Serve his country or rescue his wife?

Federal Air Marshal Reese Donovan has sacrificed everything he loves to keep another 9/11 from occurring again.

After living apart from his wife, Verity, for a year, the last thing he expects is harrowing news that will force him to examine where his loyalty lies.

While he’s been busy keeping the skies safe, Verity narrowly escaped a deadly explosion.

To add insult to injury, the trauma has left her suffering from selective amnesia.

Verity believes she and Reese are still happily married.

With his wife depending on him to fill in critical memories before the bomber strikes again, Reese must lie to Verity while placing his faith in the private security team he holds responsible for widening the cracks in his marriage.

Unsure of who he can trust, and with time running out, Reese will face his greatest fear.

Prevent a terrorist attack or save the woman he still loves.

Hi, Danielle! Thanks so much for hosting me.

What is something interesting readers would enjoy learning about you?

I’m not sure if readers will enjoy this, but I’ve become slightly addicted to listening to Air Traffic Controller’s talking to pilots! I find their radio chatter fascinating and get a little bit excited when I understand some of what they’re saying. 

What makes up your ideal reading environment?

Anywhere I can lie down really. During the day if I read, I lie on the bed in the room where I write and snack while I do it, but if I’m reading non-fiction and my Bible I read in bed at night. I don’t snack in bed anymore. Too many crumbs. ? 

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

Hands down, Verity disarming the bomb. Technically speaking it wasn’t easy, but my head was so filled with explosive techniques and jargon it was a relief for her to finally remember who she was! Plus, Mick surprised me by showing up in dire straits. I had no plans for a strapping Coast Guard to show up in that scene! 

What unique research was required to write this story?

Lots of stuff that would have the FBI very interested in my search history I’m sure! 

I spent months reading official reports from actual terror attacks around the globe, watched endless YouTube videos to learn everything from what kind of explosives are used, to what tactics terrorists employ, and learned a lot about what gizmos and techniques actual bomb techs use. 

I also spent a lot of time listening to actual flight controllers directing traffic, and made sure I understood enough terminology so I had a better understanding of how systems work. This might explain my new weird like of listening to radio chatter!

To do justice to the real men and women who serve so selflessly, I also spent time researching real-life married service members, and actual experiences of female military vets who suffer from PTSD.  

On top of that, I also tried to get as much technical detail accurate as possible. Not easy to do when you’re in New Zealand and a lot of American websites block you as a potential security risk!

What is one bit of research you wish you could have included in the story?

A couple of days ago I learned some airports have systems where pilots can activate and adjust lighting using a specific radio frequency and a series of microphone click. That would have been neat to include.

What was the inspiration behind your story?

The idea for this story was originally conceived due to my enjoyment of the show Burn Notice and the will-they-won’t-they romance between two main characters, but it soon morphed into something far deeper as God took control.

While in Collision Course events conspire so Reese must choose between his wife’s well-being and his stressful career, it soon became apparent I was writing an action-packed version of my own story!

Our very personal battle to hold our family together became firmly embedded into the plot, so I hope readers can connect with Reese’s struggle to prioritize family over career and Verity’s stubborn refusal to let him foolishly tear apart what God has joined together.   

What did you learn while writing this story?

I’ve learned that Air Traffic Controllers literally save lives with their fast thinking and that when it comes to pilots and ATCs NOTHING beats out experience.   

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

Hopefully, I’ve been able to show that while Satan is at work in the world, God is ready to fight all our battles for us and that we need only to be still. Exodus 14:14.