Who is Emily?

Over the past several months Emily has accumulated reviews. Most of them are tactful, even those who aren't crazy about the story. I respect that. Readers who have read the Trilogy and Scarlett really enjoy Emily's story, others don't.

I feel I should respond to that. First, Emily was the most difficult story for me to write for a couple of reasons; Emily's fate was already sealed in the Trilogy and Emily is not my favorite character. I usually write strong female leads. Emily is not. She is content having her parents, big brothers and husband take care of her. She enjoys being a mom, housewife and partner to her husband. She's like a throwback TV wife from the 50s. 

Second, I think people are expecting Emily to be a mystery or crime thriller. Its not. Its her story and she's no female sleuth. Its a horror story with strong paranormal elements. The plot is Emily's life; how events in her life shape who she becomes. The person she becomes is what allows her fate to happen. She could have taken control at various pivotal points in her life but chose to sweep everything under the rug and live in her happy bubble.

In a sense its a cautionary tale. Not that we can all piece things together and keep bad things from happening but we should be vigilant, analyze situations and be ready for the unexpected.

The ending of the story is what seems to throw off most readers so without giving away any big spoilers the ending is strange. Its also a prelude to the final book in the Evan's Girls series. Erica is Emily's daughter and Evan's, as in Evan's Girls Series, final victim. Questions are left unanswered, mysteries are thrown into the mix and Erica's fate isn't sealed. Whatever twists and turns her life takes aren't yet known and shouldn't be. Erica needs to tell her own story.

I think I had more beta readers on this than any other story because I was just never satisfied with it. That said I think it does Emily justice. Its her story and should be read with that understanding. When I finally went back to this story with ideas from betas and a fresher set of eyes as I avoided it for months, I implemented suggestions, reread and realized myself there was no other way or turn for the story to take. In the end I'm happy with how it turned out. Emily is pleased with how it turned out.

For any readers who have found themselves at a loss or confused I suggest reading Eye of the Storm Eilida's Tragedy. Its the first book in the Ruthless Storm Trilogy and the ebook is free. Click here.