Author: Jessica R. Patch

Do You Enjoy Murdering People?

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch
Cause like, that’s a crazy
question, right?
That’s a
question that comes with two answers: Yes. And no.
Before I
get the police called on me, I’m talking about writing inspirational romantic
suspense.
Does that
even go together? Inspiration and murder? You might ask the question (and yes,
I’ve been asked this before) why do you write about murder and mayhem since
you’re a Christian?
Good
question. One I asked myself. Why do I do this? (I also write contemporary
romance.)
I think
it’s complex but I’m going to try and break it down like this.
Romance:
I can’t
write a single book without including romance. It’s not an after thought. Or a
sub plot. I love romance! We’re built each and
every one of us to love romance. It comes from God. You may disagree. I
think the entire Bible is God’s love for us. He speaks to us as his Bride. He
is the Groom. It’s page after page of him pursuing us. A divine romance. Love that song by Phil Wicka-wicka-Wickham!
I love the
dance of romance. From the first flutters to the first kiss to the
hope-ever-after. Romance. Easy enough.
Suspense:
Here’s few
questions: How can we entertain ourselves with serial killers, abductions,
heinous evil–whether in books, movies or TV? Seems wrong.
Agreed.
When we find the thrill in the evil side of life. When we glorify evil.
I believe
we, humans as a whole, love puzzles. Love to figure things out. By nature we’re curious to seek things out.
Truth. Answers. We want to solve things. That’s why my stories never give up
the killer/villain right off the bat. They’re more of a mystery. Because I like
to solve puzzles. I’m not a box puzzle kind of person, but I do love to answer
riddles, go on scavenger hunts…discover answers. Discover truth.
I love the
Word of God because it can be very much like a treasure hunt. Read, dig,
search…find answers. Truth.
Shows like
Criminal Minds, Law & Order, Insert favorite crime show here __________ are
all about solving a puzzle. Finding truth. We find it entertaining, engaging.
Our minds
are curious. How could someone be that demented? So far gone? Completely
depraved? We cover our eyes then peek through spaces between our fingers. We
gape. We cringe. Sometimes we even turn off the TV or toss books that cover
hard subject matter. We want to pretend evil doesn’t really exist. Innocent
people do not die. Revenge, power, greed do not motivate people to take drastic
and frightening measures. And monsters aren’t really lurking in the darkness or
the broad daylight.
If we can’t see it or hear about it, we can live in our happy bubble.
Yet it
does exist.
Tragedy,
death, despair, pain, torture. Abuse, assault, the list goes on. Every day it
gets worse. We can’t turn blind eyes. Can’t wish it away.
But there is hope. Even amidst the evil. There is good. God is good.
As a
Christian writer, I want to take that evil, create a puzzle to solve and bring
readers along with me. Let’s solve this. And while we’re at it, let’s throw in
some really flawed characters we can relate to, identify with– who are also
searching for answers. For some truth. For some hope.
It’s not
just about good conquering evil. It’s about God saving, rescuing, loving,
holding, guiding, loving, touching, healing, blessing, showing grace, showing
mercy and compassion, loving, strengthening, renewing, restoring, directing,
teaching, comforting, loving…it’s about a God we can’t always understand, but
we can trust.
In green
pastures where the sun shines and still waters beckon us to rest. And in the
valley of the shadow of death.
Do I love
to create a sick, twisted villain–yet crafty and smart? Yes. The grittier the
villain, the more depraved the better.
Why?
Because no matter how big and swallowing the villain is. God is bigger.
God is greater. God is stronger. God is an all-consuming fire.
 I’m a Christian writing from a Christian point
of view (not in every character! And not in a Bible-thumping manner). I can’t
write without hope. Sorry. No. Can. Do. Because I’ve experienced it (Him!) in
my life. Every day. Over and over.
So when
you find me hunting down ways, or doing research, to make things bad or
terrifying for a character/s, I’m doing it so I can show God bringing good,
administering peace and hope.
Because he
does. He will. It’s who he is. And my prayer is that readers, who are
experiencing some of the same feelings as my characters, will discover that the
same hope in the pages of the story, is available and real to them and that
they will grab hold of Him, our anchor in this evil temporary place called the
world, our Hope for better things to come.
*I just created a suspense and romance board on Pinterest! It’s in the early stages but I’d love for you to come and follow where it leads…muwahahahaha. 

Click here to hang with me on Pinterest!

Do read romantic suspense or watch suspenseful shows/movies? What’s
favorite of yours?

So, Yeah, I’m Back!

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch
 

Hey everyone! I missed you. I’m feeling a little out of the blog loop but I finished my manuscript and hit the send button. Ah relief! And some mild heart palpitations. But hey, it is what it is. 

God is awesome. I believe he has my best interest at heart and where better to be than God’s heart. 

I wanted to share with you my new blogging schedule. I’ll be posting a devotional, worship song that’s moved me, or something like that on Mondays. And on Fridays I’ll be posting fun writerly stuff! We’ll chat about suspense, romance and I have a few guest posts from amazing authors (giveaways coming) and writers in the works! So hang out for lots of laugh, chills, thrills (that was so flipping cliche and I don’t care) and fun! 

This Friday I’m kicking it off with…

Come back and see! 

Today, I leave you with this amazing song from Kari Jobe’s new album, Majestic. And a prayer!

 

“May
God, our very own God, continue to be with us just as he was with our
ancestors—may he never give up and walk out on us. May he keep us centered and
devoted to him, following the life path he has cleared, watching the signposts,
walking at the pace and rhythms he laid down for our ancestors.” 1 Kings
8:5 
 
Do you listen to Kari Jobe? 
Have her new album? 
What’s on your playlist right now?
 

Heather James Brings It! Gush Fest

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch
Heather James 

Hey everyone, no I’m not off my blogging break yet but I had to pop in because if you aren’t reading Heather James’s Lure of the Serpent series, you cray-cray!

I read Unholy Hunger back in April of 2013. I think on a recommendation from the amazing Jordyn Redwood and I’m so glad I did.

At first, after reading the back cover, I was like uh…I don’t know if I can handle this because it’s about a little child abduction and murder and that stuff freaks me out, especially as a mama but I wanted to see just how Heather James pulled it off. I, personally, have never seen this subject matter tackled in the Christian Publising market (doesn’t mean it hasn’t just means I haven’t read it) so I decided to take the plunge.

Oh. My. Word. I am so glad I sucked it up because from page one I was so sucked in. James’ voice…just incredible and Evelyn Barrett–her main character? Talk about wit, sharp tongue and dark humor (which is so perfectly placed when dealing with sensitive subject matter and also very respectfully done.)

I most loved the strength this woman allowed God to give her. Oh, it didn’t come without some serious issues. This book was raw. Real. Gritty. Totally big screen worthy, ya’ll and the way she presented evil…with a special gift given to Evelyn…just phenomonal.

So when I saw the second book in this Lure of the Serpent series had released, I had to read it!!!

Again, we’re dealing with serious evil. And again, Evelyn is back with such a witty and sharp tongue with a determination of steel, that you fall in love with it. Also, there’s a softer side to Evelyn we get to see in this book as well and I enjoyed that! Another gritty book done tastefully–nothing tossed in simply for shock value. 

I can’t say enough ya’ll about these books and this author. Here are my goodreads reviews for each book and a link so you can buy it, because you really need to. Can’t wait for book 3! Please tell me there’s a book 3! I love this heroine. And this author!

Review
BUY THE BOOK 

Evelyn Barrett wants to die.
As long as her daughter’s murderer dies with her, she is ready to go. Why did
this man—this stranger—destroy her family? Why has he not been brought to
justice? Why is she forced to live a life of anger and grief? Amid a million
questions she cannot answer, Evelyn knows one thing for sure: this murderer
must be punished for his crime. Perhaps the harder lesson is this: the ultimate
truth—of crime and verdict, of life and death—cannot be swayed by a mother’s
revenge.

In this first book
of a new, page-turning series, a woman will be brought to her limits before she
finally recognizes the movement of the Holy Spirit and reconnects with the
source of true peace.

Review
BUY THE BOOK

Evelyn Barrett has a new job, a new baby, and a new life—of
sorts. Nearly crushed by the horrific abduction and murder of her daughter
(book 1, Unholy Hunger), Evelyn is moving on as best she can. No longer allowed
to practice law, she is recruited by one of the detectives from her daughter’s
case to become a police consultant. Her inaugural case becomes a baptism by
fire as she joins the hunt for a chillingly methodical and sadistic serial
rapist and murderer. Her revulsion and anger fuels a passion for justice . . .
and then it becomes personal. Her friend and law school roommate, Jen, becomes
a victim. The rapist has made a catastrophic mistake with Jen: he has left her
alive and able to talk. Filled with the chilling tension of Unholy Hunger,
Hands of Darkness explores the emotional and spiritual consequences for all
involved when justice and compassion collide head-on with the darkest examples
of human depravity.

Okay, I’m now going back to my blogging break! I’ll return soon.

Do you shy away from books with tough subject matter?

Faith Readers Group Review: Shadows of the Past

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch

It’s been a real treat having Pat here with us all week! If you missed out on Would You Rather or her No-Brainer devotion you can read them HERE and HERE! 

Over delicious cranberry-orange muffins and coffee, we discussed Shadows of the Past, a romantic suspense by Patricia Bradley and then we had the opportunity to Skype with her. If you don’t know Pat, we’ll tell you she’s a hoot! So much fun to chat with. 

Now on to our review. Here are few things that were said.

“She grabbed me on the first page.”

“She knows how to get your attention quick.”

“I thought the dreams Taylor had were very realistic to what dreams are like.”

“Toward the end, I wasn’t sure if who I thought the villain was, really was. That was a fun twist.”

“Where’s Robin?” 

“I’ll be reading all her books.”

GROUP RATING: 1-5 STARS

4.5 

Here’s a sneak peek at Pat’s debut novel. Grab it up! You won’t be sorry!

Buy the book! 
Psychology
professor and criminal profiler Taylor Martin prides herself on being able to
solve any crime, except the one she wants most desperately to solve–the
disappearance of her father twenty years ago. When she finally has a lead on
his whereabouts, Taylor returns home to Logan Point, Mississippi, to
investigate. But as she is stalking the truth about the past, someone is
stalking her.
Nick
Sinclair pens mystery novels for a living, but the biggest mystery to him is
how he can ever get over the death of his wife–a tragedy he believes he could
have prevented. With his estranged brother the only family he has left, Nick
sets out to find him. But when he crosses paths with Taylor, all he seems to
find is trouble.

Join the
chase as this determined duo search the murky shadows of the past for the keys
to unlocking the present and moving into a future filled with new hope and
love. Readers will be swept into the sultry South in this debut novel from a
promising and already award-winning writer.

No Brainer by Patricia Bradley

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch
Buy the book HERE!
Welcome back, everyone! Thanks, Pat, for being here again and for this devotion!
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,
“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a
future.” Jeremiah 29:11(NIV)
Like Taylor in Shadows
of the Past, I have not always lived by this verse. I wanted to do things my way. And my way got me into a lot of
trouble. But God never let go of my hand, just as He never let go of Taylor’s.
And a few years ago, I embraced this verse and began living it.
That doesn’t mean that right away everything started
happening the way I thought it should. No, I had another lesson to
learn—everything happens in God’s economy of time, not mine. But if we wait on
Him, what He will do is exceedingly and abundantly more than we can think or
imagine.
An example: I wanted an offer for 1 book published, but when
I waited on God’s plan I received an offer for a three-book deal.
Waiting on God’s plan=A nobrainer.
Sneak peek!
Psychology
professor and criminal profiler Taylor Martin prides herself on being able to
solve any crime, except the one she wants most desperately to solve–the
disappearance of her father twenty years ago. When she finally has a lead on
his whereabouts, Taylor returns home to Logan Point, Mississippi, to
investigate. But as she is stalking the truth about the past, someone is
stalking her.
Nick
Sinclair pens mystery novels for a living, but the biggest mystery to him is
how he can ever get over the death of his wife–a tragedy he believes he could
have prevented. With his estranged brother the only family he has left, Nick
sets out to find him. But when he crosses paths with Taylor, all he seems to
find is trouble.
Join the
chase as this determined duo search the murky shadows of the past for the keys
to unlocking the present and moving into a future filled with new hope and
love. Readers will be swept into the sultry South in this debut novel from a
promising and already award-winning writer.
Visit Pat HERE!
What have you been waiting for? 

A Suspense-Full Week!

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch
Buy HERE!

Hey everyone, I’m not back from my blogging break, officially, but this week is going to be so cool because it’s a week full of suspense!

Today we’re going to play Would You Rather with Patricia Bradley, friend and author of Shadows of the Past and her hero and heroine, Nick and Taylor!

Wednesday, Pat is sharing a devotion that that threads her spiritual arc in her novel.

And Friday, Faith Readers (our local book club) will be giving our group review of Shadows of the Past, so hang with us this week for lots of fun. Le’ts play!

Would You Rather….


…stay in
for a nice dinner and a rented movie or go out?
Pat: Definitely
stay in and watch a movie.

Taylor: Definitely
stay in and watch a movie. 
Nick: Let’s go to the Blues Espresso…jam a
little. 
…travel
by car or plane?
 Pat: Well…if I could fly without having to travel
2 hours to get to the airport, and I’d be guaranteed no 10 hour layovers, I opt
for flying. Otherwise, I’ll drive. 🙂

Taylor: Well…if
I could be guaranteed no 10 hour layovers, I opt for flying. Otherwise, I’ll
drive. 🙂 
Nick: Love flying. Airports are great places to people watch. 
…sleep
in a scary, abandoned house all night by yourself with a lantern or, have to
walk through acres of woods in the pitch black with a friend? 
Pat: Always, share
scary things with a friend. Always.
Taylor: Always,
share scary things with a friend. Always. 
Nick: Can you
imagine the ideas a writer can come up with staying all night alone in a creepy
house? 

This was
fun, Jessica! 
Sneak peek!
Psychology
professor and criminal profiler Taylor Martin prides herself on being able to
solve any crime, except the one she wants most desperately to solve–the
disappearance of her father twenty years ago. When she finally has a lead on
his whereabouts, Taylor returns home to Logan Point, Mississippi, to
investigate. But as she is stalking the truth about the past, someone is
stalking her.
Nick
Sinclair pens mystery novels for a living, but the biggest mystery to him is
how he can ever get over the death of his wife–a tragedy he believes he could
have prevented. With his estranged brother the only family he has left, Nick
sets out to find him. But when he crosses paths with Taylor, all he seems to
find is trouble.
Join the
chase as this determined duo search the murky shadows of the past for the keys
to unlocking the present and moving into a future filled with new hope and
love. Readers will be swept into the sultry South in this debut novel from a
promising and already award-winning writer.
Visit Pat!

Join in! Answer all or one of the questions! Would You Rather…

Guess what?

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch

I had a little shift in my writing direction, which is a good thing, and I’m excited, but it also means I have to take a blogging break for a few weeks to meet a deadline. 

Will you miss me? Say you will! I’ll be around Facebook and Twitter, so catch me there and in the meantime, enjoy this amazing song. This is romance. This. Is. Romance. And I love listening to it during certain scenes. 

Isn’t it wonderful? Sigh. 

Do you have a favorite romantic song? 

What’s the Buzz? Valentine’s Day

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch
 

Well, it’s Valentine’s Day. Do you do something special or not? I’m not a fan of overcrowded restaurants so we generally do something early or wait till the weekend. I love Valentine’s Day because it’s the anniversary of our first date! 20 years ago today, I agreed to go out with my husband as just friends.

Yeah. You see how that worked out. Here’s our real life romance story and humorous texts. CLICK HERE.

I’m a writer and lover of romance, but I don’t go giddy for flowers. Never have. I’d rather have cash that I can spend on something that won’t wilt and fall all over my table or counter, causing me extra cleaning time. I could write at least half a scene in the time it takes to dump flowers, sweep up dried petals, and wash a vase. Actually, I could write an entire scene.

I’m moving slower on my new WIP. I had to tweak the plot which meant going back through the early chapters and revising, plus I have some weird sinus issue. So my head is fuzzy and I keep forgetting this is a romance, nobody is supposed to buried alive or  held at gun point. I might need to write a romantic suspense after this story. 🙂

Oh, and my daughter still doesn’t have her permit. I’ll be driving her around for the rest of my life. Sigh.

So what’s going on with you? Try any new recipes lately? Going anywhere special for Valentine’s Day? Fan of the day or not? Are you a flowers kind of girl/guy? What’s your favorite?

You Are a Creative Genius!

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch

I took my son to see the Lego Movie this past weekend. That’s all he’s talked about for months.

It was a great message that we are creators. We’re special. And that reading the instructions and working as a team is the way to go. 

I love that we can create. That God made us in His image and gave us that amazing ability. Whether it’s scrapbooking, decorating homes, cakes, or yards, painting, writing, singing, playing an instrument, woodworking, refurbishing furniture, sewing ___________ fill in the blank.

God gave us unique creative gifts and He wants in on them! How often do you pull God into your creativity? Hobby or career? Doesn’t matter. He gets giddy over it.

“Out of the
ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air,
and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam
called each living creature, that was its name.” Genesis 2:19
God didn’t have to let Adam name the animals. And He certainly could have changed what Adam called them. But He didn’t. I imagine Him sitting on the edge of  His seat, next to Adam, just waiting for what he’d name an animal.
“Cow! Yes! I love it. It’s perfect. Go on, Adam…do another.”
I’m the kind of mom when my kiddo is coloring a picture, I encourage him to use “the right color.” But God let Adam take off and go. 
He’s waiting for you to invite him into your creations. Don’t think it silly to ask God, “What color do you think I should use for this next quilt? And could you lead me to a store with the right price? Lord, I pray it will bless this mom and her new baby. What is her favorite color?” 
“Lord, what is this character feeling? I have never suffered from this, but you know how people who do feel, so help me to feel what they would feel so that it can bless and minister to them. What scene needs to come next? Fill every page with your anointing! What’d you think of that line? He was a smart-aleck, huh?”
I could go into team-building and unity as well when it comes to building things–like the kingdom of God. But for today, let’s just take away God gave us imagination and creativity and He wants us to use it for His glory. And bring Him into every aspect. I promise if you do, you’ll discover more satisfaction and fulfillment than ever before.
What’s your creative outlet?

Today, I need God to…

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch

______________. (Fill in the blank)







We sang this song yesterday during Sunday morning. I just love it. With eyes closed, I let the Lord run away with my imagination and during the part where they sing, “I hear you breaking chains, I hear you breaking chains…”

I could see these heavy chains binding my wrists, binding millions of wrists. And in one fail swoop, I saw Jesus (mostly a white robe with a flashing sword–no face) move in, wielding a sword with all of these fancy moves to break the chains and my movie screen in my head froze and I heard a whisper to my heart.

“While I love the imagery, it’s not quite right.”

Because Christ didn’t need fancy moves or a physical sword.

“Now out of his mouth goes a sharp sword…” Revelation 19:15

And the sword in his hand was gone and he whispered.

“Break.”

“Loose.”

The chains fell away and turned to rusty powder, then mighty yet soft hands took my wrist. Bruised from wearing chains. And he said, “I took the stripes so you wouldn’t have to.” Then he raised my wrist to his lips and kissed it. The bruises disappeared.

From there, I saw one wrist after another, different colors. Different sizes. All free.

With the spoken word. Just one word.

So we give it all away. Surrender ourselves to the One who made us free. Who continues to set us free from sin. From weights and hinderances that keep us from moving foward in Christ. 

He will meet your need right where you are. What do you need from him today?