by Darlene L. Turner @darlenelturner

Can you inherit the love of reading? Maybe. Maybe not, but both of my parents loved to read. Dad enjoyed Louis L’Amour while Mom read authors like Janette Oke, Lori Wick, and many more. My love of reading and everything suspense began with Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. I devoured these books. My mother would often get frustrated with me as whenever it was time for chores, I’d be reading one of Nancy’s mysteries. “Come on, Darlene Lynn,” my mom said. “Get your nose out of that book and start cleaning.” LOL

Of course, being from Canada’s East Coast, I had to read all of the Anne of Green Gables books. I loved Anne, Diana, and Gilbert’s adventures. I just couldn’t get enough of them because you know—since I’m a redhead, I wanted to be Anne.

As I grew older, my mystery reading turned into Agatha Christie and Phyllis A. Whitney books, plus many more. I loved the Margo Series by Jerry Jenkins. I also discovered romance books. The Cedar River Daydreams series by Judy Bauer were a favorite of mine.

This week Darlene L. Turner shares about her reading life #Reading #Readinglife #BRRC Share on X

Don’t laugh at me, but when I read mystery and suspense books as a young girl, I dreamed of becoming a police officer. However, reality set in and that never happened. Now I only write about them. My reading habits changed a bit as an adult and I added different genres like historical, fairy tale retellings, medieval, young adult, and some fantasy. Now my bookshelves are filled with novels by Ted Dekker, DiAnn Mills, Steven James, Lynette Eason, Jaime Jo Wright, and so many more.

Have you had a certain book impact you? For me, it was Ted Dekker’s Circle series. I loved how he wove faith into the characters in these books. I would finish reading them and then say the same word each time—WOW. So profound.

While I love fiction, I also read non-fiction. I just finished a powerful devotional by Renee Swope called A Confident Heart Devotional: 60 days to Stop Doubting Yourself. So good! I enjoy devotional and Bible studies by Beth Moore, Lysa Terkeurst, Lisa Stilwell, Kelly Minter, Annie Downs. There are so many great non-fiction books out there.

What’s on my shelf right now? I’m reading two writing craft books: The Art of Tale by Steven James and Tom Morrisey and 45 Master Characters by Victoria Lynn Schmidt. I’m doing Jen Wilkin’s God of Deliverance Bible study. For fiction, I have SO many to choose from, but an arc version of Jessica R. Patch’s newest A Cry in the Dark will be next on my list.

Where’s my favorite reading spot? In the summer, it’s out on my deck. During the cooler months, I like to read in our family room wrapped up in my buffalo plaid blanket (of course!) with a fire going. Don’t forget the marshmallows in the hot chocolate!

Who are your favorite authors? I know, I know…it’s hard to narrow it down. How about your top 10? Where do you like to read? Grab a book, sit back with a hot drink, and relax on this beautiful fall day! Reading is the best form of relaxation.

Darlene L. Turner’s love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message.

Darlene won the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense twice and an ACFW Genesis award. Her debut book, Border Breach, won the Canadian 2021 Word Award and placed third in the 2021 Selahs in the Romantic Suspense and First Novel categories. Lethal Cover-Up placed third in the 2022 Selahs in the Romantic Suspense category and second place in the 2022 Director’s Choice. Abducted in Alaska received an Honorable Mention in the 2022 Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense Awards. She’s represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. She has three books releasing in 2022: Safe House Exposed (Feb 22), Fatal Forensic Investigation (June 28), and Explosive Christmas Showdown (Oct 25).

Darlene met her husband Jeff at the turtle races in Ontario, Canada. She loves flavored coffee and plaid shirts. You can connect with Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders.