NOVELIST USES WRITING TO OVERCOME STROKE

Novelist turned to written word to overcome stroke in her debut spy thriller set in World War II. Based on real events, Bonnie Toews mirrors truth against fiction with two strong women characters--one is the cousin of King George VI. She is betrayed to the Gestapo, and her American friend sacrifices herself to save the British royal family and Churchill.

Appearing in the new Mystery Ink series on Globals digital Mystery Channel, author Bonnie Toews talks about her debut novel, Treason & Triumph," a spellbinding tale of intrigue, espionage and betrayal. Five-star reviews of the authors historic spy novel caught the eye of the producers of Mystery Ink, who invited her for an interview on their new half-hour show presenting Canadian mystery authors.

For the author, writing this book began as therapy following a heart attack when she was forty. Lack of oxygen also caused symptoms of aphasia, and she either inserted meaningless words in a sentence or couldnt identify simple things like a chair or paper clip. For a woman who relied on her quick-minded speech skills, it was a very frustrating experience. She discovered, however, that, when she wrote, words she didn't recognize often appeared in her sentences, but, when she checked the dictionary, she saw they were used correctly.

She then used writing to rehabilitate herself. As she regained vocabulary, she became absorbed in reading again. One day she became fascinated with her own what if" possibilities, and the betrayal theme for her spellbinding tale of espionage and intrigue is the result.

A member of the British Royal Family and an American journalist embark on a dangerous mission to infiltrate and sabotage the Nazis production of the first atomic bomb. But, before they can complete their mission, both women find themselves trapped in the biggest double cross of the Second World War.

The year is 1937, several years before World War II breaks out, and Britain discovers that the Nazis are secretly producing an atomic bomb. To offset the Nazis dangerous, hidden agenda, the British form an intricate ring that will infiltrate their laboratories in Germany and its neighboring countries. Vital to the groups operation are Lady Catherine Rushmore, the young cousin of King George VI, and Marla Franklin, a Russian-born American journalist. Late in 1944, they become pawns in Churchill and Hitlers secret game of chess. What neither leader realizes is that they are not controlling the game, and the outcome is catastrophic for Catherine and Marla. Their survival depends on two men, and one is the traitor.

Toews intricately written plot, unexpected twists and intriguing, realistic characters deeply explore the tragedy of the secret war, the far-reaching consequences of individual acts and the lives they affect, making it compelling reading. Critics have hailed her a master of suspense," and the book, riveting."

Novelist Bonnie Toews has always been fascinated with the subject of intrigue and espionage, a fascination heightened by her music teachers experiences as secret agents. She wrote her first novel about an American flight nurse in World War II at age ten. Through a career that has ranged from teacher to editorial director of Southams Magazine and Information Group from 1994 to 1996, the author is enjoying the freedom of freelance writing and currently lives with her husband, Wally, in Wilmot Creek. Treason and Triumph" is available at amazon.ca, amazon.com, amazon.UK, Barnes & Noble, Borders, and 1stBooks Library. For more about the author, go to http://www.bonnietoews.com.