Hope in Paris
by Donnalyn Vojta
August 19-22
NOT a children’s book TRIGGER WARNING: Some domestic abuse.
In this first volume of the extraordinarily unique suspense series (for ages 14+), unexpected, sweet narrators tell how a young educated Chicago woman, Kelly Donovan, must escape from her luxurious home to get away from her sociopath boyfriend, Mark Flannery, before he takes her to a woodsy cabin for a little “anniversary get-way.” She must plot, lie, and pretend to be happy before she can flee her relationship and her own home alive. Unforeseen obstacles frustrate Kelly’s efforts to escape, and her family and friends, strangers to one other, must perfectly work together to help her live a life free from threat. The diverse group includes an insecure drama teacher, a brilliant pharmaceutical engineer, and an international businesswoman with a secret that comes in very handy at one critical point.
This story is uniquely narrated by inanimate household teddy bears, which, notwithstanding their immobility, have interesting thoughts and perspectives on the shocking events and intriguing relationships which form before their plastic eyes. These plush bears also get a healthy dose of an entertaining blooming romance when Kelly’s plight takes everyone overseas to Paris. While in France, more scheming, racing to stay steps ahead of Mark, and even physical violence ensue – violence which does not always involve a damsel in distress. To complicate matters further, some characters are not necessarily what or who they seem. Once the plot’s feverish pace decelerates, the group starts feeling hopeful, but is the race really over? The genre-mixing mind-bending narration style makes this novel a sensational ride. Enjoy!
Universal link for the book on Amazon
About the Author
2019 Underground Indie Film Festival Official Selection (Script Hope in Paris!)
2018 Quarterfinalist SCREENCRAFT Cinematic Novel Contest
2018 EYELANDS BOOK AWARDS TOP FINALIST! (international)
Hello, book fan! Thanks for checking out my page. A bit about me…I don’t read for pleasure…I don’t know why, and I know it’s weird…lol~ I LOVE MOVIES, and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE WRITING! Visit Goodreads.com for the most up-to-date info on my novels and reviews.
My background?
I have a B.A. (cum laude) from North Central College in Naperville, IL, with a major in Humanities (Philosophy emphasis) and a minor in Literature. I also have a Juris Doctorate degree from The John Marshall Law School in Chicago, IL. I practiced law as a litigation and real estate transactions attorney for over 13 years but then quit that career to do something that makes me happy. Thus, here I am writing novels. I love it!
As far as my accomplishments in the publishing arena, both of the first volumes of my unique thriller series have launched. Volumes I and II of THE TEDDY BEAR CHRONICLES have been met with wonderful ratings and reviews, which, I must say, warm my heart. 🙂 All of the details about them can be found on Goodreads.com and here on Amazon. In addition to writing novels, I am also an award-winning screenwriter with two feature scripts in development with fantastic producers. More to come on that!
Extra tidbits about me? One is the fact that I watch movies A LOT (especially action/adventure and thrillers) and have only read about five books for pleasure during my entire life. It is fairly obvious in my writing that I tell stories in a way that can easily be adapted to film, as that is how I typically experience my personal entertainment. I also love great food–it honestly brings me joy! I live in Chicago with my husband and our pup Mr. Noodles. I used to be a figure skater and skating coach back in the day–one of the best periods of my life, but now writing novels may surpass that wonderful “chapter.” Happy reading, everybody!
