Flawless Witness: Flower Girl Novella Sequel by Merida Johns | Book Review ~ Excerpt ~ $25 Gift Card
A book blog tour from Goddess Fish Promotions.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Marianne & Judy at Goddess Fish for providing me with the information for this tour.
Book Details
Flawless Witness Flower Girl Novella Sequel by Merida Johns Series: Flower Girl #2
Published by Coffee Cup Press on 02/28/2023
Genres: Fiction, Family Life, Psychological, Women's Literature
Format: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 100
Source: Goddess Fish Promotions, Received from the author or publisher for review.Suzanna Jordan suppressed the memories of Jonathan’s abuse for thirty-six years, but when a tell-all journal surfaces after his death, a legacy of cruelty haunts her from beyond the grave.
Since fleeing her abuser’s snare, Suzanna has led a flourishing life with a loving family, a circle of friends, and an accomplished career. But thirty-six years later, resentment and victimization come crashing down when she reads her ex-husband’s obituary, praising him as a pillar of society.
Four weeks later, an unexpected visitor knocks on her door, bearing her ex-husband’s tell-all journal. Suzanna’s impulse is to cast the diary aside. But her suspicions grow, suspecting the journal holds answers to secrets she must uncover. As Suzanna explores the dark corners of Jonathan’s mind, she discovers sinister motivations, perverse actions, and the truth surrounding a gnawing mystery.
But will Jonathan’s darkness, bared for all to see, drag Suzanna into despair, or will these revelations free her soul to bear witness to his abuse and finally offer her the closure she so desperately seeks?
Content: This story contains elements of sensitive material often associated with narcissistic behaviors such as egocentrism, emotional abuse, betrayal, and exploitation.
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Excerpt from Flawless Witness
“Are you Suzanna Jordan, my father’s previous wife?” he asks.
The slight nasal tone and clipped cadence of his voice are too familiar. It is one thing to know Jonathan is dead—another to have his rebirth materialize before my eyes. Sweat bubbles in the creases of my palms and under my arms. The priest casts his eyes downward and says nothing. The air turns into a block of ice, and the birdsong stops as if the feathered creatures in the trees sense trouble brewing.
“Yes, I was Jonathan Spencer’s first wife. The death notice didn’t mention a son named Jonathan. Who are you?”
The priest offers me the envelope. “I want to give you this. You deserve to see what’s in here.”
I reach for the ordinary office packet. The words “Trojan Horse” burst into my head as I read the white address label on the package, typed with my name.
Excerpt provided by the author/publisher for use in this post.
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Purchase Links for Flawless Witness
Amazon – OneLink for every country
Flawless Witness: Flower Gi...Shop on Amazon
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My Thoughts on Flawless Witness
Flawless Witness is a novella that serves as a sequel to Flower Girl by Merida Johns. The story offers an epilogue and follows Suzanna on her healing journey after leaving her abusive partner, Jonathon. The novel is told from a dual point of view, with Suzanna’s perspective in the present and Jonathon’s through his diary. Through Jonathon’s diary, readers learn more about his manipulative and abusive behavior.
Throughout the novel, Suzanna shares words of wisdom about reconciling with one’s past and finding hope for the future. The author’s descriptive writing style immerses the reader in the story, allowing them to experience the scenes in detail. The book also features heartwarming moments between Suzanna and her dog, as well as a realistic and loving senior relationship with Elliot.
While Flawless Witness may evoke strong emotions such as horror, hatred, warmth, and humor, it is a captivating read that keeps the reader engaged until the end. Overall, the novel offers a powerful message about the importance of healing from past traumas and finding the courage to move forward.
I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
You might enjoy reading my post about Book 1, Flower Girl, by Merida Johns.
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I love my Amazon Kindle Unlimited Subscription. So many books, so little time!
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About Merida Johns
Merida Johns writes about the human experience—that often is messy—and how ordinary people tackle challenges, live through sorrow and betrayal, struggle with doubt, but despite this, gather the strength to act on their aspirations and achieve flourishing lives.
“My insight into the power of fiction came during a conference call in late 2017 with a group of fellow life coaches when I asked, ‘What would it be like to help people achieve a flourishing life through storytelling instead of another self-help book?’
After that phone call, I got started answering that question. Almost three years later, the result was my debut novel Blackhorse Road, a heartfelt story of womanhood and the power of choice, gratitude, and forgiveness that was published July 21, 2020, by Coffee Cup Press. Now, I’m thrilled about the upcoming release Flower Girl—a story of a woman who must make sweeping changes in her life to live her truth.
Before writing fiction, I was a professor and author of health informatics and leadership textbooks. Later, I put my experience to use as a leadership coach, focusing on helping women break the glass ceiling and fulfill their leadership and economic potential.
My husband and I reside in the beautiful Midwest countryside. This is where I find the serenity and space for bringing to life the stories about everyday people who face and overcome extraordinary challenges by finding and following their North Star.
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Easy Amazon Info Link
Amazon – OneLink for every country
If the above link does not take you to your country, here are a few more:
Please send me a note if your country isn’t listed and you would like to purchase using my links. Using my link does not change the price you pay. Amazon pays me a minimal amount out of their share.
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Giveaway!
Merida Johns will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
Visit more stops on this Goddess Fish tour for extra chances to win!
Official Tour Page for Flawless Witness
Full Tour Schedule:
April 13: The Reading Addict
April 13: The Avid Reader
April 20: Gina Rae Mitchell
April 20: Novels Alive
April 27: Sandra’s Book Club
April 27: Archaeolibrarian – I Dig Good Books!
May 4: Iron Canuck Reviews & More
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[…] character in the book Flawless Witness was reliving her youth by making flower crowns. It brought back some fun memories for me. […]
Thanks, Gina, for posting and your review.
It was only after readers of Flower Girl kept urging me to know more about what made the story’s antagonist Jonathan Herbert Spencer III tick that I began writing the novel’s sequel, Flawless Witness.
I approached the story with curiosity and trepidation—mostly the latter, unsure whether I wanted to travel down the dark hole of Jonathan’s mind. Digging into the motivations and specific behaviors associated with egocentrism, emotional abuse, betrayal, and exploitation often associated with narcissism would not be uplifting, to say the least!
But the critique of the first manuscript draft by the beta readers and the developmental edit critique by Diane Donovan convinced me that the benefits of Flawless Witness to readers outweighed any reservations I had in writing the story.
I hope, in the end, the work provides a realistic portrayal of an emotional predator’s mindset and does justice for those like Suzanna who have borne witness.
Merida Johns
I thought it was very well written & researched. I can’t imagine living in Jonathan’s mind the way you had to to write this story.
Thanks, Gina. You are spot on. It was quite the “trip” to go into Jonathan’s head. I had to do a lot of research into this type of behavior, including speaking with individuals who had lived this type of nightmare. Thank you for your thoughtful review and insight.
You are most welcome. I am re-reading Flower Girl right now to see if I glean more insights after learning more in Flawless Witness. Thanks for stopping by the blog today.
Great review, thank you.
Thanks, Rita. I appreciate you stopping by.
Thanks for hosting!