READER'S COMMENTS

Occasionally we pick letters from the mailbag to share with the public.
We can't post all of the letters so we try to use those that are unique in some way (point of view, humor, interesting questions or comments, geographic location of sender, entertainment value, etc.) 

ALL EXCERPTS ARE USED BY PERMISSION.

PRIVACY POLICY

WRITE TO GWEN

Note from Gwen:
As you can see, I'm way behind in posting comments to this page.
I am sttacking the e-pile now. If you gave permission for
your letter to be posted here it should show up soon.

Visit   GWEN'S BLOG

April 2, 2007

BLACKWATER SECRETS delivers what the title promises and then some, with more shocking secrets than you could ever imagine in one book. It’s filled with intricate relationships, memorable characters, and the richness of Louisiana bayou country.
Betty Beamguard, South Carolina

March 31, 2007

I just finished reading your novel BLOODSTONE. I love a great mystery and this one ranks right at the top. This is the first of your novels I have read, but be assured, it won't be the last.

Donna

Thanks Donna!
I appreciate that. You made my day! ...
Gwen

February 20, 2007

RE: BLACKWATER SECRETS
Dear Gwen,
Once again; you have outdone yourself! The book was absolutely amazing. ... I had a hard time putting it down. I got a kick out of the different references to the ambu bag, the nasal cannula, and the breathing treatments, as I am a Respiratory Therapist.
I must tell you that as always; you were dead on in your descriptions. I realize that I have written to you a few times in the past. I hope that you don't mind my taking the time to praise your continued works. I am an avid reader and love your descriptive and captivating books ... You never disappoint. I ALWAYS look forward to your books, and am sad when I finish reading them; as that means that I have to wait for your next one ... thanks so much for the great read.
Respectfully,
Cathy, Pleasant Valley, NY

Hi Cathy,
Feel free to write anytime!
And I am doing the writers happy dance at your response to BLACKWATER SECRETS! It was such fun to write! But then thy all are! ...
Gwen

October 9, 2006

RE: DeLande Series
Dear Ms. Hunter,
Over 10 years ago I read a book of yours that I found fascinating. I passed that on to my daughter and she was enthralled. Over the years one or both of us bring up that book quite regularly, but we could not remember the author or the title of the book ... the only thing that either of us could remember was somewhere in the title was the word Betrayed or Betrayal, but we could both almost recite the story line and had a vivid image of the wisteria that grew around the trees of the plantation. I have wanted to locate this book and give it to my daughter for many years. Finally I took the time and went online to search for the word "betrayal". It took me many places before I saw the word DeLande, then it all came back to me. You cannot possibly imagine how excited I was to find out that it was the first of a series and there are two more to go. I am ordering all three and will give them to her. (of course I will borrow the other two from her) so that I may also catch up with the saga.
Only one question. We live in the Houston area, (Kemah, Seabrook, a little more coastal). We are about 60 miles from the Louisiana border. What I saw from your website would indicate that you are from or now live in the Carolinas. If that is the case, how on earth were you able to describe the Southern Louisiana culture with such accuracy?
Thank you for providing us a memory for over 10 years, it's like finding a long lost relative.
Jackie - Seabrook, TX

Hi Jackie,
Thank you for taking the time to write to me. I am so glad you remember BETRAYAL with such fondness ... The DeLandes--especially Miles Justin--have been perennial favorites of mine and of fans. BETRAYAL is still my bestselling books in the US and abroad including five editions in the German language alone. It has had movie interest several times--even now a small production company has rights to it. So maybe one day we will see the DeLandes on the big screen!
As to how I know about Louisiana--I was born there and spent much of my early years there. I also have family in the Lake Charles area and travel there still. I love the texture of the land, the slow sweeping water and that enveloping heat that just takes me over. I love rain from a blue sky, and the sound of the people, the taste and smells of it all. And I love that you felt that!
I have a new hardback coming out this Christmas. It is BLACKWATER SECRETS and is also set in southern Louisiana. It is a stand-alone novel with a more cosmopolitan flavor than the DeLande books, and a slower, more intimate feel than the Rhea Lynch books.

Thank you for your interest in my books!
Gwen Hunter

Hello Gwen!
I have just finished reading PRESCRIBED DANGER. It's 3am! I just couldn't put the book down and found your e-mail address at the end of the book. I fly into Charlotte next week--driving on to Myrtle Beach to meet a group of friends ... so was particularly interested in the book. I am in England, have never found a book of yours before, but will surely be looking for them while I'm in the states.
Thank you so much for your wonderful writing skills!
Take care,
Anne - Leeds, England.

Hi Anne,
Coincidently, I am going to be in Myrtle Beach next week, too! I'll be signing at WaldenBooks at Barefoot Landing on Oct.20, 7pm-8pm. Maybe you could come by? Most of my books will be available there. How delightful it would be to meet you, if so!
Ahem. Okay--back to being decorous! I am really happy you discovered my books and that you liked Rhea-Rhea (one of my favorite characters, too). ...
Hope to see you in Myrtle Beach!
Gwen Hunter

March 1, 2006

RE: Bloodstone
I could not put BLOODSTONE down. I really, really enjoyed the book and hope that we will hear more about the St. Claire family and their gift. ... it was such a page turner I stayed up way past my bed time to finish it ...
Good writing,
Lynn - Gresham, Oregon

Thank you so much, Lynn! ...
Gwen Hunter

February 27, 2006

Dear Ms Hunter,
Just wanted to let you know I just finished BLOODSTONE. This is the first book I have read by you. ... I plan to head back to my bookstore and try a few others by you really soon.
BLOODSTONE is a great story and I did'n't figure this mystery out until the very end. That doesn't happen very often to me.
Thanks for a really great read and I look forward to your other books.
This book I plan to pass on to my friends and daughters. We always share good books and this is just too good not to share with them.
Thank you so much.
Rita - Texas

Hi Rita,
I am tickle you enjoyed BLOODSTONE enough to look for my other books! You'll find it is a little different than my previous titles. And, thank you for sharing it with your friends and daughters. ...
Gwen Hunter

November 14, 2005

Dear Gwen Hunter,
... I love your books! I can tell you I have honestly never read a book in my life. Even when I was on the Dean's List at University of Portland getting my Nursing Degree. I have never wanted to sit down and read when I could be doing something. This all changed when my sister gave me the Rhea Lynch books. I read the first one in a day. I could not put it down. I read between patients and even when my eyes where so tired I couldn't keep them open I read. I finished the Rhea Lynch books, SHADOW VALLEY, FALSE TRUTHS, and BETRAYAL. I told my sister I want BLOODSTONE for X-mas!! I am so excited. I would like to know how I can get other copies of your works like STOLEN CHILDREN, LAW OF THE WILD, ASHES TO ASHES, and DIE BETROGENE FRAU. Can I order them thru you?
Please let me know. My family, friends and co-workers are amazed that I will sit still to read your books.
Thank you for your talent and books. I will be eagerly awaiting your response.
Sincerely,
Katherine - Boring, Oregon

Hi Katherine,
I am so honored that Rhea Lynch gave you the reading bug! ;) ...
I hope you can get BLOODSTONE in time for Christmas. It doesn’t officially come out until Dec 28, but some stores will sell sooner. ...
About the older books: DIE BETROGENE FRAU is BETRAYAL in the German language, and STOLEN CHILDREN is the UK version of BETRAYAL. So, no need to get those. ...

[webnote: see previous letter below for more upcoming book info]

Thank you for writing and for you interest in my books!
Gwen Hunter

November 5, 2005

Hello,
I am not a book trader or seller. I really enjoy your books and your collection that I have will stay with me for life. I am looking to purchase ASHES TO ASHES and LAW OF THE WILD. These are the only two I don`t have. Could you direct me to where I can find them.
Thank you,
Linda - Nassau, New York

Hi Linda,
... I am so pleased you're enjoying my books. ... ASHES TO ASHES is out of print and very hard to find. I don't even have a copy! But a USA edition should be release sometime late 2006.

[webnote: see previous letter below for more upcoming book info]

... Thank you for writing ...
Gwen Hunter

September 18, 2005

Hi,
… I cannot find a copy of LAW OF THE WILD, or ASHES TO ASHES for a regular price that I can afford ... there is only one available on the order sights and it costs $179.00, I cannot afford that.
I have been awake for two days and nights since receiving your fantastic BETRAYAL -- Lord am I ever hooked! I just began FALSE TRUTHS and have ordered all your other Rhea Lynch, MD Series, plus SHADOW VALLEY ...
Thank you so much for your time and for your wonderful, beautifully written work. I want to be you whenever my 63 year old body decides to grow up!
sincerely,
Jill - Yucaipa, California

Hi Jill,
…I do have good news about LAW OF THE WILD (third in the DeLande Saga). It is now being published for the first time for the USA market (it was previously only published in the UK market). It is schedule for a mid-December 2005 release. …
As for ASHES TO ASHES, it will probably be late 2006 before a US edition is published.
I also have another new stand-alone thriller coming out late-December--BLOODSTONE--all new characters but with a similar setting as SHADOW VALLEY, NC mountains.
And, about February or so, BLACKWATER SECRETS will be released. Another new stand-alone set in southern Louisiana.
Thank you for writing ...!
Gwen Hunter

September 15, 2005

Dear Gwen Hunter,
My name is Mandy ... , I live in Berlin, Germany and I am a huge fan of your books, especially of the DeLande Saga. My best friend, Franzi, also loves them. I wanted to make her a very special present for her 19th birthday, as I haven't seen her in 2 years: I wanted to give her our most favourite book: BETRAYAL. But not just like that. Actually I wanted to make it look really old and used, as if it has been with the DeLandes for many, many years, passed on to each family member, to keep the family's secret save. Unfortunately I could not find your book as an eBook version, which is really sad, because I meant to buy an electronic version and then print it out on special, really antique looking paper.
My question now is, do you know of any eBook sellers, where I could buy the electronic version? Or maybe you have an other idea, how I could make her such a present?
Thank you so much,
your German fan,
Mandy

Hi Mandy,
... BETRAYAL is not available in eBook format at this time. There are plans to issue all the DeLande titles in ebook format but I'm not sure when that will happen. Maybe you could buy BETRAYAL in the trade paperback size, remove the cover and distress the pages. ...
Thank you for writing and for your interest in my books!
And happy birthday to Franzi!
Gwen Hunter

May 15, 2005

Dear Gwen Hunter,
I've read the german version of BETRAYAL, DIE BETROGENE FRAU, some years ago and loved it. It was such an enthralling read.
Now I read that there are other books of the DeLande clan. I searched for copies of LAW OF THE WILD but could only find very expensive second-hand sales.
On your website you write it will be reissued. Is there already a date when it will be published again, please? At least an approximatly date? I really hope so because I would love to hear more about Miles Justin, he was such a ambivalent and mysterious character.
With greetings,
Anna - Vienna, Austria

Hi Anna,
... LAW OF THE WILD will be published in December 2005 by Bella Rosa Books (www.bellarosabooks.com). And, you'll be glad to know, Miles Justin DeLande is a major part of the story. ...
Thanks for asking!
Gwen Hunter

March 25, 2005

Wow!
I have never emailed an author before, but I just have to tell you, WOW. I just finished SHADOW VALLEY. Impressed, amazed, and wanting to be Mac, I fell into the pages and didn't come out until the last page was finished. I can't wait to get my hands on your other books. Sure hope Books-A-Million carries them!
You are a fantastic writer and I envy you your gift. I used to write, not near as well as you, but well enough. ... I read your Bio. I definitely understand the love of nature. I am surrounded by it at my house too, along with my two dogs (Labs) and my son.
There is nothing so heart catching as hearing hawks cry overhead, or owls find a mate in the deep evening, or the first sign of spring, the whippoorwill. My female Lab loves to swim in our lake or chase bunnies for a bounding stride or two, which she's flushed out (by mistake). My other lab just follows along, happy to be with us.
It's nice to know someone as gifted as you is doing what she loves.
Please keep up the good work.
Annette - Rock Hill, South Carolina

Hi Annette,
I'm honored that you took the time to write to me, sorry it took me so long to respond! Especially since you have never emailed an author before. Believe me, I love to hear from readers. My only excuse is that I've very busy writing the next book and have just come up for air in time to do a little promo work. ...
I'm glad you enjoyed SHADOW VALLEY. ...
Gwen Hunter

March 11, 2005

Dear Gwen,
I finally got my copy of SHADOW VALLEY and I loved it!!! When I met you at BAM the first time, I told you that I have never read the whole murder-suspense books but now that I read your, I'm hooked. The new book was really good and I loved the characters. ...

I do miss Rhea-Rhea though. I'm dying to find out what happens with her and Mark.
I don't have any of your earlier books and I have been trying to find them. I heard that they maybe coming back into print. I hope this rumor is true. Your books are wonderful and as a hometown girl, I enjoy reading and being familiar with the surroundings in your writing. It makes me feel a part of the story as well. When I pick up one of your books, I just can't put it down.
Keep up the excellent work. Can't wait to read more. Will that be soon?
Your Devoted Fan in Rock Hill,
Donna

Thank you so much Donna! ....
Gwen Hunter

February 21, 2005

Dear Gwen,
The first book of your that my husband and I read was your newest release SHADOW VALLEY. It was unbelievable! My husband says you have ruined him from reading other authors. We feel that you are the best author we have ever read! We have since purchased some of your other books online but we haven't been able to find LAW OF THE WILD or ASHES TO ASHES. Do you know where we could find them?
Please keep writing. I am a Photographer (could be the reason I picked up SHADOW VALLEY to begin with) and my husband is a dairy farmer, reading is one of the only hobbies that we have time for. Thank you for the enjoyment that reading one of your books gives us.
Sincerely,
Darlene & Phill

Hi Darlene,
... I'm so glad you and Phill enjoyed SHADOW VALLEY, it was great fun towrite. I really appreciate kudos from a pro photographer! ... LAW OF THE WILD ... is schedule for a mid-December 2005 release. ... ASHES TO ASHES will hopefully be released late 2006 ...
I also have another new stand-alone thriller coming out late-December--BLOODSTONE.
Thank you writing and for you interest in my books!
Gwen Hunter

February 4, 2005

Dear Ms. Hunter,
I just started to read your books, and I couldn't put the first book of the series of the DeLandes down. It's was very very interesting. I just wanted to let you know I wouldn't be able to finish reading the series because our library cannot get your third book of this series and I was very disappointed with the library.
So I took out your new book SHADOW VALLEY and I couldn't put it down. I think I read it in a week. I was so into the main character that I needed to know what she would do next. I hope if this ever happens to me or something like it I have the courage to do what is needed to do.
Yours truly,
Louise - Chelmsford, Ont. Canada

Hi Louise,
... I'm glad you enjoyed BETRAYAL and SHADOW VALLEY. ... LAW OF THE WILD (third in the DeLande Saga) ... is scheduled for a mid-December 2005 release. ... Your library should be able to get it then. ...

Thank you for writing ...
Gwen Hunter

January 24, 2005

Hi Gwen,
It's been awhile since I've written you. I can't wait to read you new book and then got even more excited when I saw that you were going to be at the Happy Bookseller in Columbia on 2/24. I'm going to make every effort to be there. Even though I'm having "Rhea-Rhea withdrawal", I'm going to get your new book. As good as you are, your new book as to be just as good as the Rhea Lynch books. While I have the autographed bookplate that you sent me, I am looking forward to getting your new book autographed and actually seeing you in person.
I am not one who writes fan mail....but, you totally won me over after reading your series of Rhea books. I used to "live" for a new book by Robin Cook or Michael Palmer, etc......but no more, I wait patiently for the new releases from you (oh, I do read those "other guys" but it's just to kill time waiting on your books). I do hope that in the future you will write again for us "Rhea" fans....I do miss her. I almost felt like I lived next door to her and watched her comings and goings and heard all the town gossip.
Thanks so much from a very devoted fan,
Jean - Lugoff, South Carolina

Hi Jean,
I do hope you can come to The Happy Bookseller ... I'll be promoting my new
book SHADOW VALLEY along with my good friend Carla Damron who will be launching her latest thriller, SPIDER BLUE. So please come by if you can, we've got to get you through this withdrawal phase! And you can bring any books that you have, I'll sign them too.
Thank you, hope see you there.
Gwen Hunter

The Happy Bookseller
4525 Forest Dr.
Columbia, SC.
803 782-2665

PS: ... you can read about SPIDER BLUE at: www.bellarosabooks.com

January 23, 2005

SHADOW VALLEY
Hi Gwen! Just a note to tell you I just finished this book authored by you. I was entranced by the detail of the situation and the suspense offered. Your description of the locale and the nature and topography surrounding it was especially great.
Thanl you for a GREAT read.
Blessings! Bill -
P.S. A minor correction on reprint for Mira Books - page 130, second paragraph, should read "The color in Marlow's face, not "choler".
Any time you need a proofreader, I'm available with highest integrity.

Hi Bill,
Thank you so much! I am glad you liked the book. It was a blast to write! As to the offer of a copyeditor, they are supplied by the publisher. And... uh... sorry, but choler was the right word... It means, anger, irascibility, wrath... :-)
Thanks for writing!
Gwen Hunter

January 7, 2005

Dear Gwen,
What can I say? I started reading SHADOW VALLEY as soon as I got home from meeting you last night. I couldn't put it down. It was amazing! ... I think this might be the best....Of course I have said that after reading all of your books! I hope there will be another story with Mac and Caleb in the future. Personally, I wish that he was real with a twin brother - I could really go for that! :)
Anyway, thanks for a great night of reading, plus some loss of sleep! I can't wait to get into the DeLande story.
Kelly - Rock Hill, South Carolina

Thanks Kelly; you do flatter me!
Gwen

January 5, 2005

Hi Gwen,
Although I still want to read more of your Dr. Lynch books, I have to say that SHADOW VALLEY is great!!! I got it the first day it arrived at Waldenbooks, and, after working to 9:30 pm, getting home at 10:30, and starting the book, I finished it at 4:30 am the next morning..........I couldn't put it down, I had to see what was going to happen next....
I have to admit, the first couple of pages were written so beautifully, describing the scenes, and I thought, hmmm, how nice. Then you got me and I couldn't put it down!! Great job!!!
Kerry - Atlanta, Georgia

Thank you Kerry! ....
Gwen Hunter

December 27, 2004

Hi, I finally found a copy of ASHES TO ASHES in Australia, and the book wasn't that expensive, but the postage sure was as I live in Clarksdale, MS. USA. Could I please get a signed bookplate for this book?
The first book of yours I ever read was FALSE TRUTHS and since then I've tried to find all your books, as I've learned that any book of yours will hold my interest and keep me in suspense.
Look forward to next Dr. Rhea-Rhea book.
Thanks,
Linda - Clarksdale, Mississippi

Thank you for the nice letter Linda ...
A bookplate for ASHES TO ASHES is on the way.
Gwen Hunter

December 26, 2004

Hi Ms. Hunter,
I just finished rereading BETRAYAL and FALSE TRUTHS (I read them every year since I bought them ages ago) and thought to check your website and found out there's a third DeLande book! But I can't find it for sale anywhere. Any tips on where to find it?
Thanks,
Rebecca - Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

Rebecca,
LAW OF THE WILD, the third book of the DeLande Saga, will be publishedfor the first time in the USA by Bella Rosa Books. It is scheduled for a mid-December 2005 release. ...
Thank you for writing ....
Gwen Hunter

June 8, 2004

Just Discovered You
I was browsing in the library recently, and discovered DEADLY REMEDY. No exaggeration here -- I could hardly put it down. You did a fantastic job with your characters and storyline! Now that I know about "Dr. Rhea-Rhea," I shall seek out those other novels. And if the library doesn't have them when I check, I'll BUY them -- I like them that much! (Until very recently, due to financial issues, I purchased all of the roughly 50 books per year that I read.)
I can only encourage you to continue with your Dr. Lynch series. It's a winner!
Lisa - Fairfax, Virginia

Hi Lisa,
....I am delighted you like Rhea-Rhea! ...and. I am so happy your library has DEADLY REMEDY. I find I get many fans from libraries. And I am doubly delighted that you would spend hard earned money on Rhea-Rhea!
I'll pass your letter on to my publisher as part of the "Saving Dr. Rhea-Rhea" campaign.
Thank for taking the time to write to me...
Gwen Hunter

May 26, 2004

Dear Gwen,
… I just went back to your site and read some of the e-mails you have received. I would love a bookplate for GRAVE CONCERNS if you would send me one! Also, please forward this e-mail to your editor for the campaign ...
I love series books and they are usually all too easy to get hooked on. Everyone who buys gifts for me knows that I need the new books by Janet Evanovich and Sue Grafton, just to keep up on the series and I devour the books as soon as I can. Who wouldn't want to spend Christmas and birthdays locked in their room reading??!!
I will add your books to my wish list, and will hopefully get to read them all!
Thanks again.
Kara - Ignacio, Colorado

Hi Kara,
… I am so glad you enjoyed GRAVE CONCERNS! I had such a ball writing it! Actually, I had intended to clear up some of the old characters situations in the next book if there is one! Cowboy was to play a big part (do I hear wedding bells?) and we were to see the two kids, brother and sister, reunited and in the ER for stitches or something. …
I am honored to be in the same list as Evanovich and Grafton, two of my very favorite writers!

Let me know what you think of the other books. Bookplates are on the way!

Thank you for writing to me.
Gwen Hunter

March 13, 2004

Dr. Rhea-Rhea Bookplate
I would so love one of those bookplates :-) I just discovered your Dr. Rhea books last summer, and by now have read, enjoyed, and loved them all. And I am eagerly looking forwards to reading (hopefully!) many many more Dr, Rhea-Rhea books in the future!
I love that Rhea is so refreshingly real and human--successful, smart, and funny and yet a truly lousy housekeeper ;-) Love that Miss Essie too--such a great array of strong intelligent women in your books, Risa, Shirl, Arlana....and then there are the men! I think I love Mark too. Oy!
Sincerely,
Dawn - Cleveland, Ohio

Hi Dawn,
...lovely letter! ...Thank you for writing to me! Bookplates are on the way,
Gwen Hunter

February 24, 2004

Speechless!
I have just finished reading BETRAYAL and it is the most amazing book I have ever read. If I were your agent you'd be on the TODAY show, Good Morning America, and the Tonite show all in the same week. Needless to say, I absolutely love this story and intend to order several copies for the store....
This kind of writing ranks right up there with John Grisham and Anne Rice all rolled up into one! And... you make it look so easy!....
Keep up the good work PLEASE! I'm dying to read the next installment in the DeLande Saga... (I want those for the store too, as well as my personal collection.)
Great Job!
Evette - Waldenbooks, Mall of Georgia

note to self: Fire my agent....
Gwen

February 20, 2004

I just finished GRAVE CONCERNS and you now have a new fan. I guess now I have to back track and read the previous books about Dr. Rhea-Rhea. It was great, fast read that you couldn't wait to see what happens next. Also, I like that it is set in South Carolina. I have worked at Richland Memorial and also at Newberry County Hosp which gave me the sensation that I was standing in Rhea's foot steps.
Thanks for a GREAT BOOK......and keep 'em coming.
Jean - Lugoff, South Carolina

Hi Jean,
.... thank you for the nice letter and I am honored to have a new fan! ....
Gwen Hunter

February 10, 2004

re: GRAVE CONCERNS

Enjoyed the story -- tingley, terrifying, heat inducing -- hope to see more of Eli.

EMTs use MAST (military anti-shock trousers) or PASG (new name -- pneumatic anti-shock garment) not MASS. Enjoyed Dr. Rhea's good relationship with the EMTs. Thnx for painting them as smart, compassionate and brave.

Would like a book plate -- I have friends who will love this series -- I'm going tomorrow to buy the first books & I will be passing this one around. I also will ask the library to put your next book on the reserve list for purchase. Thnx for a good read. I will probably reread this one. With so many books to read it's an unusual feeling. You, Tolkein, Dumas & Evanovich, what can I say... Thank you.
Louann - Granby, Connecticut

Louann,
Thanks for the correction. Maybe I can get the publisher to change that if the book goes into a second printing. And thanks for recommending my books!
A book plate for GRAVE CONCERNS is on the way,
Gwen Hunter

January 31, 2004

Dear Mrs. Hunter,
Hi. I finished GRAVE CONCERNS last night. I thoroughly enjoyed it! I love that Marisa is open minded enough to fall in love at first sight and that in contrast Rhea is guarded. Nothing comes easy for Rhea except for her special friendships. The plot involving the gruesome kidnappings and murder was suspenseful, but I like how you really showed there effect on Rhea.
Each book she learns a little more about herself and so do the readers. We see the depth of the complicated relationship with Mark. Boy, what a sport Eli was to sort of back off and give Rhea and Mark a chance. I guessed that the baby would be born interracial and vindicate Mark from the paternity suit. I think it says something that although he turned to Skye is a time of internal struggle, he waits so very long to even think about seducing Rhea. His tender side comes out in some of your scenes with the victims too.
I like your writing voice and descriptions. For example, how Eli's duster fanned out like a flashlight beam (I forget your exact words).
Although so much happens to these characters including incredible situations, you make them real and believable. Miss Essie struggles with her jealousy of the new nanny, Mrs. Dee Dee keeps her nose in things and can still chastise Rhea even thought she in a mental institution. Marisa forgives her despite everything. I was surprised that Eddie was getting his act together and how Mark helped him out. All those little nuances really make things vivid and identifiable to the reader.
I like Rhea's love of her animals, especially the dogs and how your write about them. I read that you have two dogs on the book jacket. I have a little Shih tzu named Jessie. She is the princess of the household and the only other female, having three growing sons and one grown (well he's kind of a big kid actually) husband.
I liked how you opened and ended the book with the passages about change. The cop speak and med speak added interesting details, but I have to admit some of the gruesome details I speed through.
I want more Rhea Lynch books. Now that Rhea and Mark have excepted their feelings for one another (on a certain level anyway), it would be so interesting and fun to see how they manage matrimony and all the other trouble I'm sure will come their way.
I'll definitely drop MIRA Books a line. Also, I passed on your books and my enjoyment of them at my neighborhood girl's night get-together last night....
Happy Writing!
Mary Beth - Street, Maryland

Thank you Mary Beth (she blushed)!
I've forwarded your letter to my editor (she deserves some of the credit) as part of the "Saving Dr. Rhea-Rhea" campaign…
Gwen Hunter

January 17, 2004

Love Your Books!!!
Just finished reading all of your Rhea Lynch novels. Loved each and every one of them, and can hardly wait til you write your next one. Also have read FALSE TRUTHS and BETRAYAL. Have been searching for ASHES TO ASHES and STOLEN CHILDREN, but have found them rather expensive. I will keep searching. Oh Yes, The FALSE TRUTHS that I have is an autographed copy. I'm so thankful that I found it. You keep me spellbound through the whole book, page by page.
Thank you so much for all you have written.
Sincerely,
Freeda - Rural Retreat, Virginia

Hi Freeda,
....I am so glad you are enjoying my books. It means a lot to me when readers take the time to write to me.
ASHES TO ASHES is very hard to find. It was never actually published in the USA, only in the UK markets and not a very large print run. Even I don't have a copy to sell. be patient though, it should be out in reprints soon, as BETRAYAL is now. (FALSE TRUTHS is to be re-issued in August 2004)
STOLEN CHILDREN is the UK title for BETRAYAL, it is the same book....
Thank you again for the nice letter....
Gwen Hunter

January 15, 2004

RE: Rhea Lynch, MD Series
Gwen,
Does your publisher, need some zoloft, nap or a vacation. They need to leave Dr. Rhea Lynch alone. I love Rhea, Mark, Marissa and the rest of the Dawkins county gang. I haven't read Grave Concerns yet and I'm already waiting on the next book.
Mira Books, if you think the protest of the 60's were something, you're in for the email protest of the decade if you pull the plug on the Rhea Lynch series.
Mira Books get a grip.
Gloria - Memphis, Tennessee

PS. Southern girls don't get mad, we email.

Dear Gloria,
YOU GO GIRL!!!
Gwen Hunter

NOTE:
Anyone wanting to write to the publisher as part of the "Saving Dr. Rhea-Rhea" campaign should use this address:
MIRA Books
Editorial Department
225 Duncan Mill Road
Don Mills, Ontario
Canada M3B 3K9
 

Thanks for your support!
Gwen Hunter

January 13, 2004

Hi!
Just finished GRAVE CONCERNS!! Great, Wonderful, Fantastic (fill in any others you want here!)!!! MORE RHEA, MORE RHEA, MORE RHEA!!!!!!!!!
Loved the new character, Eli....but she belongs with Mark. They HAVE TO be together!!! Maybe Eli would be a good match for a new character....from south, not silly...oh you know us better than anyone!!! OH....THANK YOU that the character named Carla was NOT a good hearted prostitute...every other one I've read about was... oh, puhlease......GROAN!!
PLEASE KEEP THE RHEA BOOKS COMING! ....
I've already written to MIRA too!
Yeah, Eli!! Maybe Eli can find out some long kept secrets around town that someone is very willing to pay big bucks to keep secret....maybe he's been into smuggling...and it has kept his political ambitions on the upswing?
OOPS, sorry! Didn't mean to "kibbutz"!!! ...
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!
Carla - Kannapolis, North Carolina

Hi Carla!
Glad you liked Carla! I wanted her to be A continuing character, with the character Hybernia. They seemed to work so well together. I loved the trash talk they did!

And you aren't the only one who wants to read Eli's story! I'll have to find a really good character to put him with. Someone strong, maybe someone with some martial arts skills, maybe an ex cop? Single Mom? I'm seeing brown hair and eyes, very small frame. With a bullet scar in her left shoulder. Hmmm... Got to let that one gel a while....
Thanks for writing! I can always count on you for an entertaining letter....
Gwen Hunter

January 6, 2004

Dear Miss Hunter,
It has been with great pleasure that I have read ALL of your books. As a person who has worked as a registered Respiratory Therapist for close to 25 years, I must tell you that your medical language is right on the money. I have worked in both small rural hospitals, as well as a large medical center where I worked almost exclusively in the NICU-PICU setting for the most part. I can't begin to tell you how impressive your writing is (though I am sure that many have told you that). I find that when I have one of your books in hand, I find it close to impossible to put it down. I also find myself sad when I have finished, as then I am forced to wait until your next novel comes out. I hope that you continue with your writing for a long time to come....
Cathy - Pleasant Valley, New York

Hi Cathy,
....I am so glad you have enjoyed the Rhea Lynch books. It gives me special pleasure when a medical professional appreciates my work....
Thank you for taking the time to write to me....
Gwen Hunter

January 5, 2004

Dear Gwen,
... I have just finished GRAVE CONCERNS,and LOVED!!! it. As I do all your Dr.Rhea novels ... Your publishers must not care about your fan's if they don't let you finish this series. I WANT TO READ THE NEXT SIX BOOKS!! You have made us know and love everyone in Dawkins County. I want answers to all of my questions as to how everyones lives and relationhips end up. Please tell your publisher's you need to finish this series or you are going to have a lot of very disappointed readers. Keep up the great work Gwen because we love you!!
Sincerely,
Maria - New Haven, Connecticut

Hi Maria,
Thank you for support! So glad you enjoyed GRAVE CONCERNS. I have forwarded your letter to my editor as part of the "Saving Dr. Rhea-Rhea Campaign." ...
Gwen Hunter

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