READER'S COMMENTS
2002 Archives

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WRITE TO GWEN

Charlie,
Thank you for the kind words.
Miss Essie is a dear friend -- yes I know that is weird, but she's real to me! She's sort of a composite of several older African American women I have known in my life.
Strong, faithful, opinionated, kind. I'm glad you liked her too! ...
Happy Writing,
Gwen

Hi Mrs. Hunter,
Just read PRESCRIBED DANGER. Wonderful.
I'm an MD in Germany and went through it in two days.
Thanx for this book. Now I´m of to buy the next one.
Dr. Gerhard Schulze - Bad Kreuznach, Germany

Dear Dr. Schulz,
.... I am honored that you liked PRESCRIBED DANGER. It really means a lot to me when medical professionals appreciate my work. Rhea Rhea is treat to write about. ...
Gwen Hunter

I am a nurse and love your books. I let all my friends read them. You are the best kept secret in South Carolina. I found out about you through the librarian at our local library. I can not wait until your next book. Thanks for such interesting and good reading. Keep up the good work. I hope you will not be a secret long if I have anything to do with getting your name out as a wonderful writer.
Karen - Kershaw, SC.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Dear Karen,
....I hope I'm not kept as a secret much longer either!
It is because of fans like that you that Rhea-Rhea will one day be a bestseller.
Thank you for sharing about my favorite doctor and about me! And thank your librarian for telling you about my books! I'll have to stop in and see her sometime. ....
Your bookplates are on the way.
Gwen

Love the books,
I have just finished reading PRESCRIBED DANGER. I really enjoyed reading both of the Dr. Rhea novels. I worked in medicine as a radiological technologist so I really enjoy medical suspense novels.
Wish you could write as fast as I read. As I am disabled now I spend a great deal of time reading and it is my escape into the world.
Keep up the good work.
P.J. - Wellfleet, NE.

Hi P.J.
.... I am sorry you are disabled -- but delighted that my stories give you some pleasure. I work hard to make sure that all medical people find only good medical background in my work.
Thank you for your interest in my books!
Gwen Hunter

Dear Gwen Hunter,
Thank you very much for writing your "Rhea-Rhea" series. I work at a bookstore and recommend them to any customers I can.....

I would be absolutely thrilled if you would post my letter but there is one catch: you have to promise to continue the Rhea Lynch series! I have the next installment pre-ordered so I get a copy as soon as it comes out! ...

I also wanted to tell you that I really liked that you maintained all the characters from DELAYED DIAGNOSIS in PRESCRIBED DANGER. It is my biggest pet peeve when authors let some of the smaller, yet more colorful characters disappear from one book to the next. It's an interesting twist you put in about Cam, but I'm rooting for Mark myself. Of course, I still hope we can meet the ex-fiancé, you never know, my opinion could change...
Waiting for the next book,
Clare - Goose Bay, Labrador, Canada

Hi Clare!
....I am more than honored that you tell your customers about me and about Rhea-Rhea. That is the only way a writer gets her story out -- for fans and booksellers to share the excitement! As you know, the third book in the series will be out in February - DEADLY REMEDY. I hope it holds up to your expectations! .... As to Mark -- I have to admit Rhea hasn't told me who she will pick!  Mark has a couple serious design flaws, Cam may be taken, John IS taken, and perhaps -- just perhaps -- there could be a new man in her life?  Hmmmm....  
Gwen

Dear Louise,
I am so glad you liked my Rhea-Rhea. She is a very active, gutsy character, not perfect by any means, but great friend to Marisa.
I understand your feelings about wanting to write a book with a deaf protagonist.
Protagonists who have problems they have to deal with in everyday life are the most exciting because the challenges are greater and add to the conflict.
I think it is great that you would use your daughter as a role model.
She must be very brave -- and is very lucky to have a mother who believes in her so much!
Thank you for writing!
Gwen Hunter

Hi!
I just found your books thru Amazon's "Medical Thrillers" and loved DELAYED DIAGNOSIS. Am reading the latest now and enjoying it, but am so appalled at one thing you said on page 68 that I had to stop and write. Cats do not, repeat DO NOT have "oily feet"!!!! Where in the world did you get this idea? I am 72 and have lived with cats since I was 5; sorry but you are very much mistaken.
Don't take my word for it; check with your vet. It comes thru that you are a dog person, not a cat person (liked the bit about Belle and her pups). Anyone who walks thru motor oil or a greasy garage floor....you, me, my cats, your dogs....will have "oily feet".
Other than this, which you will correct in the next printing I hope. I am really enjoying the latest, and do love Dr. Rhea.
Look forward to the next book!
Best wishes,
Eileen - Washington, DC.

Hi Eileen!
....I'm so glad you are enjoying my books!
I have had cats off and on for years -- but Rhea is NOT a cat person!
When I write, I am "inside" Rhea's mind -- and she is against cats. Until she meets Stoney.
Stoney the cat is a special friend of Rhea's. He teaches Rhea all about cats and she learns to love the feline species because of this special relationship.
I would like your help though, as a cat lover. Don't cats leave scent by way of paws? I know dogs do -- even lose body heat through their paws which leaves an oily residue with each step. How are cats different? I'd like to point that out later in the series. ....
Thanks for writing!
Gwen Hunter

Hi Gwen,
A nice surprise to hear from you. I have never written to an author before and didn't know if you would reply.
Had to do a little research to answer your questions. Cats have sweat glands on their pads. Their sebaceous (oily) glands are in the follicles of their coat; they also have glands around the mouth to mark their territory. When they rub around your ankles, they're marking you!! ....
Will Stoney be a domestic shorthair? They are lovely cats...I have had 3 in my lifetime; but in my experience Siamese and Abyssinians are definitely the smartest. My Siamese was neurotic but brilliant; the Aby was a cat genius;.... 
Again, it was lovely to hear from you and I am looking forward to the next Dr. Rhea!!!! Sincerely,
Eileen

Eileen,
... As far as Rhea is concerned -- and therefore the readers' knowledge through her viewpoint -- Stoney will be a cat.  Plain and simple! ....
Gwen

Hi Erica,
I am delighted you like my stubborn lady-doc!
Odd that you read Rhea in a Starbucks! She LOVES coffee -- guess you noticed that! She would order a really good robusto espresso in a Starbucks. Me? I would go for a vanilla cappuccino -- but then I'm a wimp!
Let me know what you think of PRESCRIBED DANGER.
Your bookplates are on the way.
Thanks for writing and give my thanks to your sister also!
Gwen

I LOVE YOU !
Dear Ms. Hunter,
I am so excited to add to my library of medical thrillers Dr. Rhea Lynch. I am a devoted fan of Patricia Cornwell, Robin Cook, Leonard Goldberg and Peter Clement and have become as devoted to you as well!  Your knack for writing engaging characters, realistic plots and snappy dialogue have made you and your work a favorite of mine. I am more than proud to recommend your work to all of my friends. We all agree that thanks are due to you for writing stylish and exciting medical thrillers that treat readers to appropriate medical protocol without dumbing down the mechanics for the readers. You lend an air of excitement and authenticity not found with many authors.
Thank you so much for creating a character as wonderful, empathetic, intelligent and as stubborn as Rhea-Rhea. She's a fantastic addition to the canon of medical fiction. I can't wait to see what she does next, and how Mark, Shirley, Arlanda and Marisa play in.
Again, sincerest thanks.
Respectfully,
Chip - Glenn Dale, MD.

Hi Chip,
.... I have to say -- I LOVE YOU TOO! You flatter me with praise! You add me to your library! And most especially -- you recommend me to other readers! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! (she gushed!)
I think your characterization of Rhea as stubborn was right on target! It is the one characteristic she and I share! And I'm with you -- I can't wait to see what she does next either!
My secretary told me about the nice review on amazon.com that you wrote. Thank you for such a delightful review. I admit that I seldom read reviews -- too scared to see a negative comment! But this one was put in my hand!......
Thank you for writing and your interest in my books.
Gwen

Dear Ms Hunter
I just wanted to let you know how much I have enjoyed your books. As an ICU nurse I have particularly enjoyed how accurately you write of the hospital setting and medical events. I am hopeful that there
will be more books to come in this series.
Yours truly,
Susan

Hi Susan,
.....The credit for the accuracy of the medical scenes should not go to me but to all the nurses in the specialist areas of the small hospital where I work. They are always gracious and patient with me when I pick their brains to try to get a scene right!
....If all goes as planned, there will be six books in the Rhea Lynch, MD series. 
Thank you for writing.
Gwen

Hi Caryl,
....I am always thrilled to hear from medical people who liked my Rhea-Rhea....  I guess I could write two books a year on her, but MIRA will only publish one a year!
A bookplate is on the way to you.... Hope you like book three in the Rhea series, DEADLY REMEDY, as well as the first two.....
Gwen

Hi Gwen,
I am a new fan of yours, all the way from Borneo Island. I am not sure if I am the first person from the land of hornbill to read of your books or not, but I sure haven't seen your books sold in the bookshop here. I had to order it from Amazon.com. I ordered 2 of yours only 1 came. I haven't yet received the other one. I hope I can have it someday. Its been 2 months.
If there is anything you need from the Borneo Island, please don't hesitate to email. Be glad to help.
Thanks so much.
Laura - Student Services Officer, INTI College Sarawak,
Kuching, Sarawak, East Malaysia

Hi Laura,
....So -- what is a hornbill? And yes, you are the first person from the island of Borneo to write me! I am thrilled you went to the trouble of ordering online since I wasn't in your local bookstore! It is people like you who make writing worthwhile.
Borneo is a part of the world I've always wanted to visit. It sounds so wild and uncomplicated, but with a totally modern edge. I see you are in the northern part of Borneo.....
A bookplate is on the way to you -- mailed today. Hope you like the other books in the Rhea series.
Best,
Gwen
PS -- If I ever need anything about Borneo, you'll be the first person I'll write!

October 26
Hi Ms. Gwen,
To know more about The Borneo Island, you can check it out on www.sarawak.com.my
This site is mainly written by Tourists who have been to this island of heaven. It is like Shangri La with all the modern facilities within reach .....if you so want to. However, you still can be cut off from the world if you like. There are places that haven't got electricity, water or toilet.
One would thought Borneo is a really really remote place. The people from West Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur - where the Prime Minister live and other world conference held) thought we still live on trees and in caves. They still thought we live in jungle and by the rivers. I say.......how RUDE!!!
However we learnt from years of being teased by the West Malaysian, we had resort to sarcasm. We told them that : yes, we still live in trees. We use escalators and lift to go up and down the trees. To go between trees, we use overhead bridges. To go to another trees which is far far away....we use treelicopters. How's that? ha ha ha.....For trees that is still even further away, we use e-tree!!! ha ha ha...We watch treelivision and eat treelivision dinner. Sit on tree trunk chairs and tables. ha ha ha....Sleep in hammock...
So if you have sometimes, have a look at the site above. I am sure you will be amused at the stories written in there. I sure am. There are some pictures attached to this email.
I love to read. One would think why a Chinese read English books more than Mandarin books. To make the story short, I was in New Zealand, Christchurch for 10 years (since I was 16). Well you can't really find Mandarin books to read there. So I started to learn to read English books ( before I went to NZ, I hate reading English books). Then I discovered the local library and I haven't stop reading English books ever since. Then I came back to Kuching. The situation is reversed. It is hard to find English books here. There are plenty of romance and novel. But I only like thrillers, medical thrillers.
So I had to order through web. How sad. I wish I can travel to either Singapore or US for just 1 week and to buy all the books I want. WOW! That will be the day! 2 suitcase full of books to last me for 2 years. wow.....I really wish there are more up to date thrillers books come to Kuching la.
Anyhow....till next time. Take care
Laura - Kuching, Sarawak, East Malaysia

PS: hornbill is a rare kind of bird with really big woody beak and colorful feathers, that eat small fruits and bugs and makes the most beautiful sound.

You have new books!?!? Yippee!!!
I discovered FALSE TRUTHS several years ago and adored it!! New Orleans is on my "To-do list" and your book has made it even stronger. I was excited when I realized that it was part of a series! However I've had a devil of a time trying to hunt down LAW OF THE WILD and BETRAYAL. I won't give up until I own them! Any information you could give me I will be grateful for.
I plan on buying your Rhea-Rhea books on my next shopping spree. I'm a book-a-holic so I have several...ha-ha!
I know you haven’t been gone but WELCOME BACK!!
Thanks,
Amber - Rex, GA.

Hi Amber,
....I am so glad that you liked FALSE TRUTHS and are looking for back titles as well as new ones. New Orleans is fantastic - you must DO-it! I spent a lot of time there and southern LA. while writing FALSE TRUTHS.....
Gwen

Dear Diane:
.... I am glad you like Rhea and our little part of the country!  I was born in Louisiana but have lived here for decades and love it! Wonderful place!
I am so sad you don't like greens! Why, there's nothing so grand in the world as a pot full of collards seeping in their own liquor, a pone of cracklin cornbread, and that big bowl of beans nearby! Great meal! Of course one has to add several dashes of hot pepper vinegar
on top, but greens are one of my favorite foods!....
Thanks for writing!
Gwen

Editor's Note: If you have a copy of Tamar Myer's ESTATE OF MIND, take a look at the dedication page!

Hi Denise,
.... I love it when my books jump off the shelves into buyer's hands!..... I can't tell you about Marisa's offspring. You'll find out in DEADLY REMEDY, book three of the series. Sorry!
I am working on book four now and Rhea keeps doing things that are so bizarre! .....

ASHES TO ASHES actually preceded DELAYED DIAGNOSIS and was in the stores in Australia a few years ago. It is currently out of print and hard to find. Hopefully my new publisher will re-issue it soon.
For a complete listing of all my books go to the BODY OF WORK page on my website...
Your bookplate is on the way....
Thank you for your interest in my books,
Gwen Hunter

Dear Diedre!
....It was great to read your letter. I am SO glad you like my Rhea-Rhea, and that she was a good read in the field! ..... I admit that sometimes she does things that surprise me!
Please keep in touch!
Gwen

Dear Ms. Hunter
I don't know if the bookplates are for people outside America, but if they are I would certainly appreciate one.
Lauretta - Queensland, Australia

Hi Lauretta,
I will certainly send you a bookplate. They are for everyone, world wide!
Thank you for asking.....
Gwen Hunter

Dear Ms. Hunter,
I just wanted to write and tell you how much I enjoyed your book, PRESCRIBED DANGER.  This was the first book I've read by you.  Being disabled with SLE, I am an avid reader and on average, read one book per day.  Because I live on disability income, my book budget is extremely tight and it is especially gratifying to feel that the money was well spent.  I can certainly say that about your book and I'm hoping to purchase the previous novel, DELAYED DIAGNOSIS, as soon as I can! 
Again, thank you for giving me the pleasure of enjoying your talented writing abilities and making the expenditure well worth it!
Sincerely,
Fran -  Mesa, AZ.

Hi Fran,
Great to hear from you!  ....
Life as a disabled person must be very frustrating.  I am happy that Rhea can help. 
Much love and prayers your way!
Gwen

Hi Jay,
....Thank you for writing about FALSE TRUTHS.  It was a fun book to write because I was born in LA., and I have enjoyed the responses from readers! ....
Gwen

Dear Ms. Hunter,
Hi!  ....My name is Kirstin.  I am 14 years old... I just love your books!  My best friend, Brooke, goes to your church, and she is the one that got me interested in your books.  She let me borrow both of her signed copies... and I just love them!  I want to tell you that that it is so fascinating for me to read your books, I almost feel like I am living them too.  Every time I read them I find myself giving Rhea-Rhea advice, even though I know that she can't hear me.
I just wanted to tell you that you have an extraordinary talent, and your are using it very well.  Oh yes, and if there is no cost at all, I would very much like to have one of your signed personal bookplates for PRESCRIBED DANGER; That is one of my favorite books.
Keep up the good work.
I can't wait for the next book in the series to come out.....
love,
Kirstin -  Fort Mill, SC.

Hi Kirstin,
....I am so glad you enjoyed DELAYED DIAGNOSIS and PRESCRIBED DANGER and Rhea-Rhea!  She has become my favorite character because she is so vulnerable and loving and yet so strong and distant from things that pain her.
There is no cost at all for the bookplate, and it will go out in today's mail.
Thank you for your very nice letter!.....
Gwen

PS- I will have to thank Brooke for introducing you to Rhea-Rhea!

RE: BETRAYAL...the other books
Undoubtedly you've heard from thousands of readers who found themselves deeply disturbed by "BETRAYAL"....but wanting more. I recently found a website that indicated there were two more books about this family, but for some reason I can't find the site now.
Could you please let me know the names of the other two books, and whether you have any idea where I might find them? I read a LOT....and BETRAYAL is one of very few books that have left such a lasting impression. You have an amazing talent.
I've loaned my copy to several people (probably not something I should admit to the author trying to make a living from sales) and without fail, everyone's reaction has been the same, almost a disbelief that a book could effect them so profoundly.
Thank you for providing hours of enjoyment....I'm sure there will be more to come!
Barb - Kamloops, B.C., Canada

Hi Barb!
....BETRAYAL was a very disturbing book to write, but also very freeing, a cathartic experience for me.
I have worked in a hospital for many years and seen so many children who were abused. I always wanted to do something to the bad guys and finally did -- if only on paper!

The two books following BETRAYAL in the DeLande series are:
FALSE TRUTHS  and
LAW OF THE WILD -- published only in the UK.

You can read a synopsis and the first chapters of these books on my website. Click on BODY OF WORK at the top of the homepage and then select the book.

Both books are currently out of print but you may find copies in used bookstores or used book sites online. amazon.com usually has some. I may have a few copies here if you can't find them elsewhere.

By the way, I don't mind people loaning my books. I do it myself!
Thank you for writing!
Gwen Hunter

PS - If you would like to have a personally signed bookplate for your copy of BETRAYAL just let me know. I will gladly send you one, free of course.

....So very few books have made such a lasting impression on me, and I'm going to try everything I can think of to get a hold of FALSE TRUTHS and LAW OF THE WILD!  I worked for many years with adult women who were survivors of abuse...could be one of the reasons BETRAYAL had such a profound effect...I share your feelings about the bad guys! I'd love to have a signed bookplate.  I live in Canada, though...do you send them out of the U.S.?

Thanks again.  I can't tell you how much I appreciate your taking the time to acknowledge your "fans" when you must be so incredibly busy.  Believe it or not, you are the first person whose work has moved me enough to write a letter (and as I said...I read a LOT!)...and to be honest I didn't think I'd actually hear back from you.  Life is full of pleasant surprises, isn't it?
Barb

Hi Shawn,
....I remember you from Savannah. It  is so nice to hear from you.
I am delighted that you and your husband enjoyed DELAYED DIAGNOSIS and I hope that you enjoy PRESCRIBED DANGER as well!
I am flattered that you place me in such lofty company!....
Yes, I have 26 years experience in the medical field......
As far as Rhea's love interest goes, she surprises even me!
Thanks for writing!
Gwen

Hi Susan,
That's the first time I'm been thanked for driving someone nuts!....
Gwen

Hi Gary,
....Thanks for writing, great letter!  I do appreciate your comments, and that you cared enough to take the time to write them. I'm so glad Rhea-Rhea grew on you! :) She does seem to have that effect on a lot of people world-wide.
The medical terms can get a bit tedious, my editor has to hold me back. The double "gravestone shadows" references was an attempt to be poetic...oh well.
Let me know what you think of PRESCRIBED DANGER and DEADLY REMEDY (Feb. 2003).

I'll be back in Myrtle Beach in October for several days around the 18th. There should be some details on my website soon. Come by if you're in town.
Thanks again for writing!
Gwen

Hi Gwen,
I had been interested in Medical fiction and thrillers since I was young when the first book by Frank Slaughter came into my hands. Recently thanks to Amazon.com I was searching for new authors and your name came up with DELAYED DIAGNOSIS which I very much enjoyed. After that came PRESCRIBED DANGER which I have just finished. Prosit.  I have enjoyed Rhea-Rhea and I must say that I am getting jealous of her boy friend, as I don't think he fits well in her life. I think she wants somebody who is more energetic and ambitious.  I also think that Rhea-Rhea needs to be pampered more and enjoy some relaxed feeling after her long hours at the hospital.  She needs some love.
Gwen it's great to give us such great books.  Rhea is a dear love, and a committed loving doctor above all.
I will definitely try some of your previous ones like ASHES TO ASHES.
Regards
Saviour Gauci - Malta

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