by Cynthia Chow

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of Nun But the Brave, and a link to purchase it from Amazon, along with a link to purchase it from an indie bookstore where a portion goes to help support KRL.

In just a few years, life for Giulia Driscoll has changed drastically. Not only did the former Sister Mary Regina Coelis leave the convent, she is now married, pregnant, and the founding investigator of Driscoll Investigations. Yelp reviewers give them the highest marks in finding lost persons, which explains why Diane Philbey is on their doorstep. Diane’s twin sister Joanne has been missing for three months, with both her employer and the police disregarding it as voluntary. The eminently unlikable Diane refuses to accept this, hiring Driscoll Investigations to locate the woman who was a friend to everyone and liked by all.

As Giulia discovers, Joanne may have supported everyone, but she found little comfort herself. This has led her to sign up for multiple online dating sites, not to mention a drastic weight-loss brought about by an unusual pastime. This talented baker also had an affinity for hunting and Doomsday Preppers, macho believers in preparing for the world’s imminent end. As an intelligent and cunning investigator, nothing has prepared this ex-nun for the online dating and the utter lack of discretion in pictures sharing. The former overly trusting nun has come a long way, but even Giulia will be tested as she goes undercover dating men who live off-the-grid, live in Tiny Houses, and measure her hips for breeding capabilities.

Although her husband Frank is once again a police detective and no longer officially a part of Driscoll Investigations, their paths cross with a series of upsetting drug overdoses. The latest of these is Annie Falcone, the wife of Giulia’s brother who condemned Giulia to hell when she left the convent. As alarming as Annie’s out-of-character drug use is Salvatore Falcone’s embracement of an ultra-conservative, restrictive, patriarchal church. In this era of over-sharing and instantaneous news, an unexpected resource comes in the form of Ken Kanning, their local TMZ knockoff who for once may use his obnoxious intrusions for good.

With Frank gleefully observing his wife’s adventures with online dating, Giulia is supported by her sleep-deprived assistant (teething babies are not for the weak), body-building computer whiz Zane, and friendly connections within the police department. Much satisfaction stems from the progression of Giulia as a confident investigator, but even she is baffled by the motivations of men who send pictures of their genitals.

Interspersed between these funny scenarios and quick-witted exchanges, the author delves into the controlling institutions that remind Giulia so much of life in the convent. Giulia’s past within the Church continues to affect her life today, but the joy comes in seeing her regain her independence while also retaining her faith. The author, a former nun herself, continues to develop Giulia into an independent and resilient heroine with a very strong sense of morals. First introduced to readers in 2011, Giulia may have lost some of her innocence, but none of her compassion or good humor.

This book was published by Henery Press. To learn more about their books check out their website: henerypress.com.

To enter to win a copy of Nun But the Brave, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “nun,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen August 6, 2016. U.S. residents only. If entering via email please include your mailing address, and if via comment please include your email address.

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Click on this link to purchase this book & a portion goes to help support KRL & an indie bookstore Mysterious Galaxy:

Nun But the Brave

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Cynthia Chow is the branch manager of Kaneohe Public Library on the island of Oahu. She balances a librarian lifestyle of cardigans and hair buns with a passion for motorcycle riding and regrettable tattoos (sorry, Mom).