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 author Heidi Glick!!

 

Today we welcome Heidi Glick to The Diamond Mine!! Her upcoming release is a romantic suspense from Scrivenings Press. Gazing into Darkness is Book 1 in the Queen City Heroes series. The release date is August 12, 2025. The book will be available on Amazon and free for Kindle Unlimited subscribers. 

Here's a taste of the book:  Instead of moving closer to his girlfriend, Chance McPherson gets dumped and relocated to Cincinnati—farther from his dreams and closer to his shameful past. Stacey Sanderson is excited to finally secure a role in law enforcement, like the rest of her family, especially as an EPA CID agent, where she can protect God’s creation.

On the job, Stacey’s perfectionism and faith rub Chance the wrong way, while his antics and wisecracks irritate Stacey. When federal employees who worked an old case with Stacey start dying, Chance becomes concerned, and not just because Stacey is his partner. Stacey senses a closeness between them but has vowed not to get involved with men in law enforcement and especially not someone who doesn’t share her faith.

The anniversary of the case is creeping closer. Time is running out. Can Chance and Stacey stop the person who is out to kill her before it’s too late?

Sounds really interesting, Heidi!! Now let's start the interview!

So, tell us a bit more about the series.

Gazing into Darkness is the first book in a three-book romantic suspense series, Queen City Heroes, set in Cincinnati, Ohio. While solving cases, federal agents Chance McPherson and Stacy Sanderson must also investigate their feelings for each other. In Book 1, Chance must overcome his anger toward God and his fear of working with a female agent, to protect his partner, Stacy, from a madman who wants revenge.

How did you get your idea for this story?

For several years, I worked for a government contractor onsite at the Cincinnati EPA. Later, I learned about EPA CID agents.I thought it'd be cool to write a story about them and the work they do.

Great idea! I'm glad you thought of it. So, what made you decide to be a writer?

When I  was thirteen, I was in a church Christmas drama. I wanted to play Mary, but I couldn't sing, which was required for the role. An adult suggested I write my own play. Growing up in Southern California, originally, I dreamed of writing Christian screenplays, but God had other plans.

Then, what was your first story?

My first story was Dog Tags, a romantic suspense from Pelican Book Group. In it, Marine Mark Graham determines to protect Beth Martindale, the woman he loves, at all costs, and yet his own secrets might turn her against him forever.

That sounds cool!

Do you write from an outline, or just from inspiration, or both?

Normally, I write from an outline. With my current work-in-progress, I have written toward what James Scott Bell refers to as signposts, but I haven't followed an outline as closely as I normally do.

Do you have any underlying themes that you want your readers to come away with?

Yes, I try to include themes of redemption, forgiveness, and trusting God.

Such important themes for every person to experience!

Do your characters share any traits with you or someone you know?

The heroine of the story and I both like to read books.

Do your characters ever surprise you?

Yes, with my current work in progress, I was surprised by twists along the way.

I love it when that happens!

Do you have a favorite character in your books?

The main characters in Gazing Into Darkness, Chance and Stacy, are my favorite characters.

So, what are you working on now?

Currently, I am working on a stand-alone romantic suspense, tentatively titled, Kalamity Cabin, set in the fictional town of Kalamity, Ohio.

I love that title! 

Thanks for the interview, Heidi! I really enjoyed hearing about your books.

Now readers, here is a short bio of Heidi, plus her social and purchase links!

Heidi Glick has a B.A. in biology from Cedarville University, a Master of 

Technical Communication from Utah State University, and a passion for writing 

romantic suspense from a Christian worldview. Additionally, she is a member 

of American Christian Fiction Writers and Faith, Hope, and Love Christian 

Writers and has written two articles for Intercom. She has an eye for detail and 

includes law enforcement particulars in her stories, grounding the reader in 

scenes. She’s attended Writers’ Police Academy and the Hancock County 

(Ohio) Sheriff Citizen’s Academy to ensure accuracy of story details. Before 

becoming a romantic suspense writer, Heidi taught science to middle and high 

school students and edited science documents. Though she grew up in 

Southern California, Heidi now considers rural Northwest Ohio her home. When 

she is not busy discovering unique ways to wreak havoc upon the lives of her 

fictional characters, she spends quality time with her husband, two kids, and 

eight pets.

Readers can learn more about Heidi on her 

Website, https://authorheidiglick.com/

Social Media Links:

·       http://www.facebook.com/authorheidiglick

·       https://twitter.com/HeidiGlick1

·       https://sleuthsandsuspects.blogspot.com/

·       https://www.instagram.com/glick.heidi/

·       https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7035003.Heidi_Glick

·       https://www.pinterest.com/sheglick/