Help me welcome back author Mary Dodge Allen as she shares about relationships and how they factor into her recent release.

The bond between a mother and daughter is one of life’s closest loving relationships. My mother endured the tragic deaths of two of her three children. My sister was only 9 years old when she died of a rare autoimmune disease, and my brother died of cancer at the age of forty.

I was only a toddler when my sister died. Her death left a void in our family, one my parents and older brother felt deeply. Growing up, I was only aware of never having the chance to know her... a different kind of void. But the bond between my sister and my Mom remained strong. By sharing photos and memories of my sister, Mom gave me an idea of her adventurous personality – (climbing 12 feet to the top rail of the public swing set at the age of 4, to check out the view).

I was blessed to have my Mom in my life until I reached my late forties. I still miss the conversations and laughter we shared, while drinking coffee (our favorite beverage). Despite the losses she suffered, Mom never became bitter. Yes, she grieved. But she knew the love of Jesus, and she continued loving and serving others with her high energy and sweet smile. Mom always kept her focus on the hope of the life to come. I had the privilege of caring for her during her final days, and I read her favorite Bible verse at her funeral - John 14:2-3:

“In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” NKJV

I love reading and writing Romantic Mystery/Suspense. My experience as a social worker and counselor helps me to write compelling stories about quirky, flawed characters who are trying to make sense of their lives in this uncertain world; people who are dealing with real-life struggles and looking for answers. I have faced bouts of depression in my life. Through the challenges and struggles of the characters in my books, I hope to inspire readers as they deal with the challenges of their faith journeys.

In my award-winning Mystery/Suspense, Hunt for a Hometown Killer, main character Roxy has endured a series of tragic losses during her life – losing both parents in her childhood... several miscarriages... her husband’s murder. The opening chapter describes Roxy’s shock when a sinkhole opens up and uncovers the long-buried hiding place of the car used in her husband’s unsolved hit and run murder.

Through the twists and turns of the murder investigation, Roxy develops a close relationship with Kyle, the town’s detective. Working together, they identify her husband’s killer. In the final chapter, Roxy is contacted by the daughter she gave up for adoption at birth, years earlier:

“Hello... ah, my name is Dani... Danielle Pierce. Is this Roxelle Anna Rode... ah, I mean, Roxy Silva?”

Roxy’s intuition sparked when she heard the trembling teenage voice, and her full maiden name. “This is Roxy Silva. Can you tell me what this is about?” She glanced at Kyle, who appeared to read the look in her eyes. He sat on the bench next to her.

“I found you on a class reunion website. I’m calling about an adoption, fourteen years ago.”

Roxy’s body tensed. “Is this about my daughter?”

“I...” A choked sob escaped... “I’m your daughter.”

“Oh, my sweet child...” Tears stung Roxy’s eyes as she pictured her tiny newborn baby.

Kyle wrapped his arm around her shoulders. Roxy leaned close to him and blinked away tears as she listened to the lovely sound of her daughter’s voice.

Link to Purchase Hunt for a Hometown Killer on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Hunt-Hometown-Killer-Dodge-Allen/dp/1952369703 

And, for readers of mystery/suspense, I am currently working on the sequel: Hunt for a Hometown Kidnapper:

Days before her marriage to Kyle, Roxy is reunited with her daughter, Dani. She is looking forward to spending more time getting to know Dani, after she and Kyle return from their honeymoon. But Dani suddenly goes missing while out shopping. They realize she’s been kidnapped, and she doesn’t have the asthma inhaler she depends on. The clock is ticking as Roxy and Kyle begin a frantic search for Dani. Who has taken her... and why? Roxy’s faith is shaken. After so many years of praying to be reunited with her daughter, will she lose her now?

Hunt for a Hometown Kidnapper should be available later in 2024.

About Mary: 

Mary Dodge Allen writes “Fast-Paced Adventure with Humor and Heart.” Her novel Hunt for a Hometown Killer won a 2022 Christian Indie Award (First place, Mystery/Suspense), and a 2022 Angel Award. She’s also won two Royal Palm Literary Awards. Mary is a blogger with the website Heroes, Heroines and History. She and her husband live in Central Florida, where she has served as a volunteer with the local police department. Her quirky sense of humor is energized by her favorite treats: coffee and chocolate.

Website: www.marydodgeallen.com 

Blog: www.hhhistory.com