J. A. GIBBENS is the author of The Awen Chronicles, a cross-genre trilogy of mystery and suspense, involving themes more often associated with literary novels. Although involved in various creative arts, J. A. Gibbens studied science at the University of Waterloo, obtaining a BSc (Honours) in Biology and Chemistry in 1973, and a BEd from Queen’s University in Kingston. She has worked at a government research lab in Saskatoon and in the Pathology Lab of a Kitchener hospital. After graduation she travelled solo in the Middle East, and later married. She joined the staff at Guelph’s Centennial CVI and taught there for twelve years, after which she remarried and entered the field of finance, establishing a financial services business with her partner.
For many years, J. A. Gibbens wrote for herself, consolidating the observations, experiences and musings she collected throughout her life. A reduction in travel opportunities provided time to focus on writing and the result is the completion of the first two books of the trilogy: Book 1–L’Orté Point; and Book 2–Cow on the Ice: ko på isen. Book 3–Epitaph: Full Circle will be available in 2023. All are being published through Friesen Press.
She currently lives in Guelph with her husband––and a woodchuck that lives under their deck.
LINKS
J. A.'s author site – www.gibbensauthor.ca
J.A.'s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/gibbensauthor
PUBLICATIONS
L'Orté Point "…Gibbens has crafted a gripping series opener with unpredictable yet believable twists and turns. Lucy's family's history is reminiscent of a gothic horror story while her own drama resembles a modern thriller. The author skillfully mixes the dark doings of her unsavory characters with more lighthearted scenes between Lucy and her loved ones. Almost all of the players feel realistic, with intricate and credible character arcs. The tale's villain is somewhat one-dimensional, but when the antagonist plays off such engaging heroes as Lucy and Gracie, the dialogue and the characters' reactions make up for it. A complex, riveting thriller about shocking family secrets."—Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2022
