| For two decades, forty-four-year-old magazine writer Clara Khoury has lived with missing pieces of herself—her memory. When the recent discovery of a young woman’s remains triggers her, she’s compelled to investigate. Now, her disturbing past threatens her contented present, someone frames her husband, and their daughter is abducted. If she can’t uncover the truth, she might lose everyone she loves. Locked within Clara’s shattered mind are the keys to crimes past and present. Can she recover the forgotten secret before losing her family? Genre: Christian Suspense, Thriller Release date: January 8, 2024 Click here to get your copy! |  |
Interview with S.F.
#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
The idea for Forgotten Secret came about when I read a book about a man losing his memory after an accident. The story and plot are totally different than Forgotten Secret. But the amnesia inspired me to use it and the rest of the story came together.
The idea for Forgotten Secret came about when I read a book about a man losing his memory after an accident. The story and plot are totally different than Forgotten Secret. But the amnesia inspired me to use it and the rest of the story came together.
#2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
It took about three to four months from drafts to publishing.
It took about three to four months from drafts to publishing.
#3. What drew you to write in this particular genre?
I love reading mystery/suspense/thriller, especially crime thrillers. And I like all crime TV shows. It’s really a natural progression.
I love reading mystery/suspense/thriller, especially crime thrillers. And I like all crime TV shows. It’s really a natural progression.
#4. How did you name your characters?
I used the internet a lot, especially for ethnic names. Some, I simply picked them out from directories (mix and match first and last names).
I used the internet a lot, especially for ethnic names. Some, I simply picked them out from directories (mix and match first and last names).
#5. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
With God, everything is possible. I like to hold onto that thought whenever I feel the journey is getting too hard.
With God, everything is possible. I like to hold onto that thought whenever I feel the journey is getting too hard.
More from S.F.
Why I Wrote “Forgotten Secret”: The Continuation of a Thrilling Journey
Writing a sequel can be a daunting task, especially after a book like “Living Secrets” leaves readers hanging on the edge of their seats. But when your mind is brimming with ideas and the story just won’t let you go, you have to give in and write the next chapter. That’s precisely what happened with “Forgotten Secret,” the second book in the Mirror Estate series.
After penning “Buried Secrets” and “Living Secrets,” I found myself immersed in a world of untold stories and unresolved mysteries. “Living Secrets” ended with what some called a cliffhanger – a term I might softly contest – but undoubtedly, it set the stage for a compelling follow-up. I knew I had to deliver on that tease, and the journey to “Forgotten Secret” began.
The seed for this story was planted in a bonus scene of the prequel, hinting at a character’s disappearance. I had a rough outline: a disappearance, an aunt’s involvement, and a human trafficking angle. However, the real story was still elusive, waiting for that spark of inspiration to ignite it.
And then, as fate would have it, I stumbled upon something about amnesia. Suddenly, the plot began to take shape, transforming these disjointed ideas into a coherent, thrilling narrative. This serendipitous moment was a reminder of how stories can evolve from the most unexpected sources.
Writing “Forgotten Secret” was an adventure in itself. Scenarios would pop into my mind unbidden, each vying for a place in the story. Some made the cut, while others were set aside, perhaps to be revisited in future works. The suspense thriller genre doesn’t traditionally lend itself to “fun” in the conventional sense – it’s all about tension, suspense, and that edge-of-your-seat feeling. But that’s exactly the kind of excitement I wanted to capture in this book.
I’ve always been intrigued by the unpredictability of the thriller genre. As an author, you’re constantly walking a tightrope between revealing too much and not enough, all while maintaining that relentless pace that keeps readers turning pages. It’s a challenge, but one that I find incredibly rewarding.
In “Forgotten Secret,” I’ve tried to create a roller-coaster of emotions and plot twists. I want readers to experience that heady mix of anticipation, shock, and satisfaction as they journey through the book. My hope is that they find themselves fully immersed in the story, living through each revelation and cliffhanger as intensely as I did while writing them.
Thank you for joining me on this thrilling ride. I hope “Forgotten Secret” keeps you guessing, leaves you breathless, and, above all, lives up to the secrets it promises to unveil.
After penning “Buried Secrets” and “Living Secrets,” I found myself immersed in a world of untold stories and unresolved mysteries. “Living Secrets” ended with what some called a cliffhanger – a term I might softly contest – but undoubtedly, it set the stage for a compelling follow-up. I knew I had to deliver on that tease, and the journey to “Forgotten Secret” began.
The seed for this story was planted in a bonus scene of the prequel, hinting at a character’s disappearance. I had a rough outline: a disappearance, an aunt’s involvement, and a human trafficking angle. However, the real story was still elusive, waiting for that spark of inspiration to ignite it.
And then, as fate would have it, I stumbled upon something about amnesia. Suddenly, the plot began to take shape, transforming these disjointed ideas into a coherent, thrilling narrative. This serendipitous moment was a reminder of how stories can evolve from the most unexpected sources.
Writing “Forgotten Secret” was an adventure in itself. Scenarios would pop into my mind unbidden, each vying for a place in the story. Some made the cut, while others were set aside, perhaps to be revisited in future works. The suspense thriller genre doesn’t traditionally lend itself to “fun” in the conventional sense – it’s all about tension, suspense, and that edge-of-your-seat feeling. But that’s exactly the kind of excitement I wanted to capture in this book.
I’ve always been intrigued by the unpredictability of the thriller genre. As an author, you’re constantly walking a tightrope between revealing too much and not enough, all while maintaining that relentless pace that keeps readers turning pages. It’s a challenge, but one that I find incredibly rewarding.
In “Forgotten Secret,” I’ve tried to create a roller-coaster of emotions and plot twists. I want readers to experience that heady mix of anticipation, shock, and satisfaction as they journey through the book. My hope is that they find themselves fully immersed in the story, living through each revelation and cliffhanger as intensely as I did while writing them.
Thank you for joining me on this thrilling ride. I hope “Forgotten Secret” keeps you guessing, leaves you breathless, and, above all, lives up to the secrets it promises to unveil.
 S.F. Baumgartner | S.F. Baumgartner is a Christian suspense thriller author. She graduated from the University of Hawaii and the University of Cincinnati. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her cats, staying active, and binge-watching crime TV shows. She lives in Ohio with her family |
It's Time For A Giveaway!
To celebrate her tour, S.F. is giving away the grand prize package of
a $50 Amazon gift card and an eBook copy of the book!!
a $50 Amazon gift card and an eBook copy of the book!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
Blog Stops
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Stories By Gina, May 17 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, May 17
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A Modern Day Fairy Tale, May 26 (Author Interview)
The Lofty Pages, May 26
An Author’s Take, May 27
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 28
Texas Book-aholic, May 16
Stories By Gina, May 17 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, May 17
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 18
Locks, Hooks and Books, May 19
Betti Mace, May 20
Lily’s Corner, May 21
Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 22 (Author Interview)
Blogging With Carol, May 23
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 24
For Him and My Family, May 25
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, May 26 (Author Interview)
The Lofty Pages, May 26
An Author’s Take, May 27
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 28