Port Whisper was the only safe place Julie Burns ever knew and the only place she could go after witnessing a terrible kidnapping. She didn’t count on encountering her former sweetheart and now police captain Morgan Wright and she didn’t think that her troubles could following her home. But Morgan’s concern is rekindling old feelings – he wants to help her, and she wants to let him… but it might be too late. Danger has come to Port Whisper and everyone’s at risk….
WHAT LED YOU TO WRITE CHRISTMAS HAVEN?
A lot of times people ask me what inspired me to write a particular book. In the case of Christmas Haven it was the message of forgiveness that prompted me to get to know Julie Burns and Morgan Wright, to bring the high school sweethearts back together after ten long years. Well, that and I find the whole star-crossed lovers scenario very romantic.
STARTING OUT, WHO WERE THE AUTHORS WHO INSPIRED YOU? WHO INSPIRES YOU NOW?
Starting out I was inspired by authors like Judith McNaught, Suzanne Brockmann and Debbie Macomber. They still inspire me, but I’ve also added others to the list like: Linda Goodnight, Margaret Daley, Irene Hannon and Sarah Dessen.
HOW DOES YOUR FAITH INFLUENCE YOUR WRITING?
It helps me focus on the ever important theme. Every story has to be about something, something that could change the way the reader looks at the world. I rely on my faith to help me open my readers’ hearts to hope and possibilities, and forgiveness. My stories are usually about forgiveness, one of my favorite themes.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU KNOWN YOU WANTED TO BE AN AUTHOR?
I’ve been a storyteller (in my own head) every since I was a little girl! I used to daydream in history class when I should have been listening to the lecture … ooops. My daydreams consisted of adventure, mystery and romance, of course. When my kids were young, I decided to try my hand at writing full length novels. What fun! You really get to explore fascinating worlds and people when you write fiction. And there’s a bit of self-exploration involved as well.
WHAT DO YOU MOST HOPE THAT READERS GET FROM READING YOUR WORK?
My goal is to take them away to another world—like the fictional town of Port Whisper—and weave a challenging mystery around a romance, and reawakening of faith. I like to offer my readers an engaging story that affirms the power of love, and the Grace of God.