Shades of the Orient, by Stephanie Guerrero

Tell us about your book.


An action-packed suspense in the exotic Orient.

No one is who they seem…

A classic tale of good versus evil: spies, smugglers and betrayal

The Smuggler

Black Jade is many things… Hiding behind a prominent name by day and a Chinese mask by night, he can be anyone, just not the man he wants to be. Trapped in an ever tightening web of deceit, and pursued relentlessly by the White Dragon (Major Montero) he must choose which man he wants to be. When a way out is offered from a surprising source, will he choose power or let it go?

The Spy

A Spanish officer, a black market dealer, a shipping executive…

Intelligence officer Philip Montero is skilled at wearing masks to defeat the enemy, but this time he must face the enemy within. When his body betrays him with night terrors, he must unlock the past in order to survive, but time is running out and Black Jade has targeted the woman of his heart.

Betrayed by his family, his fiancé, and his fears, WHO can teach him how to trust again?

The Senorita,

Shipping heiress turned missionary nurse, Francesca McRae is a target everywhere she turns. Desired as an heiress by power-hungry men and hated by the Chinese Boxers for her interference in the culture… she is surrounded by betrayal and hatred. None of her suitors are who they seem, yet one has stolen her heart. When loving others becomes more than she can handle, WHO can she trust?

Where do you turn when life is too much to handle?

There is a God… Who is waiting to be your answer…


Can you give us a sneak peek?

A rough hand pressed firmly against Francesca’s mouth and a strong arm slid about her waist pulling her into the shadows. She repressed the urge to scream. Her mind scrambled to ascertain the identity of her captor… the Filipinos… the Spanish soldiers she had encountered the day before on the road… or … her mind panicked at the last and most horrifying thought… Capitan Molino. She struggled to free herself, every muscle in her body resisting her captor’s hold. He tightened his grip and pulled her still further into the jungle. Finally satisfied that that they were alone, but with his hand still firmly covering her mouth, he wheeled her about to face him.

The sight of the tall familiar form in front of her made Francesca’s heart leap in relief as her rescuer, Comandante Trevino slowly released her from his grasp.

“Are you always so disobedient?”

Comandante Enrique Trevino’s eyes snapped with frustration. “I thought I gave you specific orders to stay in your tent tonight!”

Without warning, he pressed her firmly against the rough trunk of the giant tree, and conveyed the need for silence. He motioned for her to hide in a small hollow a few feet from where they stood.

“Can you shoot?”

Francesca nodded as he pulled a Colt pistol from his shoulder holster. “Use it. Kicking and flailing are not always enough.” A slight grin flickered across his face as his eyes held hers. “…Just make sure who you are aiming at first.” Then he disappeared into the jungle.

What inspired this book?

The theme… Love beyond forgiveness… was inspired by my own life story of seeking to follow God in loving and forgiving, but finding myself hurt and weary and wanting to stop loving. I had to answer the question… “Was God still trustworthy?” He is.

As for the story… I stumbled across a quote from a Navy officer involved in the Boxer Rebellion who said that if there ever was a tale with all the elements of a good story it was the Boxer Rebellion. I was intrigued and from there on the story wrote itself. The Boxer Rebellion was a very bloody time with over 10,000 martyrs for Christ. I did not want to touch their sacred story in detail, so it serves only as a backdrop for my espionage/romance.




What has been your most challenging experience writing a book?

Computer hard drive crashes. The first time I lost 2/3 of my book and had only a paper copy that had to be typed back in. The next time it happened I had backups, but it can make you want to quit. Never give up! Breaking into the market has been a challenge too. I finally went through the self-publishing arm of Thomas Nelson (Westbow Press) I have been very happy about it. Again. Never give up!

What is your favorite thing to write about, (i.e., forgiveness, rebellion, etc)?

I love to write about forgiveness and going beyond forgiveness to actively love those who hurt or betray us or those we love. What a challenge the Father has given us… one we can only do in His strength, but oh the grace received when we do. James 2:13

What do you hope readers will take away from this book?

One of the many names of God is El-Rohe “God sees”. I want my readers to know that no matter where you are or what has happened to you… God sees you…really sees you. He knows your hurts and pain, and He will wrap you in His arms and help you turn and show that same love to others. When you get tired of doing right… don’t give up. When you are betrayed and hurt, RUN TO HIS ARMS… NOT AWAY.

What is your favorite color?

Absolutely purple!!! Rich royal purple would be my favorite, but even lavender or periwinkle will do. Red is a close second. I really just love color in general. (The walls of my home are rarely white!)

Do you have a favorite recipe?

Brown Butter Pumpkin Layer Cake!!! Here’s the link… http://www.finecooking.com/recipes/brown-butter-pumpkin-layer-cake.aspx


If you could travel back in time when and where would you go?

To see Jesus. Just to get a glimpse of His face.

After that… maybe the old west

What project are you currently working on?

I currently just finished Shades of the Orient, a historical romantic suspense, and now I am starting the sequel. It’s coming together in my head and I can’t wait to get it on paper!

Stephanie Guerrero holds her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies, specializing in reading. A former middle school reading teacher, this pastor’s wife and homeschooling mom of four has a passion for the redemptive, life-changing impact of a great story. Her husband of nineteen years is her delight and inspiration.