People often ask me where my book ideas come from. As a lawyer I kind of smile, because the 
answer is it depends. For Canteen Dreams, it was my grandparents love story and the way my hometown of North Platte, Nebraska, got involved to support the boys. For Sandhill Dreams and Captive Dreams, I knew I needed two more books that were set in Nebraska during World War II, so I went looking for historical hooks.
April 4th, Beyond Justice, my first legal romantic suspense, releases. This book was a little different from the others because editors were asking me for a legal proposal. One thing that I learned early in my writing process is that I have to find an idea I can fall in love with for two years.
Yep, you read that right. Two years. It takes roughly two years to go from building the proposal to writing and editing the book then through marketing the book as it releases. I knew I had to find an idea with Beyond Justice that could carry me through that space of time.
It started with a headline. The United States was experiencing a flood of unaccompanied minor illegal aliens. Then I saw the photo of the Syrian refuge toddler who drowned while fleeing with his family. Both really made me think. What would it take to make a mother believe that her child was better off taking the horrific risks both journeys involved to reach the freedom offered by another country. And what if a child died while in custody of the United States at a detention facility. That became the genesis of Beyond Justice. I added in a feisty heroine, a strong hero, and layers of problems. But the germ of the book came from those headlines.
Also, I wanted to make sure you knew that Dying for Love is on ebook sale for 99 cents. It’s a great time to pick up this prequel novella. And Beyond Justice is on preorder sale for $4.99. If you haven’t already clicked that you want to read it on Goodreads, I’d love it if you would. My publisher will release the first five chapters when we reach 250 want-to-read clicks. All you have to do is click the button beneath the book and select want-to-read. who doesn’t love sneak peeks into books? 
To celebrate the pending release of Beyond Justice. I love giving away books and since it’s my birthday month and I have a book birthday coming, it’s the perfect time to do that. All you have to do is enter using the form below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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What draws me to a book most likely is the cover. Then I turn to the back for a description. That is, if it’s not one of my favorite authors. I guess even if it is a favorite author– I look on the back to see what he or she is up to with the new book. I also take into consideration endorsements from other reliable authors that I recognize.
Thanks. It’s great to hear endorsements matter. I try to endorse books I love, but sometimes wonder if anyone notices 🙂
I am easily drawn to books … so many books, so little time! LOL I’m pulled in by the cover design, author name (if I’ve enjoyed his/her previous books), recommendations from readers whose opinion I respect, etc.
Congratulations on your upcoming birthday and book birthday!! Thanks for offering this give-away.
You are so welcome. I love giving away books. It makes me happy! Thanks for answering my question!
Lately I would say the action and suspense draws me in. I love good dialog and I’m not to keen on too much description. Your books are just the right balance. I love reading them!
Thanks, Marilyn. You’re words are so encouraging.
Never judge a book by its cover, but I do. If I’m drawn to something about the cover, color, characters, scenery, author, I’ll look into the back description of what it’s about. Then I decide if I want to read it. If it’s an author I’m familiar with or like I’ll read the back first. All the authors I follow, like you Cara, hardly ever disappoint me so I’m good with a new book by them (or you).
I love following an author through all of their books. As an author though, it’s a challenge to keep creating new, compelling stories and characters. I think that’s one reason I love writing.
Happy Birthday. My granddaughters birthday is also in March. Your suspense book sounds like a true thriller mixed with a hearty dose of reality. Thanks for the giveaway. Would be delighted to win this keepsake.
I was so thrilled when the Library Journal picked up on the quick pacing.
I love books set during WWII. Looking forward to reading your new suspense book!
I love that genre, too. I love researching and writing those. There’s something about that time period.
The old saying is “never judge a book by its cover” but that is what I do.
Thanks for entering me in your giveaway.
I love a fantastic cover that draws me in, like Tamera’s A Note Yet Unsung. I had to read that book!
I an drawn to a book by its cover, the blurb on the back, the author and reviews. Also, sometimes by a recommendation from someone. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
We look at the same things, Linda.
The first thing that drives me to a book would be the author! After that I usually go by the description on the back to see if it looks like something I might be interested in.
How do you discover new authors, Patty? I’m always curious about that.
What draws me to a book is first the author, then I will read the description of the book.
Love me a good author who I know I can trust to write fantastic books!
If it is an author I’m already familiar with and like, I’m drawn by that first. I am discovering that a cover that attracts me is second but I can’t describe what that attraction might be!
I think I approach books the same way. If it’s an author I love, I’m sold. Then pull me with a good cover 🙂
Sometimes I am drawn to a book by a review or the cover or even the authors I am familiar with
What do you like to see in a review?
I like stories that could have come from a news article. True to life.
I just finished one that was ripped from headlines and it’s really left me thinking.
Often a recommendation from an author whose books I enjoy reading, sometimes it is the cover are or the title and sometimes it is taking the time to read the book jacket notes that will inspire me to pick up a book. A creative writing prof years ago explained something about how a book keeps your interest. The first 10 lines are crucial and after that, the first 10 pages must engage you and fire your imagination. If it is boring in that small window, chances are high you a) shouldn’t bother to read the book or b) won’t finish it if you do read farther. I read a wide variety of fiction and am always willing to try something different. Reading is pure joy, it is escape, it is a way to learn and expand your mind and understanding. I love reading.
Yikes! That’s a tight timeframe!
I read mostly by favorite authors. When looking for new authors, I will use Goodreads or book blogs of similar interests.
I love Goodreads!
Happy birthday! Your book looks very interesting. Even if I don’t win it, I will be watching for it. Several things draw me to a book: an author whose other books I have read, the cover, the title, the blurb on the back cover to name some of the things. I particularly enjoy suspense, mystery, action, and a message of hope and faith. Westerns grab my interest but I also enjoy contemporary stories.
My husband is a huge fan of Louis Lamour.
The cover is what catches my eyes. After that I check the author’s name – have I read books by this author before, etc. The blurb on the back usually settles whether or not I will pick up the book in order to read it.
Thanks! This is so helpful.
An attractive cover, the author, what I am in the mood to read, what I can learn from, what will motivate me, stories on relationships, mysteries, romance, topics that relate to what I want to learn about or what has happened in my life.
Love this list. Thanks, Cheryl.
I’m usually drawn to the cover or the author
The cover is usually what first draws me to the book, especially if it’s by an author I’m not familiar with. If it’s an author whose books I love, the cover doesn’t matter so much. After the cover, I read the book blurb to see if that holds my interest.
Congratulations on your new book (it sounds great) and Happy Birthday. Thanks for giving away your new book to celebrate.
Thanks, Pam! I’m super excited about this series.
The cover and the description of the story mainly, but sometimes it’s because I’ve read books by the author or heard great things about the book.
Word of mouth is so important!
I see the cover, but it is the blurb on the back that really draws me in – does it sound interesting? I always read that and sometimes have no idea what the cover looks like!
I’m so grateful for people who can write compelling back cover copy. That’s an area I struggle with.
The first thing that draws me to a book is it’s cover. After that I read the back cover to see if it follows what the cover has already told me. Have a blessed day.
I like suspense with romance in it. The cover helps also.
I like that combination a lot, too. Probably one reason I write it. 🙂
I rarely read a book without knowing something about it first. It has to be recommended by someone whose opinion I trust or I have to know a little about the book – who wrote it, what the storyline is about, is it a clean read? I most often stick to authors I have read and enjoyed, or books recommended by those trusted authors or a few friends with similar tastes. I rarely just pick up a book, look at the cover, read the blurb and buy the book. I’ve been burnt too many times and ended up with something that was offensive or boring to do it that way. Congrats on your new book, and thanks for the giveaway
Finding clean reads can be tricky. I don’t like to be surprised. Thanks for joining the conversation, Linda.
Either the cover or title usually draws me to a book and then I read the blurb about it. That will tell me if it’s a book I’ll like to read.
The genre draws me first to a book. A friend/trusted blogger’s recommendation is also helpful. I can’t pass up striking covers. *wink*
I’m so excited to read your newest series! 🙂