The following is an interview with author Kristine Delano regarding the upcoming release of the suspense novel, The Lies We Trade, with publisher Tyndale. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Delano about her creative process in bringing the story and characters to life on the page, what readers may take away from the story’s themes, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the upcoming release of The Lies We Trade! What can you tell us about the story’s overall premise?
Kristine Delano: Thank you! The Lies We Trade is my debut novel, and it follows Meredith Hansel, a rising star on Wall Street whose professional triumphs are overshadowed by growing cracks at home—an exhausted marriage, a daughter in crisis, and a pace of life that’s becoming impossible to outrun. When Meredith receives financial data she should not have, the stakes become far greater than a poor earnings call. Fraud threatens her career and her family, forcing her to unravel a dangerous deal before secrets detonate to blow her life apart. It’s a story about truth, power imbalances, and what we’re willing to do when those we love are in danger.
BD: The story deftly weaves the sheer adrenaline of an intense thriller with the compelling drama of career ambition. What can you tell us about your creative process in bringing this story and characters to life on the page?
KD: After working in and around Wall Street for more than twenty years, I’ve witnessed many pressure-cooker moments that never make the headlines. Hidden in plain sight are the impossible demands, the reputational mistakes, and the ambitious players who push themselves through brilliance right to the brink. I wanted to bring that world forward with authenticity, but also with heart.
My creative process is equal parts research, reflection, and emotional honesty. I ask myself: What does pressure do to a person? To a marriage? To a team? From there, the characters emerge. They are flawed, driven, and trying to do the right thing, even as the stakes escalate. I want the thriller elements to feel breathless and high-risk but grounded in the very real human cost of ambition.
BD: At Fanbase Press, our #StoriesMatter initiative endeavors to highlight the impact that stories can have on audiences of various mediums – no matter the genre. How do you feel that Meredith’s story may connect with and impact readers, and what, if any, conversations do you hope that it might inspire?
KD: I hope readers see themselves in Meredith’s journey. She struggles to trust fully and forgive quickly. The book offers a safe space to examine resilience, reconciliation, and the courage required to stand up for what’s right, even when it hurts. My hope is that it sparks conversations about what quiet quitting a marriage can look like and the danger of losing the ability to communicate with the people you love.
BD: What makes Tyndale the perfect home for this story?
KD: Tyndale has a long history of publishing stories that entertain while offering emotional depth and authentic faith. They immediately understood that The Lies We Trade wasn’t just a thriller set against the backdrop of high finance. It is also a story about relationships, integrity, and the quiet battles we fight within ourselves. Their editorial vision honored both the suspense and the heart of Meredith’s journey. The crew at Tyndale have been amazing partners.
BD: Are there any projects – past or current – that you would like to highlight for our readers?
KD: While my full focus is on introducing The Lies We Trade into the world, I am waiting for edits back on my second book with Tyndale. It is an estranged sisters story. A recently discredited journalist is handed the firepower to rebuild her reputation by reporting on a brilliant executive who is hiding corruption inside her successful trading firm.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about The Lies We Trade?
KD: Readers can find updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and launch details on my website, www.kristinedelano.com. The Lies We Trade will be available wherever books are sold, and I encourage folks to ask at their local bookstores and libraries. I’m active on Instagram, LinkedIn, and use my newsletter to send monthly free reads from author friends and provide event announcements. I enjoy staying connected and adore hearing from readers!
