About Marie

“I’ve been telling

stories almost

since I could talk.”

I write fiction because it reflects life.

Jesus told parables. He knew that fictional stories can sneak up on the hearers (or readers) and touch their emotions. Two thousand years later, His fictional stories (especially the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son, and the Sower and the Seed) continue to impact lives. They are recognized by people throughout society, even if they are not followers of Christ.

The Bible has other examples of how stories changed people and lives:

  • The prophet Nathan told David a fictional story that made David realize the sins he had committed in his relationship with Bathsheba.
  • Joseph’s brothers made up a story about what happened to him after they sold him into slavery in Egypt. Although they lied and meant evil for him, God used Joseph many years later to save his family.

When readers or listeners relate to the characters in a fictional story, they care about what happens to those characters. The lessons the characters learn through experience can touch the hearts of readers and help them to learn the same lessons. The significance of the story moves from the heart to the head, and fiction becomes Truth in the heart and mind of the reader. I’ve seen it in my own reading experience, and I pray that my books will be compelling stories that reveal Truth in that way.

 

That’s why I write fiction.

I’ve been telling stories almost since I could talk. When I was about eight, I wrote a play and convinced all the kids in my neighborhood to perform in it. Since then, I’ve written for newspapers, magazines, businesses, government, and most recently for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, where I’ve worked for fourteen years.

I started writing fiction in 2005 when God gave me the idea for a contemporary novel based on the story of Esther. After working on that book for several years, despite being a finalist in several fiction contests, I finally set it aside to work on a historical novel. But when Write Integrity Press announced the Books of Hope Contest in 2012, I pulled it out again, applied what I had been learning as I studied the craft, and submitted it. For Such a Moment won the Books of Hope Contest and was published in June 2013 as my debut novel. It’s the first in the Mended Vessels Series of contemporary stories based on Biblical women.

I’ve lived in Kansas, Kentucky, Connecticut, Minnesota, South Carolina, and Iowa. My husband of 51 years and I have two wonderful children, and they and their precious spouses have given us 3 delightful grandsons and one granddaughter. In addition to writing fiction, I enjoy vacationing with the whole family and creating a story/picture book about the trip for our grandchildren.

 

I really enjoyed reading For Such a Moment. I can’t wait for the second book in the Mended Vessels series. The story was wonderful! Marie did a wonderful job! The best book I have read this summer!

Elaine C.

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This was a very interesting story that kept you wanting to know what happens next. A great message as well.

Jim

A bit of mystery, intrigue, travel, espionage, betrayal, and environmental awareness, somehow all those motifs blend nicely in this Christian romance. Glad I read it.

Deanna K.

Marie Coutu has done it again. She totally ropes you in as her charming characters and realistic stories come to life on the pages. I thoroughly enjoyed The Secret Heart from start to finish. Can’t wait for her next book!

Dolly P.

I really enjoyed reading this book. Thought the character development was great and could relate to the real-life difficulties of relationships and the interaction of the characters. Will be reading the others also.

Edyth J.

This story grabs you from the first few pages. Marie Wells Contu’s characters are wrapped in faith which blossoms as the story progresses, and flawed, like we humans. I enjoyed getting a peeks inside a Governor’s daily life, and how it affects a family. This is the first book I’ve read from the series. It can be a stand-alone read. It’s made me curious about the others in the series, so you’ll most likely need them too.

Kindle Customer

Just finished The Secret Heart by Marie Wells Coutu. I feel that it is her best book. I love how she patterns the story after Bible Stories. The book was very hard to put down once I started reading. I could really get into the emotions of the characters. Looking forward to her next book.

S. Olson

Another great one by Marie Wells Coutu. Thirsting for More is a well-written modern-day retelling of the Woman at the Well. I loved everything about the story, from the setting to the characters, and to Marie’s imaginative way of bringing Truth to the readers.

Fay L.

This book is even better than the first in the series! All readers will find some part of Victoria’s character with which to identify. After reading this book, you will never read John chapter 4 and see the flannel graph characters from your Sunday School days, but instead, ask yourself how would you react in a similar situation.

C.A.

This story is spellbinding and you will not want to put this book down until the end. Marie Wells Coutu paints a vivid picture of the characters, emotions, and scenery in “For Such a Moment.”

An Amazon reader on For Such a Moment

Just finished The Secret Heart by Marie Wells Coutu. I feel that it is her best book. I love how she patterns the story after Bible Stories. The book was very hard to put down once I started reading. I could really get into the emotions of the characters.

An Amazon reader on The Secret Heart

I really enjoyed reading For Such a Moment. I can’t wait for the second book in the Mended Vessels series. The story was wonderful! Marie did a wonderful job! The best book I have read this summer!

Elaine C.

This was a very interesting story that kept you wanting to know what happens next. A great message as well.

Jim