Story Secrets: HOLD ME TIGHT by Lorie Ann Grover

What a great pleasure it is to chat with rgz co-founder Lorie Ann Grover today about her verse novel, HOLD ME TIGHT.

Readers, this is a *wonderful* book, and an excellent compliment to this week's spotlighted title over at readergirlz, Lauren Oliver's BEFORE I FALL. It's thematically very different, but if you love intense stories with well drawn characters and true emotions, then you will absolutely adore HOLD ME TIGHT.

Welcome, Lorie Ann!

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Psst. Holly, here are few secrets from HOLD ME TIGHT.

HOLD ME TIGHT is based on my own life experiences. When I was ten, my father left our family, and the boy who sat in front of me was kidnapped. Thirty years later, I decided to incorporate both events into a novel. Here's my trailer:

And now a few facts not found in the work: *spoiler alert*

1. What Chris experienced was worse than I revealed in the book.
2. Chris' kidnapper confessed on his deathbed, 22 years later.
3. Chris offered forgiveness and friendship to the man.
4. National media reported the story here.
5. A reporter connected me and Chris when my book launched.
6. Chris' 10 year old daughter wrote me a thank you. She said I gave her a new perspective on what happened to her father.

My hope is that my novel will share that we may be victimized: children of divorce, molested, or even kidnapped, and yet, we don't need to remain victims.

In this case I have to say, thanks for sharing my secrets, Holly!

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Thank you, Lorie Ann, for sharing a powerful story. Now, readers, go check it out!