Welcome to the JustRead Blog Tour for …

She’s trying to save the boy’s life. What if he’s supposed to save hers?

For tough-as-nails Chicago social worker Ashley Sorenson, it’s nothing new to risk her life for hurting children. Seeing innocent kids suffer every day may have made her a little cynical, but she’ll stop at nothing to rescue children from miserable circumstances.

But Ashley faces a special challenge when Matthew Borden, a sixteen-year-old with Down syndrome, is orphaned. Finding a suitable foster home for the boy becomes the least of her problems when someone starts threatening her and Matthew.
The sudden appearance of a mysterious FBI agent confirms Ashley’s growing suspicions that Matthew is no ordinary teen. The boy she thought no one wanted is wanted by many…dead or alive.

Dodging danger at every turn, Ashley races to find the secrets that could save Matthew’s life. When the truth unearths her own dark past and threatens more than their lives, the God Matthew trusts may be her only hope for rescue.

A gripping and gritty standalone Christian suspense thriller from the bestselling author of the Guardians Unleashed Series.

What makes up your ideal reading environment?

A cozy blanket on a sofa at home, classical music in the background, a yummy snack and/or dessert, and hot chocolate!

What was the inspiration behind your story?

The idea of Special Target came about in a bit of an unusual way for me. When I watched a Joni and Friends documentary called Christian Royal: In the Potter’s Hands, I had no idea the video would impact me so deeply.

I was touched by the true story of Christian Royal, a boy with Down’s syndrome whose art as a sculptor awakened people to the intrinsic value God has given all humans, including those with special needs, by creating us in His image.

Still, I had no idea what was about to come out of my encounter with Christian Royal in the documentary. The Lord promptly gave me the inspiration and idea for a unique story. He called me to write Special Target, a novel that would similarly display the value of all human life while moving hearts with love and compassion for those with challenges we can see on the outside and those with challenges that hide on the inside.

What unique research was required to write this story?

Since the heroine of Special Target, Ashley Sorenson, is a social worker, I needed to learn about that career field, including the guidelines that would pertain to the cases featured in this novel. Thankfully, I have two friends who were social workers, and they were able to answer my questions and help me ensure realism. I was interested to discover that regulations concerning child services and social workers vary greatly from state to state. That allowed me some flexibility to stay true to life while also allowing for unusual circumstances.

What was your favorite scene to write in this story? And why?

In general, my favorite scenes to write in my stories are the ones that I can “sink my teeth into.” What I mean by that is scenes that delve into deep emotion and sometimes drama. These are the scenes that allow me to fully connect with my characters, to understand them completely and feel what they feel, which usually unlocks my best writing. 

Special Target offered more than one scene that fits this bill, as Ashley is a deep and nuanced character with a past that cuts deep and a present that is full of a battle between darkness and light.

I can’t share a specific scene without giving away an essential plot detail or surprise, so I’ll stick with saying that many of my early readers have advised others to read this book with tissues handy. And I needed tissues when I wrote it, too!

What encouragement do you hope readers will take away from your story?

I hope readers will be encouraged by the reminder that no one is beyond God’s saving grace. That He can use even the worst of tragedies and evil for unbelievable good. And that God never makes a mistake in the people He creates or anything that He allows to happen. 

Everything is in His sovereign control and will all be used for His glory and the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

The best way to stay connected is through my weekly email, Fireside News. You’ll receive cozy updates, behind-the-scenes book notes, and a complimentary historical romance novelette when you subscribe.

Until next time, may your reading bring both light and encouragement.

Happy reading!
~ Danielle.