Welcome!

Introducing Urcelia!

Award winning author, Urcelia Teixeira, writes gripping Christian mystery, thriller and suspense novels that will keep you on the edge of your seat! Firm in her Christian faith, all her books are free from profanity and unnecessary sexually suggestive scenes.

She made her writing debut in December 2017, kicking off her newly discovered author journey with her fast-paced archaeological adventure thriller novels that readers have described as ‘Indiana Jones meets Lara Croft with a twist of Bourne.’

But, five novels in, and nearly eighteen months later, she had a spiritual re-awakening, and she wrote the sixth and final book in her Alex Hunt Adventure Thriller series. She now fondly refers to The Caiaphas Code as her redemption book. Her statement of faith. And although this series has reached multiple Amazon Bestseller lists, she took the bold step of following her true calling and switched to writing what naturally flows from her heart and soul: Christian Mystery and Suspense.

The first book in her newly discovered genre went on to win the 2021 Illumination Awards Silver medal in the Christian Fiction category and the series reached multiple Amazon Bestseller lists!

While this success is a great honor and blessing, all glory goes to God alone who breathed every word through her!

A committed Christian for nearly twenty years, she now lives by the following mantra:

“I used to be just a writer. Now, I am a writer with a purpose!”

For more on Urcelia and her books, visit http://www.urcelia.com

Sign up to her Newsletter to receive updates – https://signup.urcelia.com

Interview with Urcelia

Share something your readers wouldn’t know about you.

I am obsessed with all things stationery! I collected and traded stationery as a child. From rubbers to pencils and pretty letter paper – I loved it all! Now, in my adult years, I am ecstatic to turn that obsession into supplies needed to plan my writing. Some women buy shoes. I buy planners, stickers, writing and desk accessories!

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

              Steadfast, loyal, easygoing

What was your favorite book when you were a kid? Did it play any part in your writing style today?

              The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway and a very close second, Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne (Don’t make me choose!)
              I think, without me realizing it at the time, these books instilled a sense of adventure all all all and determination that are both very evident in my novels. My characters are all adventurous and resolute amidst physical and spiritual challenges. In terms of the writing style, I do tend to skew towards writing straightforward and simple with minimal detail on the surface but deeper meaning hidden below: just enough to allow my readers to create their own imagery while they ponder the deeper spiritual messages that lace their way through my stories.

What book is currently on your bedside table?

              When God Breaks In by Ben Hughes and Secrets of Shame by Christy Barritt

Is writing your full-time career? Or would you like it to be?

              I am very blessed to say yes; it is my full-time career, and it’s the best job I’ve ever had!

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

              No. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would ever write one book, much less a dozen! Growing up, I thought I’d end up being a journalist or a flight attendant—or somehow, both! I never did either. Instead, I had seasons of different careers ranging from recruitment, sales, contact center management, and real estate to being a stay-at- home mom to my three boys. Did I journal and write poems along the way? Absolutely! But I never once considered being a writer. I fell into writing when I had the crazy idea to put it on my bucket list and to tick it off before I turn fifty. I did it on a whim and then got sucked in by readers asking for more. (Twist my rubber arm!) 🙂 Now, of course, I know it was all God’s doing to begin with!

What has been your favorite part of the publishing journey?

              My readers! I have the most amazing readers whom I’ve never even met, but we exchange emails and Facebook messages to encourage and uplift each other. It’s like having a pen pal church community all over the world. They make all the tough times worth it!

If you could travel anywhere or any when for research, where/when would you go?

              I’ve been very fortunate in that I’ve done my fair share of travelling. I was born and raised in South Africa, then moved to live in Portugal—where my husband is from, and now we live in England. We’ve travelled to Phuket, Dubai, Mauritius, Seychelles, and several European countries. But I have never been to the U.S. And, since most of my books, weirdly enough, take place somewhere in the States, I would love to explore Texas, Florida, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and everywhere in between! When? Is yesterday too soon?

Tell us about your first published book? What was the journey like?

              The Rhapta Key was the first full novel I published in the Archaeological Adventure Thriller genre. This was my bucket list book and I wrote it in about a month—late at night after work and after the kids went to bed. My main character is a cross between Lara Croft and Jason Bourne, but flawed and vulnerable. I published it in December 2017 and honestly, I had no idea what I was doing! It was poorly written, but the story was unique and intriguing since it was set in Tanzania. I absolutely loved writing it. It has since been revised, and improved, but nowhere close to reflecting my writing abilities I have now. I have grown a lot in my craft since then, and continue to hone my skill set. At the time I had no idea what I was getting myself into and I had to learn how to publish and navigate my way around Amazon. It was a steep learning curve in which I made far too many mistakes to recollect. But, the book turned into a series of six books and was instrumental in leading me to where I am now.

What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

              Growing up, in my BC (before Christ) days, I read books spanning several genres, even romance! From The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway (my all-time favorite book, by the way!) to Daniel Steele, Harlan Coben, David Grisham, Paulo Coelho, pretty much everything that had mystery and suspense and held my interest. If I get bored reading the first two pages, I move on, which is why I endeavor to plunge my reader into my stories from the very first page.

              I went through fictional seasons as I matured in life so in a way they all shaped and influenced my writing.

What comes first for you — the plot or the characters — and why?

              I don’t plot my books out ahead of time. I am what the industry calls a pantser (write by the seat of my pants); I create both the plot and the characters as the story unfolds. But I feel they are equally important. Characters can draw you into a good plot and bring it to life, but a great character without a good plot to bring out his/her best and worst features, will leave you feeling flat and disconnected from the story. Neither can exist without the other.

Can you share with us something about the book that isn’t in the blurb?

              Jorja Rose is not who or what you think she is! If you appreciate art by famous painters like Da Vinci and Monet, expect to be learning more about some of their works and the sad realities of crime in the art world. Also, Jorja is single, has never married or had kids, and will discover just how much God can transform a broken-winged bird.

Does one of the main characters hold a special place in your heart? If so, why?

              Yes, Jorja does. She’s flawed, vulnerable, and very relatable to someone who can’t let go of the mistakes she’s made in her past. Throughout this book and the next two books in the series, she learns that it is equally important to forgive herself as it is for God to forgive her. Her emotions are raw and very real as she meets God and starts being transformed, sometimes struggling with letting go and learning what it means to trust and rely on God.

What were the key challenges you faced when writing this book?

              I wrote Vengeance is Mine during the summer and we had scheduled a camping trip in    Cornwall where the book takes place. The trip came halfway through the book and it was intended to be a family break, as well as an opportunity to do research on the location. But the weather turned bad really quickly and we were rained out of our tent and forced to pack up and go home early. It was super disappointing because we had just come out of another lockdown and it’s the only time of the year England has sun. (Or was supposed to have!) Picking up my writing from that moment proved challenging.

What was the highlight of writing this book?

              The highlight of every book I write is always when God brings it all together and the message falls into place.

What is the key theme and/or message in the book?

              True redemption can only happen through Christ Jesus for it is only in salvation and a deep dependence on God that we are truly set free.

Where can readers find out more about you and your books?

              Readers are welcome to visit my website on www.urcelia.com or connect with me through any of my social media channels listed below.

If they wish to get up close and personal and be the first to get behind the scenes content and updates on my books, they can join my newsletter. As an added bonus, they will receive a free book for signing up!

Get a free e-book: https://www.urcelia.com/get-a-free-ebook/

Social Media Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Urcelia-Teixeira/e/B0714K9MNX

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/urceliabooks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/UrceliaTeixeira

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/urcelia-teixeira

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16884791.Urcelia_Teixeira

Any current or upcoming projects you’d like to tell us about?

              Production on the third and final book in my Valley of Death series, Wages of Sin, is underway! It is due to release in the spring.

About The Book

Title: Vengeance in Mine

Series: Valley of Death

Author: Urcelia Teixeira

Genre: Christian Thriller

Publication date: September 15, 2021

Back Cover Blurb:

She’s the one they hired to get the job done. Now they want her dead! Meet Jorja Rose, ex master art thief.

“With excellent writing, amazing characters, a fascinating plot, and incredible imagery the author renders an exciting and epic story!” – Amazon Review

“My heart is still pitter pattering from the adrenaline rush I got from reading this book which I really couldn’t put down.” – Amazon Review

“Urcelia outdid herself. Fast paced, easy reading. I was not disappointed with the suspense around ever corner. I just wanted to yell at Jorja to watch out or help her fight the bad guys.” – Amazon Review

—————-

Two decades ago, Jorja Rose turned her back on her career as a highly sought-after art thief and created a new identity and life in a small coastal town in the south of England.

Now, her past has come back to haunt her and the very criminals who once hired her for her supreme skills want her dead.

With limited options and desperate to find a way out and put it all behind her, she turns to the One who is said to be the only way out.

But redemption isn’t as easy as she had hoped it would be.

What ensues is an emotionally thrilling edge-of-your seat story that plunges you deep inside the dangerous underbelly of art crime.

And while the stakes mount and she is forced to face those who will do whatever it takes to get their revenge, turning the other cheek proves to be even harder.

If you enjoy pulse-pounding contemporary Christian crime fiction with heart-stopping endings, this first-in-series will leave you begging for more of Jorja Rose.

Inspired by Deuteronomy 32:35 – “It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them.”

Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09F1DSXDJ

Giveaways

Urcelia is giving away five (5) eBook copies of Vengeance is Mine the first in the Valley of Death series. Comment below to enter. Giveaway ends April 11, 2022.

(If you want to enter and are having difficulty, please email me using the contact page on this site and I will add your name to the drawing.)