Author Interviews - No Apology Book Reviews

Interview with Melinda Leigh (Right Behind Her)

September 18, 2021

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Right Behind Her by Melinda Leigh is a gripping read, just like her other books. Readers get sympathetic heroes and monstrous villains along with a plot that will keep them turning the pages. Sherriff Bree Taggert agrees to travel to her childhood home with her brother Adam. She must confront the memories of her childhood that includes the cruelness of her father, being attacked by his dogs, the night her father murdered her mother, …

Interview with Nicole Trope (The Family Across the Street)

September 10, 2021

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The Family Across the Street is Nicole Trope’s latest novel. Her American debut was in June of this year with the outstanding book, The Boy In The Photo. With all her books, readers get a vivid plot that grips them and grabs their full attention. The stories usually delve into everything from emotional abuse, child abuse (both psychological and sexual), and domestic violence. The Boy in the Photo was first published by Grand Central …

Interview with Serena B. Miller (Sugarcreek series)

September 3, 2021

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Bertha’s Resolve by Serena B. Miller is the fourth installment of the Love’s Journey in the Sugarcreek series. This novel, as well as the other three, have engrossing characters, a riveting plot, and information about the Amish of Ohio. The stories involve policewoman Rachel Troyer, her three elderly Amish aunts who run a Bed and Breakfast, Joe Matthews, Rachel’s eventual husband, and his son Bobby, along with other Amish town members. These books should …

Interview with Karin Slaughter (False Witness)

August 27, 2021

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper False Witness by Karin Slaughter shows why she is one of the best for writing fabulous characters. This story has two sisters’ childhoods tarnished by secrets, broken by betrayal, and ultimately destroyed by a brutal act of violence as well as one of the sister’s tragedy of addiction. She was portrayed with empathy and grace by the author. This story is brutal, honest, real, and heartbreaking at times involving issues of rape, drug use, …

Interview with Daryl Wood Gerber (A Sprinkling of Murder and A Glimmer of a Clue)

August 20, 2021

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper A Sprinkling of Murder and A Glimmer of a Clue by Daryl Wood Gerber are the first installments in the new Fairy Garden Mystery series. Even with a death and a mystery these stories will put a smile on readers’ faces. Anyone who remembers the Peter Pan line, “Do you believe in fairies,” will enjoy this enchanting book that has charm and wit, friends and foes, murder and mayhem with fascinating characters. The heroine …

Interview with Stephanie Marie Thornton (A Most Clever Girl)

August 13, 2021

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper A Most Clever Girl by Stephanie Marie Thornton brings to life in fictional form, the true story of Elizabeth Bentley, a Cold War double agent. Readers are presented with the psychology of a spy, the dangers, betrayals, and motivations. Bentley was an American citizen who spied for the Russians until she became an FBI informant. She was recruited by the American Communist Party to spy on fascists since she worked at an Italian library. …

Interview with Christina Baker Kline (The Exiles)

August 8, 2021

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline brings to life five women in nineteenth century Australia. All faced similar hardships struggling for redemption and freedom in this new society. They were mistreated and taken from a culture they knew. These women were all brought to their new lives against their will but showed strength and courage. Evangeline, orphaned after her Vicar father died, found a job as a Governess. But the stepson living in the …

Interview with Linda Castillo (Fallen and A Simple Murder)

July 31, 2021

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Fallen by Linda Castillo brings back the wonderful character, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder. Fans of this series are never disappointed with these amazing stories, and this novel is no different. The plot begins with a young woman brutally murdered at a Painter’s Mill motel. Called to investigate, Police Chief Kate Burkholder realizes she knew the victim, Rachel Schwartz. She and Kate had some things in common, not really fitting into the Amish community …

Interview with Lisa Harris (The Chase)

July 24, 2021

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The Chase by Lisa Harris is an excellent read. The story doesn’t have quite as much action and suspense as in the first book, The Escape, but readers will be intrigued by understanding the personal dynamics. Both main characters must handle grief and navigate evolving personal relationships. US Marshal Madison James may not be sure who shot her three months ago, but she does know one thing–it’s time to get back out into the …

Interview with Renee Ryan (The Widows of Champagne)

July 16, 2021

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The Widows of Champagne by Renee Ryan is the story of a family struggling to survive in Nazi-occupied France. Three widows who lost their beloved husbands must now protect their livelihood, the Chateau Fouche-LeBlanc vineyard in Reims, after it was requisitioned by the Nazis. The plot has wine merchant, Helmut Von Schmidt, now turned Nazi Captain in the Wehrmacht, requisitioning the LeBlanc home and stealing their wine for the German troops. Throughout the days …