About the Book

Book: Silencing the Siren

Author: Denise L. Barela

Genre: Christian Historical Mystery, Fairytale

Release date: January 4, 2022

Andrew Grayson thought he had everything… until he met her.

The indulged son of wealthy parents, Andrew has always gotten whatever he wanted almost before he knew he wanted it—clothes, gadgets… even a car! What more could a young man desire?

Enter Annabel Thompson. Freakshow mermaid extraordinaire… in a wheelchair!

Of course, her beauty attracts him. How could it not? Add to that a kind heart, and Andrew can’t help but fall for her.

Annabel’s connection with the freakshow repels his parents and their society friends. They want him to sever all ties with her and his new friends. Oh, and marry the “right” girl with the “right connections.” But he won’t do it. He’ll defy them and marry his little mermaid.

When Annabel turns up missing, declared dead, things don’t add up, Andrew begins asking some difficult questions, the most important being, “What happened to the little mermaid of the Coney Island freak show?”

Find out in this next book in the Ever After Mysteries, combining beloved fairy tales and mysteries. Silencing the Siren offers a retelling of “The Little Mermaid” that will keep you gripped to the edge of your seat as you watch the story unfold.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Denise Barela’s passion for fiction, her faith, and general creativity define her life. In all things, she strives to glorify God, though especially in and through her writing. She has spent the past six years working for a publicity company and five years working as the head editor for a publishing company. With an MFA in Creative Writing and a Professional Writing certificate, Denise enjoys using her education and work experiences to help authors achieve their own writing dreams. When she’s not working away at her desk, you might find her reading a good book or following Alice down the rabbit hole…

More from Denise

Hello Readers!

I’m so excited to share Silencing the Siren with you! This book was so much fun to write and research. I learned so many fun facts about old cars, old New York, and even doorbells!

Yes, you read that correctly. Doorbells.

These noisy items were such a novelty in the 1920s that they were often given as Christmas gifts!

Crazy, right?

I wanted both Andrew and Annabel to represent that feeling we have all experienced at least once in our lives. That feeling of not belonging. It looks different for each person, but it’s a uniting feeling.

Annabel will never be accepted by those outside her family, but they more than make up for that. Andrew is popular and well-off in society, but as he comes to know the Lord, he starts to feel that rift with his superficial friends and family. It’s with other believers, Annabel’s family, that he finds that deep relationship he desires. They are more than willing to provide.

This is the beauty of the body of Christ. When we are sick or in need, the body of Christ comes together to support you in that time of need and extend Christ’s love to all corners of the globe.

I hope you enjoy reading Silencing the Siren as much as I enjoyed writing it!

Interview with Denise

Welcome Denise! I’m so happy to have you on my blog today. My first question for you is if you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

I think if I had to pick three words that best describe me, they would be creative, hardworking, and nerdy. I love being creative, whether that means baking, doing crafts, or writing, I love it all. I also try to do my best in everything I do, and I also try to do it to the best of my abilities. When it comes to my work ethic, I want to glorify God in all I do, so I try to do that as much as possible. I’m also super nerdy! You can ask any of my friends, I know super random trivia about the movies, books, and places I love.

That’s great! Creative and nerdy are the perfect combination for a writer! Readers love to know what their favorite authors are reading, so what book is currently on your bedside table?

The current Christian fiction book I’m reading is Oathbound by Victoria McCombs. I absolutely love pirates, so when I saw this book I knew I had to read it. It’s been a great read so far! The characters are fun, the plot is interesting, and I’m enjoying it so far!

Oh, Pirates! Sounds exciting! Speaking of exciting, what has been your favorite part of the publishing journey?

I think my favorite part of my publishing journey is all the people I’ve met. I’ve learned so much from so many people, and I am so grateful for all the time and help people have invested into me. My mom and sister were there for me when things got hard, and Chautona Havig poured so knowledge and time into helping me complete this book. I’ve had so many other friends come alongside me and encourage me. I’m so grateful for that.

I love that your family and friends have been so supportive of your journey. You mentioned the real people who are special to you. What about imaginary? Does one of the main characters hold a special place in your heart? If so, why?

Out of all my characters, Annabel is the closest one to my heart. She’s looked at differently because of how she looks, and that’s something I understand a little too well. While I wasn’t born that way, it’s something that has developed because of my interests. My heart is to reach those who are hurting in the rock music community. There are so many people who need to hear about Jesus there, but not many are willing to bridge that gap. My hair is usually dyed a bright color, I have a nose piercing, a septum ring, and a lip ring. I’m usually wearing darker clothing and dark makeup. Unfortunately, I’ve been on the receiving end of rude behavior and unkind looks merely based on how I look. Rarely do any one of those people take the time to try and talk to me, and when they do, they’re surprised. I channeled those experiences into Annabel, but she turned out so much stronger than I’ve ever been. So, for that reason, she holds a special place in my heart.

That’s powerfully relatable. People avoid others who differ from ourselves. Thank you for sharing your experiences and creating Annabel to speak to readers about this issue. Any current or upcoming projects you’d like to tell us about?

Yes! I’m currently working on a time slip story based on Neuschwanstein Castle (which is what Walt Disney based Sleeping Beauty’s Castle on). I’m also working on another fairytale mystery! This one is set in the 1940s, and it’s The Little Match Girl but in the Japanese internment camps. I think this is an area of US history that gets glossed over way too often. In July of 2019, I went to San Francisco with my parents. While we were there we had the opportunity to see an exhibit on the internment camp in Manzanar. All three of us left that building in tears. I had no idea what went on there as we never really learned it in school. I’m hoping to help bring this to light and make people aware of this part in our history.

I’ve been to Neuschwanstein Castle, so that sounds so cool! And I agree with you. The interment camps in America are often overlooked in books about WWII. Good luck on taking that part of history on. And thank you again for sharing about your new book, Silencing the Siren.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 7

A Baker’s Perspective, February 7

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 9

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, February 9 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, February 10

Genesis 5020, February 10

Inklings and notions, February 11

Connect in Fiction, February 11

For Him and My Family, February 12

Blossoms and Blessings, February 12

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 13

deb’s Book Review, February 13

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 14

For the Love of Literature, February 14

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 15

Blogging With Carol, February 15

Connie’s History Classroom, February 16

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 17 (Spotlight)

Sodbuster Living, February 17

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, February 18

Austen’s Angle, February 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 19

Simple Harvest Reads, February 19 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Back Porch Reads, February 20

Through the Fire blogs, February 20

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Denise is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/19bc6/silencing-the-siren-celebration-tour-giveaway