I’ve been involved in several multiple-author projects this year, but I think my favorite is Hers to Redeem. I guess that’s why I’ve ended up with five books in the series. The premise is that something happens in the hero’s life that causes him to withdraw and become a recluse. However, the heroine comes along, makes a difference in his life, and causes him to reassess his decision. I’ve always liked the hurting hero trope, and this series fits my writing style.
In my first book in the series, Mason’s Memories, Mason Greene returns home from the war, but he can’t stop being drawn back into the fighting in his mind. When people in his hometown want to have him committed to a mental institution, he flees to Colorado and secludes himself on a farm. That changes, however, when he discovers a collapsed woman, who has endured a tragedy of her own.
In Simon’s Shame, Simon Carlson had never been able to learn to read or write. Although he’s intelligent and has many other skills, his deceased father was so disappointed he treated him as an imbecile and so do many of the other townsfolk in Flagstaff, Arizona. Even Simon thinks less of himself because of it. However, this begins to change when a new schoolteacher comes to town.
In my third book, Boone’s Burden, Boone Malone’s father and brothers were town drunks. When Boone gets drunk and does some things he would have never done sober, he thinks he has their tainted blood and decides never to marry or have children. He secludes himself on a ranch and becomes the foreman. He has no trouble keeping to himself until he decides to help a young cowboy resist spending his weekends in the saloon. When he takes him to church and meets the preacher’s daughter things move out of his control. Can he keep his resolve, or is he weak in yet another area?
In Inman’s Impersonation, Inman Lowe sells the family farm in Tennessee and heads to Montana to find his older brother. When he finally finds him, Garvis is secretly mixed up with a group of thieves. Two of the bank robbers are caught and falsely tell the sheriff that Inman is also involved. At his brother’s advice, he runs and ends up being mistaken for the expected new sheriff in a small town. Being caught off guard, Inman goes along with the ruse, thinking it’s a good way to hide. He tries to be reclusive, but when he starts to fall for the storekeeper’s daughter, things get complicated. Why did he have to meet the woman of his dreams when he’s living a lie?
On his deathbed, Solomon Levine’s father asks him to move West and hide his Jewish heritage in Solomon’s Secret. With misgivings, he does so; however, his life in Kansas doesn’t turn out as he expected. He’s kidnapped and robbed of all his money. A helpful pastor takes him to the farm of a young woman who’s known for helping those in need, but even as he hides his secret, she inspires him to deepen his Christian faith. However, with some people suspicious of him, he has no idea what his future might hold.
I’m so excited to be a part of this project. The first two books have already been released, and the other three are on preorder. All the books are written, and I’m looking forward to publication. They are or will be available on Kindle, KU, print, and Audible.
To win a Kindle copy of your choice from these five books, answer the following:
Has becoming a recluse for a while ever appealed to you? Why or why not?
Buy links:
Janice Cole Hopkin’s books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Janice-Cole-Hopkins/author/B00SIFWZLG/allbooks?tag=pettpist-20
Mason’s Memories: https://www.amazon.com/Masons-Memories-Hers-Redeem-Book-ebook/dp/B0BNLBXT18?tag=pettpist-20
Simon’s Shame: https://www.amazon.com/Simons-Shame-Hers-Redeem-Book-ebook/dp/B0BNLFP2T2?tag=pettpist-20
Boone’s Burden: https://www.amazon.com/Boones-Burden-Hers-Redeem-Book-ebook/dp/B0BNLCF3Y7?tag=pettpist-20
Inman’s Impersonation: https://www.amazon.com/Inmans-Impersonation-Hers-Redeem-Book-ebook/dp/B0BV7D196D?tag=pettpist-20
Solomon’s Secret: https://www.amazon.com/Solomons-Secret-Hers-Redeem-Book-ebook/dp/B0BZ51YB3P?tag=pettpist-20
I think living through the pandemic proved I’m not cut out for it long-term, but bits here and there are fine.
I can see that, Denise. I secluded myself and wrote, but I was ready to get out more too.
I already am a bit reclusive, but I think that’s just from spending so much time with my own company & no one else. I’ve always been “shy” & have a hard time interacting socially. When I got married, my husband worked & I stayed home. When I had kids I stayed home & took care of them. I still just stay home most of the time. Books are my best friends once my work is done!
I can relate. I grew up as an only child on a rural farm and lived alone as an adult from 1991 until 2004. Books have often been my best friends, too, especially as a child. However, I also enjoy getting to know people.
It sure has! Life has been one bump after another since November of 2019 and I’ve come to enjoy being by myself. You think every year has got to be better but it hasn’t happened yet. But I’ve learned some important lessons along the way which have made me a stronger person so it’s not all bad. Thanks for the chance to win a book. The covers are so colorful.
Yes, it’s amazing how God can use the bad to bring some good. However, it’s often hard to see it when we’re in the middle of a hard time. It’s only with hindsight that it becomes clearer. May you be surrounded with peace and blessings, Vickie.
Always have been one. And the way things have been going in the states I feel safer. Not to say I don’t go out walking early mornings. Just prefer animals to people.
I can relate, but I think I have a split personality when it comes to being a recluse. I can be alone and enjoy it a lot, but I can also enjoy being with people and making new friends. I guess most writers have a reclusive side because writing is usually a solitary task.
I’m not cut out to be a total recluse but I am quite happy to spend my life on the farm. I only go to town when I have to.
That sounds like a good life to me. I grew up on a small farm.
Sometimes I feel the need to be Al when I’m dealing with a problem. It helps me to clear my mind.
Forgive me, Julie, but I’m not sure what AI means. Did you mean alone or artificial intelligence or ?
Sorry, I meant alone
I saw your name come up for this article and wanted to read one of your books. I enjoyed A Match for Cord. Looks like these books are very interesting also! As far as reclusive, I can be. Retiring over a year ago can be pretty reclusive. I’m not around co workers, students, parents, or community everyday. It’s actually been a nice change for me. I have three days helping my 85 year old mother, a day with my grandson, and time with some close friends and family. And I have hobbies. I love my down time!
Thank you for stopping by and giving your excerpts of this series! So, nice to find another good author to read! I’m looking forward to reading these books!
Thank you so much, Tracy! You’ve made my day. I understand what you mean by retiring. I taught for years before I took an early retirement and began writing.
not really, like to be with people
And that’s a good thing : )
yes it sounds wonderful to be by yourself, do what you want and read all day long!
I like the idea of reading all day too. I’m an avid reader, reading at least 365 books a year.
Perhaps occasionally, but not all the time. People’s need other people around them some of the time.
Well put.
I don’t mind being alone for a while. It’s quiet and it gives you time to think.
Yes, it does, and that helps us all sometimes.
I do not mind being alone but enjoy going out at times. A time for reflection is good for rveryone; except, possibly, a vampire.
@David You me smile with the vampire comment 🙂
I agree with Rachel, but reflection is good. In fact, my blog is called “Reflections.”
I like my alone time sometimes, but not for long periods of time.
I think most people would agree with that.
I think if you are an introvert you are a bit of a recluse, speaking for myself.
Good point.
I’m definitely a homebody but my children tell me I can get into my own head if I retreat too long. They like to push me out the door every so often!
Sounds like they’re trying to take care of you, and that’ special.
I love to communicate with people, although I no longer have a desire to be out there for most people. It is easy to talk to others, but I do not often volunteer for things as I would rather stay home and read a book. I do not always feel comfortable trying to “fit in” with others. I guess you could say I am somewhat of a recluse.
I used to go and do and travel a lot. I’ve been to all 50 states and 45 other countries. However, the older I get, the more I enjoy staying home. Writing has also required me to settle down some, but I have had good experiences with writing while traveling too. I appreciate that all of us have different personalities and different interests.
Hi Janice, welcome! I’ve thought a lot about being a recluse, moving up in a remote part of the mountains and leaving my phone behind. It’s pretty attractive, especially when I’m overworked and stressed out but I doubt I could ever do it for long. Thanks for your interesting post.
I can relate. I used to scan writers’ retreat opportunities. I think most writers have a reclusive side, and becoming a recluse to have devoted time to write sounds appealing. Thank you for your comment and having me today. I always enjoy this, both as a writer, like today, and as an avid reader when I come on other days.
I need my husband and then I’m fine. Others come way down the line.
I like that comment. It sounds as if you two would fit right into one of my novels.
I am totally a homebody.
I’ve had no problem cut off from in-person communications most of the time.
I’m also totally a city girl, so living on a remote farm would not be doable with my current skill set.
That’s interesting, Maryellen. I guess most of us think of city dwellers being involved in the hustle and bustle. But of course, we can be alone in a crowd too.
In a lot of ways, I am a recluse! I’m very happy being by myself at home, reading, making cards, working my “jobs” that I love! I looked forward to today as I’ve peopled enough this week, and needed to be home knowing I wasn’t going to “people” in person (and maybe not much on the phone, either!).
Yes, I think most serious readers enjoy alone time, and it sounds as if you’re a crafter too.
I can the good side to being a recluse at times but I think I need people too much to be a recluse.
My daughter is the same way. She used to call me to come to her dorm, where her job was in college, if she couldn’t come home and her friends had left campus for the weekend.
I have always been a bit of a loner and have spent much time by myself or buried in books at the library. One thing the COVID restrictions showed me was I could easily become a hermit and be quite happy with it. It is not that I don’t like people and am not sociable or involved. It is just more peaceful in my own little bubble.
I understand. I can be happy either way — by myself or with others.
I might could do it for a while but not for long. I think my husband could do it, he’s about a hermit now. I think with me I would have to get around people after a while.