Sunday, August 05, 2007

VALLEY OF SHADOWS BY SHIRLEE McCOY

Okay, that's it.

It's official.

I thought this every book before...but I REALLY know this now.

Shirlee McCoy is officially and unequivocally my favorite suspense writer. I'm serious. She just surpassed Suzanne Brockmann and Dee Henderson on my personal Favorite Authors List. I've been waiting for Hawke's story for soooooo long...and let me tell you...it was worth the wait. I'm not going to put spoilers out here...trust me...you'll love the book.

So forget about buying a pizza this week. Go spend the twenty bucks on four of these books. Keep one and give the other three to your friends...but let me warn you...this book will make you want to pick up the previous ones in this series. Well, not really a series...but sort of. Yes, the book can stand alone. You won't be confused or frustrated if you haven't read the rest.

Shirlee's characters have a way of wiggling themselves into my heart...even the minor ones. Sometimes ESPECIALLY the minor ones because of how her hero and heroine interact with them. If you are a reader who loves awesome romantic suspense...I have a feeling you'll LOVE this book. Her writing is addictive, plain and simple.

If you are a writer wanting to do a book study on crafting great characters and gut-clenching suspense with heartrending emotion, a feel-good romance with a beautiful, uplifting faith element woven in...GET THIS BOOK. If you want to be inspired...get this book. If you want to be entertained...get this book. If you want to get more than your money's worth...get this book. if you've never read Shirlee's stuff...what are you waiting for? GET THIS BOOK! :-) LOL!

The opening scene was emotionally intense and pulled me right in. Every scene afterward kept me riveted emotionally. I know an author is good when they make me nearly have to ask forgiveness because I hate the villain. LOL! To be able to evoke that kind of emotion is not an easy feat for a writer.

Hats off to Shirlee for crafting another unforgettable story. I truly wish she'd write more single titles for Steeple Hill so her books would be available longer.

If you read this book and decide you love it...I hope you will bless this author by posting a favorable review on Amazon.com.

Did I happen to mention I LOVE THIS BOOK? LOL! I'm not just saying this because I write for this publisher. Honest. THIS BOOK AND THIS AUTHOR ROCKS!

If you're curious to see who an author's favorite author is....zip to the store and pick up a copy. Or order on Amazon, or www.steeplehill.com provides a link to purchase books. Fridays are a great day to get books off the eharlequin site because they have Free Book Fridays. I hope you'll go check it out, or go to Shirlee's Web site by clicking the title link at the top of this post.

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Warmly,

Squirrel

8 comments:

Shauna said...

Yup. Every one of her books gets my heart thumping. Her characters are so real and amazing and the action in her book is constant, making it impossible to put down. You just have to turn each page to find out what will happen next!

I've read each book since "Still Waters" and they've all been AWESOME!!

Hope Chastain said...

You're so right: this one was fabulous! And we loved the others in the series, too! :) I had a terrible time---I didn't want it to end, but I couldn't wait to see what happened next! She keeps on getting better and better!

Cheryl Shaw said...

I loved Valley of Shadows. Actually, I don't think there are any of Shirlee's books that I don't love. I just read on her blog that she sold books three more books. Whoo hoo...now how long do we have to wait for those??

Squirrel, how much longer do we have to wait for your book to hit the shelves?

Shirlee McCoy said...

Cheryl, that is by far the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.

Thank you.

Shirlee

Cheryl Wyatt said...

Thanks, Shirlee. And congrats on your new three book contract. That's WONDERFUL news for you, AND for us who love your stuff.



Hugs,

Squirly

Cheryl Wyatt said...

I agree, Shauna. I also loved Still Waters. I think there was a little old woman with dementia in one of Shirlee's books...could have been Still Waters but I'm not certain...anyway, that character has remained one of the most memorable secondaries I've ever read. So true to life how she fashioned her. In fact, all of Shirlee's characters seem like living things, people I could know. Really awesome characterization.

Thanks for reading my blog, Shauna!

Squirrel

Cheryl Wyatt said...

Hope, I know what you mean about not wanting the book to end. Another reason I wish Shirlee'd write single title....so the stories last longer. And so I can live with the characters longer. I'm always sorry to leave them, but always fulfilled by the ending of the book.

Thanks for commenting on my post.

Hugs,

Squirly

Cheryl Wyatt said...

Cheryl,

I, too am thrilled Shirlee sold more books.

My books start releasing in January of 2008. I have a second book releasing in March of 2008. I haven't heard back yet on book three. Hopefully soon and hopefully it'll be good news. Both books will release from Steeple Hill's Love Inspired line. I'm SO excited as time ticks away.

Thanks for reading my blog!

Hugs,

Squirl