Shannon here: Cynthia Herron shares her inspiration for her latest Contemporary Romance, His Love Revealed, Book 2 in her Welcome to Ruby series. Comment or answer the question in this post to enter the drawing for a copy, U.S. only. Deadline: Nov 28th, 11:59 pm central time. But, please be patient, the book won’t ship until mid-December. Here’s Cynthia:
Why I Wrote His Love Revealed by Cynthia Herron
First a little background info. His Love Revealed, book two in my Welcome to Ruby series, is a friends-to-more story set in the little Ozarks community of Ruby, Missouri, a charming community where “neighbor” is merely another word for friend. Ruby is home to delightful, quirky characters, including Come and Get It proprietress Ida Mae Hoscutt and her right-hand man at the diner, Charles “Chuck” Farrow.
Through Ida Mae’s and Chuck’s eyes, we grow to understand how a long-term friendship can eventually blossom into a forever bond. From childhood companions to adult friends, Ida Mae and Chuck begin to explore the what ifs of the past as the reader is drawn to this couple’s burgeoning relationship.
Can their newfound feelings survive mistakes and mixed signals?
As a writer, I delight in that question! Just like real life and relationships, our story worlds come alive when we examine what we believe to be true. In addition, dropping the reader smackdab in the middle of our characters’ journey opens the door for a fully immersive ride.
Having known each other since they were kids, and working side by side for a decade, Ida Mae and Chuck have grown rather complacent and comfortable. That is until an event unfolds that causes Ida Mae to re-examine her goals and life choices. Enter our handsome hero, Chuck Farrow, who’s already part of the story, but further winds his way into readers’ hearts as a well-meaning gesture becomes the catalyst for change.
Gotta admit—I greatly enjoyed writing the opening scene of His Love Revealed where we get an immediate sense of Ida Mae’s and Chuck’s motivations, and we realize the romantic potential even if they don’t or haven’t admitted it yet. Well—one of them hasn’t admitted it yet. 😉
There’s something so special about friends who, after years of trials, heartaches, secrets, and surprises, begin to explore the depth of their feelings for one another. Like all of our favorite love stories, it’s utterly goosebump-worthy when a couple recognizes that their only obstacle to a happily-ever-after is actually a roadblock of their own making. And roadblocks crumble when God enters the equation!
Why did I write this story?
Because so many times, we allow past mistakes and experiences to influence and shape our future. I wanted to convey to readers that hardships, when shared with those who’ve trudged a similar path, encourage us to press forward in victory. We draw strength from each other as we face life’s delays and diversions. When we seek higher ground, it immobilizes our fear and bolsters our resolve. I wrote His Love Revealed for those whose lives have taken an unplanned detour and for those who’ve faced hurt, made a poor choice, or suffered loss.
About Cynthia:
Cynthia writes Heartfelt, Homespun Fiction from the beautiful Ozark Mountains. A hopeless romantic at heart, she enjoys penning stories about ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances. Her Hope Discovered, her début novel and the first in a three-book series, released December 2018 with Mountain Brook Ink.
“Cindy” has a degree in psychology and a background in social work. She is a member of ACFW, ACFW MozArks, and RWA.
She is a 2020 Selah Award (Double) Finalist, a 2017 ACFW Genesis Finalist, a 2016 ACFW Genesis (Double) Finalist, and a 2015 ACFW First Impressions Winner. Her work is represented by WordServe Literary.
Besides writing, Cindy enjoys spending time with family and friends. She has a fondness for gingerbread men, miniature teapots, and all things apple. She also adores a great cup of coffee and she never met a sticky note she didn’t like. Cindy loves to connect with friends:
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About the book – His Love Revealed
Life derailed him. She set him back on track. Will revelations of the past hijack their future?
Since childhood, Ida Mae Hoscutt, the beloved proprietress of the Come and Get It Diner, has loved Charles “Chuck” Farrow from afar. Now on the eve of her thirty-ninth birthday with no marriage proposal in sight, Ida Mae mourns past mistakes and contemplates a makeover. When a radio commercial wrenches Ida Mae’s heart, will a sudden turn of events sabotage her chance for happiness or will a long-held secret be the answer to love ever-after?
As Ida Mae’s right-hand man at the Come and Get It, Chuck yearns to shift gears and start over. He’s ready to shelve bachelorhood and blunders in favor of possibilities and new beginnings. When he prepares to move forward, two things challenge his objective. One is the father who walked away and never looked back. The other? A decades-old question that only Ida Mae can answer.
And Ida Mae isn’t talking.
Readers will easily enjoy His Love Revealed as a stand-alone novel. To fully appreciate the community’s charm and its array of colorful characters, read Her Hope Discovered, book one in the Welcome to Ruby series.
Can’t wait for the drawing? Worried you won’t win? Get your copy now!
His Love Revealed – Amazon His Love Revealed – Kindle
His Love Revealed – Books-A-Million
Her Hope Discovered, Welcome to Ruby, Book 1
Her Hope Discovered – Amazon Her Hope Discovered – Kindle
Her Hope Discovered – Books-A-Million
Question for Readers: What do you like best about friends-to-more stories?
Come back Nov 24th for Jodie Bailey!
love that they can feel comfortable enough with each other to let things move forward without fighting it.
Friends to more stories are ones with depth of shared experiences, which are sometimes more refreshing than marriages of convenience or mail order bride stories.
Linda, friends to more stories are some of my very favorites. I love the blossoming romance that develops from the bonds of deep friendship.
Shelia, it really is a sweet story— I think you will enjoy it.
I love Cynthia’s stories. Her writing touches the heartstrings and inspires the mind. Her characters feel like real life friends.
Melissa, you are a tremendous encourager! I’m so happy you enjoy my stories!
The development of their feelings and realization that they love each other 🙂
Natalya, I enjoy that aspect, too!
I have a winner! Melissa Henderson won the drawing. I appreciate Cynthia for being my guest and everyone else for stopping by.