Puzzles, Faith, and Suspense: An Interview with Gina Holder

 Welcome back to the diamond mine. I am so excited to introduce you to this week's guest. If you are a fan of escape rooms, games, puzzles, or an engaging romantic suspense, you are going to love Gina Holder. Keep reading to enter to win a copy of her May release.

About the Author

Gina Holder is an American indie author known for her Christian romantic suspense novels. She published her debut novel, Whither Shall I Go, in 2017, marking the beginning of her writing career. Her works often weave themes of faith, redemption, and forgiveness, aiming to inspire readers with uplifting messages rooted in Biblical principles.

Holder was raised in a family that fostered her love for books from a young age, which eventually led her to pursue a career in writing. She began writing short stories as a child and crafted her first novel by the age of twelve. Her dedication to her craft is evident as she continuously seeks to grow as an author, taking courses like the “Breaking into Print” program through the Long Ridge Writer’s Group.

Living in Wyoming with her husband and daughter, Holder balances her writing career with her roles as a stay-at-home mom and an active member of her church community. When she’s not writing, she enjoys activities like playing the piano, singing for worship services, cooking for her family, and indulging in Hallmark mysteries.

Holder’s novels, such as Forgiven Again, the second book in her “Shadows Over Whitman” series, reflect her passion for creating flawed characters who find redemption through faith. Her stories resonate with readers who appreciate suspenseful plots combined with Christian values. As an author, she is motivated by her desire to bring glory to God through her writing, often incorporating personal experiences and spiritual lessons into her work.

Holder is also an active member of the Christian readers and writers community and is involved in the writing community through her blog, where she shares insights, interviews, and book reviews​.

Connect with Gina: Website | Blog | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Amazon | BookBub | Goodreads

Suzie: Welcome, Gina. Thank you for taking some time to share with us this week during your release month. Let's jump right in. Tell us a little bit about yourself (something that’s not in your bio):

Gina: I have visited 47 states in America and 16 countries worldwide. The coolest thing I’ve done is gone snorkeling in the Red Sea in Egypt.

Suzie: That sounds amazing. What was the catalyst for your interest in writing? 

Gina: Anne of Green Gables. I was going to grow up to be just like her.

Suzie: Weren't we all? Who was your favorite character to create? 

Gina: Liam Shepherd in The Escape Game. He is so kind and so protective that he kind of just melts your heart whenever he’s on the page.

Suzie: I agree with that. I kind of fell in love with Liam myself. How did you come up with the names of your characters? 

Gina: They tell me. 😊

Suzie: Are you a plotter or a panster? I am a plotter-wanna-be. 

Gina: I wish I could plot out my stories, but it always seems that I end up writing “by the seat of my pants.”

Suzie: I can relate! I like that the term "pantser" is slowly morphing into "discovery writer." What are your three books on your current tbr? 

Gina: Claire Holloway is Winging It by Angela Ruth Strong, Sung in the Shadows by Crystal Caudill, and The Life She Forgot by Joanna Davidson Politano.

Suzie: Oh, you've got some good reads ahead of you. Are you part of a writing group? 

Gina: Yes, I am. Kingdom Creative Writers here in Casper, Wyoming. We meet monthly, take workshops together, and attend events together. It’s a wonderful, supportive group.

Suzie: I love that. Have a community of writers is one of the highlights of writing for me. Do you have a favorite author or book? 

Gina: I have a long list of favorite authors, and they have a special place on my bookshelf. The best books I’ve ever read, that stuck with me to this day, would be A Slender Thread by Tracie Peterson, A Rumored Fortune by Joanna Davidson Politano, and The Measure of a Heart by Janette Oke.

Suzie: All excellent books. What’s next for you as an author? 

Gina: I am currently writing book 3 in The Game Masters series, The Missing Piece, that will be released in May of 2027. Homicide Detective Freddie Hood and passionate activist Ginny Clarke track down the infamous serial killer, Cipher, in New Orleans, after he takes the life of her best friend.

Suzie: Oh, can't wait to read it. Before you go, how can we pray for you? 

Gina: Please pray that I can finish my next book on time and that God would give me direction for what’s next. I have a few ideas, but I want to make sure I align myself with His will for my writing journey.

Suzie: We will be praying. Thank you for sharing with us this week. We look forward to reading The Escape Game.

About the Book

Twenty years ago, the world’s leading enigmatologist disappeared, leaving behind a cipher no one could solve… not without his journal.

Puzzle shop owner Demi Kayne has spent twenty years hoping her father would return home. When she discovers his hidden journal, she finally uncovers the clue she’s been waiting for—but it leads somewhere far more dangerous than she imagined.

Liam Shepherd, a missionary and escape-room enthusiast, is searching for answers of his own. His sister has vanished without a trace, and the trail of clues leads him straight to Demi—and the secrets hidden in her father’s journal.

Their search brings them to the eerie Ives Mansion, where its brilliant and reclusive owner has designed a deadly challenge. Once inside, Demi and Liam realize they’re no longer guests.

They’re players.

Trapped inside a twisted real-life mystery game, they must solve a series of lethal riddles before time runs out. Each puzzle brings them closer to the truth about Demi’s missing father and Liam’s sister —but also deeper into a carefully crafted game where the stakes are far higher than they're ready to face.

With the clock ticking and lives hanging in the balance, Demi and Liam must confront their fears, their pasts, and the faith that may be their only hope of escape.

In this gripping Christian suspense novel, every clue matters—and every mistake could be fatal.

Can Demi and Liam solve the final puzzle before the game ends…or will the escape room become their tomb?

Perfect for fans of Lynette Eason, Dani Pettrey, and Irene Hannon who enjoy puzzle-driven Christian suspense filled with danger, secrets, and faith under fire.

Amazon | Goodreads

Giveaway

Gina has graciously offered to give one of our readers (US addresses only) a paperback copy of The Escape Game. Enter below.

Enter Here

Interview with Carol-award winning, Donna Jo Stone!

 Join me in welcoming friend and Carol award-winning Christian fiction author, Donna Jo Stone, to the Diamond Mine! Donna's stories promise to draw you in with relatable characters and meaningful storylines. If you haven't had a chance to read a book by her, treat yourself! You won't be disappointed. Without further ado, here's Donna! 

Award-winning author Donna Jo Stone writes southern-flavored, faith-forward fiction. Her stories are often about people facing tough times, but always leave the reader with a sense of hope. When she’s not writing, reading, or spending time with her family and friends, Donna Jo loves to peruse book stores and fabric shops.

First let’s learn a little bit about you. Can you share a few things about yourself that have nothing to do with writing?

I’ve always had pets. When I was young, my family raised rabbits. It started as my sister’s 4-H project and grew. We would go to rabbit shows, which are events similar to dog shows. We had three “bunny barns” full of rabbits.

One day, my middle school self arrived home from school on the bus to find my dad had put up a hand painted plywood sign saying “Rabbits 4 Sale.” This mortified me, because he had used a number rather than spell the word. It hung crookedly from the corner fence post too! But that number bothered me more, so I guess that’s my inner editor. It’s hard to get away from writing.

After I left home, I kept many pets, but stick with cats and dogs now. A lot of people think it’s fine to abandon animals in the country (it’s not), so I end up caring for strays, sometimes long-term. Right now, I have two cats that hang around, one friendly and one more skittish. We also have our Labrador mix, Kaylee, who likes to visit the neighbor.

Other than that, most of the time, when I’m not reading, writing, or doing some type of art, is spent caring for family members.

That's such a cool "fun fact" to know! What drew you to write?

I learned to read very early, and remember loving The Little House books. It amazed me to find out Laura Ingalls Wilder had written the stories based on her childhood. It had never occurred to me to wonder where books came from, and I was entranced by the idea anyone could write their story down, just like she did. That really drew me. Plus, I was a quiet little girl, and it felt more natural for me to write rather than be vocal. 

The adults in my life encouraged me to have pen pals growing up, and my mother often took all us kids to the library. My grandmother (Dad’s mom) and my mother were both big readers and always had a book nearby.

I'm so glad you've had so many supportive people in your life that encouraged you to write! We all can thank them :) What’s your writing process? 

It seems like every novel is a little different. I usually think a long time about one or two elements that are interesting, and then one day another idea for a story comes along and they meld together. When  I decide to write a story, I like to make a rough outline or list of sorts to start with, adding to it over a few weeks. I’ve learned to make a timeline the hard way, and that also is included in my outline. I will make lists of characters, background events, and so on. 

For most books, my outline has grown to several pages long before it’s time to begin drafting. 

You are so right, how each story is different. I've learned that too! How do you come up with your story ideas?

For me, it’s almost always about the story people. I love hearing real people tell about their lives, funny stories, or lived experiences. Story people are interesting as well! My trouble isn’t having ideas of who, when, or where, it’s organizing and deciding what to leave out.

We all loved “When the Wildflowers Bloom Again” and “Promise Me tomorrow.” You’ve got a lovely mix of writing. Tell us about your new release. 

Della’s Song is part of the Apron Strings Tea Tales series. My first novel was part of the first Apron Strings series, so when I was asked to participate again I thought it would be fun. These stories are all set between 1918-1939 and feature a tearoom. In the original series, the books were tied together by a cookbook, Mrs. Canfield’s Cookery Book, and in the new series the cookbook is also featured. Additionally, each story is inspired by a fairytale.

Della’s Song is set in 1934 North Louisiana. Della’s family make their living by singing gospel on the radio, at events, and teaching music and is loosely inspired by The Six Swans. 

In the wake of a devastating train accident, Della Swan’s world is shattered. Her father and brother are forever changed, and the Swan Family Singers have no choice but to depend on the charity of formidable Aunt Leticia, proprietor of the Hotel Fairwood. 

Of Della’s six brothers, only two remain with her at the hotel: Quiet Max, the youngest, and Frank, the pianist who lost his arm—and his heart for music. The rest are sent away to school or work. Aunt Leticia believes the children must learn to make their way in the world, effectively banishing them. 

During Father’s recovery, the repercussions of his head injury make one thing clear. Life as the Swans knew it, traveling the south and sharing gospel music, may never return. Yet Della clings to the belief that God isn’t finished with her family or their calling and sets a plan in motion to bring them together again. 

When she develops an unexpected bond with Clayton Miller, the hotel’s reserved, long-time employee, his steady presence reminds her there is often more to people—and situations—than meets the eye. 

Are there certain themes explored in the story?

I tried to stick with the theme from The Six Swans fairytale of self-sacrifice and sisterly devotion. My character, Della, was all in with sisterly devotion, but not always with the self-sacrifice. 

My verses were Colossians 3:16-17. Called to be a musician, Della liked the first verse. 

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

But she knew her scripture well enough that the next was right in her mind with it, much to her chagrin when she faced difficult tasks she felt unsuited for.

 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

I certainly understood her feelings. It’s easier by far to do the things that fit in with my natural gifting and tendencies, and a bit more challenging to sacrifice pride and do acts of service outside my comfort zone.

Della learned a few other lessons as well, as did other family members.

Do you have any favorite characters in your books?

I like them all for different reasons. They really are like children in that way, each unique and special.

What are you working on now?

It seems like every time I wrap up a project, I have four more calling me! It’s so hard to choose which to concentrate on. I’ve been editing my next young adult in the Wishes and Dreams series, and hope to have it release this year. But, I also have a women’s fiction I’m itching to get back to. No planned date for release on it yet.

Whatever I write next, readers can expect more of my signature faith-forward fiction. 

When you’re not writing, what do you enjoy doing?

I love to relax and chat with people, but I’m also happy browsing book shops. To reset my creativity, I like to sew, quilt, paint, or craft. 

Thanks for joining us, Donna!

A tragic loss, a silenced song, and a scattered family … one North Louisiana tea room offers an unlikely reunion.

In the wake of a devastating train accident, Della Swan’s world is shattered. Her father and brother are forever changed, and the Swan Family Gospel Singers have no choice but to depend on the charity of formidable Aunt Leticia, proprietor of the Hotel Fairwood.

Of Della’s six brothers, only two remain with her at the hotel: Quiet Max, the youngest, and Frank, the pianist who lost his arm—and his heart for music. The rest are sent away to school or work. Aunt Leticia believes the children must learn to make their way in the world, effectively banishing them.

During Father’s recovery, the repercussions of his head injury make one thing clear. Life as the Swans knew it, traveling the south and sharing music, may never return. Yet Della clings to the belief that God isn’t finished with her family or their calling and sets a plan in motion to bring them together again.

When she develops an unexpected bond with Clayton Miller, the hotel’s reserved, long-time employee, his steady presence reminds her there is often more to people—and situations—than meets the eye.

The Swan Family Gospel Singers are separated by tragedy, Della’s brothers scattered to the wind. With needle and thread, faith, and a song, she finds a way to stitch them together again.

A touch of fairy tale, a spoonful of history, and a teacup of hope.

Della’s Song is a stand-alone novel in the Apron Strings Tea Tales multi-author series, and a 1930s historical with romance retelling of “The Six Swans.”

Pre-Order Your Copy: https://a.co/d/0iwB0f1y

You can learn more about Doinna's books by visiting https://donnajostone.com.

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donna-Jo-Stone/author/B0CR8VJT1S

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