Q. What inspired you to write this book?

A. That’s such a good question. I’ve always been drawn to stories about second chances, and especially to the moments when people who think they’ve failed find grace. Josephine Blake, my heroine in my newest release, A Place to Belong , is one of those people. She’s pregnant, alone, and certain she’s out of options. But God specializes in “hopeless cases.” Her story reminds us that His love isn’t about how spotless our record is, it’s about His redeeming mercy. And honestly, that’s a truth I’ll never tire of telling.

Q. Can you give us an overview of the books main plot and themes?

A. Oh, happily! A Place to Belong follows Josephine as she limps into Shumard Oak Bend with little more than a suitcase and a secret. She meets Jeremiah Remington, a war veteran missing an arm, quiet as a mountain morning, and just as steady. Both are carrying wounds the eye can’t see. As they cross paths, they learn that healing often comes through the people God places in our lives. The story weaves together themes of redemption, grace, and the kind of found family that reflects God’s heart.

Q. Who are the main characters and what makes them so special?

A. Oh, I love this one. Josephine is what I call “beautifully complicated.” She’s proud, guarded, and constantly pretending she’s fine when she’s anything but. Jeremiah is her opposite. He’s gentle, patient, and deeply wounded in ways that go beyond his missing arm. What makes them special is that they’re both imperfect yet perfectly seen by God. Watching their lives intersect feels a bit like watching a broken puzzle come together. You realize the cracks are what make the picture whole. There are a host of other characters that those who have read the other books in the series will love: Thomas and Teddy Shankel, Aideen O’Sullivan, Hans and Katie Korhonen, and Gabe and Betsy Manning.

Q. What was the most challenging part of writing this book?

A. You’d think the hard part would be wrangling the plot, but nope, it was learning to love Josephine in her messiness. She’s prickly, defensive, and not your typical “sweet” heroine. Writing her honestly meant letting readers see the rough edges and the soft center God was shaping. It stretched me as a writer and as a person. I had to remind myself that God sees beyond who we are today to the person He’s forming us to be. (Which, honestly, is comforting when I look in the mirror some days!)

 Q. What do you hope readers will take away from the novel?

A. My prayer is that readers walk away knowing—really knowing—that no one is beyond God’s reach. Shame may whisper “unworthy,” but the cross shouts “forgiven.” Whether you connect more with Josephine’s mistakes or Jeremiah’s hidden hurts, I hope you see yourself somewhere in their story and remember that belonging isn’t something you earn; it’s something Jesus already paid for.

 Q. Can you tell us a little about the faith journeys of the characters without giving away any spoilers?

A. Oh, I’d love to. Josephine starts out running from her past, her pain, and pretty much anything that looks like grace. Jeremiah, on the other hand, has gone quiet, letting his loss define what he believes God can still do. Their journeys collide in a way that shows how surrendering to God isn’t giving up; it’s finally letting Him take over the heavy lifting. 

 Q. Were there any specific Bible verses or passages that you connected with while writing this novel?

A. Yes, and what a beautiful question. Psalm 113:7–8 anchored me through the entire writing process: “He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; He seats them with princes.” That’s Josephine’s story in a nutshell. She starts in the ashes, convinced she’s ruined her life, and God gently lifts her to a place of honor. He called her beloved and redeemed. Every time I wrote a scene where she took another step toward grace, that verse echoed in my heart.

Q. What would be your ideal book-release celebration meal (calories don’t count)?

A. Oh, that’s easy—and dangerous! I’d start with something Southern and comforting. Maybe fried chicken or REAL macaroni and cheese, followed by (this is where I step out of Southern Zone) either key lime pie (minus the crust). I can live without cake and cookies. And since we’re pretending calories don’t count, I’d top it all off with Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey. If that’s not a celebration, I don’t know what is!

‘Breathtaking…I loved every page-turning part of the story. Lovely. Inspiring. Uplifting. I love how it stays with you even after you’ve finished reading it. Like a big warm hug.‘ – Stitched on My Heart Amazon Review

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