Laura Thomas: Spotlight on The Final Word & a Giveaway

I’m happy to feature Laura Thomas on my blog again as she shares about her new Romantic Suspense release, The Final Word. Be sure to comment below by June 10 for a chance to win a paperback copy!

I’m so glad to have you on the blog again, Laura. The page is yours!

The Final Word is Book 2 in my “Bite of Betrayal” series, set in the idyllic English countryside—the country where I was born and spent the first half of my life. For me, a book’s setting is incredibly important, rather like a character in its own right. To be able to craft and create a place where the reader can taste, hear, smell, see, and almost touch the surroundings without leaving their comfy couch is an absolute joy!

I had been longing to write a book set in England for years, and a visit with my family back in 2019 ignited the inspiration for this particular Christian romantic suspense series. Naturally, a charming, serene setting needed some seriously spine-tingling murderous vibes—and so Captured in Frame, the first book in the series, was birthed.

This series of 3 books follows 3 sisters: the eldest is Georgia, and then identical twins, Sophie and Harriet. I chose to focus on the “artsy” world for my main characters rather than military, FBI agents, or highly-trained helicopter pilot-types more typically found in suspense novels. We have a photographer, a writer who bakes, and a retired professional ballerina. Each sister has complex romantic relationships with life-threatening scenarios and relatable faith journeys… all so much fun to write!  

For The Final Word, I knew we would be back in jolly old England, but I decided to start in Paris, the City of Lights—where darkness was alive and well. Sophie had planned on leaving her Paris life behind as one of her manuscripts garnered interest from a publisher in England, and she also felt the pull to be near her sisters in the charming village of Bramble Downs. Right before she leaves, she witnesses a terrifying incident—and she also meets the man of her dreams, who happens to be an opera singer. 

When Sophie trades the streets of Paris for the country lanes of England, her hopes of a fairy tale romance turn into a living nightmare in a roller coaster of love at first sight, murder, sisters, cupcakes, secrets, Cinderella vibes, a stalker, books, and betrayal. 

This particular novel is close to my heart as it encompasses several things I adore—but it also hits home with the thread of “surrender” running deep through its pages. 

In my own life—and perhaps yours—the act of surrendering to God is an ongoing challenge. It rings raw and real and requires no small amount of work on my part… but the peace and comfort it offers is priceless. Knowing He is in control always helps me to pry open my clenched fingers, knowing that even though I’ll fall and fail and flounder as a flawed work in progress, our King of Kings is also our good Father, abounding in grace, mercy, and love.

As Sophie comes to the end of herself in dire desperation and finally surrenders her will to God, she utters a simple prayer I repeat often:

“God, I give you everyone.” 

“God, I give You everything.”

May we all know more of His love in the surrender…

Happy reading! 

Thanks so much for sharing about this series and your new book, Laura. The entire series sounds amazing, and you’ve definitely piqued my interest! May God continue to bless you as you write for Him!

Join the conversation. Are you a Romantic Suspense fan? Have you read any of Laura’s books? Do you have a favorite? What questions or comments do you have for Laura?

Be sure to comment below by June 10 for a chance to win a paperback of The Final Word!

The Final Word by Laura Thomas

Click the book cover for purchase link

“When aspiring author Sophie Brooks chooses to trade a vibrant Paris life for the tranquility of a quaint English village, she imagines her final days in the City of Lights will be magical. Sophie doesn’t anticipate a chilling encounter with an old flame—nor does she plan to find a new love on her very last night.

Miles Morgan’s life has been defined as a successful opera singer-until now. His chance encounter with Sophie in Paris ignites renewed hope … if he can figure out his next chapter and if she can accept what his future may hold.

In the heart of the English countryside, Sophie and Miles’ fairy tale romance turns into a noxious nightmare as the darkness of Sophie’s past—and her volatile ex—catch up with her. Both Sophie and Miles must surrender everything to the One they thought had betrayed them as they lean into love and fight for their lives.”

A published, award-winning Christian author, Laura writes heartwarming encouragement for your soul—especially in her numerous romantic suspense novels, Christmas novellas, teen fiction and children’s books, as well as her non-fiction writing. 

Laura is a hope*writers certified writing coach, a book-loving chocoholic mom and nanny, and is married to her high school sweetheart. Originally from the UK, they now live the empty nest life in Kelowna, British Columbia, with their French bulldog!  

Connect with Laura: Website / Instagram / Facebook / X / Pinterest / Goodreads / BookBub / YouTube

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If you missed Cathy Rueter’s interview last week about her debut novel, Murder May I, FIND IT HERE.