifices Made
The Chippendale Letter follows a Vietnam War widow as she embarks on a journey to find the intended recipient of an unmailed letter from 1944. What were some sources that informed this novels development?
Although I was never in Vietnam, I was in the USMC Reserves during that time, so the sacrifices made by those who served have always stayed with me. Those sacrifices obviously extend to those families who suffered the loss of a loved one. As for the story’s 1944 timeframe, I have been interested in that period of American History since I was a teenager. My previous novel, Fate’s Final Destiny, takes place during those years, and letters also played a role in that plot’s development. So, in a sense, I was the source for that part of the story.
What were some challenges you felt were important to developing Patti’s character in the story?
I needed to establish Patti’s fragile state so the reader could appreciate her overcoming the hardships she had to endure. Then, without giving away too many plot details at this time, I needed to make her journey and resulting emotional growth seem natural and not contrived.
What were some questions you kept asking yourself as you were writing your story?
Besides staying historically accurate, I needed to know if I kept the lives of the four main characters believable and authentic. I would also ask myself if their lives and life-changing decisions would resonate well with my readers. I disapprove of it when an author is too loose with what is factual to make the storyline conveniently result in the outcome.
What draws you to the historical romance genre and makes it perfect for you to write in?
The genre consists of two passions of mine. I have always been a history buff, and I have always loved a good love story, especially those with a feel-good ending. Writing historical romance novels allows me to combine the two by weaving the romance into a historical setting. Having lived in the latter part of the twentieth century, writing about those periods allows me to draw from my personal experiences and what I have learned from books.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
The Chippendale Letter
In The Chippendale Letter we follow a young widow whose husband passed away during the Vietnam War. Patti moved in with her family and took courses on furniture restoration to help fill her days. Her sister, Katie, found a lovely old wooden chest at a yard sale. But it is not just any wooden chest, it is a genuine Chippendale wooden chest. Little does Patti and her family know, this chest will send her on a mission of hope to reunite loved ones. Armed with a letter she finds in the back of the drawers and going off the two names mentioned, Pattie seeks out George Bauer and Charlotte DeLotte. What Patti doesn’t expect to find is a new love for herself.
This intimate and emotional romance novel was one of the sweetest and most heart-wrenching stories I have read in a very long time. I was not sure what to expect at first, as I thought the story would just be about a woman moving on with her life, but the book turned out to be so much more than that. Not only do readers get to find out about Patti’s life, but readers also get to find out about George and Charlotte; two equally compelling characters. A whirlwind of sentimental romance left me wanting to know what happens next.
The author methodically creates the characters within the story, so that by the end they feel like real people that readers will easily be able to understand, if not relate to. I enjoyed watching these characters develop and evolve and I think this will appeal to anyone looking for a well constructed character driven narrative.
The characters really stand out even within the riveting plot of this historical romance novel. I really enjoyed the plot twists as I think they played exceptionally well in the story and never felt contrived. I found it all to be excellent. But even with the fantastic plot twists I was left wanting more by the end, maybe due to how it ends or maybe due to my connection to the characters.
The Chippendale Letter is an absorbing love story that will appeal to readers looking for a touching historical romance novel that explores different periods in American history through a personal lens.
Pages: 444 | ASIN: B0B25PBPK2
Fate’s Final Destiny
Fates Final Destiny by E T McNamara takes the timeless ‘Boy next door’ love story to a whole new level. Not only do you get an emotionally captivating tale of how true love can stand the tests of fate, but a lesson in history as the characters navigate the difficult times of the Dust Bowl, Great Depression, and subsequent war that followed.
The story begins as we meet two close-knit, farm-owning families who live next door to each other in small-town Goodwell, Oklahoma. Readers get a look into all that goes into farm-life, and the dreams of a different future for some of the characters. We watch as our two main characters, Michael and Cindy, develop from children into teenagers and their neighbor-friendship turns into young love. A devastating event results in their physical separation, but they keep their love alive through love letters filled with hopes and dreams of their future. When a disapproving family member begins to secretly intercept the letters before the other receives them, they are both left heartbroken, believing the other has moved on with their life. Fate takes both characters on separate, interesting journeys- their paths almost leading back to each on several occasions, but the timing never seems to be right. The wonder of whether fate will ever work in their favor leaves the reader entranced in the story, rooting for their happily ever after.
Readers will enjoy this fascinating literary hybrid of part love story, part historical fiction. Readers with military ties will find solidarity reading through these turbulent stories. Getting a look into the emotions of soldiers making life and death decisions as they lived through war, and the subsequent mental and physical effects that stay with them, was educational, eye-opening, and will no doubt increase the understanding and empathy for all that serve.
Fates Final Destiny is an inspiring tale of love lost and the journey to find footing in an ever-changing world. This memorable book will appeal to those who enjoy historical fiction, romance, and war drama.
Pages: 371 | ASIN : B098VZC135
Fate’s Final Destiny – Book Trailer
”Fate’s Final Destiny” is an epic story of two life-long friends who fall in love, only to have fate tear them apart. Set during the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl, the story begins in Goodwell, Oklahoma. Caught up in the tidal wave of world events, they find themselves beginning new and separate lives. Never fully understanding the reasons for their separation, they find it difficult to move on. As they and their families are experiencing the life-changing events of Pearl Harbor and the war in the Pacific, these members of the Greatest Generation find themselves swept up by both current and future events. Whether it be the life-or-death decisions made on the battlefield or aboard a navy hospital ship, fate affects both their lives. As the two star-crossed lovers become entangled in the major events that shaped our nation’s destiny, readers will be able to go along with them on their journey through one of the most interesting periods of American History.
LITERARY TITAN 