The emotional roller coaster of launching a new book into the world just does not get old! Fear, excitement, doubt, exhilaration, nerves, and courage all converge as I plummet down the scary ride again with hair straight back and hands in the air… introducing my latest Christian romantic suspense novel: RIBBONS OF GUILT!
“A marriage in crisis. A betrayer in the wings. A life at stake.”
In the charming English village of Bramble Downs, threads of betrayal unravel the sickening truth as a ballerina’s family is stalked by a delusional murderer…
One of the many things I love about writing novels is that I get to choose what to write about, for the most part. Of course, writing Christian fiction means I’m very much waiting for what I believe God wants me to share in the way of theme, struggles, relatable issues, and any poignant Bible verses. But as far as setting, characters, interests, and sneaky little tidbits are concerned, I get to have fun with researching some of my favorite things. This particular book includes:
- Ballet (I took classes for 10 years as a child and had my “I want to be a ballerina” phase)
- Marriage (38 years married to my high school sweetheart, we love marriage ministry)
- French bulldogs (you know I had to give this family a replica of my Lulu!)
- England (born and bred there and all my family still live on the South Coast)
- Swan Lake (watched the most memorable performance ever in Toronto)
- Swans (scare me to death but they are part of my childhood)
This time around, I was able to put my book award prize money to good use by flying from my home in Canada to England for a research trip to check out The Royal Opera House ⬇️ where several scenes occur in the book. My sister Heidi and I had the time of our lives backstage with a phenomenal tour guide who graciously answered all my weirdo questions! I was able to take in every tiny detail and weave it all into my story to help the reader experience this exquisite location in London.
We also spent a day in my fictional village of “Bramble Downs”, based on a charming country village where my sister used to live. We even located the pink cottage which inspired my “Bramble Cottage”, and surprised the unassuming elderly resident with a signed copy of Book 1, Captured in Frame, which has a pink cottage on the cover. One of my rare brave moments!
Ribbons of Guilt is Book 3 in my Bite of betrayal series published by Mountain Brook Ink, and I’ll admit I’ve been extra anxious about receiving feedback for this one—primarily due to the fact that I have a married couple as the main characters, and that felt rather risky for a romance. (Note: I’m all for romance in a marriage! 😉)
This is a story of second chances and finding a way back to first love—in faith as well as between husband and wife. Thankfully, the initial reviews have been stellar, and I’m breathing a sigh of relief and praying this book will find its way into the right hands at the right time. Here are some reader review snippets:
“Equal parts nail-biting and heartfelt, Ribbons of Guilt by Laura Thomas delivered the answers I’ve been waiting for since this series began and it absolutely lived up to my anticipation.”
“Laura Thomas is skilled at keeping readers in suspense as they brace themselves for this domestic thriller filled with secrets and stalking.”
“Nothing could have prepared me for the roller coaster of emotions I felt as I read this gripping story!”
“In her signature style, Laura layers secrets and sinister situations into one impossible-to-put-down novel.”
So, so kind. I still have to pinch myself some days when I wake up and have the privilege and joy of sharing my words of hope with readers. This is my thirteenth published book, and in case you’re wondering what’s next… Book 4 in this series is coming next September 2027! 😎
In the meantime, sign up for my free monthly newsletter HERE to see more behind-the-scenes written interviews and podcasts when they come out… plus, you’ll get a free short story as my gift to you!
Of course, I’m going to suggest that you consider grabbing a copy of Ribbons of Guilt for yourself or a loved one! It’s available in paperback and ebook, and you can find all the links and details HERE!
Thanks so much for allowing me to gush about my book, friend…
Happy reading!
P.S. You can also snag a copy of Books 1 and 2 here! 🤗 Just click on the covers:
