Good Book Alert: Stronger than the Storm

I'm always delighted to share new books and new authors with you. I've recently discovered author Deena Adams and her latest novel, Stronger than the Storm.

Back cover copy:

Nineteen years after surviving a rocky season in her marriage, Beth Holbrook has built a life defined by strong faith, a committed marriage, and a thriving parenting ministry. On the brink of publishing her first book and expanding her influence, her world unravels when her daughter, Leesa, runs away without a word.

Eighteen-year-old Leesa is furious over her parents’ strict rules—especially their refusal to let her attend a beach party, where the only boy who’s ever noticed her will be. When her best friend suggests escaping to Myrtle Beach, Leesa makes a reckless choice. Six weeks later, she returns home with life-altering news.

While grappling with a volatile blend of failure and anger, Beth’s identity as a pastor’s wife, mother, and respected parenting coach crumbles. Tension rises in her marriage, criticism from her mother intensifies, and her relationships with her children fracture. When Beth reveals a long-buried secret, she risks shattering her family for good.

A hurricane closes in, but the storm inside the Holbrook home may prove even more destructive. Will their family hold together—or has Beth’s confession come too late?

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Let's get to know my guest:

Deena, when did you first discover that you were a writer?

I’ve always loved writing, but never considered myself a writer until I attended the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference in 2019. Brand new to this gig, I had no clue what I was doing, but an agent I met with gave me high praise about my first chapter and asked for a proposal. I entered that story in the conference’s unpublished writers contest for contemporary fiction that year and won second place. By the time I left there, I was in awe of God’s answer to my prayers about whether I should pursue my publication dream.

Tell us the range of books you enjoy reading.

I spent too many years reading books that didn’t glorify God, so after I became a Christ-follower in my late 20s and discovered Christian fiction, that’s all I’ve wanted to read. My favorite genre is contemporary women’s fiction, but I also enjoy historical, split-time, suspense/mystery/thriller, and even some rom-coms and romance. If a novel has a compelling, thought-provoking theme and it’s a clean read, count me in. But I especially love stories with a strong faith thread that center on hope and redemption.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

God is the only way I stay centered. I start every day with a prayer walk and time in the Bible. Over the past year, the Lord has guided me to simplify my life in several areas, and I continually ask Him to help me set my priorities straight and for His guidance on saying yes or no when an opportunity arises. I regularly remind myself that He is the only one I must please.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Of course, having my book published is up there as a monumental accomplishment in my life, but even that can’t compare to my husband and me following God’s call in 1999 to start a church. My husband still pastors that congregation today, and we’ve seen hundreds of people begin a personal relationship with Jesus. No other accomplishment can compare to having even a small part in God changing lives for eternity!

What would you like to tell us about the featured book?

A difficult season my husband and I went through with a prodigal child twenty years ago inspired this story, and I wrote the first messy draft in 2019, only one year after I started writing novels.

I set it aside to polish the first manuscript I wrote in 2018, but when my agent pitched my first story to editors and it didn’t get picked up, I went back to the second book and made major revisions.

When that manuscript didn’t sell either, I parted ways with my agent to seek a contract with a smaller publishing house, and God led me to pitch this book. He always knows best, so I’m confident this is the story He wanted me to put out into the world first.

What else would you like to tell us?

The eBook is on pre-order at Amazon for $1 off the regular price until April 26, and the paperback will be available for purchase on April 28.

For other book-related resources, including a powerful trailer, a moving song my husband created about the novel, book club resources, and links to guest podcasts and blogs about my writing life and Stronger than the Storm, they can visit my website book page HERE.

Thanks for stopping by my blog, Deena. I hope your book blesses many!