There’s just something about summer and freedom that seem to go right together, isn’t there? I received an extra glimpse of this when I pushed SEND on my most recent manuscript (a 2021 release from Tyndale) this past Saturday. In many ways, I’ve been nonstop this year, and while I won’t be able to help myself from planning my next book, I’m also looking forward to some rest and lots of family time this summer. I hope you are too!
To celebrate The Fourth, my publisher is offering an AMAZING deal on the e-version debut novel, Freedom’s Ring. If you haven’t yet read it, I hope you check it out!
I remember when The Hidden Side first came out last year, not even three months after the Parkland shootings. The country was shaking over the news, and I struggled big time as I prepared to market a book that tackled issues a bit too fresh and painful in our minds.
Since then, I’ve gotten a lot of feedback from readers. Some couldn’t finish the book for the rollercoaster of emotions it created within them. I completely respected that. We all bring different experiences to a story, and some books may be too much of a trigger for that pain. Others couldn’t STOP reading, but thought it was a bit too heavy overall.
But MANY of you loved it. Many glimpsed my heart in this story and the message I longed for it to draw forth. That no matter how dark the circumstances, how broken the people, there is always light. There is always hope.
Earlier this week, I received a call from the ACFW Carol Award Coordinator that The Hidden Side had finaled in the Contemporary Category. I was truly shocked. I didn’t expect this. Quite honestly, I didn’t expect that the Christian Fiction community would be ready to embrace this book so whole-heartedly and openly. This is TOUGH stuff. There is nothing sweet or light about it, and it digs deep, explores a different kind of inspiration—not one that is uplifting and light, but one that is real and true despite the hard.
But that this community saw worth in the tackling of the tough gives ME hope. Because, unfortunately, this is the world we sometimes live in. But it’s never, never too much for Jesus.
I am so grateful for Tyndale for embracing this story, and I’m so excited and honored to be a finalist, alongside some amazing authors. This journey continues to surprise and delight me.
Speaking of surprises…did you see the cover for my February, 2020 release?! Isn’t it gorgeous? Click here for more information or here to add it to your Goodreads shelf!
Have a blessed and safe Fourth of July!