Beginnings that Grab the Reader and Carry Her Along to the Last Page.

I gave a talk in Mexia, Texas about my writing journey. It seems everywhere I go there are people who want to write a book. In this group of 12-15, three were writing. I told them how I got started, the classes I took, the organizations I belong to, and the importance of joining a critique group.

I also talked about ways to organize a novel to keep the reader interested from start to finish. This lead to a discussion of the importance of the first scene. Writers tend to start the book a few pages, sometimes chapters, before the action begins. In my first book, Where Love Once Lived, I stripped off page after page of the beginning while at the Yosemite Writers' Conference preparing to read from my work in process the next day.

I did more stripping and editing when I got home. Here's what I ended up with:

Karen felt loved on Tuesdays. She was fifty-three and divorced with a college-aged daughter at home who’d probably flee the nest soon, leaving Karen to live alone. She’d missed her chance for happiness. Still, she wasn’t sad. Teaching and her volunteer work as a lay minister, hospital chaplain, and member of her church choir fulfilled her. To be honest, she wanted more. She wanted the special kind of love she felt on Tuesdays.

This is not great, but it's not bad for a first novel. Readers should want to know why Karen felt loved on Tuesdays and, perhaps, wonder how she'd missed her chance for happiness. She seems to have a good life, but something is missing. They learn a little about her, age, family, job, church, etc., without getting bogged down in too much backstory.

My second novel, The Vengeance Squad, is written in first person with a young male protagonist. There is a prologue, too short to warrant chapter formatting, which I placed above the Chapter One beginning. See how this grabs you. Would you want to read more?

I’ll never forget the look on her face. It sustained me for months afterward. Without the memories, I wouldn’t have survived. Chapter One Sometimes it worried me because I thought I must be wrong, but there were times I could read her mind. I’d heard stories about couples who had been married for years who experienced a level of silent communication, but Sarah and I had known each other for only two years. Perhaps it was the intensity of love for one another rather than the length of time together that made the difference. Quite honestly, the love we shared was stronger than I believed possible. It was as if God brought us together and blessed the joining of two faithful servants of the Lord. I thanked Him daily for that.

The prologue gives us a glimpse into the future and, hopefully, a desire to know what happens. The first paragraph of Chapter One gives the reader an understanding of how in love the narrator is.

Love Lives On, my third novel, is a sequel to Where Love Once Lived. It also ties in some of the characters from The Vengeance Squad. I don't call them sequels because each will stand alone. However, I think readers would enjoy them more if the books are read in chronological order.

Here's how Love Lives On begins:

Karen Williams was fifty-four and divorced for so long she'd given up hope for that special marriage everyone talked about, but few probably had experienced. Then, a year ago, her life changed. Her college sweetheart charged back into her life, acting as if he'd never stopped loving her. He was waiting for her at the altar now as she touched up her makeup in the bride's room of her church. She hurried to apply mascara, but her right hand wouldn't be still. The pencil hit the table with a soft clunk. Tears followed. Tears from nowhere. A glance into the mirror showed mascara running down both cheeks. What was happening? Was it that feeling of unworthiness that crept in when she least expected it? Couldn't be. God had forgiven her long ago, but she would never forget what had happened. Second thoughts? Definitely not. She loved Brian and he loved her. He would never do anything to hurt her. Not again.

This excerpt is a little longer because the backstory was necessary to remind readers of the last book or to introduce Karen to new readers. It was her wedding day. Why was she crying? What did she do that caused her to need God's forgiveness? What had Brian done before to hurt her? Will the wedding go on as scheduled?

Presenting questions at the beginning will cause the reader to seek answers by continuing to read.

My fourth novel, The Vengeance Squad Goes to England begins this way:

Tex removed his ten-gallon cowboy hat, swiped his brow and leaned back in his wheelchair to get his hug. I stood behind him knowing I'd be next. But nothing happened. Liz sat at the end of the conference table with her head in her hands. My friend and former computer science student, Tex Thompson, locked his eyes on mine and I stared back at him in disbelief. Something was wrong. Liz Siedo, the happiest librarian in the world, the person who accepted God's will in every situation and hugged everyone who came within five feet of her, was either sick or depressed.

When I give talks, I tell people not to try to write the perfect beginning before finishing the rest of chapter one. If you do, you'll never finish the book. Write the whole thing and then come back and rewrite the first chapter. Often, my characters have something to say about the endings and the results lead to the need to make changes to the beginning. For example, when I wrote Murder in Sun City I didn't know who the killer was until I was halfway through the book. This caused a need to change the beginning. Here's the original opening:

"Liz! Are you okay?" I looked up at Margie and wondered if I was. I wiggled around before I answered. "Nothing seems to be broken. I guess I'm lucky I landed on my God-made cushion." I could tell Margie was amused by my comment because she was clearly trying not to make light of my mishap. So I laughed to let her know it was okay. I'd never been embarrassed by my ample bottom and was rather pleased with the way it broke my fall today. I wished I hadn't left my coat in the bookmobile, but it was such a short walk to Sharon's house. Margie laughed. "Well that's good to hear. When I saw you slipping and sliding on that iced driveway, I knew you'd end up falling. "Watching you throw books into the air like that was the funniest thing I've seen in some time. Then she sobered. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't be laughing at your fall." "That's okay. Glad to brighten your day. Besides, I'm not hurt. Just not sure how to get up."

Besides the unexpected turn of events as I got into the book, there were other reasons to change this beginning. It just didn't grab me.

I should explain that this is the first in the so-called bookmobile series where the reader sees things through Liz's eyes. If you've read the other books, you know she is large, but happy and confident. So this beginning is to let you know she sees herself the same way other people see her. It's okay, but it is irrelevant to the story. It doesn't ask questions. It doesn't cause the reader to want to keep reading. Hopefully, the revision below does:

Margie was waiting on the icy driveway as I parked the bookmobile in front of Sharon's house. Had she been crying? I climbed out and gave her a hug. "Are you okay?" She held on a little longer than usual. "I'm okay." I pushed away and looked into her eyes. "Something's wrong. You've been crying." "No." She brushed at her eyes with a gloved hand. "Must be from the cold." I knew she needed to talk. "Why don't you wait in the bookmobile and get warm? I brought those books you asked for." "Okay." Margie didn't look at me as she spoke. "I guess you should see Sharon first." I stepped into the library and picked up the five books I'd brought for Sharon and a white paper bag. Margie moved back to give me space. "What's in the bag?" "Some scones for Sharon. I got them at the library coffee shop while I was loading books this morning." "Scones?" "Hey. Come with me." I held up the bag. "Carry this for me. I've got enough for all of us."

I will probably change this more before it is published, but I think this works better. What do you think?

If you are a reader only or a writer and reader, check some of your favorite books and see if the magic began on page one.

I talked about this in a previous post where I included the openings of some Pulitzer Prize winners. See Pulitzer Prize First Sentences. Some are better than others. What do you think? Would you read the books based on beginnings, or only because it won the Pulitzer Prize?

Love Lives On -- A Christian Suspense

LOVE LIVES ON

Purchase Here: http://www.amazon.com/author/sidneyfrost

Summary

Fifty-four-year-old Karen Williams is reunited with Brian Donelson, her college sweetheart, after thirty years apart only to learn a step-son she's never met has filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit against her for back child support. Brian has the assets to settle the law suit, but she won't let him. Her marriage to the young man's dying father was out of compassion and she feels she is only being sued because of Brian's money.

Her decision to fight the shadows from her past puts her marriage and life in jeopardy. While fighting the claims, she takes time away from her new life with Brian to respond to the charges. And, while doing so, she is being stalked by someone who is threatening her life.

A lifetime Christian, Karen begins to wonder why God put her in such a situation. Brian's parents face medical concerns and he has to leave Karen alone in Texas while he goes to California to care for them.

While Brian is in California, someone sabotages the bookmobile Karen drives and she ends up inside the vehicle as it rolls down a hill. Brian returns as soon as he learns about it and sits with her in the hospital. Again he wants to settle the case, but when she awakes, she says no.

Karen remembers a box left by the step-son's father that will help the young man. She gets her friend Cathy to go with her into the attic to search for the box. While they are they are looking for it, someone blocks the exit and sets the house on fire.

Karen may not succeed at all she sets out to, but she does help her step-son find God.

Spiritual Themes

Karen turns to George McCullough, the 79-year-old father of Brian's best friend, to talk to about her doubts. George tells Karen she has the gift of encouragement and has devoted herself to helping others. That is why she wants to fight the lawsuit. Not for herself, but to help the ones suing. You just want to jump into the fray because you believe that's what God wants of you. (Romans 12:8)

George also tells Karen, "Remember in Acts 9 where God asks Ananias to go put his hands on Saul, the man who jailed Christians? You're like Ananias. You're a good Christian, but you've been called to get into this lawsuit for some reason. The results can be devastating. Be open to what God is calling you to do. And, remember, it may not seem like it sometimes, but eventually, good overcomes evil. Ananias was asked to step outside his comfort zone. God works through others to help us. Aren't you curious about what God has for us next?"

Here's How it Starts

Karen Williams was fifty-four and divorced for so long she'd given up hope for that special marriage everyone talked about, but few probably had experienced. Then, a year ago, her life changed. Her college sweetheart charged back into her life, acting as if he'd never stopped loving her. He was waiting for her at the altar now as she touched up her makeup in the bride's room of her church.

She hurried to apply mascara, but her right hand wouldn't be still. The pencil hit the table with a soft clunk. Tears followed. Tears from nowhere. A glance into the mirror showed mascara running down both cheeks. What was happening?

Was it that feeling of unworthiness that crept in when she least expected it? Couldn't be. God had forgiven her long ago, but she would never forget what had happened. Second thoughts? Definitely not. She loved Brian and he loved her. He would never do anything to hurt her. Not again.

***

Brian Donelson looked at his watch again. She was now officially late. The buzz in the congregation meant he wasn't the only one who sensed something was wrong. All his friends and Karen's friends were laughing softly, but he knew there was no reason to be concerned. Not yet. Surely she'd walk up the aisle in a few minutes.

Perhaps he should announce a delay. Ardis Twiss stared at him from her perch on the organ bench as if asking what to do. He shrugged and she kept playing.

All the turmoil he'd endured the past thirty years came back to him now. His sin. His self-loathing. His unhappiness with his life. He accepted that God had forgiven him for what he'd done, so why was he thinking about it now? He feared she'd changed her mind about marrying him.

Phil was all decked out in a tux with his gray hair complementing his caramel-colored skin. He took his best man duties seriously. He whispered to the pastor, just loud enough for Brian to hear, "We're checking on the bride." He then gave Brian a questioning look.

Pastor Jim Dunlap merely nodded and waited patiently. He didn't seem flustered at all. Maybe this was nothing new to him.

Brian had a sudden image of Karen driving away from the church with a corner of her long white wedding gown sticking out from under the driver's side door. He remembered she'd told him she wasn't wearing a traditional bridal gown. His imagination adjusted to show her in a suit, but still in her car speeding away from the church. He saw himself running after the car holding the bride's bouquet high in the air, yelling to her that she'd forgotten to get married so she could toss the flowers to all the single women. His legs were like rubber as he moved them faster and faster without going forward.

He took in a deep breath, tested his legs, and shook his head to erase the vision. Could their relationship survive one more difficulty? He hoped so.

***

Karen was glad she'd picked a dress she could wear again instead of a bridal gown. She'd worn a long white one when she married Steve only to have their marriage end in divorce.

"Well, is there going to be a wedding today, or not?" The question came from a large, some say full-figured, woman standing in the doorway. The floral dress she wore wasn't much different from her every day attire at the library, but it appeared to be newer.

"I'm glad you're here, Liz," Karen said, standing. "I need your help."

Karen knew Liz was a hugger. Still, she was caught off guard when Liz put her arms around her and held her tight.

"What can I do, darlin'?" Liz asked as she let go of Karen and moved back to look into her eyes.

Karen's hands quivered ever so slightly as she gripped them together in front of her chest. "I need to talk to Brian."

That was all it took. No questions asked. Liz was heading out the door when she called back over her shoulder, "I'll get him."

He entered the room soon afterwards.

"Oh, Brian. I'm sorry for holding up the wedding, but I have to tell you something."

"What?"

"First, let me say I love you deeply and I hope what I have to say doesn't change your mind about marrying me."

"Nothing could do that," he said.

"Don't be so quick to answer. Remember all the little and not so little surprises we had for each other during the past year? Well, this is one I wanted to tell you. I just didn't know how to say it."

"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to. It doesn't make a difference to me. I love you and want to marry you. No matter what."

She smiled and hugged him. "I'm glad you feel that way. But, after so many years of keeping this secret, I didn't know what to do."

"Why are you bringing it up now?"

She gazed at those eyes she loved so much and kissed him. "Because I told you there were no more secrets."

Brian smiled as he took her in his arms and held her close. "That's all? No problem. Let's get married." He kissed her back. "Of course I want to hear all about it later. Okay?"

They turned and left the room, walking hand in hand down the hall toward the sanctuary.

***

Phil's father George was the only one ready to go when Karen and Brian got to the narthex. Brian's daughter Amy was talking on the phone while her own daughter Julie played some game on her smart phone. Karen's best friend Cathy was stretched out on the couch with her eyes closed. George stood at attention at the door to the church waiting to walk Karen down the aisle and give her away.

He turned to the bridal party. "Let's go, ladies. It's show time."

The three women came over of and hugged Karen and got in line to walk down the aisle.

Brian handed Karen's arm to George in a gesture for him to take it from there. "I guess I better get back to the altar before everyone leaves," Brian said.

"Not to worry," George said. "No one left. Ever'body wants to know how this soap opera's goin' to turn out."

Brian smiled. "Everything is just fine."

Karen nodded.

Brian walked down the hallway on the right side of the sanctuary to reach the altar while Karen looked into the church from the narthex. The organ music was nearly drowned out by the many voices all talking at once. The buzz from multiple conversations died down when someone noticed Brian was back and asked loud enough for all to hear, "Did you find her?"

Everyone chuckled as Brian smiled and gave a thumbs up. A rippling of applause began and quickly grew to a roaring accolade as he moved in next to Phil. Ardis sat up straighter on her bench and started shuffling the music on the stand.

Karen pulled George closer. "I think you're right. Everyone's here, and they're pulling for us."

"Amen," he said. "Ever'body here loves you two and wants you to be happy."

The music started softly as the bridal party walked down the aisle, but the volume quickly increased. Soon everyone was quiet and on their feet looking toward the entrance where Karen and George stood. Two photographers stepped into the aisle between them and the front of the church. One was the woman Karen hired and the other was a young man she'd never seen before. They both snapped photos then jumped out of the way.

When Karen and George reached the altar, the pastor asked, "Who gives this woman to be married to this man?"

George was resplendent in his tux. His glasses sat so low on his nose he gazed out over the top of the wire rims. His curly black hair speckled with gray glistened from perspiration or hair oil. As usual he stood erect with his head held high. Today, though, when the pastor asked who gave this woman, he seemed taller. "I do," he said in his booming voice as he handed Karen to Brian.

She smiled as she moved into the position next to her fiancé and prepared to take her vows. Her mind stayed on the unknown photographer and the doubts she couldn't explain. When she faced the congregation she turned toward George and mouthed a "thank you." Her father walked her down the aisle when she'd married Steve, but both he and her mother died a few years ago. They would have loved Brian and been pleased she was marrying him.

The room was silent as George returned to his seat. Karen nodded at Phil who stood next to Brian.

"Who is that young photographer?" she whispered to Brian.

He looked around then shrugged.

Pastor Jim focused on Karen. "Is everything okay?" he asked, speaking softly.

"Yes. Sorry for holding up the ceremony."

He didn't seem upset that she'd kept him waiting. Standing here in front of her friends reminded her what a huge step they were taking. She took a few breaths to calm her body. Brian squeezed her hand. Was he nervous, too? Probably. He blinked more than usual and his forehead was covered with perspiration.

"Brian, face Karen and hold her right hand in yours," the pastor said. After a pause and in a voice all could hear, he continued. "Now, repeat after me."

She saw only Brian.

"In the name of God, I, Brian, take you, Karen, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow."

After they both repeated their vows, the pastor nodded to Phil and Cathy for the rings. "Bless, O Lord, these rings to be a sign of the vows by which this man and this woman have bound themselves to each other. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

They placed the rings on one another saying, "I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, in the Name of God."

The pastor joined their right hands and said, "Now that Karen and Brian have given themselves to each other by solemn vows, with the joining of hands and the giving and receiving of rings, I pronounce that they are husband and wife, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Those whom God has joined together let no one put asunder."

When the ceremony ended and they turned to be introduced to their friends as Mr. and Mrs. Donelson, Karen saw more than friends. Another unknown person stood on the side of the sanctuary, staring at her. He seemed angry with his arms crossed. She should acknowledge those happy faces in the crowd, but she couldn't take her eyes off the frowning one. As they walked down the aisle, she scanned the area for other strangers. She didn't see one until they reached the narthex. The young photographer pushed his way past the woman Karen had hired.

Brian went with the pastor to sign papers while Karen hung back with the photographers. The same negative feeling she'd experienced before the wedding came over her again as a man she didn't recognize approached her.

"Karen Williams Donelson?" he asked.

"Yes."

"I'm sorry to bother you at this occasion, but I must give you this." He handed her an envelope.

She took it, holding it away from her body as if it could harm her. "Who are you? What is this?"

"Ma'am, you're being sued. I don't know why. I only deliver the papers. Like I said, I'm sorry."

"Sued? Who's suing me?"

"I don't know that either, ma'am. You'll find all that information in the envelope." He nodded and turned around to leave. Before he got far, Liz had him by the arm and walked him to the exit.

Brian returned and stood by Karen's side. "Who was that?" he asked.

She held the envelope for him see. "A process server, I guess. He gave me this. Said I'm being sued."

She pulled out the document and scanned it quickly before returning it to its envelope. "We'll look at this later," she said, holding the envelope next to her hip. "Right now all I want to think about is our wedding day."

The rest of the wedding party moved in closer after the stranger was escorted out. Karen held Brian tightly and smiled at their friends. Still, she couldn't help wonder about what she had seen in the envelope.

 Purchase Here: http://www.amazon.com/author/sidneyfrost

Do you sometimes wonder what God has in store for you?

Has God ever led you to a place where you didn't want to be? What did you do?

 

In Love Lives On, fifty-four-year-old Karen Williams is reunited with Brian Donelson, her college sweetheart, after thirty years apart only to learn a step-son she's never met has filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit against her for back child support. Brian has the assets to settle the law suit, but she won't let him. Her marriage to the young man's dying father was out of compassion and she feels she is only being sued because of Brian's money.

Her decision to fight the shadows from her past puts her marriage and life in jeopardy. While fighting the claims, she takes time away from her new life with Brian to respond to the charges. And, while doing so, she is being stalked by someone who is threatening her life.

A lifetime Christian, Karen begins to wonder why God put her in such a situation. Karen turns to George McCullough, the 79-year-old father of Brian's best friend, to talk to about her doubts. George tells Karen she has the gift of encouragement and has devoted herself to helping others. That is why she wants to fight the lawsuit. Not for herself, but to help the ones suing. You just want to jump into the fray because you believe that's what God wants of you. (Romans 12:8)

George also tells Karen, "Remember in Acts 9 where God asks Ananias to go put his hands on Saul, the man who jailed Christians? You're like Ananias. You're a good Christian, but you've been called to get into this lawsuit for some reason. The results can be devastating. Be open to what God is calling you to do. And, remember, it may not seem like it sometimes, but eventually, good overcomes evil. Ananias was asked to step outside his comfort zone. God works through others to help us. Aren't you curious about what God has for us next?"

While Brian is in California tending to his mother's medical condition, someone sabotages the bookmobile Karen drives and she ends up inside the vehicle as it rolls down a hill. Brian returns as soon as he learns about it and sits with her in the hospital, praying that she will regain consciousness.

I hope you'll read the book to find out what happens.

Love Lives On is FREE Giveaway

FREE KINDLE EDITION

July 5, 2013 – July 9, 2013

Get your free copy of the Kindle edition of LOVE LIVES ON and tell your friends about it – all while entering the drawing for a chance to win your choice of a $25 Amazon.com gift card, a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card, or $25 sent to you by PayPal.

Use the Rafflecopter below to enter. If you already have a copy of Love Lives On, answer the question. If not, get your free copy and then answer the question. Use the tweet button to let your friends know about this offer and you will be given extra entries for the drawing, thereby improving your odds of winning.

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Note: this is the first and last time the Kindle edition of Love Lives On will be free.

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More Reader Mail

Wanda A. -- I loved the book (Where Love Once Lived). It made me cry. I have been in a relationship for twenty one years and we are still not married. It gave me hope that everything is possible with God's help. We just need to be reminded. Thanks for reminding me. Please keep writing. Send me an email at xxx with any of your other books. Thanks again! Wanda

Sent from my Kindle Fire

Facebook – I just finished your book "Where Love Once Lived", it drew my interest because my husband and I me on the bookmobile – He was the driver and I was the patron. Thanks for sharing this wonderful story. I met him 33 years ago in Pasadena, TX it was love at first sight and still going.

Email from Reader – I am reading The Vengeance Squad now and am enjoying it. Having lived in Austin/Pflugerville/RR 26 for years, I can picture the scenes. As a cradle Episcopalian now Anglican, I relate as well.

Good job, Sid.

Email from Reader – I really enjoyed your book (Where Love Once Lived). Very inspirational.

Thank you.

Faye H -- Mr. Frost I just finished reading your book.  I have to say it was WONDERFUL!  I loved it so much and I am so glad I chose it.  There were so many things in the book, passages, scripture, prayers, and good clear thinking that it helped me so much.  I love books that are romantic and Christian.  I also love sci fi books, magic, fairy tales etc. 

You did an amazing job on this book and I will recommend it to anyone and everyone.  Thanks again for making my day!!!

Pat C. – Just wanted you to know that I read your new book "Love Lives On" and really enjoyed it. Didn't know so much could happen to one couple! Thanks for letting me know about it.

Peg C. – (re Love Lives On) A quick read and a real page turner!  I enjoyed the ongoing suspense and the way everything was resolved. 

Love Lives On – The Reviews Are In!

I am always surprised when I read book reviews and see what readers have to say. Many see things that I hadn't thought about or, at least, hadn't verbalized. I wish I could hire some of the reviewers to write publicity for the book. I also wish I'd had some of the reviews to use for the back cover blurb.

There are 54 reviews for the prequel, Where Love Once Lived, and they are still coming in. Those are much more varied than the eight five-star reviews received so far for Love Lives On. However, I'm sure we'll see a variety of reviews for the new book as time goes by.

Here's what we have so far on Amazon.com:

===========

Jim C. -- My reading had pretty much been confined to books about investing, computers, or medical science. That all changed when I learned about the books written by Sid Frost. I have just completed reading his most recent work Love Lives On. The story is quite interesting and I really enjoy the way that he uses real places from the Austin area and his use of characters that we have gotten to know from his previous books. The mystery and surprises keep coming, right up to the final page.

Lisa L. -- What I love about Sid's work is that he explores relationships between older people. How do those of us experience life from the point of having "been there and done that"? We approach life with certain expectations and experiences, and when we embark on a new relationship, how do we meld what we are with another person? And when crises hit, as they inevitably do, how do we chose to allow our spouse to help us, or can we learn to respond in a new way?

Love Lives On pulls together characters from Sid's other series to help Karen and Brian when she's sued in an emotionally and financially-draining frivolous lawsuit immediately after the wedding ceremony. Karen and Brian must figure out how to work together when aspects of the lawsuit become threatening to their physical welfare, as well as when an unexpected health crisis strikes Brian's family. I loved their honeymoon in Europe - I felt like I was there with them. Sid allows both Karen and Brian to tell the story from their perspectives. There's drama, there's romance, there's barbecue, there's danger and excitement...what's not to love?

Sid's story-telling comes from his personal experiences which he lovingly transfers to his characters. Karen and Brian are real people who learn to rely on each other besides the God whom they both trust. Don't we all want a piece of that?

Laura N. -- A sequel to Where Love Once Lived was highly anticipated by me. Being curious as I am, I simply had to know what would be happening in the characters' lives. Love Lives On answered the questions in my mind, with humor, a bit of romance and much mystery. Sidney blended the stories and characters into an exciting novel.

The occurrences in Love Lives On are very "real to life", and I am sure most readers will find themselves somewhere in the book; most could happen to anyone in one form or another. Yet, the manner which Sidney wrote this story, had me sitting on the "edge of my chair" at times. The characters blended so well; some the reader will like, dislike or plain "yell out loud" at the nasty things they may do or say.

Love Lives On brings hope, love, forgiveness and faith to the reader. I highly recommend this book, and anticipate the continuing adventure of Karen and Brian in the next novel.

B.J. -- You'll want to read both novels Where Love Once Lived and Love Lives On. Though both books can be read alone, if you're like me, you'll want to know more about what happens to the characters. I love series. You first meet Karen in Where Love Once Lived along with other characters who show up in Love Lives On as friends who help her in her time of need.

Love Lives On evoked emotions and made me laugh and cry at times. About midway, I didn't want to stop reading because I wanted to see what happened, and I had to make myself put down the book and go to bed with only five remaining chapters, which I quickly finished at my next opportunity. Karen's life becomes endangered and so do others as they try to help her, especially her friend, Cathy.

I loved the way the ending wove together for a surprise with forgiveness and God's purpose, as Karen insisted on discovering. While she could have chosen to throw money at problems to make them disappear as her new husband Brian offered to do more than once, she refused to do so because she wanted to know the whys and God's purpose. Why did God allow her to be sued? What possible good could come out of it? I won't include spoilers, but I'll just say that much good overcame evil.

I also loved how the author illustrated how easy it sometimes is to con trusting or vulnerable women. There's more than one surprise in this work of art. There is foreshadowing along the way.

This novel takes you on an adventure and a journey. I've never read one about Germany, a place I've never been. I found the places visited on their honeymoon interesting. To describe Love Lives On in a sentence, I'd say Love Lives On is a novel of love, learning to trust, and forgiveness. The ending was touching, and I loved it. There are some page-turning exciting incidents along the way as well. Grab both reads and enjoy them as I did.

Chris G. -- Love Lives On is a very surprising book with many unexpected twists in it. And of course it has the bookmobile in it, and the Squad in it. And a very unusual love story.
In a few places the story got confusing to me. The overall story was fast paced, suspenseful, and a great read.

Rollo N. -- Although this book is clearly a continuation of Frost's earlier Where Love Once Lived and brings back some characters from The Vengeance Squad it is a fully complete stand-alone novel. In the first few episodes of Love Lives On the story itself quickly and thoroughly introduces main characters, establishes the setting and sets the tone and pace (fast) for the novel. But, for anyone who enjoyed the first two this new one will be an absolute delight.

To avoid giving anything away I'm not going to comment on the plot's twists, turns and surprises but I do want to observe that the writing is solid throughout and the dialogs are exceptionally effective. Character's fears, aspirations, intentions, attractions and feelings are often revealed by what the characters do and say. Rarely does the narrator tell us what the actors' motivations or expectations are. In general the verbal interactions are natural, believable and totally in character. A consequence of this is a tendency for the reader to forget they are reading and to just absorb the story. Speaking as a reader that is great fun.

Carol B. -- I loved this book! What a fun combination to put romance and thriller together!

The romance part was very sweet. I thought Sid did a wonderful job of dealing with the real life reactions and issues a couple in their "mature years" would encounter--aging parents, children on their own, crazy ex-partners all while trying to have a honeymoon! He skillfully helps the reader feel the tension of the main characters as they put their college romance back together after a 30 year separation. A separation that was unnecessary if they had only talked to each other at the time!

You worry with them over things not said that should have been--an old pattern they both want not to follow them into this relationship. You feel the angst of trying to protect each other. Both main characters are aware of their knee jerk reactions and the effects on the other and yet, it still happens. Sid effortlessly weaves their faith into the dialogue so that it adds to the overall story. I appreciated that forgiveness, kindness, thoughtfulness and faith was consistent throughout their daily lives; it wasn't just a Sunday thing or turned to only in an emergency.

The thriller part? It kept me coming back. :) Just when you think life is going to settle and they can major on the romance another curve ball! And isn't that life? You can't leave Karen hanging upside down in her seatbelt! You have to know how all this crazy stalking ends so these people can have their honeymoon!

The writing -- It is a good writer who can put you in his characters shoes so that you feel their experiences! The action kept going. Secondary characters received adequate development so that you felt you knew them as well, and maybe even understood them in a way. I didn't feel the story line ever went flat and the editing was excellent. You pulled for the good guys and wanted to put the bad guys away! A nice ending leaves you wondering if there is one more coming.

It's an excellent read for those who like thrillers, or romance or both! I will be recommending Sid as an author. Everything he has written has been well done. I give it 5 stars!

L. Scribbler -- In Love Lives On, the second in the Christian Bookmobiles series, Sidney W. Frost continues to develop the story of star-crossed lovers Brian Donelson and Karen Williams introduced in Where Love Once Lived. Problems arise in the opening pages at Brian and Karen's wedding. An unexpected lawsuit awakens unhappy memories in Karen's past, and dealing with it causes conflict in their new marriage. A mysterious photographer trails them on their honeymoon; the driver of a black pickup terrorizes Karen. The suspense continues to build to a satisfying climax. Frost has the knack of moving the plot along with both mysterious and humorous incidents. His characters leap from the pages as real people with distinct personalities. Brian and Karen, two intelligent, loving, devoutly Christian, yet flawed individuals, have the maddening propensity for failing to share vital information in a professed effort to "protect" each other. Brian must come to accept Karen's desire to be independent, to follow her sense of what God is telling her. Members of the Combine and Liz, the lovable librarian, are back, along with Liz's team from Frost's The Vengeance Squad. Though written as a sequel, Love Lives On stands alone as a thoroughly entertaining read.

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Thanks everyone. These review were all five stars and all warmed my heart and gave me new insights into the story. I've also received a number of emails praising the book. I'll post those later.

 

What Readers Say About the Bookmobile Series

There are three Christian Bookmobile books now: Where Love Once Lived (2010), The Vengeance Squad (2011) and Love Lives On (2013). Although some of the same characters appear in each book, I tried to write each one to be complete within itself.

However, if you want to keep a strict timeline, read them in the order shown above. Where Love Once Lived and Love Lives On have the same main characters. The second book begins where the first one ended. The Vengeance Squad has a different main character. However, Liz, the librarian is prominent in all three books. Love Lives On has some scenes with Chris and Tex from The Vengeance Squad.

Based on early reviews of Love Lives On, readers seem to like to read more about the characters from the first two bookmobile books.

Laura: A sequel to Where Love Once Lived was highly anticipated by me. Being curious as I am, I simply had to know what would be happening in the characters' lives. Love Lives On answered the questions in my mind, with humor, a bit of romance and much mystery. Sidney blended the stories and characters into an exciting novel.

B.J.: You'll want to read both novels Where Love Once Lived and Love Lives on. Though both books can be read alone, if you're like me, you'll want to know more about what happens to the characters. I love series. You first meet Karen in Where Love Once Lived along with other characters who show up in Love Lives on as friends who help her in her time of need.

Christina: Love Lives On is a very surprising book with many unexpected twists in it, And of course it has the bookmobile in it, and the Squad in it.

Rollo: Although this book is clearly a continuation of Frost's earlier Where Love Once Lived and brings back some characters from The Vengeance Squad it is a fully complete stand-alone novel.

Longtime Scribbler: In "Love Lives On", the second in the Christian Bookmobiles series, Sidney W. Frost continues to develop the story of star-crossed lovers Brian Donelson and Karen Williams introduced in "Where Love Once Lived"…Members of the Combine and Liz, the lovable librarian, are back, along with Liz's team from Frost's "The Vengeance Squad." Though written as a sequel, "Love Lives On" stands alone as a thoroughly entertaining read.

By Joy: Readers who appreciate characters who live by Christian values will enjoy this love story that follows the author's first novel WHERE LOVE ONCE LIVED, and its unfolding mystery. Women may be surprised by this male author's apparent understanding of the female perspective. Men may gain insight into that which has long been found puzzling to their gender.  I enjoyed reading a proof copy of this novel and even more the published one with its beautiful and intriguing cover.

I hope you will all read Love Lives On.