Showing posts with label thriller. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thriller. Show all posts

Under Cover of Chaos by Liz Wanic with Rebekah Wanic: Blog Tour & Giveaway

Monday, July 27, 2026
Under Cover of Chaos by Liz Wanic with Rebekah Wanic

I'm excited to introduce a title that will add a burst of excitement to your summer reading list. Under Cover of Chaos is a debut thriller by Liz Wanic with Rebekah Wanic that delivers gripping suspense, a strong female lead, exotic locales and a brutal question: What happens when one of the world’s most powerful institutions is the perfect place to hide a killer? Join us as we celebrate the launch with an author interview and book giveaway. 

But first, more about the book:

“… a fast-paced thriller that plunges the reader into the morally complex world of a UN humanitarian mission in Bangui...a must-read for fans of thrillers with high-stakes political undertones.”
–Kim McCollum, author of What Happens in Montana and Harriet Hates Lemonade

A serial killer hides behind an untouchable global institution. A broken system fails the victims. One woman vows to uncover the truth.

When young women are found dead in the capital of the Central African Republic, United Nations official Stella Fairmont is reminded of the unsolved disappearance of a friend. As she investigates, she uncovers what may be a chilling pattern: similar deaths in another UN location.

The deeper she digs, the more twisted the view becomes and Stella finds herself up against a system built on compromise, in which accountability is often an illusion. When the truth gets blurred and personal histories can be hidden, the only way to survive is to trust her instincts. But as friendships run thin and time runs out, she must navigate a minefield of lies, moral complexity, and buried secrets — all while trying to stay ahead of someone who would kill to keep the truth hidden.

Publisher: Black Rose Writing (June 18, 2026)
AISN: B0GSWB8XR7   
ISBN-10: 1685137598 
ISBN-13: 978-1685137595     
Print length:  262 pages

Purchase your copy on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop. You'll also want to add it to your Goodreads reading list. 

About the Sisters behind Under Cover of Chaos

Liz Wanic

Liz Wanic worked for the United Nations for almost a decade in New York and in multiple field missions, including Syria, Mali and the Central African Republic before moving into cybersecurity. Her experiences have given her a sharp eye for detail and a deep understanding of the inner workings of power in complex situations.

Rebekah Wanic

Rebekah Wanic, Liz's twin sister, is a social psychologist, university professor and mindset coach. She focuses on the intricacies of the human condition and the complications of balancing competing demands.

Find the author at:

Instagram: @lizwanicauthor

--Interview by Jodi M. Webb

WOW: What made you decide to write Under Cover of Chaos? Have you always been a writer?

Liz: I’ve been starting and stopping stories since as far back as I can remember. I always wanted to be an author, but until Under Cover of Chaos, I never felt strongly enough about a story to pull it across the finish line. 

Don’t get me wrong, it was still a slog to get this book from inception to completion, but a large part of the difficulty was trying to learn the industry while working on the writing and doing my regular day job. I guess in this case, I just liked Stella and her story enough to stick with it – and working with my sister was a huge help as well.

WOW: What roles did you and your sister play in bringing Under Cover of Chaos to life? Were you both writers, one writer and one editor, or something in between?

Liz: I was the main writer and my sister was a fantastic editor. And in the planning phases, she helped me think through the plot and characters.

WOW: What is the biggest advantage (or disadvantage) to having someone you have literally known your entire life as your writing partner?

Liz: Biggest advantage – she gets things quickly without me having to over-explain. Biggest disadvantage – sometimes we both get things that don’t make sense to anyone else.

WOW: How do you feel that collaboration can improve writing?

Liz: I think most writers have experienced the benefits of working with their editors, beta readers, writing groups, and the like. I remember reading about how Harper Lee went back and forth with her editor for years before we got To Kill A Mockingbird, and I’d expect that collaboration played a huge role in most, if not all, of the books we love.

WOW: P.D. James said the “all fiction is largely autobiographical.” So tell us, does Under Cover of Chaos have a thread of autobiography in it?

Liz: Under Cover of Chaos draws hugely from my life and experiences. Without working for the UN or living in Bangui, there is no way I would have been able to create this story. But it’s definitely a fictionalized account with invented characters, and, as far as I know, there is no real life King.

WOW: That's a relief! I hate to think of a serial killer hiding behind diplomacy in nations around the world. Now, let's head back home. If we were to walk into your writing space what would we see?

Liz: Things I need when writing: a window; some tea, water or coffee depending on the time of day; a comfy place to sit. Things I prefer to have as well: classical music; sunlight; no one around.

WOW: Are you a planner or a pantser? I imagine with a thriller there has to be some major planning involved to make all the pieces fit as well as keep up the suspense.

Liz: I’m definitely a planner, but the plans often change as I go. Sometimes I’ll realize that the reader needs to know something earlier or that they are learning it too soon and that requires moving events around or changing when and how clues show up. Sometimes part of the plan happens more quickly or takes longer once it’s on paper than when I first imagined it. Then I have to rearrange chapters or add scenes to grow the tension. There are also times when a character gets more or less page time than originally planned, or they might get eliminated altogether. So I guess my process is, start with a plan and fix it as I write.

WOW: You’ve admitted that you aren’t very active on social media. Do you find that a  challenge in today’s world? Have you decided to avoid the lure of social media or are you ramping up your online presence?

Liz: I cringe when agents and editors ask, “how active are you on social media?” I’m not at all active on social media, and I’d rather keep it that way. However, I understand how it’s a great way to connect with readers, so I’m trying to make a go of it with Instagram and I have a Facebook author page. I doubt I’ll ever put out an excess of content, but I’m very open to doing in-person or virtual events as I love direct connections.

WOW: And thanks for the direct connection you're making with all our WOW readers today. What’s up next for you? Another adventure for Stella or something new?

Liz: Next up – I have a short story, The Assembly, coming out in November 2026 as part of an anthology from Blackstone Publishing called Shadow Labs, Vol III. I’m really excited about the story and am working on turning it into a full length novel. My sister and I are also working on the second book in the Stella series. Hopefully, we can get it ready to go soon!

WOW: And we'll be here anxiously awaiting the release. Thanks for sharing a bit about your writing life today.

Under Cover of Chaos Blog Tour

--Blog Tour Calendar

July 27th @ The Muffin
Join us as we celebrate the launch of Under Cover of Chaos by Liz Wanic with Rebekah Wanic. Read an interview with the author and enter to win!
https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

July 28th @ A Wonderful World of Words
The writing life can be complicated. Liz Wanic shares what it's like when your writing partner is also your twin.

July 29th @ Chapter Break
Novelist Liz Wanic shares the books every thriller lover should read.
https://chapterbreak.net/

August 3rd @ Silver's Reviews
Want a new author for a new month? Check out Under Cover of Chaos, a debut thriller by Liz Wanic with Rebekah Wanic. 

August 3rd @ What Is That Book About
Today's spotlight is on Under Cover of Chaos, an international thriller by Liz Wanic with Rebekah Wanic. 

August 4th @ Words by Webb
Jodi reviews a summer read packed with action: Under Cover of Chaos by Liz Wanic with Rebekah Wanic. 

August 6th @ The Faerie Review
Ready to discover a new author? Learn more about Liz Wanic and her thriller Under Cover of Chaos.

August 8th @ Boots, Shoes and Fashion
Don't miss today's interview with Liz Wanic, author of the exotic thriller Under Cover of Chaos.

August 11th @ Words by Webb
Celebrate the thriller Under Cover of Chaos with a post about living off the beaten path.
https://www.jodiwebbwriter.com/blog

August 13th @ Knotty Needle
Read a review of the global thriller Under Cover of Chaos by Liz Wanic with Rebekah Wanic.

August 14th @ A Storybook World
Ready to navigate lies and secrets to uncover a serial killer? Read more about Under Cover of Chaos by Liz Wanic with Rebekah Wanic.

August 16th @ Book Reviews From an Avid Reader
Avid Reader shares her opinion of a new novel: Under Cover of Chaos by Liz Wanic with Rebekah Wanic.

August 17th @ StoreyBook Reviews
In today's guest post, novelist Liz Wanic answers the question: When Did My Life Become Fiction? 

August 20th @ Knotty Needle
Novelist Liz Wanic is sharing stories of her Life as a Ex-Pat, an experience that helped when writing her debut thriller Under Cover of Chaos. 

August 21st @ Boys' Mom Reads!
We've got another must read for your TBR list. Check out Under Cover of Chaos by Liz Wanic with Rebekah Wanic. 


***** BOOK GIVEAWAY *****

Enter to win Under Cover of Chaos by Liz Wanic with Rebekah Wanic. Fill out the form below for a chance to win. The giveaway ends August 9th at 11:59 pm CT. We will randomly draw a winner the next day and follow up via email. Good luck!

Under Cover of Chaos Giveaway
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Have You Seen Him by Kimberly Lee: Blog Tour & Giveaway

Monday, August 18, 2025
Have You Seen Him by Kimberly Lee

I'm excited to announce a blog tour for Have You Seen Him by Kimberly Lee. This book is perfect if you want an edge-of-your-seat thriller that will keep you up at night until you find out what happens next.

We'll be celebrating the launch of the blog tour by interviewing the author and giving you a chance to win a copy for yourself.

But first, here's more about the book:

For David Byrdsong, life is a series of daily obligations. An attorney, he lacks both ambition and the ability to commit to a long-term relationship with his girlfriend, Gayle. Abandoned by his family at an airport when he was eleven, he learned to blunt his feelings, despite his subsequent adoption by a loving couple.

Until one day, when David discovers his own face in a missing child ad. Suddenly driven to uncover the truth about his past, he is forced to tap into his inner strength as he encounters corporate conspiracies, murdered bystanders, and distressing suspicions about the only family he’s ever really trusted. David enlists Gayle's help—and the help of an unlikely stranger with secrets of his own—as he attempts to find his true family, whoever they are.

Thrilling, exploratory, and propulsive, Have You Seen Him is a story of lost identity, dangerous secrets, and a deeply personal pursuit of the truth.

PUBLISHER: Butterfly Effect Press
ASIN: B0F9TJYN8V
ISBN-13  979-8991867207
Print Length: 268 pages

Purchase a copy now on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Bookshop.org. You can also add it to your GoodReads reading list.

About the Author, Kimberly Lee

Kimberly Lee, JD is the author of the riveting thriller Have You Seen Him. A versatile writer, editor, and creativity coach, she has a passion for nurturing the imaginative spirit and helping others reveal their own inner wisdom. Kimberly is an Amherst Writers & Artists affiliate and serves on its board. She is a certified facilitator of SoulCollage®, Journal to the Self, and Guided Autobiography, as well as a joyful meditation teacher and Groove Method provider. A teaching artist with Hugo House, Women On Writing, The Writing Salon, and Loft Literary, Kimberly has led events at numerous retreats and conferences. Recent collaborations include Esalen Institute, Omega Institute, Arts & Healing Initiative, the Expressive Therapies Summit, and Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center. Kimberly’s writing has appeared in a variety of publications and anthologies, and she has served on the staffs of Literary Mama, F(r)iction, and Carve Magazines. Kimberly trusts in the magic and mystery of miracles and synchronicity, and believes everyone is creative and has unique gifts to share. Connect with Kimberly on Instagram @klcreatrix or at KimberlyLee.me.

--- Interview by Nicole Pyles

WOW: First off, congratulations on your novel Have You Seen Him. What inspired you to write this novel?

Kimberly: Thank you! It’s a dream come true. Soon after we meet the book’s main character, David, he’s sifting through his mail and sees the missing child ad with his own face. The inspiration for the book is a scenario somewhat similar to that—I was sorting my mail and saw an ad for a child who went missing when he was 10. The computer-progressed image showed him at 40 years old. I thought about how this boy’s family had been searching for over three decades and had never given up trying to find him. The faces haunted me. I tore it out and carried it around in my bag for a while, then sat down to write a story about it.

WOW: I love that such a heartbreaking moment stayed with you and you turned into a novel. You keep such a great pace throughout this novel. How did you manage to do that so well?

Kimberly: An early developmental editor reminded me that thrillers need to move quickly. A comment she repeated throughout her notes: “Move it along!” As I revised the manuscript, I let go of many chapters and characters because they slowed things down and weren’t essential. At one point, I read the story and tried to act like I was new to it, as if I knew nothing about it. If I found myself disengaging or skimming a passage, I cut it. If this boring or uninteresting passage contained information that was crucial to the plot, I integrated it elsewhere in the story. My first draft was twice as long! 

WOW: What a great point! Pace is everything. You published this book under your own imprint. Why did you decide to pursue self-publishing?

Kimberly: I originally envisioned going the traditional route. After my early drafts were workshopped, revised, and workshopped again, and also edited by a developmental editor and a copyeditor, I entered it into Simon & Schuster’s First Novel Contest. My manuscript made it to semi-finalist in that contest and also in another contest given by a hybrid press. I later sent the first 20 pages to 10 agents. One requested the full manuscript and eventually passed on it, saying she really liked it but wasn’t in love with it as she needed to be. That phrasing stuck with me–that I was waiting for someone to be “in love with it as they needed to be.” I decided not to wait for that, and having placed well in the two contests gave me enough validation that the book was ready. I was in love with my book as much as I needed to be, and that was enough to go forward. I decided to independently publish it under my own imprint, Butterfly Effect Press, with the help of the wonderful team at AuthorImprints. As a result, I maintained control over cover design and many aspects of production. They held my hand every step of the way, and their expertise was invaluable. I love the final product and am thrilled that I made this choice!

WOW: That must have been so validating. What does your writing space look like? Any photos you can share?

Kimberly: When we moved into our current home, I claimed a little room near the laundry area as my “writing retreat.” I had it painted a beautiful mauve and took delight in decorating it with furry pillows, a sofa, a lovely desk. Hardly any of Have You Seen Him was written there! I mostly worked on my novel from behind the wheel (while the car was parked, of course!). I’d be waiting for my kids at karate class, flute lessons, parkour, theatre rehearsals. Something about grabbing those casual moments—with a finite amount of time—helped me get into a flow. It took away the pressure that sometimes blocked me when sitting at my desk for “designated writing sessions.”

WOW: Ha! Isn't that just the way of things? Must be a lovely space though! Are you a pantser, a plotter, or a bit of both? And why?

Kimberly: Probably a bit of both. I’ll have a broad idea of where I’d like the story to go, but am open to what arises naturally during the flow of writing. This may sound strange, but if I can truly get in the zone, the characters will kind of start behaving on their own and their dialogue and actions just come through. For Have You Seen Him, I wrote the beginning of the story and I knew how I wanted it to end but wasn’t sure how to get there. After agonizing over it, I decided to go ahead and write those final scenes. Doing that gave me a glimpse of how I’d feel when the book was complete, and it motivated me to get the characters from Point A to Point Z. I think my subconscious was also working on it because I’d wake up with ideas. So instead of outlining every plot point, I like to stay open to the unexpected.

WOW: I think that's a great combination of plotting and pantsing. I loved reading about your Soul Collage Workshops on your website. Why is that sort of creative expression so important to us?

Kimberly: I love seeing people light up as they discover and explore their creative gifts! And since the nature of writing is solitary, workshops are a chance to be in community with others on the same path. I really enjoy integrating creative and expressive writing with SoulCollage®, an intuitive collage process that’s fun, accessible, and also pretty magical. With gentle guidance, we create powerful collages with images we’re drawn to, then find the meaning or story they contain. It’s visual and tactile, and helps us tap into creative resources and hidden narratives we may not have access to through logical thinking. I offer workshops in-person and on zoom, varying from one-day events to longer courses and retreats. Recent collaborations include working with veterans in West Los Angeles, at The Huntington, a botanical garden in the Pasadena area, and with survivors of the LA fires. I’ve led weeklong events at Esalen Institute and the Omega Institute, and I’m on my way to one at Hollyhock Centre in British Columbia. It’s a treat—and deeply meaningful—to have uninterrupted time to express ourselves creatively, forming connections while immersed in a beautiful natural setting. New stories emerge.

WOW: I think that visualizing activity is so important to creative expression. What are you working on that you can tell us about?

Kimberly: Have You Seen Him is the first in a trilogy, so it’s back to my notebook to work on the second installment! Pen to page. A few people have asked what’s going to happen with the characters, and to be honest, I’m not sure myself, although I have a few ideas. Robert Frost said, “No surprise for the writer, no surprise for the reader.” We’ll all be surprised with the next developments–please stay tuned!

WOW: I can't wait! Thank you so much for taking time to chat with me today. Hope you enjoy your tour!

Have You Seen Him by Kimberly Lee Blog Tour

--- Blog Tour Calendar

August 18 @ WOW! Women on Writing
Join us as we celebrate the launch of Kimberly Lee's thriller and suspense novel Have You Seen Him. Read an interview with the author and a chance to win a copy of the book yourself.

August 20 @ One Writer's Journey
Visit Sue's blog for a review of Kimberly Lee's thriller Have You Seen Him. 

August 21 @ What Is That Book About
Visit Michelle's blog for a spotlight of Kimberly Lee's thriller Have You Seen Him.

August 23 @ World of My Imagination
Visit Nicole's blog for her review of Kimberly Lee's thriller Have You Seen Him.

August 25 @ Chapter Break
Visit Julie's blog for a guest post by Kimberly Lee on her journey from attorney to writer and how she leans on that experience for her writing.

August 27 @ One Writer's Journey
Visit Sue's blog for her response to our tour-themed prompt on what comforts her and gives her a sense of community and connection.

August 28 @ Knotty Needle
Visit Judy's blog for her review of Kimberly Lee's newest thriller, Have You Seen Him.

August 29 @ Writer Advice
Visit Lynn's blog for a guest post by Kimberly Lee on inspiring words from other authors.

August 31 @ Words from the Heart
Join Linda's blog for a guest post by Kimberly Lee on her research for the novel Have You Seen Him.

August 31 @ Live, Love and Laugh for a Healthy Lifestyle
Visit Nicole's blog for her review of Kimberly Lee's newest thriller, Have You Seen Him.

September 2 @ Live, Love and Laugh for a Healthy Lifestyle
Stop by Nicole's blog again for her response to our tour-themed prompt on what she dreams of doing and small steps she is taking towards it.

September 3 @ Create Write Now
Visit Mari's blog for a blog post by Kimberly Lee on transforming everyday events and interactions into great scenes.

September 4 @ Words by Webb
Visit Jodi's blog for her review of Kimberly Lee's newest thriller, Have You Seen Him.

September 5 @ Words from the Heart
Visit Linda's blog for her review of Kimberly Lee's newest thriller, Have You Seen Him.

September 6 @ A Sip, A Shout, and a Sentence
Join Celyse's Substack for her review of Kimberly Lee's newest thriller, Have You Seen Him.

September 7 @ StoreyBook Reviews
Visit Leslie's blog for her spotlight of Kimberly Lee's newest thriller, Have You Seen Him.

September 9 @ A Wonderful World of Words
Visit Joy's blog for a guest post by Kimberly Lee about writing with images.

September 11 @ Knotty Needle
Visit Judy's blog for her response to our tour-themed writing prompt on following her intuition.

September 12 @ Sarandipity's Blog
Visit Sara's blog for her interview with Kimberly Lee about her newest thriller, Have You Seen Him.

September 13 @ Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews
Join Lisa for an interview with Kimberly Lee about her newest thriller, Have You Seen Him.

September 15 @ A Storybook World
Visit Deirdre's blog for her spotlight of Kimberly Lee's newest thriller, Have You Seen Him.

September 16 @ Kaecey McCormick's blog
Visit Kaecey's blog for her review of Kimberly Lee's newest thriller, Have You Seen Him.

September 17 @ Boys' Mom Reads
Visit Karen's blog for her review of Kimberly Lee's newest thriller, Have You Seen Him.

September 18 @ Words by Webb
Stop by Jodi's blog again for an interview with author Kimberly Lee.

September 18 @ The Frugalista Mom
Visit Rochie's blog for her response to our prompt about what she dreams of doing and small steps she can take towards it.

September 20 @ Choices
Visit Madeline's blog for a guest post by Kimberly Lee on her book's journey from idea to publication.

September 21 @ Kaecey McCormick's blog
Don't miss Kaecey's blog stop for an interview with Kimberly Lee.

September 25 @ Caitrin King's blog
Visit Caitrin's blog for her review of Have You Seen Him by Kimberly Lee.

***** BOOK GIVEAWAY *****

Enter to win a copy of Have You Seen Him by Kimberly Lee! Fill out the Rafflecopter form for a chance to win. The giveaway ends August 31st at 11:59 CT. We will choose a winner the next day and announce it in the Rafflecopter widget as well as follow up via email. Good luck!

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Have You Seen Him by Kimberly Lee: Reader Review Event & Giveaway

Friday, July 25, 2025
Have You Seen Him by Kimberly Lee

I'm excited to announce our reader review event for Have You Seen Him by Kimberly Lee. This book is perfect if you want an edge-of-your-seat thriller that will keep you up at night until you find out what happens next.

We'll be celebrating the launch of the event by sharing reviews from our community and giving you a chance to win a copy of the book for yourself.

But before we get into what our readers thought, here's more about the book:

For David Byrdsong, life is a series of daily obligations. An attorney, he lacks both ambition and the ability to commit to a long-term relationship with his girlfriend, Gayle. Abandoned by his family at an airport when he was eleven, he learned to blunt his feelings, despite his subsequent adoption by a loving couple.

Until one day, when David discovers his own face in a missing child ad. Suddenly driven to uncover the truth about his past, he is forced to tap into his inner strength as he encounters corporate conspiracies, murdered bystanders, and distressing suspicions about the only family he’s ever really trusted. David enlists Gayle's help—and the help of an unlikely stranger with secrets of his own—as he attempts to find his true family, whoever they are.

Thrilling, exploratory, and propulsive, Have You Seen Him is a story of lost identity, dangerous secrets, and a deeply personal pursuit of the truth.

Purchase a copy now on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Bookshop.org. You can also add it to your GoodReads reading list.


What WOW Readers Thought

"Wow, what a rush! Have You Seen Him is everything I want in a thriller: expertly crafted, deliciously layered, and psychologically suspenseful. It’s brimming with tension, a fast-paced thrill ride with short chapters I devoured in one sitting, which is rare for me. The multi-POV characters are distinct and interconnect to reveal plot surprises, and my favorite character is definitely the smart and gutsy Gayle, whose insights rang true. I could follow her around for an entire book!

The story takes place in my old stomping grounds, Los Angeles and Long Beach, and the setting works well to strengthen the storyline. Kimberly Lee’s writing has a cinematic quality, and I could easily see this as a Netflix movie! I wonder who would play David and Alejandro, two of my other favorite characters besides Gayle. Suspense fans will appreciate the surprise ending! The final image made me smile and reflects back on the entire story, widening the lens and adding meaning and complexity to the theme.

I read a lot of thrillers and many are the same in terms of tone, characters, and plot. Kimberly Lee adds a fresh voice and original characters to the genre, and I can’t wait to read what she writes next! Have You Seen Him is a page turner and a good time." ~ Angela M.

"What an exciting thriller! This was just what I was looking for in a book, lately. Great pacing, great characters, and a fantastic setting. The LA setting made me miss California to the core. Kimberly Lee had great pacing throughout and excellent character development.

I loved Gayle, she was my favorite character. And the multiple POV aspect of this book kept my attention! I loved how this gave us different angles of what was going on. This is a book that made me think and left me wanting more." ~ Nicole P.

"After being abandoned by his family at the airport when he was 11, David was adopted by a loving couple and grew up to be an attorney. His entire life is turned upside down, however, when one day he sees a photo of himself in a missing child ad - making him question everything. He is drawn into a web of secrets, medical mysteries, and danger, all while trying to figure out who he truly is. Lee starts the story off with a bang and doesn't let up from there. The story is quick-paced as we meet David, his girlfriend Gayle, his adoptive father, and others, and they all find themselves on a hunt for David and the reason why other (seemingly dangerous) people are searching for him. I was intrigued to find out David's past and was not disappointed by Lee's twists and turns, although I do wish at times that the story would slow down a bit and incorporate more backstory or some more explanation. Everything was wrapped up pretty quickly but also a bit open-ended, which left me wanting more." ~ Angela W. 

"Kimberly Lee takes you to a rollercoaster ride of emotions. The story is honest, relatable and thought provoking. It’s one of those books that you can’t put down. A must read for someone who is currently in a life’s crossroad." ~ Rochie D.

"I received this book as a review copy and will be posting a further review in later on this summer on my website. However, my opinion on the book is very favorable. I did have to stop and put the book down for a bit as the main character was abandoned at 11 in an airport. I retired from the airline industry and traveled often with my two daughters. Losing them in an airport was always something I worried about. So that section was right out of one of my nightmares. The book continues as he comes to terms with what happened then and what is happening now. A good read and at 256 pages, a great weekend read." ~ Judy H.

"In Have You Seen Him, Kimberly Lee's storytelling brings you romance, mystery, suspense and a wake up call to rogue scientific research. The minute I began reading, I was drawn in by her masterful descriptions and dialogue. She also crafts the story in a way that keeps the reader guessing until the very end. I highly recommend this for anyone looking for a great summer read." ~ Linda R.


About the Author, Kimberly Lee

Kimberly Lee, JD is the author of the riveting thriller Have You Seen Him. A versatile writer, editor, and creativity coach, she has a passion for nurturing the imaginative spirit and helping others reveal their own inner wisdom. Kimberly is an Amherst Writers & Artists affiliate and serves on its board. She is a certified facilitator of SoulCollage®, Journal to the Self, and Guided Autobiography, as well as a joyful meditation teacher and Groove Method provider. A teaching artist with Hugo House, Women On Writing, The Writing Salon, and Loft Literary, Kimberly has led events at numerous retreats and conferences. Recent collaborations include Esalen Institute, Omega Institute, Arts & Healing Initiative, the Expressive Therapies Summit, and Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center. Kimberly’s writing has appeared in a variety of publications and anthologies, and she has served on the staffs of Literary Mama, F(r)iction, and Carve Magazines. Kimberly trusts in the magic and mystery of miracles and synchronicity, and believes everyone is creative and has unique gifts to share. Connect with Kimberly on Instagram @klcreatrix or at KimberlyLee.me.


Thriller Giveaway - Have You Seen Him by Kimberly Lee

***** BOOK & GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY *****

Enter to win a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the dynamic thriller Have You Seen Him by Kimberly Lee! Fill out the Rafflecopter form for a chance to win. The giveaway ends August 7th at 11:59 CT. We will choose a winner the next day and announce in the widget and also follow up via email. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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The Dark Side of Grace by Ronald Chapman Blog Tour and Giveaway

Monday, June 05, 2023
The Dark Side of Grace by Ron Chapman

We here at WOW! Women on Writing are excited to launch the blog tour for The Dark Side of Grace by returning author Ronald Chapman. This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys mystery, action, and/or psychological thrillers. Read on to find out the author's inspiration behind this novel in an intriguing author interview, and enter to win a copy!

Here's a bit more about The Dark Side of Grace:

A devastating terrorist bomb blast at a spiritual retreat outside Santa Fe, New Mexico, sends journalist Kevin Pitcairn and his beloved Emmy on a quixotic quest to understand the roots of violence. Traveling across the country deep into the bowels of Southern Appalachia, their search takes them through a long-standing rift in the American consciousness to confrontations with remarkable and anomalous characters, some of them deeply spiritual, others well-grounded in research and psychology.

In this sequel to the much-acclaimed A Killer’s Grace, Pitcairn and Emmy return to the exploration of innocence while adding to it a deepening understanding of injury and ordeal―and its amazing corollary of Post-Traumatic Growth. As the quest and its dangers rip their lives apart, doors open that lure them back and forth across the country in search of tendrils tying together the events and anguish, as well as bringing the protagonists more deeply together.

ISBN: 1948749874
Publisher: Terra Nova Books (May 1, 2023)
Genre: Mystery Action & Adventure, Thriller & Suspense Action Fiction, Psychological Thriller
Print length: 200 pages


The Dark Side of Grace is available in print at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org. You can add it to your GoodReads reading list as well.

About the Author, Ronald Chapman:

Author Ronald Chapman
Ronald Chapman is an author, speaker, and facilitator of approaches that increase well-being-ness and produce breakthroughs when practiced deeply and in a sustained fashion. He is the creator of Seeing True™ and Progressive Recovery, resources dedicated to exploring concepts of engaging, releasing, and transcending blockages in our lives. At the heart of Seeing True and all of his work is the Greek notion of “metanoia,” which could translate as a profound change of heart. Ronald maintains two core businesses as well. Leading Public Health provides facilitation, strategy and consultation to public health clientele, while Magnetic North delivers similar services to a broader array of clients.

Ron spent many years as a national award winning radio commentator on KUNM radio in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is an elite Accredited Speaker through Toastmasters International, and an accomplished leadership facilitator working with clients from all over the world, including the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization. Ron currently resides in Atlanta, and spends much of his time immersed in art and beauty wherever his travels take him.

Find Chapman Online:

----- Interview by Crystal Otto

WOW: Welcome back, my friend! You are always so busy. I feel like I finish one book and you’re on to the next! You are truly an inspiration; but what is YOUR inspiration? What sparked the idea of The Dark Side of Grace?

Ron: This is such a great question! Somewhere I stumbled across a research paper on post traumatic growth, which is a notion that is central to the book’s plot. It’s also a very cool concept, that the same stuff that breaks people’s lives can be the source for transformation. Turns out everyone from Carl Jung to Viktor Frankl to Admiral James Stockdale had poked at this very same notion, that there is something almost magical about the possibility of inner transformation. It’s even at the heart of Alcoholics Anonymous with the notion of a psychic change.

At any rate, I was at a book event for A Killer’s Grace, the first book in which Pitcairn and Maria Elena get swept up into these psycho-spiritual themes. I was right next to an author, Dr. Pamela Larde, who I asked, “What’s your thing?”

She replied, “Post traumatic growth.”

Gobsmacked, I could only manage to say, “No shit!” We were off to the races.

Pam is a researcher and a brilliant and provocative thinker. Every time we talked I’d find another thread to follow, which led to still more threads. It was like Alice tumbling into Wonderland. Pam became the model for a key character in The Dark Side of Grace, and all those threads created a central part of the plot.

That said, I should probably note that the first nudge for this novel came when the first reviewer of A Killer’s Grace commented that I’d created a new genre, the psycho-spiritual thriller, then observed he could not wait for the sequel. To which I heard myself say, “Damn! There’s a sequel. I didn’t know that.” Now of course, I think the series will be five books by the time all is done with Pitcairn and Maria Elena. Informally I call the whole thing the Chronicles of Grace.

WOW: That’s great insight. I’m so glad I asked. Here’s another one I think you’ll enjoy answering. What does the great Ronald Chapman’s writing space look like? Where will we find you writing?

Ron: Ha! Wherever I can carve out time is my writing space. Much has been done on airplanes while traveling for my professional consultation and facilitation work. I take solo vacations to interesting places so I can have time and space to write. Any coffee shop with a high top and big cup of iced tea is fair game. Sometimes it just feels right to write.

I remember interviewing an author on public radio, David Stuart, who wrote his Guaymas Chronicles in one restaurant, at one particular table, a window seat at The Flying Star in Nob Hill in Albuquerque. I was so envious of the idea of a dedicated space, somehow consecrated by and through the writing. I’ve tried to find that place for me for many years to no avail.

However, I do want to report I may have found it finally in my current hometown, Decatur, Georgia. Sun in My Belly feels really good for early morning writing over a killer breakfast and really good coffee. We’ll see how well that holds up over time.

That said, one of my mentors helped me years ago to frame the life I seem to live, which is filled with wanderlust. Today I often say, “The world is my home, and I have a bed in Decatur, Georgia.” My Jungian analyst loves it. She says I am like Mercury the Roman God who simply does not stay put very well, flying about with wings upon his feet.

WOW: That breakfast has me all distracted and my tummy growling - sounds like perfect inspiration! So, what about influence? Sounds like there have been lots of people who have been a part of your personal growth and development. This may be hard to answer, but who has been most influential in your writing career?

Ron: Cormac McCarthy is an inspiration. He does not seem to flinch at tackling really difficult subjects and themes. While I don’t write with his dedication and precision, I aspire to be able to go wherever a story needs to go, especially into challenging places. Let’s face it, we are in very challenging times in the world, and there are a lot of subjects we need to bring out of the shadows. Everything from substance abuse to family and community violence. One great researcher indicated that the only way we can shift from blame and shame into healing and growth is to get the dark stuff into the light. That certainly mirrors my life.

At any rate, I went on a binge reading with McCarthy’s books at one point. I just love what he can do to illuminate us through story. Then when I read The Road, I was blown away by how a such a bleak and daunting story could bring forth such beauty in the end. As an aside, I also loved the movie. Dark as hell, infused with beauty throughout, and bittersweet in the end.

A friend in recovery once told me he thought bittersweet was the most authentic emotion we could express with the mess that is this life, and the world, and us in the world. “A marvelous entanglement” is what the Brazilian architect Lina Bo Bardi calls it. Such a wonderful reflection of reality.

WOW: Life sure is messy isn’t it? That leads me to one of my favorite questions of all time and I can’t wait to hear your answer to this one: What would your current self like to say to the teenage Ronald Chapman?

Ron: My favorite phrase today comes from depth psychology: to follow the calling of our soul. That is so true for me.

In retrospect, I was so pained as a young man, it would bring great comfort to know that all those stirrings and callings were valid and trustworthy.

When I got sober, I’m now thirty-seven years in sobriety, I realized all my life I wanted to know I was okay. I never believed that. Even now I can struggle with it though I have so much healing in that area, and so many tools to assist.

It’s not easy marching to one’s own drummer. And yet, I can’t imagine anything that could be more important. To thine own self be true.

WOW: Such sage advice - thank you Ron! If The Dark Side of Grace were a movie, what song would you think goes with it best?

Ron: A very intriguing question with a curious answer. "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen.

Of course, a beautiful and striking song, some might call it transcendent, which of course aligns nicely with this idea of psycho-spiritual transformation. I have long been captivated by the idea of a broken or holy hallelujah, and that it doesn’t matter which one we experience. Somehow it is all sacred ground. 

That’s such a profound idea, and once again a theme in the plot of The Dark Side of Grace. If we can see beyond the outer form of things, whether beautiful or ugly, nurturing or painful, we see only sacred ground made sacred by the seeing.

I have a friend who is an evangelical and a prophetic voice. We talk often of the story of Moses and both agree that when God says the ground on which Moses stands is holy, it means all ground is holy if we can come to experience it. Seems like cause for the whole idea of Hallelujah!

WOW: Ron, I always love chatting with you - your answers are such a breath of fresh air! Which character do you feel closest to or which character from The Dark Side of Grace is closest to you?

Ron: Years ago, when I was doing author interviews and book reviews on public radio, I remember an author telling me that everything we write is autobiography. Simply enough, we can only write from our own vantage point, so everything is somehow a reflection of us. No surprise then that Pitcairn is a reflection of me. Not all the outer details, but the inner identity is so much indicative of me. A dear friend who knows me very well told me that she could see my inner workings through all that Pitcairn says and reflects. In some strange way, maybe all of us get to find our way to our own personal and spiritual reconciliation by playing out our stories. Mine just happens to be in books.

One funny thing. When I was a kid growing up in Oklahoma, the bowels of the local library were my safe place. It was holy ground being surrounded by books and the musty smell of them where no one could find me. So too were the stories I read a sacred place.

So even the fact that I have written books is strangely reflective of me and my life. 

WOW: I know we could chat all day, but our time is coming to a close. Can you quickly tell the audience what’s next for you? What’s happening for the rest of 2023 and beyond?

Ron: Book #3 of The Chronicles of Grace is in the hands of the publisher. It’s a prequel to The Dark Side of Grace that provides some depth behind key characters. So if the launching point is A Killer’s Grace, then Book #3 is a twin point of entry, which has a working title of One Man’s Life, though that won’t hold up. I suck at titles, and have just learned to trust editors and publishers. Segue aside, both of these feed into The Dark Side of Grace.

Then Book #4, which is totally untiled presently, picks up where Pitcairn and Maria Elena are developmentally. It’s a separate story, but advances their path to transformation. The plot is worked out, and I’m about fifty pages into the manuscript. Then again, like Star Wars which was released all out of order, One Man’s Life might turn out to be published as Book #5 after the rest of the unfolding has taken place. It’s a very different book, and for all I know the publisher will decide to hold it back for a while.

On another front, I’m transitioning my private practices in public health to allow me more time for writing the stories. I’m almost sixty-seven years old, so I’m thinking a lot about what matters most to me. As an aside, I got a great compliment recently when someone told me I’m quite immature for my age. Loved that! And I’m hoping that stays true for some time to come.

WOW: I knew you’d be working on the next book before I even finished this tour - you never seem to amaze me! We will see you again soon I’m sure, and in the meantime I’m sure our readers will delight in this tour! Thanks for choosing WOW! Ron! It’s such a pleasure.

Check out this hashtag to stay up to date with this tour, the book, and it’s author: #darksideofgrace #darksidechapman

The Dark Side of Grace by Ronald Chapman Blog Tour

----Blog Tour Dates

June 5th @ The Muffin
What goes better with coffee in the morning than a muffin? Join us at the WOW blog to celebrate the launch of author Ronald Chapman’s The Dark Side of Grace. You can read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of the book.

June 6th @ Book Reviews from an Avid Reader
Joan from Book Reviews from an Avid Reader reviews Ronald Chapman’s The Dark Side of Grace. You won’t want to miss Joan’s insight into this thriller!

June 7th @ The Mommies Reviews with Tara
Tara from The Mommies Reviews shares her thoughts as she reviews Ronald Chapman’s The Dark Side of Grace. You won’t want to miss Tara’s insight into this thriller!

June 8th @ World of My Imagination
Nicole from World of My Imagination has Ronald Chapman in a fun weekly feature called 3 Things on a Saturday Night!

June 9th @ Lisa Haselton
Lisa Haselton interviews Ronald Chapman about his recent thriller, The Dark Side of Grace. You won’t want to miss this insightful and thrilling author interview!

June 10th @ Choices by Madeline Sharples
Today’s guest author at Choices with Madeline Sharples is fellow author Ronald Chapman. Chapman has recently released another thriller, The Dark Side of Grace. Today he’ll be writing an intriguing article titled: “Agnostic but Faithful.” Readers won’t want to miss this one!

June 12th @ The Mommies Reviews with Glenda
Glenda from The Mommies Reviews shares her thoughts as she reviews Ronald Chapman’s The Dark Side of Grace. You won’t want to miss Glenda’s insight into this thriller!

June 17th @ Boots, Shoes & Fashion
Linda from Boots, Shoes & Fashion interviews Ronald Chapman about his recent thriller, The Dark Side of Grace. You won’t want to miss this insightful and thrilling author interview! 

June 20th @ One Writer’s Journey
Today’s guest author at One Writer’s Journey is fellow author Ronald Chapman. Chapman has recently released another thriller, The Dark Side of Grace. Today he’ll be writing a fascinating article titled: “Getting Over Ourselves.” Readers won’t want to miss this one!

June 20th @ Storeybook Reviews
Today’s guest author at Storeybook Reviews is author Ronald Chapman. Chapman has recently released another thriller, The Dark Side of Grace. Today he’ll be writing a captivating article titled: “Finding Emotional Sobriety; Even in Chaos.” Readers won’t want to miss this one!

June 21st @ Nikki’s Book Reviews
Nikki from Nikki’s Book Reviews shares her thoughts as she reviews Ronald Chapman’s The Dark Side of Grace. You won’t want to miss Nikki’s insight into this thriller! 

June 22nd @ Author Anthony Avina
Fellow Author Anthony Avina shares his thoughts as he reviews Ronald Chapman’s The Dark Side of Grace. You won’t want to miss another author’s insight into this thriller! 

July 6th @ Knottyneedle Creative
Judy from Knottyneedle Creative shares her thoughts as she reviews Ronald Chapman’s The Dark Side of Grace. You won’t want to miss Judy’s insight into this thriller!

July 16th @ A Wonderful World of Words
Today’s guest author at A Wonderful World of Words is author Ronald Chapman. Chapman has recently released another thriller, The Dark Side of Grace. Today he’ll be writing a captivating article titled: “Transformative Ideas: Self-Interest, Positivity and Stillness.” Readers won’t want to miss this one! 


***** BOOK GIVEAWAY *****

Enter to win a copy of The Dark Side of Grace by Ronald Chapman! Fill out the Rafflecopter form by June 18th at 11:59 CT for a chance to win. We will choose a winner randomly the next day and follow up via email. Good luck!

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