Monster at Whisper Creek
I’m working on this children’s book while Crossbones is with my editor, and every time I write one of these little mysteries, I fall more in love with these characters.
I told my husband yesterday that the children’s books are more about Jordan than Holly. Her imagination is the driving force behind the adventures, but most of the lessons surround Jordan.
Jordan’s father isn’t a man to look up to. He doesn’t believe men should show emotion or affection. He has strict standards on what he believes define a man, and his son does not measure up. He refuses to spend time with Jordan because Jordan doesn’t pick things up as quickly as he thinks he should. Jedidiah Radcliffe is the epitome of “I love the idea of having a child, but I don’t want to spend time with one.”
Little Jordan has a gaping hole in his life where his father should be.
Cristopher Cross, Holly’s dad, steps in to fill that void. He loves Jordan, and he teaches him whenever the opportunity arises.
In Criss Cross, we don’t fully understand why the death of Holly’s family hits Jordan so hard. It wasn’t just losing Holly that he struggled with. It was losing her dad—the father he wished for as a little boy.
As I write these kids books, I love every moment that Cris invests in young Jordan. Not because he has to, but because he sees a child in need, and he meets that need the best that he can. What makes it even more beautiful is that Cris has no idea he’s teaching this little boy to be the very man his wounded daughter will someday need and love.
And the truth is, when we invest our time and love into someone who needs it, we don’t always get to know how that turns out. Sometimes, we only get to invest in them for a little while, and then our paths separate, and all we can do is hope that we made a difference.
Writing these kids books is such a joy, because it provides so much more depth to Jordan. And we get to see the product of Cris’s investment in him as we read the Holly Novels. We get to see the lessons and compassion play out in the man Jordan becomes.
I can’t wait to read this one! Karis asks frequently if the next book is done yet, and we’re about to start reading them to Thatcher, who turned 5 in September. When do you think it will be up for preorder? Also, as a former foster parent, and someone who also worked and is still working outside the home with children, I do pray I’ve made a positive difference in some of the lives I’ve touched.
I don’t have a timetable quite yet, but I anticipate a very late spring, early summer release. And I have no doubt that you have beautifully impacted some lives. They will remember the kindness and love.
Thank you for saying that! ❤️