Yttrup has written a suspense novel that will take readers on such a fantastic ride. With twists and turns, you can't help but literally sit on the edge of your seat to see what some next! Suspense fans will thoroughly enjoy this story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I am usually a romance kind of girl, however this ones blurb intrigued me. Two women with different backgrounds, lives etc are thrown together because of one singular connection. The man trying to kill them both.

This book was quite the ride complete with lots of twists and turns that kept me guessing. It was quite the psychological thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat and totally invested in the story. The reader feels like they are right there with Denilyn as she faces her fears once her past catches up to her.

There are multiple timelines in the book which did lead me to be confused at times, but I did not stay that way for long. There were times I felt like the book got a little wordy which slowed down the pace a bit, but that would probably be my only complaint.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a copy of this book. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sadly I couldn't get into this one, tired multiple times but just couldn't get past the 20% mark. So this one is a DNF . With that said I wouldn't be picking up anymore books by this author. There just something about this writing style that I can't get along with

I enjoyed reading this book I just never got around to writing a review. I will continue to read works by this author

Convergence was a psychological suspense novel about Denilyn, who was suffering PTSD over an attack. As she is working through this, she is being stalked, bringing up all the feelings tied to the previous attack.

I liked the suspense and buildup to who was the attacker and who was stalking her. For a good portion of the book, I thought it was one character and then I gradually realized it was someone else. I like the fact that there weren't many characters, which made it easy to keep the story straight. There were some twists in this novel that were completely unexpected.

I did get confused with the past and the present. I had a hard time determining if what was happening was a flashback or maybe a dream that Denilyn was having. Maybe it was a combination of both. The author did put in dates within the chapter that probably indicated when the events of the book took place.

Overall, a really good book and one that I recommend.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Thanks to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the book. The book was provided in exchange for a review.

Convergence was the first book I’ve read from this author, but it won’t be the last. This book was wonderful. The author did a great job of making sure the reader knew who was talking (Adelia or Denilyn) and whether it was past or present, once I got into the flow of the words I couldn’t put it down. I loved the character development – major and minor characters and I loved the twists and turns the author kept adding into the story, not that it needed anymore adventure or suspense because it was definitely suspenseful enough with the main storyline. I had a niggling thought of who the stalker might be; but it wasn’t until the author connected all the dots at the end that it all became clear. This was excellently written and I was sad when it was over.
Ms. Yttrup is a new author for me and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Celebrate Lit and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions expressed are exclusively mine.

UP, UP AND AWAY: SETTING UP THE ANALYSIS.

The lady was bracing herself for a skydiving expedition. She was nervous, of course, as most would be if they were new to the activity. She knows river rafting well because it is her pleasure, her sport of choice. But skydiving? Well, that's another animal. She will be flying with pros, but she's still nervous. The butterflies in her stomach are fluttering away. Thank God her instructor is so helpful and encouraging. She will be fine. She can do this: the day is perfect for a skydive.

She might be a nervous wreck, but that doesn't mean she's going to cop out. She came this far, and she is determined to see it through. However, if the idea of skydiving—from 12,000 feet—isn't enough to make her feel uneasy, the strange man watching her is. He stands peering at her, a suspicious-looking man with a pale complexion. He is wearing sunglasses, but they can't disguise the fact that his eyes—concealed behind them—bore into her. He appears out of place outside the hangar. And his cigarette, the one he is smoking, only adds a hint of chill to his sinister presence. Who is he? And why is he here, watching her? Oh, well. She cannot allow that to bother her right now; she must focus on the jump. The plane is approaching. In minutes, she will be jumping from the aircraft while attached to her friendly instructor. Up, up and away they go.

Instructed to take the lead, she prepares herself. No turning back now: it's now or never. She feels daring – as she should. She remembers her instructions: arms stretched out, wrists straight, palms flat. There, there, she's got it. She is doing this.

She's already on the plane when she sees him from the window. She thinks better of the vision: It can't be him. She might be imagining things. At least that's what she tells herself. He doesn't smoke, but the man standing near the hangar does. And he's already lighting another cigarette as he watches the plane carrying her and her group. Yes, he can see her watching him as he watches her; but he doesn't flinch. He's patient. He came to watch the show, and he came to observe her. She can sense his eyes behind his sunglasses: cold, hard eyes. By now, she is perspiring: sweat trickles down her back. She decides to convince herself of one thing: It wasn't him. And before she realizes it, she is being commanded by her instructor: "Go!" He yells. Finally, it's her turn to jump.

She is soon in free fall—with her instructor, Mike, attached to her back, hooked together by her harness. She feels light as a feather; the dive is nothing at all as she expected. She feels contact high: giggling as she swims the currents of the air. She has never felt this free, this weightless. Her parachute gave her a little scare, but all is well; she's fine, and Mike is fine. The new skydiver surveys the ground below: it all looks so tiny from the altitude. She and Mike? They're floating. Then they're plummeting—fast. The feeling of helplessness suddenly takes control: nothing but the solid ground beneath. There is nothing to hold on to, and no one is there to help her. She is not drowning in water. She is drowning in the air. She perceives death awaiting her, and she can hear herself screaming for help. It's all happening so fast that she forgets to think about all those she loves. There are no thoughts of the ones who love her. Why is death so malicious? Why is it so spiteful? It seems to grin almost mockingly before everything goes black.

He stands—on the ground level—watching. A patient man pleased with himself. He stomps out another cigarette before he leaves the scene – cackling a wicked laugh. Content.

Dear reader, with the foundation laid, I will now build the remainder of my review on top of it. Shall we?

ACHIEVEMENTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS: THE INTRODUCTION OF A PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN.

To those looking in from the outside, Denilyn “Deni” Rossi has it all: a Ph.D. in psychology, a bestselling book that landed her on the New York Times bestseller list for over a year, wealth, and of course, fame – at least what she has left of it. Dr. Rossi is, indeed, an accomplished woman with many achievements, but she is also a troubled soul. As Denilyn comes out from behind her satin curtain of concealment—the Department of Psychology at Pacific Covenant University—the reader will see her fully. And once she gets exposed, the notable Denilyn Rossi will never again be able to run and hide from herself: for the doctor of psychology will be forced to analyze her (own) mind and the peace it lacks. January 9th is not unlike any other date on the calendar. But to Dr. Denilyn Rossi, the date represents everything she fears; it haunts her like a menacing ghost trapped between two worlds: one in which the living exist and the other in which the dead have no rest.

Let us follow her starring lead.

THE FIRST TIME EVER I SAW YOUR FACE, I THOUGHT FLAMES OF FIRE ROSE IN YOUR EYES.

He had no corn cob pipe or button nose, but he certainly had two eyes made out of coal. He had cold, black, sinister eyes that peered through Denilyn like lasers. She saw him at her book signing; he stood afar off staring at her. She could feel the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end: an otherworldly being—who had taken up its place within a human host—looking out from his eyes at her back. Although Denilyn could only see the human, she sensed the presence of evil emitting from him. She had many fans of her work standing in line, holding her book, awaiting her autograph. But he stood far off. She saw him for the first time that day. She made eye contact with him: for it was then that she noticed his cold, black eyes. He held her book—close to where his heart was—but he remained silent. He never said a word; he only stared at her. Who was he? And what did he want?

Who he was and what he wanted was for him to know and the good doctor to find out. He would be back—at a more opportune time.

A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT: THE RETURN OF ADELIA.

Adelia Lynn Sanchez has come home. The long-lost outcast has rented a little house in Sequoia National Park at Three Rivers. And no one should know she's back – at least not yet. Adelia, Denilyn, Jaylan, and Ryan—all doctors of the mind—were the best of friends once upon a time. But now, Adelia remains estranged from her three former friends and colleagues. The great Kaweah River connected them; it was their bonding adhesive. It was their raging passion. But now it is no longer: for the same now divides them. Its waters have become bitter, a sour taste in their mouths. But why? What secrets lie buried beneath the calm surface of its powerful undercurrents?

GIVE ME A D! GIVE ME AN I! GIVE ME AN E! WHAT'S THAT SPELL? DIE!

It all started innocently enough. Denilyn went to work and did what she usually does: teach psych, check her emails, drink coffee, converse with her friends Jay, Jon, and Ryan, and sit in her office stressing about this, that, and the other. Denilyn has been so caught up in her stalker that she thinks nothing of it when the first gift arrives: a gold charm with the letter D. Well, she does assume the letter charm represents her first name. Denilyn is content to believe that the letter charm is a gift from her husband, the ever-absent Keith. Maybe he feels guilty about being away at work so much; this may be his way of making it up to her; this may be his way of saying that he, too, wants to work on the rocky marriage. Yes, that could be it. The edgy Denilyn makes up her mind to accept this theory. No one noticed the person who delivered the package to the office at her university. Therefore, it must be from Keith. She writes it off. That is until she receives another letter charm: an I. Now Denilyn is worried because Keith has already denied sending her the first charm. Who could have sent it? She wonders. Are the letter charms meant to represent the initials of her full name? She also wonders. By now, our leading lady is spinning like a top. And it isn't until she receives the third and final letter charm, the letter E, that she spins off her axis. Denilyn puts the three letters together to spell out the chilling word: D-I-E.

Whoever sent the letter charms, he or she wants Dr. Denilyn Rossi dead. Worse is that her stalker knows her every move; her stalker knows when she comes and goes. Her stalker knows where she and her loved ones dwell. Her stalker has already tried to kill her once, twice, thrice. Denilyn's stalker is the last person in the world she would ever expect.

That's what scares her the most.

HE'S COME BACK FOR YOU. OR HAS HE?

Bradley Mathison has already tried to kill Denilyn Rossi. That's right, he tried, but he failed: imprisoned for his crimes, Bradley Mathison—the Boogeyman to Denilyn—is now a free man, no thanks to a loophole in the law. He is out of prison a few weeks early and determined to finish what he started. Denilyn is sure of it. It is Mathison who tried to run off the cliff; it is Mathison who attempted to kill her dog, and it is Mathison who sent her the morbid charms from Seattle. Denilyn is convinced. Except something doesn't add up, according to the investigators.

LET THE BLIND LEAD THE BLIND, AND THE DEAD BURY THEIR (OWN) KIND.

Back and forth they all go. Denilyn's m̶e̶n̶t̶a̶l̶ spiritual health is in shambles, and her mother and friends are doing their best to be there for her through it all. But where does it end? When does it end? Denilyn is blind in her Christian faith: for she battles against spiritual forces with a carnal mind. Therefore she loses the battle against her true (spiritual) enemy—operating through human flesh. And a certain someone who should have been dead a long time ago has returned to get their comeuppance: for the dead have come back to bury those who are dead, spiritually. And with both feet, a confused, haunted, and troubled Denilyn Rossi will have to kick her way out of the wooden coffin designed especially for her.

The (spiritual) enemy of Mankind comes in three forms: evil thoughts, evil-rooted situations, and through evil-minded people.

PRESENTING THE PLAYERS.

Those men and women (whether called by one name or two) who co-star in this Christian mystery thriller chock-full of spiritual warfare are none other than the following:

• Mrs. Rossi, perhaps my favorite character here, plays the loving and attentive mother of Denilyn. Mrs. Rossi is like comfort food: soothing to the soul.

• Jaylan is a therapist and a friend so close that she's like a sister to Denilyn.

• Gabe is a highly-respectable law-enforcement officer and Jaylan's husband.

• Heather plays a quiet part as a trauma recovery therapist. Heather is working with Denilyn to help the latter deal with her post-traumatic stress disorder.

• Keith Costa manages the sales team for a software company. On the pages of Convergence, the peculiar Keith plays the part of Denilyn's neglectful husband. A mouse of men, if you will, Keith would run from his own shadow if the sun shone eerily in its presence and caught him off-guard.

• Dr. Ryan Alister is one-quarter of a small group of friends, including Denilyn, Jaylan, and Adelia. Although he dated Adelia, Ryan has always had a special place in his heart for Denilyn.

• Jon, an English professor at Pacific Covenant University, also has feelings for our leading lady, Denilyn, that span beyond their professional relationship.

• Willow is a young woman whose name fits her like a glove. Willowy and often sad, Willow plays a small part as a personal teacher's assistant to Dr. Ryan Alister.

• Dr. Bauer is Denilyn's psychiatrist. A patient man, he is working to help Denilyn get through her battle with many demons, including Anxiety. With it, the latter brings nightmares and sleep apnea.

• Daniel Neibuhr is with the sheriff's office. He is the first officer assigned to Denilyn's case. Officer Neibuhr is working overtime on the stalking case, but like water, the phantom stalker keeps slipping through his hands.

• Detective Sonia Alejandro, also assigned to Denilyn's stalking case, is damned if she does, and damned if she doesn't: for with the famous Denilyn Rossi, Detective Alejandro has her work cut out for her.

• Nicolo Giovanni, affectionately called "Nicky" by his doting mother, is the son who Adelia would die, even kill, to protect.

MY PERSPECTIVE: PART I

With Convergence, Ginny L. Yttrup authored a halfway decent story centered around a Christian lead character in the throes of various trials and tribulations. However, it wearied me to no end. Why? Well, because on the pages of this spiritually-confused tale, our leading lady was forever learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. Practically anemic, the script is iron deficient, lacking enough energy. It dragged itself along at the pace of a sloth due to its low hemoglobin and proceeded to wear me out along with it. Therefore it took me that much longer to conclude it.

While I would recommend Convergence to my fellow readers, I would also caution them to be prepared for a storyline, however interesting, paying too much attention to unnecessary detail. Frivolous additions have a way of ruining what could otherwise be a great story. And on the pages of her script here, Yttrup obviously couldn't resist the bloatware. The author did okay, but she could have done well.

That said, let us proceed to the next phase of my perspective: spiritual warfare. Such is common to men, especially those in the Body of Christ. And the one weapon with which Christians use to battle back against their (spiritual) enemy is the sword of truth—in the form of divine rebuke: for example, our leading lady, Denilyn Rossi, could have avoided much terror if she had a spiritual mind.

Because Convergence is a Christian novel, I will take this time to speak words of wisdom to the reader in My Perspective: Part II. Shall we?

MY PERSPECTIVE: PART II

The mind is where spiritual warfare starts. And when the enemy's lies don't get rebuked out of one's mind, they, the evil lies, begin to have a detrimental effect on the human body. Members of our fictional ensemble are Christian professionals in psychology, experts of the human mind. Yet, they fail to realize the war of the spirit because they are flesh-minded.

These are willing to exercise to build muscle in the body, but they fail to develop a stronger spiritual mind. A strengthened physical body can be of no use against an even stronger spiritual enemy. To defeat spiritual warfare in one's mind, one must battle back with spiritual weapons. That, the ensemble on the pages of this tale failed to understand. One cannot defeat the forces of evil with human weaponry because physical weapons are useless against spiritual forces.

While these doctors of the mind mean well on the pages of the tale currently under review, they can't figure out the basics of demonic warfare: for they are babes—still feeding on milk and not solid food. Here, they aren't ready for prime time. And the spirit of error troubles and consumes them, the result of their spiritual ignorance: for to be carnally minded is death.

When the enemy, Satan, tempts humans to believe the lie that their enemy is flesh rather than the one who is spiritual (Satan himself), this is where they fail: for we, as humans, do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, one must rebuke—in the name of Jesus. One must keep on the whole spiritual armor of God, period.

Concerning the Christian faith, which I respect greatly and love fervently, I do not purport to know it all; I only speak what I know—from personal experience(s). And I will refrain from progressing further about my (own) testimony lest my analysis of this title venture off course.

THE FINALE.

Narrated from dual points of view, in the diary-style entries of Denilyn and Adelia, Convergence does its author justice, if only a tiny bit. Although her plot here flirted shamelessly with the hapless trio of slow, confusing, and tedious, Ginny L. Yttrup managed to salvage it with a few doses of gripping action here and there. Convergence will not go down in history as one of my all-time favorite novels, but it is still worthy of recommendation. Therefore, consider it so.

Happy reading, one and all.


REVIEWER’S NOTE: It is my kind pleasure to thank Barbour Publishing, Inc. and Shiloh Run Press—as well as NetGalley—for the advanced review copy (ARC) of Convergence in exchange for my honest review.

Analysis of Convergence by Ginny L. Yttrup is courtesy of the Reviews by Cat Ellington book series.

Date of Review: Friday, February 25, 2022

©2022 Quill Pen Ink Publishing. Reviews by Cat Ellington. The Cat Ellington Literary Collection. All rights reserved.

Thank you, Netgalley and the author/publisher, for the opportunity to read and review an advanced reader's copy of this book. This in no way affects my review, all opinions are my own.

This will be an unpopular opinion and I believe in this case it is not the book but me. You know what I mean? The different timelines were very confusing I couldn't build a connection with the characters, and I was missing some more suspense. The writing was great and I liked the psychological thriller aspect, but the book just didn't draw me in as much as I had hoped/expected.

This is a triple timeline book which is a different focus for me. The author does a wonderful job allowing the reader to “feel” the fear of being stalked. I love it when a book has me sitting on the edge of my seat in anticipation. One aspect that took away from my pleasure was that you do not know what has happened in Denilyn and Adelia’s past. I got irritated when they talked but you didn’t know the context. I enjoyed how the main characters overcame their fears and trust God to be in control.

Thank you to NetGalley and Shiloh Run Press for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

I liked the suspenseful storyline of this book. It included many twists and turns. I also liked it because it was not a predictable ending.

Psychological thriller, interesting characters and plot, but I found the multiple timelines to be a bit confusing. I would recommend it to my Christian friends who are looking for a little suspense since it definitely has a lot of spiritual undertones.

This book started with a tandem jump from an airplane. And a sinister man watching as she jumped from the plane. As she began the freefall with her partner, one chute opened. But the next one didn’t…

And so begins a journey into the story of two women. One who has a lot of fear which has justified roots. And the other who wants to change the past.

This story is told in two perspectives and the title is fitting as you move into the twists and turns of the storyline. I really can’t say more than that, because each character’s journey will make sense once you reach the midway point. Wanting to know more, I couldn’t put the book down and the ending was better than expected! I highly recommend for those readers who love character buildup and loose ends up tied up nicely.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 (http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html): “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

This was a really good story and an interesting look at how our emotions and fears can either motivate us or paralyze us.

This is very well written and a compelling story, I really enjoyed reading through it.

5 Stars

Wow, this one was confusing. Definitely, give it a chance, don’t give up. It was very intriguing and everything starts making sense near the end. If you get a little uneasy reading it, then I think the author did her job.

I liked Denilyn. I could understand her concern about her own sanity. Her knowledge of “sanity” issues as a psychologist, made it even more interesting. I liked the intro, it gripped me right away.

Don’t get discouraged by the confusion, I think it is part of the story. We are as confused as Denilyn is. I found it frustrating, but definitely accepted it as part of the story.

I think a good description of this is a “time slip” story, as we slip back and forth in time, and back and forth among a few characters.

Denilyn’s faith was being tested, as our faith so often is. Faith has to be tested, because we look to a better life in the hereafter. When trials come, we are encouraged to release more and more of ourselves to God and from this life.

Disclaimer: I received this book as a gift last year. I did not receive any compensation for providing a review, other than a very good read.

This book has a very interesting premise and I was really excited to start it, but Convergence fell a little flat for me. It might have been the mood I was in when I read it, but I had a hard time getting into the story and engaging with the characters. The water aspect of the story also kind of gave me a bit of anxiety. However, if this one looks interesting to you, I would highly recommend trying it!

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Denilyn Rossi is a professsor teaching Psychology but that doesn’t help her deal with her past of a stalker and an attack. Everywhere she goes her is horrified because she thinks someone is still stalking her, or maybe it’s just her. She keeps seeing her shrink to try to work through things, but this doesn’t seem to help.

It took me a really long time to get into this story, actually it was near the end of the book before I understood what it was all about. The plot was all over the place, Switching back and forth from the past to the present. And there were two similar characters, Denilyn and Adelia, which was very confusing, especially on into the book, which I won’t mention because it will ruin it, but I didn’t see the point. I never understood Adelia’s Character until the end. The suspense was there but it took a long time coming, and where I thought it was be a big deal, it wasn’t, the book just ended. And nothing was said so it was easy to understand, in fact the entire book was out there until the ending, when everything came together, and then it wasn’t that clear. I guess for me, I’m use to a different type of writing maybe? That’s all I will say about this book. I’ve read other books by this author that were very good. So I encourage you to check this book out and see what you think!

A copy of this book was provided by Celebration Lit Tours and the author for me to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review

Delivering an intriguing suspense, Convergence will not be the last of Ginny L. Yttrup’s books I read.

Dr. Denilyn Rossi and Adelia Sanchez both have fear to confront. Each character gets her voice as the twisty story unfolds, and I enjoyed getting to know them, discovering their stories—which kept me on my toes, so to speak. Whenever I thought I had it all figured out, a new twist would make me rethink everything.

Definitely an entertaining read—fast-paced, psychologically thrilling, but not without hope—Convergence is a book for suspense readers to add to the TBR.

2.5 stars rounded up to 3. The timelines and alternating point of view were tough to follow at times. The reader is never let in on what happened to Deni until later in the book, which at first bothered me but still worked for the story. Unfortunately, the ending of the book was a dud for me and that’s where I had to knock off a couple stars.

It took me a few chapters to get into the book, but once I did, it was enjoyable. 3.5 stars.
Psychological thriller, interesting characters and plot, but I found the multiple timelines to be a bit confusing. I would recommend it to my Christian friends who are looking for a little suspense since it def has a lot of spiritual undertones.