About the Book
Book: Revenge: The Winslows of Texas
Author: Tamara. G. Cooper
Genre: Romantic Suspense (Christian)
Release Date: May 7, 2023
Aaron’s life shatters in the aftermath of his best friend’s sudden, bizarre death. He firmly believes her demise was no mere accident, as the authorities ruled, but a cold-blooded murder. Driven to the brink of despair by the relentless media shadowing his every move, accusing him of causing her death, he needs a place to hide. Salvation dawns in an unexpected inheritance — the dense, sprawling wilderness of his great aunt’s East Texas estate. There, he discovers another surprise: his first love recently moved back to the area. She intrigued him at fourteen; she completely captivates him at twenty-six.
The discovery of a woman’s body on his property is chillingly timed on the grim anniversary of his friend’s death, shaking Aaron to his core. He realizes the bloodthirsty killer has delivered a disturbingly personal message to him: You cannot hide from me. Suddenly, his secluded sanctuary is exposed, a beacon for the merciless media relentlessly searching for him. He fortifies his estate, transforming it into a fortress against what he understands now is an inevitable attack. The murderer’s tightening noose of fear threatens to ensnare him. Outsmarting this ruthless predator has become a deadly game of chess, where every move could be his last.
Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
Tamara G. Cooper is a Texas-based author who finds inspiration in the simple things in life: hiking, camping, fishing, and long walks with her family that end in a picnic. She lives in a small town in East Texas with her husband, her youngest of five sons, and four dogs. Tamara loves writing suspense/mystery stories with just a touch of romance.
More from Tamara
I’m an East Texan, through and through. You should hear me talk! There is no mistaking that I’m from Texas. So, one day, I was wondering: what would it be like if a New Yorker moved to East Texas? Better yet, let’s make him a billionaire New Yorker who wants nothing to do with “rednecks” but is forced to move to Texas. What would motivate him to move there, especially when he’s made it very clear that he wants nothing to do with Texas or Texans?
Running for his life would work. Suddenly, he needs a place to hide. The people after him know of his other homes and have them staked out. So, where could he go? His great-aunt Dottie dies and wills her 6,000-acre estate in East Texas to him. Perfect! It sets him up nicely where he doesn’t want to be. And to add icing to this Texas cake? His first love at fourteen recently moved back to the area where he’d met her on one of his family’s rare visits with Aunt Dottie.
But life doesn’t settle down for him. Of course, it doesn’t, right?
And that’s how this book came about. I love Aaron. Every day, I couldn’t wait to get back to him and his story. He has so much to give and doesn’t even know it. As one of the “walking wounded,” he’s going to discover what really matters in life, but it’s not going to be easy for him.
One thing that’s somewhat different about me as a writer is that I don’t outline my books. I sit at my computer and let the characters tell me their stories. Sounds a little weird, doesn’t it? But it works for me. They take me in all kinds of directions! When the first draft is finished, I consider it my “outline.” Now, the fun begins with editing!
I love writing. I love storytelling. “Revenge” is one of my favorite stories and, yes, I fell a little bit in love with Aaron. I hope you do, too.
Interview with the Author
What’s your favorite under-appreciated novel?
My favorite book of all time could not receive the accolades it deserves, even though it has received some. Eric Metaxas’ book, Amazing Grace, is an exceptional book in every way. When I finished it, I turned it over and read it again. Brilliant!
What was your hardest scene to write?
This is a tough scene to talk about, but it’s the answer to your question. I wrote a scene once of a man raping an unconscious woman (she was drunk) in an old, empty, dusty warehouse with someone watching from the shadows outside. There was such depth to this scene, real depth of character with all three characters. I had to get inside the head of the rapist, and it wasn’t pleasant. I sent this first scene of a book to a publishing house editor, and she wrote me back a personal note. She thought the scene was well written and drew her in, but then she said something that I took to heart. She said I could obviously write a tough scene, but to be sure to write not for drama’s sake but to tell the story. Those words stuck with me, and I chose that day to never write for drama’s sake. I can choose to go to the “dark side” and scrape the bottom of humanity, or I can stay in the light. I choose to stay in the light. I write about difficult subjects sometimes, but I’m careful to keep the light on when I do.
What comes first, the plot or characters?
The plot and characters dance together in my brain! I’m also a songwriter. When I write a song, I don’t just hear the words. The music comes with them. They’re a couple, so to speak. When I finish writing a song, I have the music as well as the words. It’s the same with writing a novel. I’m a Pantser, a seat-of-the-pants kind of writer who never outlines a book. I sit and type what I imagine, like watching a movie. I think most writers outline their books. For a Pantser, that first draft is like an outline. As to the plot and characters, they’re intertwined. When I edit the book, I add more characterization and setting to complete the story.
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I love to write, but when I need a break, I hit the trails! I love anything to do with the great outdoors. A simple hike or a difficult hike, a picnic with my family, swimming (in a pool, not a lake), camping out, bicycling, walking in my neighborhood or on a long walking path, and playing catch. Being outside is therapeutic for me!
If you could invite one person to dinner, who would it be and what would you cook?
As a historian, this is a tough one for me, but if I had to choose—I’m assuming you mean someone other than Jesus—I’d choose George Washington. He was a giving person, a strong man of faith, a pray-er who got up at four in the morning to pray, a truly great patriot who guided this country into greatness, and he loved God with all his heart. I’d ask him questions about the Continental Congress, being a surveyor in his early years, leading men into battle when the odds were so against them. I’d like to ask him about the crossing of the mostly frozen Delaware River on Christmas Day and surprising (and capturing) most of the Hessian army. For months, Washington had lost every battle, so this victory boosted the morale of our troops. If I had the privilege of eating with George Washington, I’d fix him lamb and mutton with carrots and potatoes (served at his first state dinner), a fruit salad (he loved fruit), and a cherry pie (he loved cherries) with ice cream (yes, he loved ice cream). And then I would thank him for his long and dedicated service to our country.
I’ve so enjoyed being on your blog, Denise! Thank you for hosting me.
Blog Stops
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 15
Book Looks by Lisa, November 16
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, November 17 (Author Interview)
The Lofty Pages, November 17
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 18
Texas Book-aholic, November 19
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 20
Locks, Hooks and Books, November 21
Blogging With Carol, November 22
Cover Lover Book Review, November 23
For Him and My Family, November 24
Artistic Nobody, November 25 (Author Interview)
Exploring the Written Word, November 25
Pause for Tales, November 26
Because I said so, November 27
Lights in a Dark World, November 28
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Tamara is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/28eeb/revenge-celebration-tour-giveaway