Happy Thursday, friends! Despite this past crazy year and half, I can honestly say one of my greatest enduring comforts has been books. No matter how chaotic, or awful, or overwhelming life can feel at times, I have found escape in the worlds and characters my fellow authors create. One of the reasons I decided to become a book blogger, is to help give back to these authors who have done so much for me.
Today, I’m excited and truly honored to share a special guest post written by romantic suspense author, and two-time Christy Award Winner, the lovely DiAnn Mills. Today, DiAnn asks us to look deeper within ourselves and what courage truly means. But before we dive in, don’t miss her latest release, Trace of Doubt, and stay tuned after for the giveaway to follow!
TRACE OF DOUBT
by DIANN MILLS
Categories: Romantic Suspense / Christian Fiction / FBI Crime Solving Novel / Clean Romance
Publisher: Tyndale House
Pub Date: September 7, 2021
Pages: 432 pages
Scroll down for the giveaway!
Fifteen years ago, Shelby Pearce confessed to murdering her brother-in-law and was sent to prison. Now she’s out on parole and looking for a fresh start in the small town of Valleysburg, Texas. But starting over won’t be easy for an ex-con.
FBI Special Agent Denton McClure was a rookie fresh out of Quantico when he was first assigned the Pearce case. He’s always believed Shelby embezzled five hundred thousand dollars from her brother-in-law’s account. So he’s going undercover to befriend Shelby, track down the missing money, and finally crack this case.
But as Denton gets closer to Shelby, he begins to have a trace of doubt about her guilt. Someone has Shelby in their crosshairs. It’s up to Denton to stop them before they silence Shelby—and the truth—forever.
PRAISE FOR TRACE OF DOUBT
“Filled with high stakes, high emotion, and high intrigue.” –LYNNH. BLACKBURN, award-winning author of UNKNOWN THREAT and ONE FINAL BREATH
“Trace of Doubt is a suspense reader’s best friend. From page one until the end, the action is intense and the storyline keeps you guessing.” –EVA MARIE EVERSON, bestselling author of FIVE BRIDES and DUST
“DiAnn Mills serves up a perfect blend of action, grit, and heart… Trace of Doubt takes romantic suspense to a whole new level.” –JAMES R. HANNIBAL, award-winning author of THE PARIS BETRAYAL
“Well-researched . . . with some surprising twists along the way. In Trace of Doubt, Mills weaves together a tale of faith, intrigue, and suspense that her fans are sure to enjoy.” –STEVEN JAMES, award-winning author of SYNAPSE and EVERY WICKED MAN
CLICK TO ORDER YOUR COPY!
What Does Courage Really Mean?
Guest Post by DiAnn Mills
To me, courage means I will attempt to face every physical, mental, and spiritual aspect of my life leading my actions with strength and determination. Some experiences will set the stage for thrilling adventures, while others may hit the target as a challenge. Both are opportunities for personal growth. While my intentions sound strong, even noble, valleys are depressing and can make each forward step way too hard.
The reality of courage’s definition led me to make a few observations.
Dictionaries define courage as the ability to do something difficult or fearful. Yet, each one of us has a unique perspective on how to apply it to our life. What is the opposite of courage? A coward comes to mind, someone who runs from potential pain or danger. Yet, in some instances, it takes more courage to run than to stand and fight.
Upon further research, I found that courage for me uses the following criteria. Making this list helped me see what skills or abilities I need to add to my arsenal of personal character development.
Bravery
- A behavior necessary in the heat of a physical battle.
- A means of stepping forward to accomplish a feat when others cower in fear.
- Making a life decision, studying spiritual principles, embarking upon life changes that others may view as foolish, and more.
For the above, I need physical, mental, and spiritual courage every step of the way.
Strength
- Fitness and nutrition employ courage to maintain the discipline of a healthy body.
- Mental alertness to master learning.
- Powerful goals and habits aren’t for the weak-hearted. Supporting a friend may take varying forms of strength.
To equate strength with courage means more than an action, but a state of mind and the willingness to grasp strength through courage.
Boldness
- Occurs when a person shakes off fear, ridicule, and expresses willingness to proceed beyond normal abilities with an air of confidence .
- Accepting risks to reach a worthy goal.
- Showy or distinct individuals are described as bold, but the stellar qualities require a selfless heart.
The act of courage often requires bold actions.
Heroism
- Inner traits needed to perform acts of valor.
- Commitment to act unselfishly for the good of others.
- Resolve to sacrifice whatever is necessary to protect and/or save others from peril.
Heroism always takes courage, not to act foolishly but with a strength that is physical, mental, and often spiritual.
Perhaps courage is the strength to love and move forward no matter where our decisions lead. Loving the unlovable requires a sacrifice; it’s a passion to consider others more important than ourselves.
I think of courage as bravery in the face of fear, to shove aside the feelings of how we might be hurt physically, mentally, or spiritually and reach out in unselfish valor that comes from love.
For me, writing means taking a deep breath and allowing creativity to guide my fingers over the keyboard. It’s a daily dose of much-needed bravery when so many writers want their words to be memorable.
One of my goals in novel writing is for a hero or heroine to show courage amid danger and for my reader to find inspiration to do something courageous. The event doesn’t have to be the same as what the hero or heroine faced; it just needs to challenge the reader to be a better person.
What does courage mean to you?
MEET DIANN MILLS
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She is a storyteller and creates action-packed, suspense-filled novels to thrill readers. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests.
DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is the director of the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, Mountainside Retreats: Marketing, Speakers, Nonfiction and Novelist with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion for helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.
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GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY!
FOUR WINNERS
Each winner receives a $25 e-gift card to winner’s choice of either Amazon or B&N.
(US only; ends midnight, CDT, 9/3/2021
A RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY
VISIT THE LONE STAR LITERARY LIFE TOUR PAGE FOR DIRECT LINKS TO EACH POST ON THIS TOUR, UPDATED DAILY. Or, visit the blogs directly:
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8/25/21 |
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Top 7 List |
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8/26/21 |
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8/27/21 |
Review |
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8/27/21 |
Playlist |
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8/28/21 |
Review |
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8/29/21 |
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Top 10 List |
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8/31/21 |
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9/1/21 |
Top 5 List |
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9/2/21 |
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blog tour services provided by
Jennifer Silverwood 
Tank you, Jennifer for hosting me on your blog. Wow! I love your post.
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Hi, DiAnn! Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful words so that I could share with my readers 🙂 I’m so happy that you liked the post, and that I was able to give your words a good home 😉 Wishing you all the best and hope you continue to keep faith ❤
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