May 2025
I expected May to be exciting. I didn’t anticipate just how dramatic it would be!
I visited the Netherlands in May and thoroughly enjoyed all the things I had expected to love. I visited with my beloved family, ate Dutch comfort food, and explored windmills, galleries, markets, and boats – lots of boats! (More on that later.) I planned my trip to coincide with not only tulip season (and yes, they were gorgeous) but also Remembrance Day and the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands. My grandfather, a Dutch citizen, was killed in 1943 at the naval yards of Den Helder. His name is amongst the others who were killed at that base during the war, and I looked forward to participating in the day of remembrance (May 4th) at that spot. While in the Netherlands, I also visited for the first time the prison camp of Westerbork, from which 102,000 people were imprisoned and ultimately transported to death camps. It was an emotional experience; I’m glad I went.
Feature
For this newsletter, I considered interviewing one of the characters from my book, Family Business, which draws much of its story and people from the events that took place during World War II. Instead, I’ll share some photos of the sobering moments I experienced this trip.
Camp Westerbork
My trip to Camp Westerbork was hard, but worthwhile. (Thank you, Ingrid deGroot, for taking me there.) It has become a museum that memorializes the bitter past, featuring, among other displays, a map of the Netherlands created from 102,000 stones. Each stone represents a person who was transported to their death from this location (close to the German border).
Another monument shows a torn-up rail track, symbolizing the determination by the Dutch that never again would people be transported to their deaths.
On the flip side of these heart-wrenching monuments, serving as a backdrop to the past, is a powerful symbol of the future in the form of a massive telescope system that focuses on mapping the northern sky. I found the juxtaposition of the past against the future startling and unique.
Buffering the past and future, acres and acres of trails offer people a chance to cycle, jog and walk their dogs in the healing embrace of nature.
Day of Remembrance (May 4)
As mentioned, I planned to attend a special ceremony at the former Willemsoord Naval Yards in Den Helder. Instead, I shattered my foot (5 fractures) stepping into a small boat and was kept at home (our rental boat apartment) while my cousin and his family went without me and shared photos (Thank you Roel, Wim and Janneke deGroot):
Announcements & News
South View is here! Today is launch day for this follow-up to LAKESIDE BEAUTY. Thanks to Robert Scozzari of Inspiring Designs for another gorgeous cover for book two in the Canadian Cottage Country mystery series!
Liberation Day (May 5)
Eighty years ago, in the town of Wageningen, the Allied orders of capitulation were delivered by Canadian General Foulkes to the Commander of the German army in the Netherlands, General Blaskowitz, at the Hotel De Wereld.
Celebrations to commemorate this event are held annually, featuring speeches, parades, and music throughout the Netherlands. I watched on television and felt my heart soar to see the Canadian veterans, along with the Dutch and Allied forces, march side by side. This year, these symbols of solidarity against tyranny are more meaningful than ever.
If you enjoy historical fiction, you might want to check out my book Family Business.
Two young men struggle to live ordinary lives in a world of oppression in the Netherlands during World War II http://mybook.to/FamilyBusiness
Looking for a signed book? Here’s where I can be found:
I’m currently recovering and have very limited mobility. I will try to attend the wonderful Rice Lake Market event, though (with lots of help) at:
Saturday, 24 May, 9 to 3
Viking Nursery
4930 Sully Rd
Gores Landing, ON
All other events are temporarily suspended.
See you soon!
April 2025
April has been a challenging month. The weather has felt far from spring-like, with snow, wind, and an ice storm that left many without power for days. I was lucky with my power. I didn’t need to haul out my emergency generator, but I did have many large limbs come down under the weight of the ice.
Despite the uncooperative weather, we all like to think about the coming summer and dream of days at the cottage. With that in mind, I’m so happy to announce that TODAY is launch day for South View (book 2 of the Canadian Cottage Country mysteries). See more about that below.
In this month’s Feature Interview, I’ve changed things up and am including an excerpt and the link for the full interview with me hosted by James Terry, a fine Canadian author himself! Enjoy.
Feature Interview
The host for today’s interview is James D.A. Terry. James is a Canadian mystery writer who thrives on crafting stories that are as puzzling as they are thrilling. With a knack for weaving unexpected twists, compelling characters, and dark humour, his novels explore the shadowy depths of human nature while keeping readers entertained.
Here is an excerpt from the fun interview James conducted:
James: What is the most unexpected place you have found inspiration for a murder plot?
Renny: My upcoming book (South View, book 2 of my Canadian Cottage Country Mystery series) was inspired by a post I once saw on my local community Facebook Group (the Shores of Rice Lake). The post was from a person who found an overcoat floating in the lake.
James: Wow, Renny that is such a mysterious and unexpected detail to draw inspiration from! A coat floating in the lake immediately sparks so many questions and possibilities for a gripping murder plot. I can’t wait to see how you unravel this eerie scene in your book! It sounds absolutely, captivating.
Do you feel like it is most important to have?
- Strong characters
- Mind-blowing Plot twists
- Epic settings
Why?
Renny: That’s difficult to parse out because they are all so intertwined. If I am forced to choose, I’d say strong characters because if they are authentic and relatable, they can be taken out of their usual setting and still work elsewhere (on a trip, etc.). In terms of the plot twists, they are usually driven by the characters themselves through misunderstandings, their motivations, character quirks, etc.
James: Strong characters are the heartbeat of any story. When they’re well-developed and authentic, they naturally generate plot twists and can carry the narrative no matter the setting. It’s their choices, flaws, and growth that keep readers invested—whether they’re navigating epic landscapes or simply caught in a coffee shop misunderstanding. Great insight, Renny!
How do you come up with names for your characters?
Renny: It depends on the character. Some are simply created using research resources (i.e., most common female names in the 1960s, etc.), and some are more personal to me. My character, Piet Van Loo, was created as a tribute to my father, whose first name was Pieter. He came from a town in the Netherlands called Heiloo. I shortened that to make ‘Van Loo,’ meaning ‘from’ (Van), and Loo as an abbreviation of Heiloo.
James: That is such a meaningful approach, Renny. I like how you blend research with personal history—it gives your characters a real sense of depth and authenticity. Piet Van Loo is a perfect example. Knowing there is a tribute to your father in that name adds an emotional resonance that readers might not see on the surface, but I imagine they feel it in the character’s presence. It is those kinds of details that really enrich a story.
The full conversation can be found here: In Conversation with Renny deGroot
Thank you, James, for including me in your blog!
Announcements & News
South View is here! Today is launch day for this follow-up to LAKESIDE BEAUTY. Thanks to Robert Scozzari of Inspiring Designs for another gorgeous cover for book two in the Canadian Cottage Country mystery series!
Real Estate Agent Shannon Coyne loves to explore the beautiful lake houses in her corner of Southern Ontario, Canada, never knowing what secrets a property may reveal. In book two of the cozy Canadian Cottage Country Mystery series, her life is threatened when she fights to free her elderly friend, Violet Walker, who stands accused of murdering her husband.
Looking for a signed book? Here’s where I can be found:
Saturday, 24 May, 9 to 3
Viking Nursery
4930 Sully Rd
Gores Landing, ON
March 2025
Ah, spring. Even here in Southern Ontario, it’s in the air. The snow is melting, and with the warmer air, I dream about my upcoming trip to the Netherlands. It’s tulip time in the Netherlands, and I’ve already booked a visit to Keukenhof, the famous botanical gardens (and whose website I took the image from). I’ve been to the country of my cultural roots many times before, but this time, I’ll be exploring an area I don’t know well. I’ll stay in Rotterdam and visit The Hague and the city of Delft. I will also, of course, visit family.
Thinking about family, in this newsletter, I decided to interview Mary Coyne, the mother of my main character, Shannon Coyne (from Lakeside Beauty and soon-to-be-released South View). Enjoy learning more about Mary Coyne!
Feature Interview
In the monthly Feature Interview section, one of my many fictional characters will discuss something that has not been included in any existing book. I hope you enjoy getting to know the people a little bit more!
Renny: “Hello Mary. You are originally from Northern Ireland. This is the month of March, which has become synonymous with St. Patrick’s Day. Was it as big a deal in Ireland when you were growing up?”
Mary: “I do laugh to see what an event it is here now. We celebrated, but It was a troubled time, especially in the North, so it wasn’t all a big party by any means.”
Renny: “What was it like?”
Mary: “As I remember it, there’d be a Gaelic football match in the afternoon my Da would go to while Mammy cooked a big dinner. After the family dinner, the young ones always went to a dance at the community hall. That was the highlight. My friends and I spent the afternoon deciding what to wear and who’d be there. All that sort of thing.”
Renny: “Was this in Belfast?”
Mary: “No. My family moved out of Belfast when I was ten and went to the town of Cushendall. The town promoted music and dancing, so people from all around came to the dances. My brother, Bill, is three years older than me, and my parents put him in charge of us young ones.”
Renny: “It sounds like fun. Did you do Irish dancing?”
Mary: “Good Lord, no. The dances I went to had popular bands. I met my husband James at one of those dances when I was 21, and he was 24. I remember the band. It was a showband called ‘The Checkmates’. The showband era was over by then, but it was a blast from the past theme.”
Renny: “When did you come to Canada?”
Mary: “We came in 1989. James and I agreed we wanted to raise our family in a place known for peace and security. We weren’t disappointed. We’ve made a good life for ourselves here, with no bother from anyone about our accent or religion.”
Renny: “Your brother Bill came over as well. Was that at the same time?”
Mary: “No, we got settled and kept raving to him about how good things were, so he followed with his wife two years later. I’m so glad he did. It’s hard without having family nearby.”
Renny: “You’ve been here for 36 years, but your accent is still strong. Do you continue to feel connected to your heritage?”
Mary: “Oh my yes. I never felt I had to repress my heritage. I know the girls feel their Irish roots as well. Our different cultures are something to celebrate, not hide, don’t you think?
Renny: “Yes, indeed. Thank you for sharing your story with us, Mary.”
Announcements & News
South View is coming soon! The ebook is now available for pre-order (it will be delivered automatically on April 21st). Print copies will be available for purchase on April 21st.
Looking for a signed book? Here’s where I can be found:
Sunday, 23 March, 11 to 4
Asphodel-Norwood Community Centre
88 Alma St
Norwood, ON
Saturday, 29 March, 11 to 4
Scugog Community Rec Centre
1655 Reach St.
Port Perry, ON
Sunday, 30 March, 11 to 4
Newcastle Community Hall
20 King Ave West
Newcastle, ON
Saturday, 5 April, 11 to 4
Uxbridge Arena & Rec Centre
291 Brock St. W
Uxbridge, ON
Sunday, 6 April, 11 to 4
Victoria Park Armoury
210 Kent St. W
Lindsay, ON