Always the multitasker, author Lauraine Snelling is writing a slew of very different stories as we speak.
While wrapping up her beloved historical series starring the intrepid Cassie Lockwood, Lauraine is also knee-deep in her next contemporary novel about a northern Minnesota-based border patrol agent who accidentally stumbles upon an unexpected treasure.
And for those who simply can’t wait for something new to read in the meantime, well, you’re also in luck—Lauraine’s latest novel is Reunion (FaithWords). Featuring two unique perspectives intricately woven into one novel, the events are actually inspired by her own life.
“Years ago, my brother, sister and I were planning a party for our parent’s 25th wedding anniversary, and my mother came to me and said that no, she and Dad had not been married for 25 years, and that the man I knew as Daddy was not my biological father,” Lauraine shares.
“Never in all my years, even during the tumultuous teen years when Daddy and I had some real battles, did I ever, ever suspect that he was not my ‘real’ dad.”
For this self-described “totally curious” person, she said it was “amazing” that she never pressed for more information. “But now I think I know why,” she confesses. “I did not want to hurt Mom by dredging up the memories. All I could think of was how much she loved me, to go through all that she did, so that she could keep me… My mother has always been my hero, and this made it even more so.”
While Lauraine hadn’t shared this with many people over the years, she felt like God had given her the nudge to share her story that ultimately underscores the importance of forgiveness.
“Forgiveness is of such critical importance, in forgiving others but also accepting forgiveness,” Lauraine concludes. “I always want my readers to feel like they’re sharing a conversation with me, and with Reunion, I hope they’ll laugh a little, cry a little and maybe even be a little sad when the story is over.”
This article originally appeared in the July/August 2012 issue of FamilyFiction digital magazine. Subscribe for free today!