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Sibling Secrets & Suspense: The Making of The Angel Falls Series

How Two Sisters Built a Thrilling Book Series from Miles Apart

By Angela BrownPublished about a year ago 6 min read

If you’re a fan of gripping mysteries, romance, and thrillers wrapped up in a family-centered saga, The Angel Falls Series by Charlene Tess and Judi Thompson is sure to captivate you. But what makes this series even more intriguing is the story behind its creation. Written by two sisters who share not only a deep bond but also a love for storytelling, The Angel Falls Series has become a beloved part of the suspense genre. Today, we’re diving into the secrets and sibling dynamics that have fueled the creation of these thrilling novels.

Meet the Sisters Behind The Angel Falls Series: Charlene Tess and Judi Thompson

Charlene Tess and Judi Thompson aren’t just writing partners; they’re sisters. Hailing from Texas, Charlene and Judi grew up with a shared love for books and a close family environment. They were born in El Paso, where their father worked as a pilot and aircraft mechanic, and their mother was an elementary school principal. Growing up, they were surrounded by stories of courage, dedication, and family, elements that would later become foundational in their books.

Both sisters went on to pursue careers in education, though their paths diverged in specific areas. Charlene was an English and creative writing teacher, creating her own grammar workbooks, including the popular Simple Steps to Sentence Sense series. Her passion for language and storytelling has always been evident, and she naturally found her way to fiction writing.

Judi, on the other hand, worked as a speech language pathologist, educational diagnostician, and special education supervisor. Living near Houston, she managed a busy life with her husband Roger, her two sons, and seven grandchildren. Although she was also steeped in a world of education and child development, fiction writing became a creative outlet that offered her a different kind of fulfillment.

In 2002, Charlene and Judi took the plunge and began writing together. Their debut book, Accidental Angel, marked the beginning of a fruitful partnership. Since then, they’ve co-authored twenty-two novels across five different series, including the well-loved Angel Falls Series. Writing together has strengthened their sisterly bond and given them the unique experience of combining their voices into one cohesive storytelling style.

The Secret to Their Success: How the Sisters Write Together

You might be wondering how two sisters living in different cities manage to write complex novels together. For Charlene and Judi, the key lies in leveraging both modern technology and old-fashioned communication. They rely heavily on Zoom meetings, emails, and texts to brainstorm and develop their stories, but they also use phone calls to stay connected on a personal level.

When it comes to sharing drafts and making edits, they trust in cloud storage like Dropbox, which allows them to seamlessly exchange ideas and revisions. This combination of tech tools and their natural synergy as sisters has proven to be incredibly effective. Despite the physical distance, their shared vision for each novel keeps them united, and they’ve become adept at blending their unique perspectives into one smooth narrative voice.

The World of Angel Falls: Romance, Mystery, and Drama

The Angel Falls Series is set in the fictional town of Angel Falls, a place where secrets run deep, and romance often comes with a side of danger. This series beautifully combines elements of romance and suspense, creating a rich, layered story that keeps readers turning pages.

The first book introduces us to Maggie, a strong and independent woman who finds herself pregnant with her boyfriend Russell’s child. In a dramatic twist, Russell learns about her pregnancy from a third party, leading to a tense confrontation filled with suspicion, hurt, and unresolved issues from his past. This emotionally charged scene serves as the foundation for the book, drawing readers into the complex, evolving relationship between Maggie and Russell. Their relationship is fraught with challenges, from trust issues to emotional scars, but the tension only adds to the story’s suspenseful appeal.

In the second book, Dark Flight, the stakes are raised even higher. Set six years after the first novel, the story follows ATF agent Matt Bentley as he faces off against an old enemy, Bert Lyall, who has escaped from prison and is bent on revenge. In an attempt to protect his family, Matt sends them on a camping trip to a remote location, but Lyall isn’t far behind, setting up a thrilling game of cat and mouse that escalates with each chapter.

In Dark Flight, we also meet a memorable new couple, Melanie and Rico. Melanie, a retired Army pilot, and Rico, a deputy sheriff, are forced to work together after their plane is hijacked and crashes in a remote area. As they navigate the dangers of the wilderness and the threats posed by their pursuers, their relationship grows, blending romance with the high-stakes tension of survival.

Beloved Characters: Maggie, Russell, Bella, and More

The Angel Falls Series is known for its well-drawn characters, each of whom brings a unique perspective to the unfolding drama. Maggie, the central character in the first book, is strong-willed and fiercely independent. Her determination to navigate the challenges in her life, including her complex relationship with Russell, resonates deeply with readers. Russell, meanwhile, is a man with a painful past who grapples with issues of trust and vulnerability. Their journey together is one of love, conflict, and, ultimately, growth.

One character who has captured readers' hearts is Bella, a resilient woman in her nineties who plays a significant role in Dark Flight. Bella’s wisdom, courage, and unwavering spirit make her a fan favorite, and she adds a layer of depth to the series with her rich backstory and personal strength.

The authors have hinted that a prequel focusing on Bella’s younger years, as well as her relationship with her late husband Reggie, is in the works. This expansion of Bella’s story will give fans a chance to see her life in a new light and understand the experiences that shaped her into the beloved character she is today.

The Thrills and Romance of Future Books

Charlene and Judi are always brainstorming new stories, and they’ve hinted at even more additions to the Angel Falls Series. Fans can look forward to a prequel about Bella’s past, as well as additional novels in their Second Chance Romance and Chanc Bryan series. The sisters are committed to exploring the complexities of relationships, suspense, and family dynamics, themes that they’re passionate about bringing to life on the page.

Why The Angel Falls Series Stands Out

What makes The Angel Falls Series so special is the way it weaves together suspense, romance, and complex emotional arcs. Charlene Tess and Judi Thompson have a gift for creating multidimensional characters who face real, relatable struggles. The series is not just about thrilling chases and romantic entanglements; it’s about exploring trust, forgiveness, and the strength of family bonds.

Charlene and Judi’s writing partnership is a testament to the power of sibling connection and shared creativity. They bring their unique life experiences and perspectives to each book, infusing the Angel Falls Series with authenticity and emotional depth. Their ability to collaborate across distances and blend their voices into a seamless narrative is truly remarkable.

How to Get Started with The Angel Falls Series

If you’re new to The Angel Falls Series, the best place to start is with the first book, Angel Falls. It introduces you to the series’ main characters and sets the stage for the thrilling, heartfelt journey that follows. From there, Dark Flight and the upcoming books offer even more suspense, romance, and character development, drawing you deeper into the world of Angel Falls.

The series is available on Amazon, where you can explore the full range of Charlene Tess and Judi Thompson’s work. Whether you’re a longtime fan of romantic thrillers or new to the genre, The Angel Falls Series offers a captivating blend of love, suspense, and adventure.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RqpRGqswc8

Charlene Tess and Judi Thompson have proven that family can be a powerful foundation for creativity. Their journey from El Paso to the pages of The Angel Falls Series is inspiring, showing how two sisters, separated by miles but united in purpose, can create something truly extraordinary. So, if you’re looking for a series that combines the thrill of suspense with the warmth of romance—and if you love a good story behind the story—then The Angel Falls Series by Charlene Tess and Judi Thompson might just be your next great read.

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