📚 The End ✏️

by | Feb 25, 2026 | ScrollKeepers Community News

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From the Desk of Darlene N. Böcek

Faith-building Sci-fi Fantasy Stories

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Hi again Reader!

I’m not sure why, but I have trouble using the word “The End” at the end of a story.

First of all, it should be clear that the story is over, right? The last lines of a book should already reflect an ending without those two words.

But when I write a story, the character and I form a bond. Maybe the reason I have trouble ending a book with “The End” is that for me neither they nor their story is truly over. Like with us. When an experience is over, another one begins, right?

The END of Monica.

Even saying that is hard. Monica’s fine. Don’t worry. Her book is in the hands of competent crew that are reading through the story before it gets into your hands.

But the story of her and her coma has come to an end. Officially.

It was cathartic to write the final chapter. I feel this is going to be a very special book for you. (If you didn’t back the Kickstarter, you’ll get access when it launches in early summer).

On a personal level, I’m dealing with health issues besides my ankle, so juggling everything in my writing world and in the real world is a challenge. But praise be to God.

DNB Book News:

✅ That Beautiful Shore and Me, Myself, and IT: We are at The End of the Return to Me trilogy project. Book covers are finalized. Now we are getting the manuscript ready for publication. It takes some special graphics tweaking to make the paperback copies ready for printing–that will be finished in the next few weeks. Getting the box-set ready to ship. All the fun parts of being PUBLISHER as well as author.

Confession: Vera’s story is a tough one to read. It depends on knowing The Last Noel as it fills in some of the gaps about Reuben’s story. It is the story of opportunity, decisions, and worldly values. On the other hand, Monica’s story puts a positive and hope-filled spin on the pathos-filled series. It’s the story of opportunity, decisions, and freedom.

| SPECULATIVE | CHRISTIAN | CONTEMPORARY | SUPERNATURAL |

✅ CrossFall Book One: The Remnant Rises:

If you were to describe the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies in one sentence what would you say? How can one encompass everything that experience WAS in a single line?

My vision for CrossFall has been powered by our family’s love of the Marvel movies.

CrossFall is the story of a FAMILY hiding from a TYRANNICAL government that controls people with entertainment and with the threat of erasure. When JulieAnn Bishop’s family is discovered and taken away, she and her sister must find their family while avoiding the monsters that hunt them down as well. Book One is the journey to find her family. Book Two is the battle of ideas in the City. Book Three is the conclusion of taking down this tyranny.

Converting my vision into three books has been the author challenge of a lifetime. I think I have distilled the story into Book One. I’m finalizing with my amazing editor Deborah, and, Lord willing, will have that available for the Fall Kickstarter. If you liked Marvel, in particular the non-super heroes like Peggy Carter, Natasha Romanov, and Peter Quill–CLICK HERE to stay abreast on launch.

| SCI-FI | FANTASY | CHRISTIAN | FUTURISTIC | DYSTOPIAN |

Ask the Author*:

Why are your books so different from one another?

The heart of the stories is the same. They are stories of God’s great plan for the world and what we must do to be a part of it. Trunk of Scrolls investigates the role of Scripture in our lives–from bending to the world’s manipulations into embracing God’s great answers. The Return to Me Trilogy investigates what I call Separation Filters–the opportunities God gives us to challenge and test the authenticity of our faith (or nonfaith). The Monster Stories short story collection reflects different aspects of the Christian life, including prejudice, redemption, and forgiveness. As for the CrossFall series, the essence stems from my experience living in a Muslim country and working with the fledgling church. Being in the world but not of the world, fighting against a powerful mindset that opposes your faith, living with persecution and triumphing in spite of it.

I wish I could be more like the authors who stick with one genre and all they do is entertain readers. But my writing takes on serious topics which don’t always tickle the ear. (Can I say they tickle the soul?) My stories generally all sit in the “speculative” camp of fantastical worlds. I appreciate one reader who said my writing reminds her of Francine Rivers. That’s the greatest compliment–though I recognize I’m far from my hero’s skill level.

The gurus say that if you write in various genres you’ll be like the guy who tries to shoot three rabbits at once and shoots none of them. I get that. My only answer is a shrug and a prayer–may these stories impact lives. May they challenge the readers (you!) to think big thoughts about big things in new ways.

This is also why I’m hosting our ScrollKeepers community–where we can encourage one another “as long as it is called today.”

If you are reading this last line, Reader–I thank you for being behind me in this endeavor. My prayers are for you to grow in faith and in knowledge of and love for our Savior.

May you feel the mercies of God this day,

Darlene

*👉 send me your “Ask the Author” questions

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February 2026 BOOK SUGGESTIONS

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Interregnum by J.A.Webb

Introducing: The Seekers Series Kickstarter. Take a look at Interregnum, the newest book in the Seekers Series.

I’m thrilled to whole-heartedly recommend my friend and fellow author J.A.Webb’s Kickstarter. I have read book one, Fragments. Highly recommend this series. I’m backing to be able to read the third book and the audiobook.

The storyworld has the feeling of Medieval Mystery-–but takes place in the Near Future with trains and factories. The “Fragments” are pieces/quotes of the Bible that people are trying to reassemble after a terrible occurrence caused the disappearance of all the world’s Bibles.

As you read it, you’ll find it has the dark and despairing feel of 1984, while its drama and faith storyline gives a hat-tip to Left Behind.

One group remains in hiding and is gathering Fragments. The dark order is hunting them down.

★★★★★ I hope you will back this project! DO NOT MISS OUT!

🚌 beep beep 🚌

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