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Switch up the Typical Trope
Heart of Evergreen follows a devoted wife who discovers her name linked to a hit list on her husband’s laptop, turning her life upside down. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This is book three of a trilogy so as such, I wanted to take my characters further into the espionage side of the story and incorporate heartfelt emotions and family-type life mixed in with conspiracy theories, and military installations in and around Denver, CO. I knew how the final two love stories would turn out, so it was important to wrap up my characters to more than satisfactory endings. Living in Colorado and knowing the strife personally that many of my characters went through was therapeutic for me and it helps those who may not know how to help themselves in a given or similar situation.
What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
One goal was to switch up the typical trope of “bad Russian, good American” by giving the angle of heroism to a character that most wouldn’t. The story is compact but packs a strong punch. It was important to make my characters feel what was written and for that to come across strongly to the reader. The love, the hurts, the mental and emotional toll life can dish out, especially in an environment in which one must die in order to live. Honestly, the conspiracy theories surrounding Denver International Airport, one airport that covers 54 square miles, were fun to write about. I love DEN airport and writing about what you know or have been many times, helps drive the story forward. This book is fiction, but many real-life experiences are woven in.
Do you think there’s a single moment in everyone’s life, maybe not as traumatic, that is life-changing?
Oh yes, I’ve been in life-changing and traumatic events that have shaped and moulded my person forever. Some of these have been incorporated into this trilogy. Multiple child loss, childhood cancer, a child with ADHD yet becomes an Eagle Scout, Nursing, finally finding love, the list is endless.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
This is the last book in this trilogy, so no books to follow this one, with this series.
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He had become a liability and Dmitry had to protect himself. He would not take his own life like the general. Yes, he was heavily trained in special tactics, and yes, his own oligarch money sat nicely in a Swiss bank account under a holding company that was untouchable. Russia could do absolutely nothing about his Swiss bank account. Yet he WAS touchable!!! Even though he, himself had never once killed anyone, he had been complicit by his position between those who ordered hits and those who carried them out. Thus, he packed a bag and drove his luxurious SUV down to Denver, to the Federal Center, and asked at the gate for Director James Tilson, that he, Dmitry Ivanov, had top-secret information for him. One of the guards radioed inside and spoke with the director. Director Tilson informed the guards that two members of his team would go to the gate and escort Dmitry Ivanov inside. Dmitry had to turn himself in if he wanted to live!
It was the last Thursday in May, a lovely day in the mountains, and he wondered if he would ever see the mountains again…or daylight, for that matter…or Susan Davis…he’d come to love her…at age 30, his budding romance with Suz, a gorgeous 25-year-old, green-eyed redhead who was a perfect angel…his angel…she painted like an angel…in watercolor…he would never see her again…he’d come to love her…love…True Love…now that part of his life was over…again…he wouldn’t see any of the people he’d come to know and truly cared about during his time spent in Evergreen…so many regrets…he’d come to care deeply for the children as well…he was racked with grief for what was not to be…and for his numerous regrets…
Heart of Evergreen
Heart of Evergreen by Mary L. Schmidt is a psychological thriller that masterfully delves into the unraveling life of Kim Dailey. A devoted wife, Kim’s seemingly perfect marriage takes a chilling turn when she discovers her name linked to a hit list on her husband Steve’s laptop. This revelation propels her into a whirlwind of doubt and fear, where every moment becomes a high-stakes journey to uncover the truth. As Kim confronts the possibility that her husband may be a covert assassin, the narrative explores themes of deception, resilience, and the lengths one will go to protect their family.
One of the novel’s standout strengths is its seamless blend of suspense, mystery, and romance. Schmidt crafts a deeply personal and intimate story, grounding the tension with the raw, emotional depth of her protagonist. Kim’s love for Steve, even amidst her mounting suspicion, and her compassionate observations of him as a father figure to her children, create a poignant duality that resonates. A particularly haunting moment arises when Dmitry’s death is contemplated—a scene so viscerally portrayed that it lingers long after reading. Schmidt juxtaposes the brutal finality of loss with the tenderness of grief, making it both heartrending and unforgettable. The story’s backdrop is a festive celebration overshadowed by the threat of an unseen assassin that creates gripping tension, while the richly layered characters bring authenticity and nuance to the narrative. The novel’s exploration of human relationships is deeply resonant, capturing moments of heartbreak, love, and hope with equal finesse. A notable strength lies in its portrayal of women’s resilience. Whether navigating life-altering choices or enduring harrowing trials, the women in Heart of Evergreen shine as embodiments of strength and grace. Balancing its weighty emotional themes are heartwarming glimpses of Kim’s moments of joy, particularly with her children. These scenes lend a warmth that counterbalances the darker aspects of the plot, offering moments of reprieve amidst the tension. The crescendo of the narrative, the poignant demise of Dmitry stands out as a masterfully written moment, weaving hope and heartbreak into an unforgettable climax.
Heart of Evergreen is an evocative tale that will captivate readers who enjoy romantic family sagas infused with elements of crime, desire, and emotional complexity. Fans of Ian McEwan’s Atonement will be drawn to its layered storytelling and profound exploration of the human spirit. This is a novel that lingers in the mind, leaving readers both moved and reflective.
Pages: 160 | ASIN : B0DR69LRC2
LITERARY TITAN 