The best word I can use to describe Taylor Deans writing is ‘haunting.‘
I have read all of her books, and they all stayed with me, lingered.
The same can be said about Sierra.
Taylor is my guest today. She’ll be talking about her book and revealing some fun facts.
Enjoy her post, read my review, and don’t forget to enter the wonderful giveaway!
Please welcome Taylor Dean.
She’s here to reveal some fun facts about Sierra!
~~~
1. Sierra is my first novel.
2. Sierra was originally a 165,000 word monstrosity. (It’s now 100,000 words.)
- Sierra was inspired by the true-story-TV-movie of the ordeal endured by Olympic Medalist Kari Swenson, entitled, Abduction. (1987) This movie inspired a ‘what if’ story in me. What if the kidnapping had been successful? What if she was taken deep into the woods? What if she was rescued there? What if she had to stay with her rescuer through the winter?
-
The first ten pages of Sierra were handwritten back in 1991 (pictured below) on a day when I just couldn’t stand it anymore, I had to write my story. If I didn’t commit it to paper right then, I was going to die! Frankly, the hastily written pages are really, really awful. But, the gist of the story is there and it’s eerily similar to the published version that stands today. Back then, for some unknown reason, I thought Nightmare into Paradise was a good title. (I blame it on the nineties.) I’ve come a long way.
I didn’t officially write Sierra until 2006.
5. My sister—one of the first people to ever read Sierra—stayed up ALL night to read it and still says it’s the best book she’s ever read.
6. Of all of my novels, Sierra is my personal favorite.
7. The original cover of Sierra was an actual picture of a snowbound cabin. (It was never published with this cover.)
robinson]
8. In my original story of Sierra, Alyssa takes Alex to court to have their marriage declared legal. Ugh. It was one of the first plot lines to get DELETED. Thank goodness. But I sure had fun writing it.
9. It took me one year to write Sierra. (and even longer to EDIT, EDIT, EDIT!)
10. The original (awful) title of Sierra was Sanguinity.
I am about to release TWO more books! (June 2013)
Zachary Drake had love in his life–and tragically lost it. He knows it won’t come his way again.
Andie Parker would do anything for the love of her life.Even marry a total stranger.In spite of the unorthodox manner in which Zach and Andie come together, there is no denying that things are unexpectedly good between them, taking them both by surprise. However, when secrets come between them–and trust does not–Andie soon finds herself vowing to never make the same mistake again. But, she’d do it again in a heartbeat and she knows it. She’d marry a hundred strangers if it helped Nick.She’d do anything for Nick . . . anything.
After Marisa survives a traumatic experience in her youth, she finds comfort in the form of a photograph of Joshua, her foster mother’s nephew. She falls in love with him, creating and refining an image of the man of her dreams. When Marisa has the opportunity to visit Joshua’s cattle ranch outside of Amarillo, Texas, she meets Joshua in person for the first time. She quickly realizes he is someone she could really fall in love with, not just a silly childhood crush.
Life is seemingly perfect for Josh and Marisa, with endless possibilities before them. That is, until Josh’s reservations take a toll on their relationship and their summertime romance ends rather unexpectedly.
Will Marisa be able to forgive Josh for his folly?
~~~~~
My Review
Taylor classifies her books as love stories.
There is romance in all of her books, but I classified some of them as horror and thrillers.
Sierra starts out with your typical happy family on vacation.
Then it turns dark in a hurry.
Two maniacs abduct Alyssa and Sam and their son Clay, forcing her to drive them deep into the woods.
Pa and Adam had found their Eve. They had no use for the man and the boy.
Sam and Clay are gunned down right before her eyes and Alyssa succumbs to the shock.
When she comes to, her reality is horrifying.
Her escape attempt is thwarted by her kidnappers, but now they’re lost.
But wait, they stumble upon a cabin.
Alyssa dares to hope. Could her savior be inside? Maybe she can survive this, but does she want to?
I can’t imagine anything more soul-destroying then to see your loved ones murdered.
No matter how much she grieves for her husband and son, Alyssa’s will to survive drives her on.
There is a miracle in the cabin. The miracle is Alex.
He’s damaged goods, but then, so is she.
Two people, trapped in a cabin for the winter, turn to each other.
What I like most about Sierra was how Taylor lulls you in the beginning, then she shreds the peaceful scene to pieces. It happens so fast you barely have time to comprehend what is going to happen. Just like in real life.
You’ll be proud of Alyssa. Her heart has been shattered, she doesn’t want to live, but she can’t quit.
So she fights. with everything she can dredge up, she fights to live.
And life is waiting. Alex is waiting. He just doesn’t know it yet.
So, Sierra is a thriller, wrapped around a love story.
Of all of Taylor Dean’s books, this one moved me the most.
I cried, wiped the tears so I could see to keep on reading, and cried some more.
I smiled, then grinned, then laughed, and finally clapped.
Taylor gives you stong, genuine characters, a horrifying scenario that could happen, and the healing power of the human spirit.
I guarantee, after you read Sierra, you’ll have to read Taylor’s other books!
5 Stars
Taylor, I’m waiting for more!!
Giveaway
Look at what you can win!
To enter, please leave your email address and answer this question,
“If you were snowbound in an isolated cabin, who would you like to have there with you?”
***This swag pack is for US/Canada Only***
Please specify you are entering for the swag pack.
You will also be entered for the e-book.
***I also have 5 e-books of Sierra to giveaway ~ International & US***
Giveaway ends May 30th.
About Taylor Dean
Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding that she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense-you’ll find all sub-genres of CLEAN Romance in her line-up.
My reviews of Lancaster House and The Middle Aisle
For all of Taylor Deans books go here.
and coming soon!
Related articles
- What’s New On My Bookshelf #19 (fuonlyknew.com)