One of my favorite television characters was Jessica Fletcher in the Murder She Wrote series. Fictional to the core because murders seemed to follow her wherever she went, however, she was an immersive researcher–by virtue of all these folks around her getting murdered–and my assumption would be that she was a fantastic writer. Well, guess what, my friend, this month’s featured author is a real-live Jessica Fletcher–sans the murders–who writes mystery, suspense, thrillers that always leave the reader guessing “who dun it” until the very end.

That beloved author is bestselling, award-winning author DiAnn Mills. DiAnn 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.

DiAnn is also a coffee fanatic social media maven. And of course there is her little know hobby of making nut butters like peanut and almond.

Yes! She makes her own peanut butter and almond butter. I’ll opt for the almond butter, please.

It’s interesting, every time I mention DiAnn Mills to authors and readers alike, they smile and say, “I just love her.” My opinion? It’s because she “sees” people and is such an encourager. And the woman makes her own nut butter, come on!

Her latest book Facing the Enemy is a keep your tushie-in-the-chair thriller and suspense. What’s this story about? For the past five years, FBI Special Agent Risa Jacobs has worked in the violent crimes against children division of the Houston FBI. She’s never had reason to believe there’s a target on her back . . . until now.

When the long-awaited reunion between Risa and her brother, Trenton, ends in tragedy, Risa is riddled with guilt, unable to cope with the responsibility she feels over his death. On leave from the FBI, Risa returns to her former career as an English teacher at a local college, only to see her past and present collide when one of her students, Carson Mercury, turns in an assignment that reads like an eyewitness account of her brother’s murder, with details never revealed publicly.

Alarmed by Carson’s inside knowledge of Trenton’s death, Risa reaches out to her former partner at the FBI. Special Agent Gage Patterson has been working a string of baby kidnappings, but he agrees to help look into Carson’s background. Risa and Gage soon discover their cases might be connected as a string of high-value thefts have occurred at properties where security systems were installed by Carson’s stepfather and children have gone missing. There’s a far more sinister plot at play than they ever imagined, and innocent lives are in danger.

For fans of romantic suspense comes a heart-pounding thriller about loss, betrayal, and finding the strength to trust again.

Doesn’t this book sound exciting! Check out my reviews on Goodreads, BookBub, and other outlets for my 5-star review.

So we know a little about DiAnn, a little about her latest book, let’s get to know this amazing woman of GOD even more, shall we?

What did you read as a child? 

I’m a suspense and mystery gal. I read Nancy Drew (all of them), Hardy Boys, Trixie Belden, Cherry Ames, Donna Parker, and more.

Ahh, that explains a lot!

Who are your favorite authors to read & why?

I like so many!

• Charles Martin – always delivers emotion and suspense with incredible characters.
• Joel Rosenberg – weaves powerful characters, exciting events, mystery, and suspense that keeps me turning pages.
• Jerry Jenkins – his characterization and attention to detail show his commitment to the craft. He places entertaining his readers first.
• Steven James – his plots always have me guessing.
• So many more!

There are a few of my favorites on your list!

Do you have any strange writing habits/quirks?

I’m quirky so what seems strange to you might be normal to me. I can write anywhere and easily drown out the noise around me. Before I begin the day’s writing, I’ll read what was written the day before, but that’s not quirky, that’s logic. Lots of dark roasted coffee to keep me stimulated.

Ah, I can’t write when I’m hungry.

LOL! Love it! And I love a good Italian or French Roast myself.

What is something God taught you while you wrote your featured book?

Dean and DiAnn Ready to Worship

I wrote Facing the Enemy right after one of our sons was killed in a hit and run pedestrian accident. God showed me how journaling my grief could be used to create a story of healing.

Oh, DiAnn, I am so sorry. I can’t even imagine. Readers, later you’ll learn why DiAnn’s giveaway is especially poignant to this month’s Giveaway winner.

What is one of your favorite quotes from Facing the Enemy and why do you love it?

“A strong woman faces the enemy and walks through the fire.” The heroine’s determination to find out who had killed her brother mirrored my sorrow and helped me to forgive the driver of the car who hit my son.

So powerful and one of the many reasons I highly recommend DiAnn’s latest book, Facing the Enemy.

 What is the worst writing tip you ever received? How was it helpful?

“You haven’t got what it takes to be a writer.”

I’m a stubborn and determined woman. No one, absolutely no one but God would tell me I didn’t have what it took to be a writer.

Amen! We’re sure glad you didn’t listen to that critic!

 What do you hope readers know about you and your books?

My goal is to entertain, inspire, and encourage readers to find hope in God in the midst of a dangerous and unpredictable world.

We all need that encouragement. Thank you!

Do you have a recipe that compliments your book’s characters, setting, or time period? Please share.

You hit my sweet spot! Love to cook and bake. I chose a Walnut Fudge Pie recipe to sweeten up the mystery and suspense.

Gage’s Walnut Fudge Pie

Ingredients:

3 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup butter melted
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 12oz package of semisweet chocolate, melted
1 1/2 cups walnuts or pecans
1 unbaked pie crust

Java chocolate sauce – optional
1 12 oz package semisweet chocolate morsels
1/2 cup whipping cream
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup strong brewed coffee

Directions:

Stir together first 5 ingredients until blended; stir in melted chocolate morsels ad nuts.

Fit pierces into a 9-inch plate. Spoon filling into piecrust

Bake at 375 for 30 minutes. Cool completely.

Java Chocolate Sauce
Heat chocolate morsels, cream, and butter in a heavy saucepan over low heat until melted, stirring often. Cook stirring constantly 2 to 3 minutes or until smooth. Remove from heat; stir in coffee. Serve warm. Yield 1 1/4 cups.

*You can omit the java sauce and top with vanilla ice cream.

WHAT?! My mouth is watering at this very moment!

Ready for the GIVEAWAY?

The August A2A Giveaway!

Yes! Thanks to Tyndale House Publishing, this month’s giveaway is a copy of DiAnn’s, Facing the Enemy! Thank you, Tyndale!

But there’s more! DiAnn wants to personally give the winner a copy of her beautiful, hardback journal, Walking with God–Stepping out in Faith and Accepting the Unpredictable.

Isn’t this exciting! And you could be the WINNER! 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 riveting excerpt of Facing the Enemy, answer different fun questions! Really fun! 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 August 11th!

Watch our A2A interview!

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!*

If you already have a copy of Facing the Enemy, be sure to let you friends and family know so that they can enter!

September’s Author Highlight is the multi award-Winning and bestselling author Carrie Turansky.

Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed getting to know DiAnn! Until next month, God bless and KEEP READING!

*So sorry, entries from the contiguous US only.