Not the kind of book I normally read but I thought I would give it a try. Interesting concept and a good story but I struggled to get thru it honestly. Too much back and forth.

Ginny Yttrup has penned a new genre for her in this suspense/psychological thriller. With a spiritual undertone, Yttrup combines incidents from the past and present to create a roller coaster ride from start to finish.

Danilyn Rossi is a psychologist, college professor and successful published author. She has recovered from a horrible stalking situation that almost ended with her dead. But the perpetrator is in prison, and now it is time to move on with her life. She is a Christian, but is still questioning why God put her through this difficult time. When, once again, she feels as though she is being stalked, it brings back the PTSD she suffered from after the first incident. Is she going crazy or is history repeating itself? When 3 women's lives converge, one dead, one being stalked, and a leery college student, the answer at last comes to light. A psychological thriller that definitely focuses on the mind games that stalkers can employ to make one question their sanity and their peace of mind.

I would have given this book a 5, but the confusing shifts of character and timelines made me have to reread several sections in order to make sense of what was happening. I thought, though, that the spiritual thread was excellent and highlighted several quotes. Here is one of my favorites:
"I don't think trust is a feeling. I believe it is a choice. And on those days when doubt plagues me, I ask for His (God) help to believe what I can't see. That's faith, believing what we can't see. And in this world, we can't always see goodness."

A very good start in a new genre for Ginny L. Yttrup.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Shiloh Run Press through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

Well, first things first, I loved this book. It continually surprised me. Just when I thought I had it figured out, something would come sailing in out of left field and throw me for a loop.

Probably my favorite thing was how Convergence was interwoven between two separate storylines and the way the author was able to use white water rafting and rivers as metaphors for what the characters were going through. I knew the title would have specific meaning somewhere in the book. When it was revealed, I gave a nod of approval. Well done, exceptional.

The storyline goes back and forth between Denilyn of the present and Denilyn of ten years ago. We also have Adelia’s storyline. The back and forth can get confusing if you forget to read the heading at the top of the chapter so you know which character you’re following. I love split timelines and multiple storylines, so this was no problem for me.

I will admit I had the who-done-it figured out long before the end. But the well-being of the characters kept me reading till the end.

I nominate Keith for the ‘worst-fictional-husband’ award. Sorry, but it’s true. He was an okay guy, just way, way, way too immature. I think Ginny Yttrup did a fine job in making relatable characters – in the love ’em and in the hate ’em categories. I couldn’t believe it when I found out this was her first suspense novel.

From the Christian Fiction aspect, there was a nice balance. My favorite scenes were the action scenes. Both the white water rafting and skydiving scenes were breathtaking.

I’m still reeling a little from this novel. It had me hooked from the onset despite the use of present tense POV, and even though I’m not usually one to be spooked by suspense stories, I actually found myself a little jumpy while reading this! It has the feel of a psychological thriller, particularly in the way the stalker plays with Deni’s mind, and I think it was that aspect that kept me hooked the most.

The story is told from three different points of view: Deni’s POV in the present, Deni’s POV back in 2009 (when the first incident occurred with her stalker), and Adelia’s POV, also in the present but beginning a few months in front of where Deni’s present POV begins, if that makes sense. By the end of the book, Deni and Adelia’s present POVs have . . . well, converged, and they carry the story to its conclusion.

I did sometimes find myself having to check whether I was in Deni’s past or her present POV in the middle of a scene, most often because something was happening to her and I’d lost track of whether the incident was in her present or her past, but overall, I think it was probably still the most effective way to tell the story. In any case, I was eagerly turning the pages, anxious to get to the bottom of both parts of her story.

There were several surprises in the latter stages of the story. One, I worked out a short while before it was revealed, and another really threw me for a loop until I got my head around it. However there was one revelation right near the end of the book that made me feel a little . . . Deceived doesn’t quite feel like the right word, but it felt as thought Deni’s POV was rendered less authentic by having kept that piece of information from the reader until the end. I’m not sure I can explain it any more clearly without giving too much away.

But aside from those few quibbles, this was a wholly engrossing read, and would especially suit those readers who are looking for a good suspense without a romantic thread.

This was the first book I read by this author and will not be my last. I did not want to put this book down until I got to the end. I loved all the twists and turns that occurred. I was so wrapped up in all of the characters lives. I loved all the surprises throughout. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit and Barbour Publishing for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

I must admit my biggest motivation for reading Convergence by Ginny Yttrup was its tag as a Christian thriller. It's a category that I'm not familiar with and it intrigued me. On the other hand, as a practicing but very liberal Christian, I was prepared to put it down and walk away from any fundamentalist leanings. I was pleasantly surprised with this aspect of the book. For most of the book, the faith aspect is primarily one of practice and one of the presence of faith itself, and though the ending slipped into what to me is somewhat magical thinking, I did not feel any of the book was preachy or promoting a judgmental form of Christianity. That meant that I could simply sit back and enjoy the story.

A complex and intelligent thriller, Convergence kept me reading to pull the threads of the past and present together to learn what had happened and who the culprit was. Yttrup used an excellent balance of building tension and withholding information, so that I was always invested in the story but never frustrated at its pace. I'd recommend Convergence to anyone who wants an engrossing and exciting read.

This book takes readers on a roller coaster ride with thrills and suspense at every turn. The author delivers a powerful story of survival and overcoming fear. i loved the main character and thought she was brave, intelligent and determined. Denilyn has been through a traumatic event that has caused her to live in fear. She is paralyzed at times to even venture outside for fun. The details of her attack are terrifying and gave me chills. Being stalked would make anyone paranoid and Denilyn will have to face danger after danger as someone closes in on her once again. It begins to take an emotional toil on her and she starts to think she imagining things.

I loved the way the author told the story from present to past. It lets readers see a glimpse of what happened and how Denilyn has tried to overcome her fears. I thought it was fascinating that she wrote a book about bullies. A stalker really is a bully that wants to have power over you. Terror finds Denilyn years later and mysterious things start happening again. The author does a good job of showing how a person deals with danger and the support system that is vital to Denilyn.

The addition of Adelia to the mix was very intriguing. What do these two women have in common? Will Denilyn be able to finally find peace or will her past continue to haunt her? There is much more intricate parts to this story that are revealed slowly. I felt like Denilyn was on the verge of losing control at times and loved how she reached out for help. I thought about the people surrounding Denilyn and wondered if they could all be trusted.

There are times in the book where i felt the author might have dragged the story out a bit too long. I wanted to know more about Willow and she seemed to be an afterthought at the end of the book. To me she was an important part of Denilyn's story and helped put the suspicion on the right person. Overall the book was good and it definitely delivered a chilling account of stalking that had me glued to my seat. It is a hard book to put down and I had to finish the book because I had to know if Denilyn would survive.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

This was an intriguing book. I couldn't figure out what was going on, and that was the point. I couldn't put it down because I just had to figure out what was going on.
This was well written, and very intense. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers.

Dr. Denilyn Rossi is a courageous and determined lady as she strives to overcome her fears following being stalked and attacked a few years ago. As a psychology professor, Deni realizes she is suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. A friend advises Deni, "I don't think trust is a feeling. I believe it's a choice. And on those days when doubt plagues me, I ask for His help to believe what I can't see. That's faith, believing what we can't see. And in this world, we can't always see goodness." When new trauma begins happening, Deni determines that she is the only one who can draw out the man threatening to destroy her and her family. This time Deni faces danger relying on God rather than herself. If you enjoy suspense with very romance, you will love Convergence by Ginny L. Yttrup. I received this book from NetGalley and Barbour Publishing. This is my honest opinion.

Ginny Yttrup's first suspense book and it was great from beginning although it did take me a bit to get used to the flow of the book because there are flashbacks and then the present. I admittedly don't pay much attention to chapter headings so it was a bit of a struggle to remember to look (that's on me though1) .

Denilyn was a mature likable character. I did not want to put this book down! . If you are a suspense fan then I definitely recommend it to you!

Thank you netgalley for providing the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

Denilyn and Adelia are both in danger. A person already in prison but is he the only on involved? The book covers things happening in 2017 and goes back to 2009. Each chapter a different character.
I did at times have a heard time keeping up with when I reading about Denilyn or Adelia. Besides that I found the book fast reading and exciting.
The book also covers PTSD which is something a lot of people deal. Both of the characters definitely had a lot to deal with that would cause it.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write an positive review. This is my own opinion.

I found this book to be an extraordinary suspense thriller, it captivated me; it kept me turning the pages of each tantalizing chapter. The dark all consuming fear and suspense that Denilyn Rossi a psychologist and professor feels is palpable. She has a traumatic past that haunts her, and her PTSD paralizes her. The story is written in alternating chapters in the past and present between Adelia and Denilyn whose pasts converge. Will Denilynn be able to put behind her past that involved her being stalked by a man who attacked her? Will her strong faith betray her or help her as she seeks to find the truth? There are so many twists and turns in this dramatic book, complex characters and plot that kept me immersed in trying to figure out how this would end. The ending was unbelievable, unpredictable although the little suspicion I started to have early on that I had dismissed was brilliantly revealed. It is hard to believe this is Ginny's first debut mystery/suspense novel; I hope it is not her last!

Page turner!! Great story. Well written. Twisty plot creatively executed. Strong on faith without being preachy.
Convergence grabbed my attention and held it from the first page. While ive never had anything happen to me like the main character did ... i felt like i was living it with her and i was TERRIFIED! I didnt see that coming.
Ive loved Ginny Yttrup’s books since i first read
“Words” and will continue to read whatever she writes. One of my favorite authors!
I Was given a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing/Shiloh Run Press through Net Galley. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.

3.5 Stars
I’m kind of torn about this book. There were things I really liked about it and others that left me scratching my head a little bit. But, as a first attempt and suspense (note the lack of “romantic” in that description), Ginny L. Yttrup most definitely strung me along enough that I had to keep reading to find out exactly what was going on.

Let’s start with those head scratchers. First, there are three storylines happening—one in 2009, one in early 2017, and another (with another person’s POV) mid 2017. While that got a bit clunky here and there, for the most part, it worked as the events of 2009 were unveiled as Denilyn deals with what’s happening in her present life. Next, I had a bit of an issue with the ending. There was so much build up to the climax of Convergence—reveals and revelations, conversations, and preparation—then, boom!, it’s over in two or three pages. I would have liked more explanation with and from the stalker.

That said, even though I had an inkling of what was going on that grew as the story progressed, Yttrup managed to throw a couple of surprises I didn’t see coming at me, which Is tough to do with me. And the intensity of this book, the anticipation of discovering first what happened in 2009 as well as when everything will converge in the present-day storyline, made it hard to put the book down.

Overall, a solid enough attempt at suspense that I wouldn’t hesitate to pick up another book by Yttrup in for the plat as well as to watch her growth in this genre.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

What a great book! I have never read this author before but I’m sure it won’t be the last time. I can’t believe I read this book in one day. I just couldn’t put it down! Thanks for such a great book!

“I don’t think trust is a feeling. I believe it’s a choice. And on those days when doubt plagues me, I ask for His help to believe what I can’t see. That’s faith, believing what we can’t see. And in this world, we can’t always see goodness.”

What an incredible journey of a psychological thriller! It’s very different from the previous novel I’ve read from Ginny Yttrup. Yet her beautiful, melodic, and haunting first person prose is the same and will draw you into the world of fear and anxiety Deni lives in. The present day of 2017 is narrated by Deni and Adelia in first person present tense. The flashbacks from 2009-2010 is narrated by Deni in first person past tense. The three “separate” timelines and thought processes were a bit difficult to untangle at the beginning, but 1/3 way into the story, the plot emerged in a cohesive and consolidated manner. The author delves into the psyche of the victim and shows that even though the victim is a renowned and well-respected psychologist and professor, head-knowledge and heart-knowledge don’t always go hand-in-hand. It’s a chilling and suspenseful novel that leaves you wondering who the actually villain is until the end.

Deni’s faith journey is rocky and full of doubts, but she finally understands her own mantra that “the past is either a shadow that haunts us or a force that propels us.” Her strength, even in the midst of paralyzing fear, is incredible and admirable.

Anyone who enjoys a well-written, intense thriller/suspense novel would love this book. I was given a copy of the book by Barbour Publishing via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

Convergence is a departure of sorts for Ginny Yttrup. While the suspense genre is new for her, fans of her excellent writing will soon find that Yttrup doesn’t skimp when it comes to the character development and meticulous plotting that she is known for. What you get with this novel is an amped-up, well-crafted novel. I was drawn in from the first page, tossed about with the twists and turns, and left with a very satisfied, catch-my-breath ending. Convergence earns a recommended rating.

The structure of Convergence is unique. Two story lines, both set at differing times, march along until they converge. The first person accounts by Denilyn Rossi and Adelia Sanchez are very strong and give the reader a good look at the emotions, fears, and determination of the two women. Denilyn’s story is fleshed out by recollections from the past. Denilyn, a psychologist with an expertise in bullying, has been the victim of stalking. Her past experiences color her world, and when she again feels threatened she is determined not to ignore her instincts. The facts of the book are revealed slowly through the two women’s accounts which increases the suspense for the characters and the reader. This reader was surprised over and over. The cat-and-mouse between the women and the unknown assailant is very effective in keeping the pages turning. Fear is a prime motivator for Denilyn and Adelia, and their attempts to control their circumstances often leave them with a feeling that security is only a facade. I liked how the author shows that surrender to God is the only way to truly alleviate fear.

If you are looking for an unpredictable suspense novel, then Convergence is a good choice. With its strong female characters, unique framework, and twisting plot, it leaves me eager for more of the same from Yttrup.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

I really enjoyed this book, the characters were well developed. It had an interesting plot. I would be interested in reading more

I found this book hard to follow and didn't really like the storyline. I wasn't able to finish it. Every time I tried to read it, I had to page back to remind myself of what was going on.

** I received this one through NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review.**

Psychology! My favorite subject, ever. Dr. Enilyn Rossi has a belief that the past can either make us or break us basically by keeping us in the past or moving us forward to the future. A student of her class, Adelia Sanchez, is ready to live off of this motto and stop living by her past.

There are 3 timelines to this story. So you have to keep up with the story between all three but it's interesting how the pieces fit together. Her stalker, from the past, destroyed her marriage but taught her valuable life lessons on empowerment and overcoming obstacles. Although, presently in her life some of her psychological behaviors consist of anxiety, self-doubt and borderline depression. She lives in constant fear which she knows is not good for her well-being.

There is a lot of suspense in this book. I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen a lot of the time. The adventure and sense of trying to find oneself through troublesome times is definitely a forefront and great lesson that can be read about in this one! I loved all the psychological parts from start to finish!