What’s causing all the excitement? Here it is! The Shadows Come, the long-awaited sequel to No Longer Alone is ready for production!
The Shadows Come was written during times of intense personal struggle and loss of control — autoimmune immune disease, chronic illness, a move clear across the country, and surgical procedures upon arriving at our new home. The pain and loneliness of recovery provided the perfect emotional state for writing and editing a novel set in a time of war. It’s almost as if God knew what he was doing. Because, of course, he always does.
As a result of God’s work, the story is powerful.
The Shadows Come is the sequel to No Longer Alone. This novel begins in 1917 as America enters The Great War. All the men we know and love from the first novel must register for the draft and await the lottery. Simultaneously, life falls apart for Avery and Prentis as unforeseen health challenges put Avery at risk. Jack is also in danger, but no one knows where the threats originate. All appears easy to explain away, but it is not.
As troops are called into action, characters we love are moved around the world like chess pieces, their lives and possible deaths in the hands of generals and world leaders. Wrapped up in all of this is a strange flu, originating right in the middle of the country, at the new camp in Fort Riley, Kansas, then called Camp Funston.
War, sickness, calamity, and loss engulf all of our characters. They must learn how to rely on the Lord during dark times over which they have no control, times when their destinies are entirely outside their own determination.
Who will live? Who will die? What will become of the characters we came to know and to love so well in No Longer Alone? The Shadows Come reveals their story.
This novel is based on a true story, so I have the privilege of weaving together facts from well-lived lives with the details of what drove and finally ended The War to End All Wars, which, of course, did not live up to its name.
Wars continue. Hardships persist. None of us are really in control of our lives. We only think we are, as the characters on this novel’s pages must learn once more. Learning how to cope and to trust God in times like these are what we glean from this story. The novel is set in rural Oklahoma on a farm near Wakita, the land of my ancestors and the real-life setting for the story of my great-grandparents, Prentis and Avery.
You can help publish this story. I’m giving away free copies to everyone who does! I’ll put your name right inside the book. Come and join me!
Come on over to Patreon and see the exciting plans. Click on that link or on this picture.
So excited for you to get this story published! God bless!
Thanks, Nancy! And I truly appreciate the suggestions you sent privately!
Exciting that your sequel is ready to publish. Congratualations Melinda. You must be so pleased it is completed and ready to go.
I am SO glad to get to this place! It took two years of work during really difficult times. That personal climate produced a strong novel. Thanks be to God! Thanks for the encouragement, Anne!
Wonderful news. I am very excited for you Melinda. God bless
Thanks, Yvonne!
This is so exciting! I can’t wait to read it (and help you get it published!).
Oh, Jessica! Thank you so much! I appreciate the encouragement and the help! God bless you!
Very exciting! Happy New Year!
It really is, Melissa! Happy New Year to you, too!
Exciting, Melinda! Congratulations! I love that the Novel is based on a true story. And love these closing thoughts,
“None of us are really in control of our lives. We only think we are, as the characters on this novel’s pages must learn once more. Learning how to cope and to trust God in times like these are what we glean from this story.”
Thanks so much, Karen! Both this novel and the prequel, No Longer Alone, were so much fun to write! Weaving true family stories into fiction and incorporating the personalities and unique events my ancestors experienced was pure joy! I love this project! Thanks for the encouragement!
Oh my goodness this is so exciting! Looks amazing!
Thanks, Stephanie! I’m happy to have arrived at this part of the journey!
Love the background info. And btw those are amazing photographs and images. Will be following you on Patreon.
Debora, thank you so much! A lot of work goes into a Kickstarter or Patreon book campaign, but it sparks interest in the story and prepares the author for marketing, so it’s great preparation. God bless you, sister!
Sounds like such a cool story written with lots of heart. Congratulations! And yes – those images are stunning.
Thanks so much, Christina!
You have me piqued! Sounds like I need to read the first one:) Congrats!
I’m excited for you, Melinda! It’s exciting to have a sequel coming. But I’m also excited for the sequel. I enjoyed NLA a lot, and with my wife writing in this space as well, I want to learn what I can from you in this genre. Awesome!
Thanks, Chip! I’m thrilled to be ready for production on the sequel. This is one way to go about high quality publishing. Crowdfunding invests others in the novel before it’s even published. With an earlier novel – Fallen – I used Kickstarter. With The Shadows Come I’m using Patreon. I’ll keep everyone posted about how it goes!
Melinda, this is such exciting news! You draw me in every time with your heartfelt and vivid writing. I am confident this latest release will be no exception. Most of all, I am grateful for your deep faith that runs through like a mighty river of truth and grace. God bless you, your family and your ministry!
Thank you, Melissa! I’m not feeling well today, and your words are incredibly encouraging and so very kind! You’re such a blessing, dear sister!
May God Bless you in a mighty way as you continue to use your gift!
Thanks so much, Stephen!
The image is amazing! Sounds like an incredible story. Love the theme and setting. Look forward to reading it! Thank you for writing it, Melinda!
Marcie, you’re so sweet! Thanks you for the encouraging words! You’re the best!