Geneva Plays Big Role in New Nicki Elson Novel, 'Divine Temptation'

The Fox Valley did more than just provide a backdrop for my new novel (written under the pen name Nicki Elson)—certain spots actually kept the story alive in my mind while the busyness of life prevented me from writing it a soon as I would've liked to.

Fabyan Woods is one culprit. The property is such a wonderful combination of history and both natural and man-made beauty that to me, it almost feels magical. So as I'd drive the strip of Route 31 between Fabyan Parkway and downtown Geneva to my job at The Merra-Lee Shops, something beyond that weathered riverstone wall beckoned my imagination.

While I otherwise might've chalked this whole publishing thing up as a one hit wonder after my first novel, key scenes that take place in the forest played so frequently in my mind and became so firmly implanted that I really had no choice but to write Divine Temptation. 

Several half-hours sitting in Starbucks and looking out onto State Street while my daughter was in guitar lessons at Leapin' Lyrics eventually gave me the opening scene. Add in the majesty of the Kane County Building, the quaintness of the shops on Third Street, and the peaceful outlooks over the Fox River, and in the course of time, the whole novel fleshed itself out while I went about my daily business.

Under each of the attached photos is a quote from Divine Temptation that will give you a peek at how our local scenery made it into the story. I'll be doing a reading and signing books on April 18 at Gibby's Wine Den if you're interested in hearing more.  

Thank you, Geneva, IL, for being so pretty and keeping this story active in my head long enough to get it all into words. The Merra-Lee Shops are sadly gone, but I'm lucky enough to have moved down to The Little Traveler—and yes, there's now a ghost story percolating in my head...  

Divine Temptation is available in Paperback, Kindle & Nook.