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His mind is a steel trap. He didn’t know it could trap him.

Robert Weston became a psychiatrist to heal people’s minds. He can’t lose his. But if the strange occurrences of forgetfulness and confusion continue, he may not be able to hide the truth much longer. When his psychological issues put his life in danger, he must face the reality that the genetic nightmare he fears inheriting has seized him.

Attorney Monty Montgomery doesn’t trust Robert Weston. His expert testimony once ruined her client’s case. She didn’t realize the psychiatrist isn’t only wrong but also completely unreliable. How can she defend him against a malpractice suit for the insurance company that hired her when he’s clearly incompetent?

Robert and Monty have bigger problems than they know. Someone has a mission. A mission that won’t be stopped until somebody ends up dead.

Is everyone a pawn in the lethal game, or is Robert’s failing mind playing tricks on him? Even with the help of the Weston siblings, Robert and Monty may need a mind smarter than theirs—the mind of God—to escape this twisted game alive.

What is something interesting readers would enjoy learning about you?

I’m not one of those writers who writes because I must. I don’t process my thoughts through the act of writing, and while I have no shortage of story ideas, I’m not a writer who cannot rest until I put them down on the page. Perhaps as a result, I don’t often enjoy the writing process. Instead, I enjoy and love having written. One of my favorite moments is when I’ve finished a story, and my very favorite moment is when I hold the published print copy in my hands.

Funny thing, I’m the same way with baking. I don’t really enjoy baking, but I love having baked. Maybe that’s because I get to eat the results! 

What does a day in the life of your characters look like?

For the hero, Robert Weston, a usual day is filled with patient appointments. In these therapy sessions, the psychiatrist tries to help his patients achieve healthier, happier lives by treating their psychological problems. 

Like all people in medical fields, Robert also spends much of his time documenting his sessions and treatments for his patients.

As a malpractice defense attorney, Monty Montgomery also deals with a lot of paperwork, as she daily reviews case files, writes and proofs briefs, arguments, and the like. 

The more exciting part of Monty’s profession takes her into the courtroom where she presents oral arguments in defense of her clients, interviews witnesses, and tries to persuade judges and juries to agree that her clients are innocent.

Often, preparation for her cases also involves assigning investigative work and background checks to the private investigator who works for Montgomery Legal Services.

What unique research was required to write this story?

I had to do a deep dive into something I’d never expected to need to research—depositions. Monty Montgomery, the heroine of Watched, is a malpractice defense attorney representing the hero, psychiatrist Dr. Robert Weston. For the case, and also for their investigation into who is threatening their lives, Monty has Robert sit in on her depositions of witnesses. 

I’d never realized before that while some movies and books may show the setup to depositions, I’ve never actually seen the depositions themselves portrayed. I learned interesting legal parameters in my research, as well as unexpected elements regarding who can be present at depositions, the use of objections, witnesses’ rights, and more. 

But if that sounds a bit dry, don’t worry. In Watched, the deposition scenes read much like watching Perry Mason in action. Quick, intelligent, and fun as readers join Monty and Robert in trying to solve the mystery! (Yes, I’m a big Perry Mason fan.)

What did you learn while writing this story?

That airbags deflate almost instantly after deployment! Special thanks to a proofreader who told me that from her first-hand experience.

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

God is greater than we can think or imagine. When we cannot depend on others or even ourselves, we can always, always depend on God. He is never-changing, always in control, ever faithful, and more than able to carry His children through any trials we face.

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.

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.