A View from Darrel Nelson's Window! The Return of Cassandra Todd

Darrel Nelson's latest novel,The Return of Cassandra Todd, is a powerful and poignant story that is going to  touch many, many lives.  The story-line is relevant and people of all ages will relate to the characters in a variety of ways that I feel will transform lives for all eternity.

It is a privilege to share some time with you and Darrel as we discuss the nuances of this wonderful novel! Please welcome Darrel Nelson to my window!

The Return of Cassandra Todd is a very poignant look into the reality of abuse and the consequences of wrong choices. 

  What drew you to this subject and how did writing Cassandra’s story impact your life?

I read a newspaper article one day about spousal abuse. While reading, a story line idea occurred to me: What if the girl whose friends bullied you unmercifully in high school came back into your life, asking for help? And then to complicate the situation, what if she was fleeing her abusive husband and had a young child with her? Would you help her? The answer, of course, is yes. But what complications might occur and how might the moral dilemma ultimately be resolved for the good? So I took that idea and placed my main character, Turner Caldwell, in the middle of it. I gave him the voice of one who was bullied, and Cassandra Todd the voice of one who has been abused. Then I let the plot unfold into a story of forgiveness, courage, and love. The story impacted me by serving as a reminder to be kind and never resort to violence or force in my daily interactions with others. Especially with my wife, who has been my dear companion for forty wonderful years.

Dealing with our actions and reactions from our days in high school may seem far-fetched to some, but your story realistically deals with the life-long impact that our words and actions have on the lives of others.  Why did you choose to combine this aspect of the human experience with the trauma of spousal abuse?

I have been a schoolteacher all my life and have seen bullying in all of its manifestations. I wanted to raise awareness of the important subject by giving my protagonist, Turner, a chance to take a journey of healing of his own. Because he was bullied in high school and his wounds never completely healed, he was part of the “walking wounded.” I felt that many people could identify with him. But I wanted the journey to have a twist. Cassandra was associated with making his life miserable in high school. How fitting then that she would be the one to come back into his life in her greatest hour of need, and end up helping him as much as he helped her. I wanted them both to take the journey toward healing together, but I also wanted to make sure the complications created dramatic tension. I hope their shared journey toward healing is inspiring to readers.

In your research for this story, was there one particular thing that you discovered that affected you in a way that either surprised or amazed you? Or both?

In the novel, Mary Sweet is the voice of facts and statistics. I used her to convey accurate (but such unfortunate) information. Over 200,000 women are physically abused by their husbands or significant others every year in America. That’s more than 600 women every day! But in reality it’s more than that. A large number of incidents are never reported. Less than 20% of battered women ever seek medical help. Wives make excuses for their husbands, and many others won’t report abuse because they think the police won’t do anything about it. This is heartbreaking information. One of the things that amazed me the most in my research was the fact that many women make excuses for their husband’s actions. They think they deserve the punishment! If they just did more laundry or kept the house cleaner or prepared better meals, the abuse would stop. But to me, the saddest cases involve the ones who endure the abuse because they have nowhere else to go. They feel trapped and helpless, and so they stay in the marriage . . . and suffer.

The Return of Cassandra Todd stands in stark contrast to The Anniversary Waltz.  How difficult was it to make such a drastic transition as a writer? Why?

I wrote The Return of Cassandra Todd as a different genre for a specific reason. If The Anniversary Waltz failed to “click” with readers, I wanted to have another offering. So the novel was originally written in the first person from Turner’s point of view exclusively, and it dealt more with his world and his perceptions. I spent more time explaining how his college classes, especially his psychology ones, related to his life and to his nighttime dreams. When my publisher picked up The Return of Cassandra Todd as part of a two-book deal, I felt I needed to rewrite it to bring it more in line with the format of The Anniversary Waltz, so readers would know what to expect in a Darrel Nelson novel. I spent three months and rewrote the story, adding all the chapters that are from Cassandra’s point of view. I wanted her voice to be heard from her own mouth, not from Turner’s perception of her story. In the process, out went much of the “college stuff” and in came Cassandra’s voice. In the end, I feel it made the book much better.

What reaction do you expect from your readers?  Do you enjoy interacting with readers concerning your writing?

I LOVE interacting with readers regarding my writing. It is rewarding to learn that my books were entertaining and uplifting. Even the negative reviews are appreciated because I know someone at least took the time to read my writing. I am committed to keeping my books clean from offensive actions and language, and hope readers will appreciate the fact that they can recommend my books to anyone without reservation. Finally, I hope readers will feel that the time spent with my writing was worthwhile.

I know that Cassandra Todd has just released, but I’d like to know what you are working on next?  Can you give us a sneak peek?

I’m excited about this one. It’s entitled Following Rain and is a story about the saving power of truth and love. When Paul Blakely, a successful investigative reporter, visits a Seattle homeless shelter on assignment and meets Rain MacFarlane, a mysterious young woman who is living with a painful past, he could never imagine the challenging and life-changing experience it will become for both of them. As he uncovers the secrets of her past, he makes an important discovery about his own life. And so begins an unexpected journey that will challenge what they think they know about life and love.

What words of encouragement would you like to share with your readers?

First, keep reading. Second, love is the most amazing power on earth. And third, carry on in the face of adversity. My novels deal with the theme of love overcoming adversity in the face of overwhelming odds. And I hope in some small way my writing encourages and reinforces all three. 

The Return of Cassandra Todd by Darrel Nelson - REVIEWED

About the Book: (from the author's website)
When the girl whose friends made his life miserable in high school re-enters his life several years later and asks for help in eluding her abusive husband, Turner Caldwell finds himself thrown into an intense and unexpected struggle beyond anything he could have imagined. This is the basic premise of The Return of Cassandra Todd, a novel of intrigue and suspense, tinged with humor. It is the story of Turner Caldwell, who has worked at various jobs following high school, including camp counselor, where he has learned survival training. He ends up working as a handyman at a local hotel, and it here he meets Cassandra Todd, with her young son, on the run from her abusive and emotionally disturbed husband, bent on revenge, who tracks them down with the help of some hired men. In a desperate yet humorous escape attempt, Turner takes her and her son to a cabin in the mountains. Once again, the husband tracks them down, and it is in this setting that Turner draws upon his survival training skills to face him in a final confrontation. In the end, Turner finds love with Cassandra Todd, the last person in the world he would have expected to become part of his life.

My Thoughts:

“Cassandra Todd had returned.”  (p. 292)

Cassandra Todd actually intersects Turner Caldwell’s life at three distinct times.  Each time has a profound effect upon his heart and mind, and his life is left forever changed.  Darrel Nelson’s story centers upon some very disturbing and traumatic events that bring Cassandra back into Turner’s life. Fleeing for her life and protecting the life of her young son, she comes to stay at the hotel where Turner is employed.   As the situation escalates, the author naturally introduces others into the scenario and makes a way of safety for the now three fugitives. 

Turner is drawn into a dangerous and escalating set of circumstances, and neither he nor Cassandra ever imagined that they would come to depend on one another for their very lives.  Yet that’s exactly what they are forced to face, and the immediate outcome is pretty frightening in itself.  To say this is a tense, emotional and suspenseful read is almost an understatement!  Nelson has masterfully told a story that is, unfortunately, all too real, and more common than most ever imagine.  “Over two hundred thousand women are physically abused by their husbands or significant others every year in America.” (p. 86)

Yet God still leads and guides even when faith is a mere shadow upon the walls of our hearts.  He continues to draw us to Himself and bring others alongside to bear the load.  The Return of Cassandra Todd conveys a poignant story of redemption and grace.  You never know what God is doing in a person’s life, or how He will orchestrate the intersection of His children’s lives to provide a way to healing and wholeness.  This is a masterfully told story that will have an eternal effect on many lives! I  highly recommend this story!

About the Author:

Darrel Nelson is the author of The Anniversary Waltz and ateacher. He writes novels, articles, plays, and music. He has bachelor’s degrees in English and education from the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada.

You're Made for a God-sized Dream by Holley Gerth - REVIEWED

About the Book: (from Revell Publishing)

Hello, you . . . The one looking for more purpose and listening for God’s plan. Here’s what that restlessness is really all about: there’s a God-sized dream knocking on the door of your heart. Before you think that sounds too big, let me assure you, God-sized dreams aren’t really about size at all. They’re about the desires God places within you that perfectly fit your heart. God-sized dreams are an essential part of who you’re created to be and what you’re called to do. They lead to more meaning, joy, and connection with the One who gave them to you. In the busyness of life, it’s easy to ignore them or let fear shut them out. But this is your moment. Now is your time. The “more” your heart is longing for has been there all along. Let’s open the door to all God has for you together.

With this life-changing message, Holley Gerth invites you to discover the dreams God has given you-and then dare to pursue them. She takes you by the heart and says, “Yes! You can do this!” and guides you forward with a loving hand. Along the way, she provides insightful questions and offers action plans that will help you take the next steps toward making the deepest desires of your heart a reality.

“Holley held my hand as I helped launch one of the biggest, scariest, most beautiful God-sized dreams I’ve ever been a part of. This book is the blueprint that helped me make it through.”-Lisa-Jo Baker, social media manager for DaySpring, community manager for the website (in)courage, and visionary for the (in)RL conference.

“I can’t remember the last time I turned the pages of a book so eagerly. Holley’s words have revolutionized my way of thinking with such a simple concept: that my dreams can’t be bigger than God.”-Tsh Oxenreider, author of Organized Simplicity, blogger behind SimpleMom.net, and creative director of SimpleLivingMedia.com.

Holley Gerth is a bestselling writer, certified life coach, and speaker. She loves connecting with the hearts of women through her popular blog and books like You’re Already Amazing. She’s also cofounder of (in)courage and a partner with DaySpring. Holley lives with her husband, Mark, in the South. Hang out with her at www.holleygerth.com.

Ready for more? This book is the perfect companion to Holley’s ebook The “Do What You Can” Plan.

My Thoughts:

“Those stars that make us feel small were spoken into being by the One who walks beside you, lives within you, calls your name and dares you to dream beyond yourself.” (p.42)

You’re Made for a God-sized Dream is a title that sounds a bit intimidating when you consider the unfathomable height, depth and breadth of God the creator.  Yet, at the very same time, the title takes your breath away when you realize that the Creator God designed you as uniquely as any star in the entire universe.  He gave us our dreams, and he gave us the gift of faith to believe that He will work through us to carry them out for His glory!  Now that is one amazing title for a book! Don’t you think?

I think that this was another God-appointment in my own life.  I’d not made it in very many pages until the ink was flowing from my pen and highlighter, trying to capture every truth that applied to my life. And the author, Holley Gerth has made this a truly interactive experience, because you can go on her website and download all kinds of good stuff that really makes all of my highlighting and underlining kind of redundant! J  In short, this book is a personalized guide, through the eyes and truth of Scripture and God’s grace, to discover the dream God has placed within you.  I’m going to have to set aside an entire notebook to work through all of the good stuff! Seriously!

Let me end with a quote from early in the book that pretty much states the essence: “It’s not about what you do as much as how you do it.  It’s about pursuing life with a passion and purpose and going with God wherever He leads.” (p. 12)

I’m excited to see where the Lord takes me on this journey! 

About the Author:

Holley Gerth is a bestselling writer, certified life coach, and speaker. She loves connecting with the hearts of women through her popular blog and books like You're Already Amazing andYou're Made for a God-Sized Dream. She's also cofounder of (in)courage and a partner with DaySpring. Holley lives with her husband, Mark, in the South. Hang out with her at www.holleygerth.com.

Fear, Faith, and a Fistful of Chocolate by Debora M. Coty - Reviewed

About the Book:

Are you ready to strip fear’s power over you and become the confident woman you were meant to be? Have you found that tolerating your personal fear monsters only makes them growl louder?

Okay, sister – take my hand and let’s boldly step up and yank the masks off those shadow-lurking, anxiety-churning, worry-generating beasts.

With her own brand of off-beat wit and wisdom, inspirational humorist Debora Coty addresses heart  needs of women worn down by everyday fears – financial, health, relationships, loss, pain, the unknown, the what ifs …

With fresh spiritual insight, Debora shares hope, true life stories, scriptural lifelines, and a few LOL’s along with simple, practical tips for sidestepping fear with faith. And a fistful of chocolate!

My Thoughts:

When you reach the end of each chapter of Fear, Faith and a Fistful of Chocolate, you find a set of thought provoking questions with the header, More Pluck, Less Chicken.  How cool is that?  Debora Coty delivers a serious, God-centered devotion and then drives it home with a sense of humor and grace.  More Pluck, Less Chicken indeed!  She encourages her sisters in Christ to face their fear, rejection, guilt, loneliness and a host of other emotional temptations with the truth of Scripture and God’s love and grace.  When you look at your heart honestly and in the light of God’s Word you cannot help but come away changed.

Fear, Faith and a Fistful of Chocolate is an honest, sometimes really direct devotional that deals with the nitty-gritty truth of being a Christian woman in the 21^st century.  This is a devotional that is appropriate for women of all ages, and will leave the reader both encouraged and challenged in their daily spiritual walk.  I am happy to recommend this book to everyone!

About the Author:

Debora M. Coty is a humorist, columnist, speaker, writing workshop instructor and award-winning author of over 100 internationally published articles and ten inspirational books. She has also contributed short stories and devotionals to numerous anthologies. Debora’s passion is sharing her offbeat blend of humor and hope, wit and near-wisdom with women of all ages. As a piano teacher for twenty years, she acquired the skill of auditory long-suffering and has helped countless people as an occupational therapist specializing in orthopedics for over three decades. Mother of two grown children, Debora currently lives and loves in central Florida with her husband and desperately wicked pooch, Fenway. Visit with Debora online at www.DeboraCoty.com

A View from Heather James' Window - Unholy Hunger

It is my great pleasure to welcome Heather James to my blog to discuss her debut release of Unholy Hunger. The truth she explores in her story is a truth each of us as believers must reach at some point in our faith walk.  Indeed, yeilding to God's holiness and justice is something that will eventually bring each of us to the end of ourselves.

When I sat down to read Unholy Hunger, I did so with certain expectations built around the synopsis.  What I discoverd within the pages of this novel were truths that caused me to take a look at my own life in the mirror of God's love and mercy and cry, "Holy!"  This is a fantastic story and one that I feel will impact many lives for the Kingdom!

Please give a warm welcome to Heather James!

Where was the idea of Unholy Hunger born in your life? 

It originally came from a nightmare I had several years ago, concerning one of my own children. To say the dream shook me to my core is an understatement. I never saw the world the same way again. In the months after, I’d find myself walking up to mothers in the park who had their backs to their kids or who were playing on their phones with their heads tucked down, feeling this overwhelming urge to tell them about my nightmare so they’d pay more attention to their children. On occasion, I did, but when I realized I could “tell” my nightmare to more people by writing it down, that’s exactly the direction I went.

As a lawyer, writing has held a prominent place in your life for quite some time! Tell us a bit about you’re your journey into publishing fiction. 

The truth of it is I’ve wanted to be a writer longer than I’ve wanted to be a lawyer. My father is an attorney and that’s where the lawyer idea came from . . . wanting to be like Dad. But, the Heather-only dream has always been writing. When I told my dad that back in high school, he not so subtly explained to me the meaning behind the axiom, “starving artist.” Off to law school I went.

Eventually, I’d like to be in a place where my writing supports me financially, but in the meantime, law isn’t too shabby of a day job. Once I settled into a legal career, though, the inner call to become an author pressed heavy upon me. I started writing manuscripts, but that didn’t go anywhere.   

My mother was the one who told me to begin small and gain momentum. That’s when I started contributing, for free, to my local paper and local magazines. When my pieces gained some popularity, the paper hired me as a columnist. I took that publishing opportunity and used it as leverage to get the attention of a literary agent. Between the columnist position and my fourth attempt at a manuscript (Unholy Hunger) I found an agent through a writer’s conference, and he found me a publisher.

Lure of the Serpent is the title of the series in which Unholy Hunger debuts.  Will this entire series explore areas of temptation similar to those explored in Unholy Hunger? 

Great question. I’m going to leave the pedophile topic alone in the next two books, but will delve into other “underbelly of evil” categories. The Lure of the Serpent angle runs through all three books inasmuch as each story deals with evil canvassing the world, eager and seeking to lure many of us to do its bidding.

In the second book, you’ll meet an evil man who has given himself over to the lie that all women are bad, simply because his own mother was to him. In the third book, you’ll meet an entire underground group who seek to destroy others simply because they feel cast-off from society.

Why do you feel this is an important message for you to share with others through fiction? 

Another great question! In terms of the pedophile storyline, I feel it is gravely important for parents to be aware that there are people out there who want to hurt their kids, and thus, should be extra vigilante when it comes to their kids. Sure, it’s easier to let your kid walk to their friend’s house rather than get in the car and drive them, and yes, your kids may very well know not to talk to strangers, but what if it’s someone they know? What if they’re out-muscled by their attacker? What if they have a moment of weakness and do what they’re not supposed to do? I’m not saying attach the kid to your hip, but to the best of your ability, keep an eye on them or set up the appropriate safeguards around them.

Then, in terms of the entire series message, Lure of the Serpent, I want people to know they have an enemy out there who’s real, sneaky, and hungry for ruined lives. And instead of just preaching the message, I believe its expression through fiction is a great tool because humans seem to be hard-wired for tales and for being entertained. If you tell someone a message for the sake of relaying the message alone, you might capture their attention. If you tell someone a message through a story, you’ll not only capture their attention, you’ll capture their heart as well.

What was the most difficult scene for you to write? (I imagine there weren’t many “easy” scenes!) When she lets go. By that point in the story, I felt so connected to Evelyn that my mind said, “Well, you have to make her a better person, you have to get her to grow,” but my heart said, “No! Forget that! She deserves to be mad and hateful and filled with revenge!” Allowing her to let go meant I had to let go first. It was weird. I never anticipated it’d be so hard for me since it’s only fiction, after all. I cried like a big old baby through that whole chapter. I still do.

What part of Evelyn’s story impact your heart the most? Why? 

Ooh, this entails me to go deep! I think the part that proved challenging for me personally was writing these tragic, emotionally charged, and sad scenes of how Evelyn felt, and then getting up from my computer, playing with my own kids, making them dinner, or reading them bedtime stories as if I didn’t have a care in the world. And when I went back to Evelyn the next day, picking up where I had left off, it really impressed upon me that grief doesn’t sleep, doesn’t rest, and very likely doesn’t read bedtime stories. It affected me in the form of being truly empathetic for all the mothers in the world who have lost their children, and I don’t think I’ll be able to gloss over someone’s pain ever again. Unholy Hunger is pure fiction, but I know a part of me will forever feel an intimacy with grief because I crafted Evelyn’s story.

What are you currently working on?  Can you give your readers’ a peek behind the scenes?

I just finished book two and have started book three. I can’t give too much information about them because some details would contain spoilers for the end of Unholy Hunger. I will say that the entire series follows Evelyn through the next stages of her life, stages where she’s moving past her grief over losing her daughter. In that regard, the next two books won’t be as sad, and readers will be able to see some lighter sides of Evelyn since she won’t be so bent on revenge.

What words of encouragement would you like to leave with your readers? 

Hmmm, you are chalked full of interesting questions. J I would like to remind others to stay encouraged! When hope dies, discontent festers, and when discontent festers, it chews a hole right through us. Then, we have this great, big old, festering hole of a wound right there where our soul and humanity are supposed to reside. Yet, something is going to come in and fill that space up. Make no mistake about it, something will. And in the world we live in today, odds are that the “something” that comes in will be something your very life, happiness, and contentment are at war with. Choose God, choose life, choose contentment.

Thank you so much for reading!   

Unholy Hunger by Heather James - REVIEWED!!

About the Book: (from Kregal Publications)

Evelyn Barrett wants to die. As long as her daughter’s murderer dies with her, she is ready to go. Why did this man--this stranger--destroy her family? Why has he not been brought to justice? Why is she forced to live a life of anger and grief? Amid a million questions she cannot answer, Evelyn knows one thing for sure: this murderer must be punished for his crime.

Before it all, she was a successful attorney who won all the hard cases. Now that the case is personal, Evelyn will stop at nothing to seek her own version of justice. When another girl goes missing, Evelyn plows forward, ignoring the warnings from police detectives, the pleas of her grief-stricken husband, and the strange, almost supernatural tingles that tug at her. But as she follows the stench of evil, Evelyn learns that the hardest thing she will have to face may not be the death of her child after all. Perhaps the harder lesson is this: the ultimate truth--of crime and verdict, of life and death--cannot be swayed by a mother’s revenge.

In this first book of a new, page-turning series, a woman will be brought to her limits before she finally recognizes the movement of the Holy Spirit and reconnects with the source of true peace.

My Thoughts:

“There is no safety for people who dance with the devil.  That destroyer doesn’t know how to play nice and he sure doesn’t intend to be a considerate dance partner. You are going to be minus something when the music stops.” (p. 266)

Unholy Hunger is one of the most poignant, gritty, honest and disturbing books I’ve ever read.  The truth contained in this book applies to all believers.  Truly.  We must all learn, at some point in time, that there are things, many things, beyond our control.  We do live in a fallen, broken world, a world under the rule of evil.  That we struggle to make God-like decisions in the face of that evil is the temptation that can and will break your spirit so greatly that you won’t even recognize yourself.

The temptation to execute God-like judgment is the temptation that Evelyn yields to within the pages of this story.  The consequences of yielding are grave indeed.  She is grieving the greatest loss a parent ever faces this side of heaven – the loss of her only child.  That is no reason to give herself over to vigilante justice.  Evelyn loses everything in her effort to appease the unholy hunger within her own soul.

Everyone should experience this novel.  It will indeed change your life.  You will be forced to examine some hard truths and whether or not your own heart recognizes and responds to God’s presence – regardless of the circumstances you are facing.  There are scenes in the story that made me weep.  I wept tears of sorrow and of joy.  This is not a pleasant read per se, but it contains a VERY important truth that no one should miss.   This is a well-written and unforgettable book, and I look forward to reading more from this author!

About the Author:

Heather James is the author of the Lure of the Serpent Series, suspense novels that pack quick wit into the high heels of attorney turned vigilante, Evelyn Barrett.

In addition, Heather is a practicing lawyer in California and a columnist with The Bakersfield Californian. Her columns focus on the humorous aspects of marriage and parenthood. Heather is married and works at home, raising two young sons.

RELEASING TODAY!!