Announcements

The LiteraryScape Book Club is here! You can now become a member for just $7 a month or $70 for the year. Just head on over to www.literaryscape.com and click on Book Club in the menu to join.

So what exactly is the LiteraryScape Book Club? It's an exclusive community where readers who appreciate passionate-but-pure Christian romance can come together in a more intimate setting.

When you join the Book Club, you'll receive:

First, exclusive online author events where we can chat directly about books, writing, and all things historical and contemporary suspense romance. I'm talking Q&A sessions, behind-the-scenes peeks at my writing process, and special guest appearances from other authors in these genres

Second, free ebooks of ALL my new releases. That's right—as a member, you'll automatically receive an ebook copy of every new novel I publish, delivered straight to your inbox.

Third, early access to signed paperbacks and merchandise before they're available to the general public. You'll be first in line for signed copies, special editions, and any bookish merchandise we create.

Fourth, regular door prize drawings exclusively for members. Throughout the year, we'll be giving away signed books, exclusive merchandise, and other special surprises.

And finally, a community of readers who appreciate the same kind of stories you do—a place where we can discuss the books we love.

So come join us in the LiteraryScape Book Club today!

In other news. . .

Our next Coffee and Books event will be on Tuesday June 24th from 2:00-3:00pm EST. Join authors Lynn Shannon, Crystal Caudill, and myself for an hour of book talk! Be sure to sign-up for this free event at www.literaryscape.com/events to receive a link to join in.

The Kickstarter campaign for my novel, Uncharted Trials, is complete. Thank you to everyone who purchased a limited-edition cover. Your purchase helps cover publication costs. Stay tuned as Uncharted Trials releases this month, which means a cover reveal is coming soon along with pre-orders!

And now, let's dive into today's bonus episode, where we'll be talking with author Elizabeth Goddard.

Episode Notes

Welcome to another Friday Literacy Book Club podcast recap! This week, host Melissa LaShure sat down with author Elizabeth Goddard to discuss her captivating Hidden Bay series and the upcoming release of book two, "Perilous Tides," hitting shelves in July 2025.

A Writer's Journey: From Dream to Reality

Elizabeth Goddard's path to publication is a testament to persistence and passion. Like many of our featured authors, her story began with a simple love of reading that eventually blossomed into a writing career. "I was just an avid reader growing up and it was just always in the back of my mind to pursue writing," Goddard shared.

Her journey officially began in 2001 when she joined ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), submitting a chapter a week to critique groups and attending conferences for five years before landing her first book deal. Her debut novel was published in 2007 with Heart Song Presents, followed by a successful run with Love Inspired Suspense, and now with Ravel, the publisher of her current Hidden Bay series.

What makes Goddard's story particularly inspiring is how she balanced her writing dreams with raising children and homeschooling—a reminder that pursuing our passions often requires sacrifice and dedication from the whole family.

The Hidden Bay Series: Where Gothic Romance Meets Pacific Northwest Beauty

Set on the rugged Washington coast along the Olympic Peninsula, the Hidden Bay series centers around Cedar Trails Lodge—a storm-watching lodge where guests come to witness the spectacular winter storms crashing against the rocky cliffs. Goddard describes the setting as having "rocky, cold, rough waters, crashing waves" that create the perfect backdrop for suspense.

The series follows different characters who come to the lodge to hide from their pasts, facilitated by the mysterious Evelyn Monroe, a character who has grown increasingly important throughout the series. As Goddard explains, "I have all these different characters come in that have come to the lodge to hide... and then danger finds them there."

The inspiration for this atmospheric setting comes from Goddard's love of classic gothic romances by authors like Victoria Holt and Phyllis Whitney. "The image of a mansion on top of a cliff overlooking these crashing waves is just kind of in my mind," she said, and she's modeled the lodge after the real Claylock Lodge on the West Coast.

Perilous Tides: A Forensic Artist's Deadly Encounter

Book two, Perilous Tides, follows forensic artist Joe Cattrall, who has been hiding at the lodge after her mother's murder in Michigan. When she receives a cryptic message from the father she never knew, Joe leaves her safe haven to search for him. Her journey takes a deadly turn when she witnesses a murder on a ferry crossing Puget Sound, leading to an attempt on her own life.

The story becomes a reunion romance when the hero from book one arrives to rescue her, and together they must uncover the truth about her father's disappearance, her mother's murder, and the new threats surrounding them.

For readers wondering about the suspense level, Goddard rates it as "pretty intense" (what we'd call a "latte" level), but emphasizes that her books avoid gratuitous violence or overly graphic content. "My books are not scary or bloody," she assures us, focusing instead on high-stakes tension that gives readers moments to catch their breath.

The Art of Organic Writing

One of the most fascinating aspects of Goddard's writing process is her organic approach—she doesn't always know who the villain is when she starts writing. "What surprises me will also surprise the reader," she explains. This method, while more challenging ("every day is pretty much brutal"), creates more authentic twists and turns.

Her extensive research process is equally impressive. For Perilous Tides, she dove deep into forensic artistry, learning about a mother-daughter team from Michigan known for their remarkably accurate sketches. "In the world of forensic art, it's still really a gift," Goddard notes. "When you really can bring justice... you really require that God-inspired gift."

A Message of Peace in the Storm

Beyond the suspense and romance, Goddard weaves spiritual themes throughout her work. In Perilous Tides, she shares a particularly meaningful moment where her character stands on a stormy veranda and sees a plaque reading "He leads me by still waters" from Psalm 23. Despite the violent waves below, the message is clear: "No matter what is going on around us, inside we can still be calm."

This theme of finding peace amid chaos resonates throughout Goddard's work and reflects her own faith journey. As she puts it, "All of this chaos and the perilous tides and still God is there holding us and can keep us calm."

Looking Ahead

Book three, Deadly Currents, is scheduled for release in February 2026 and will finally tell Evelyn Monroe's story—the mysterious woman who facilitates the hideaway at Cedar Trails Lodge. Goddard describes her as "the foundation of the whole series" and her most fascinating character to date.

Connect with Elizabeth Goddard

Ready to dive into the Hidden Bay series? You can find Elizabeth Goddard at:

Website: elizabethgoddard.com (featuring live crashing waves on the homepage!)
Newsletter subscribers receive a free ebook: "Collision Course"
Social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads

Final Thoughts

Elizabeth Goddard's Hidden Bay series offers the perfect blend of atmospheric suspense, compelling romance, and spiritual depth. With her authentic Pacific Northwest setting, organic writing style, and meaningful themes, she's created a series that promises to keep readers on the edge of their seats while touching their hearts.

Perilous Tides releases in July 2025, and if this interview is any indication, readers are in for a thrilling ride through the storm-swept coastlines of Hidden Bay.

Have you read book one of the Hidden Bay series? We'd love to hear your thoughts! Drop us a comment below or connect with us on social media.

From Texas to the Pacific Northwest: Elizabeth Goddard Brings Storm-Watching Suspense to Hidden Bay