The author shares about her 3-in-1 Romancing America collection

Appalachian Weddings:
West Virginia proves to be the place for the heights of romance in these three inspirational novels.


Q: Your ‘Romancing America’ book started out as separate titles for the Heartsong Presents readers. Tell us how the individual novels are linked together into a larger picture.

Each story is completely separate. I have them set in three different towns in West Virginia. The only thing they all have in common is that they’re set in the same beautiful state of West Virginia.


Q: What was your inspiration for the original series? (And how much did your original plan change over the course of the arc?)

My inspiration for the original series was to show a variety of heroes and heroines, living their Christian lives the best way they know how. All of them make mistakes because they’re human, but they trust the Lord to help them make the best decisions. In Noah’s Ark, Emily discovers that what she thinks she’s always wanted may not be what the Lord wants her to have. Mandy in Portrait of Love has to face what she sees as rejection, but is ultimately better than anything she could ever have wished for. In Special Mission, Kim has to face the challenge of questioning her relationship with her fiance and his best friend. I didn’t have to make many changes because each story had its own arc without that being part of the overall 3-in-1.


Q: How does your faith influence your writing?

My faith is the first thing I consider when I write my books. Although my characters make mistakes and have to deal with the same conflicts most people face, all my stories are written from a Christian worldview, so my characters have to comply. Prayer is an essential element in the lives of all my main characters.

Q: What do you most hope readers get out of your fiction?

I want to provide readers with entertaining stories that ultimately give them hope and takeaway messages about the love of Christ. One of the most wonderful aspects of Christian fiction is that it’s appropriate for all generations. Nothing makes me happier than to hear about a grandmother enjoying one of my books so much she passes it on to her daughter and granddaughter.

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About The Author

Debby Mayne is the author of more than 60 novels and novellas. She writes family and faith-based romances, cozy mysteries, and women’s fiction. She has also written more than 1,000 short stories and articles as well as dozens of devotions for busy women. She has worked as managing editor of a national health publication, product information writer for a TV retailer, creative writing instructor, and copy editor and proofreader for several book publishers. She is currently an etiquette writer for The Spruce, one of the DotDash (formerly About.com) companies. Debby grew up in a military family, which meant moving every few years throughout her childhood. Debby was born in Alaska, and she has lived in Mississippi, Tennessee, Oregon, Florida, South Carolina, Hawaii, and Japan. Her parents were both from the Deep South, so she enjoys featuring characters with southern drawls, plenty of down-home cooking, and folks with quirky mannerisms. She and her husband live in the Charleston, South Carolina, area.