Reconnecting with Jessica Leed...plus a book giveaway

We're glad to have Jessica Leed back at CLC today. The last time she was here, she still lived in Australia. Since then, she moved to the US and now has a new suspense novel, Silent Promises. We enjoyed her thoughtful answers to our questions and hope you will too. Jessica has THREE copies of Silent Promises to give away!

Jessica Leed hails from Victoria, Australia, and has called the United States home since 2021. An elementary teacher, former dancer, and fitness professional, she now lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband and two beloved cats. Jessica finds joy in books, coffee, long walks, the beauty of autumn, and cooking hearty breakfasts.. (Bio courtesy of Amazon.)

Visit Jessica online:
Facebook * Instagram

Synopsis:
In the wake of her husband Dylan's tragic death, Maddie struggles to connect with their daughter Lila, who has fallen silent since losing her father. Desperate for help, Maddie turns to Caleb, a new psychologist at Dylan's former workplace.

As Caleb works to break through Lila's emotional barriers, rumors threaten to derail their progress, pushing Lila further into rebellion. Grappling with her grief and uncertainties, Maddie finds herself drawn to Caleb.

But when Lila's behavior reaches a crisis point, Maddie and Caleb are forced to confront their fears and secrets. As they unravel Dylan's hidden connections and the truth behind Caleb's presence in their lives, they discover a shared loss that binds them closer than they ever imagined. (Courtesy of Amazon.)

What is a favorite compliment you have received on your writing? 
One of the most striking compliments about my writing is its ability to dive deeply into the  essence of a character's thoughts and emotions, crafting an experience that resonates profoundly  with readers. Each line is designed to pulse with life, whether it’s the ache of a lost love, the thrill  of an unexpected connection, or the quiet contemplation of an uncertain future. The dialogue  flows naturally, reflecting the raw, unpolished exchanges of real life, with every word carrying  the weight of unspoken truths and unguarded moments. It’s in the subtle details—the flicker of  doubt behind a smile, the sharp intake of breath at a revelation, the rhythm of internal musings— that my writing seeks to not just tell a story, but to let readers feel it, as if they’re living it  alongside the characters. 

What is something you've learned from writing your previous novels that you  applied to Silent Promises? 
From writing my previous novels, I’ve learned the importance of truly inhabiting the minds and  hearts of my characters, and I brought that focus into Silent Promises. Understanding not just  what my characters do, but why they do it—their fears, motivations, and internal conflicts— allowed me to weave a deeper emotional connection into this story. I also refined my approach to  pacing, ensuring that every scene serves a purpose, whether it’s building tension, revealing a  truth, or simply giving the reader a moment to breathe. Dialogue became another area where I  applied lessons learned, striving to make it realistic and layered, with subtext that reflects the  unspoken complexities of relationships. Ultimately, I brought a greater sense of intentionality to  Silent Promises, ensuring every word deepened the characters’ journeys and invited readers to  see themselves within the story. 

If Silent Promises was made into a movie, what songs would be on the soundtrack? 

“Happier Than Ever” by Billie Eilish (Acoustic) 
“Hold My Hand” by Lady Gaga 
“Ghost” by Justin Bieber 
“Visions of Gideon” by Sufjan Stevens
“When I Was Your Man” by Bruno Mars 
“Hide and Seek” by Imogen  
“Nuvole Bianche” by Ludovico Einaudi 
“You Are the Reason: by Calum Scott & Leona Lewis 
“Invisible String” by Taylor Swift 
“To Build a Home” by The Cinematic Orchestra 
“First Time” by Kygo & Ellie Goulding 
“Shivers” by Ed Sheeran 
“Say Something” by A Great Big World & Christina Aguilera 
“Turning Tables” by Adele – Maddie’s struggles to balance her grief and new love with Caleb. 

What is the last book you read that you would recommend? 
Anything by Freida McFadden is a must-read! I recently finished The Boyfriend and Ward D, and they both left me in awe of her storytelling brilliance. What makes McFadden exceptional is  her ability to craft tightly woven psychological thrillers that are impossible to put down. She  keeps you guessing with twists and turns you never see coming, yet everything ties together in a  way that feels both shocking and satisfying. 

If your life was a TV series, which celebrity would you want to narrate it? 

If my life were a TV series, Lauren Graham would be my ideal narrator. Her voice carries a  perfect blend of warmth, wit, and relatability, which mirrors the tone I’d want my story to have.  Her ability to bring humor and heart into even the most mundane moments feels like an  extension of how I approach storytelling—layered, emotive, and deeply connected to character.  

Sandra Bullock would be another fantastic choice. She has this natural charm and effortless way  of blending humor with sincerity, making her the perfect voice to highlight both the poignant and  comedic elements of life’s twists and turns. Either of these incredible women would infuse the  narration with the kind of realism and likability that I strive to bring into my writing and view of  the world. 

Share a funny winter holiday memory.
One winter holiday in Australia, during July, I was competing in a regional dance competition  and performing a lyrical/contemporary solo. I’d practiced endlessly, but the moment the music  began, my mind went completely blank—I couldn’t remember a single step! 

Instead of freezing, I channeled the emotional vibe of the piece and improvised the entire  routine, blending random turns, reaches, and dramatic floorwork as if it had all been  choreographed. To my amazement, it worked—I still placed! It became one of those  unforgettable moments where I learned that confidence and commitment can carry you through  anything, even when the plan goes out the window.

Thanks to Jessica for visiting with us and for sharing her book with our readers.

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway ends December 23rd at midnight EST.

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