Do you have a “go-to” author?
You know, as soon as their next book comes out, we’re ordering it. We know that we’ll get the feels we come to expect from their stories. My guest this month is one of those authors. DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She creates action-packed, suspense-filled novels to thrill readers. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists and won two Christy Awards, the Golden Scroll, Inspirational Reader’s Choice, and Carol Award contests. In fact, her latest book–released in September–is already on the ECPA bestseller list. There are so many fantastic authors out there, but only a handful that are my “go-to” peeps.
Her latest book, Lethal Standoff is one of her best yet. 
The story delivers pulse-pounding romantic suspense about secrets, betrayal, and finding a path to forgiveness. Plus, it has one of the most surprising endings I’ve read in a long time. And, a Messianic character! [Learn more about that in our YouTube interview.]
What is the story about?
Hostage negotiator Carrington Reed is called to the scene when reports come in that fifteen hostages are being held by the Kendrix brothers in an abandoned house in south Texas. When she arrives on site, Carrington quickly learns that the brothers are armed and refuse to release their victims, a group of undocumented immigrants, until the local police identify their father’s murderer.
Working closely with Levi Ehrlich, a handsome investigative reporter who has covered some of Carrington’s negotiations in the past, she finds herself being undeniably drawn to him. When Carrington digs deeper into the death of the Kendrix brothers’ father, she begins to notice that some details surrounding his death aren’t adding up.
As Carrington investigates the brothers’ claims and tries to piece together their motive for taking innocent people captive, it soon becomes clear that they are trying to hide something and that revenge for their father’s death may not be what they’re really bargaining for after all. To protect the hostages and ensure the brothers don’t carry out the rest of their sinister plot, Carrington must get to the bottom of one family’s secret and the truth they’re trying so hard to hide before time runs out.
Be sure to check out her book trailer.
So, I have my “go-to” authors, who are yours, DiAnn?
Jerry Jenkins, Charles Martin, David Baldacci, Steven James, Hank Phillipii Ryan, Tosca Lee, and Lynette Eason. They never disappoint me with character, plot, and setting.
Excellent, I have some favorites in your lineup, too.
Which of your characters has really stretched you as a writer?
Levi challenged me and sent my research spinning. He is a journalist, and my love for words made that part of him easy. The difficulty came in his upbringing as a strict Orthodox Jew. That sent me after interviews to discuss what that meant from theology to diet. Levi converted to Messianic Jew. His family disowned him, even had a burial for him. Again, I went scrambling for Messianic Jews who converted from Judaism. I talked to Rabbis, men, and women who came from that background, which added insight to Levi’s character, his internal problem, and story twists and turns.
My husband and I have been part of the Messianic movement for over twenty-five years. You did a great job showing the conflict and heartbreak a Jewish person who accepted Yeshua–Jesus–as their Messiah. It’s probably one of the reasons this book is one of my favorites.
What is one of your favorite quotes from Lethal Standoff and why do you love it?
DiAnn’s booksigning at Barnes & Noble where she met up with friend Sharon @sharondsimms and her friend Sylvia @bnconroetx
I have two:
“We’re outliers. Neither one of us is afraid to step outside of our comfort zone to stand up for what is right. We thrive on being different. We’re peculiar people and proud of it.” Levi Ehrlich
“Pain can be a beautiful thing if we allow it to work miracles in our lives.” Carrington Reed.
What are you working on now?
Canyon of Deceit – releasing September 2025. When a wilderness survival expert teams up with a Texas Ranger, they venture deep into the desolate Guadalupe Mountains to rescue an eight-year-old girl, kidnapped to keep her Russian father from revealing deadly terrorist secrets. The stakes rise as they navigate treacherous terrain, battling both the elements and those determined to keep the truth buried.
Oooo. Can’t wait for Canyon of Deceit!
Now are you ready for a GREAT giveaway from DiAnn?
The October A2A Giveaway!
Yes! Thanks to DiAnn, this month’s giveaway is a signed copy of her recent release, Lethal Standoff–or an eBook, your choice!
There’s one winner and it could be you! How? Well, by entering! Not just once, but up to SIX times!* Leave a comment below and share this blog and if you haven’t already, please subscribe to my newsletter at the bottom of this blog and receive a free gift from me — and an extra entry.
NOTE: WANT TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING THIS INCREDIBLE GIVEAWAY?*
Check out my YouTubeA2A interview with DiAnn. Because, in the video interview DiAnn will read a tense scene from Lethal Standoff and answer different fun questions–and we have some great discussions! By Liking and Commenting on the video episode, you will have one more entry.* Sharing the video, another entry.* Subscribe, and you have TWO entries for a chance to win.*
The Deadline is October 24th!
Watch our interview–You HAVE to hear about SOME of DiAnn’s adventures!
That means, my friends, if you comment and subscribe -– or are already a subscriber -– to my blog, then watch the video and LIKE, SHARE, and COMMENT on the VIDEO, then Subscribe to my YouTube Channel, your name will be entered SIX TIMES!*
NOTE: We made the move from Georgia to Illinois. So, November will be busy closing on our new home, moving in, and getting settled. Therefore, my next A2A will be December 4th–LORD willing. So excited to interview the bestselling and multi-award-winning author Robin Jones Gunn. Her latest release, Tea with Elephants is a charming and thought-provoking story of sisterhood and faith! Yum!
Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed getting to know DiAnn–I sure enjoyed catching up with her! Until December, God bless and KEEP READING!
*So sorry, entries from the contiguous US only.
