Shannon here: Judith McNees shares her inspiration for her Contemporary Romance, A Heart to Protect. Comment or answer the question in any post dated Jan 15th – 31st to enter the drawing for an e-book copy plus 3 other titles. Deadline: Feb 7th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Judith:
When I first started brainstorming my Tranquil Shores Romance series, I knew which order the Morgan siblings would get their happily ever afters. As for how they got there, most of them were a surprise until I started working on each individual book, but I always knew that book four, Zach’s story, would feature a character with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Little did I know when I started writing it just how deeply emotional and intense the experience would be.
I like to put a little bit of myself into all my stories, but Norah, Zach’s love interest, is more like me than any other character I’ve written. We’re both adoptive parents, although unlike Norah, my children were not related to me prior to becoming my foster children. Like Norah’s adopted son, Kaidyn, the children I adopted were eventually diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorder, which falls within the fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. I, too, have struggled at times to receive adequate services and supports for my children. I’ve experienced many of the emotions, good and bad, that Norah expresses throughout the novel.
Writing a story with a character like Kaidyn, presents a complex set of issues. Out of love and respect for my children and many others with FASD, I wanted to be sensitive to how difficult it is to navigate their disorder in a world that seldom understands that their behavioral symptoms are not their fault. They are caused by exposure to toxins before they were even born. I also wanted to stay true to the heartbreaking experiences that many adoptive parents and I have undergone when endeavoring to parent children with a diagnosis on this spectrum.
The relationship between Norah and Zach was a good bridge between the two groups. Norah portrayed the complicated emotions that many adoptive parents battle while fiercely protecting children who hurt them. Zach, who already loved Norah, was able to view Kaidyn through her eyes, even though he struggled to understand him when they were first introduced.
I’m thankful that my story didn’t begin the way Norah’s did. I have had my husband of almost 27 years beside me as we wept in the hard times and rejoiced in the good. Norah’s experience of isolation, though common to other adoptive parents I’ve talked to, was not my experience. I’ve had my husband, my family of origin, and my church family loving us through it all.
Though Kaidyn is a composite of many stories I’ve heard from other adoptive parents through the years as well as things I’ve learned through my own journey, he’s the story behind this story. Our reminder that Christ loves us even when we continue to hurt Him and push Him away.
Reader Question: What is a difficult situation you’ve faced that Jesus used to draw you closer to Him?
January Book Bundle #2
My Journey in Fiction Writing by R.F. Whong, Nonfiction, Newsletter signup download
A Heart to Protect by Judith McNees, Contemporary Romance, e-book
Hidden Talent by Bettie Boswell, Romantic Suspense, e-book
Visible by Darlene Corbett, Romantic Women’s Fiction print
About Judith: Contemporary Christian romance author Judith McNees lives in southwestern Michigan with her husband and three of their seven children, along with their dog and cat. Her family loves to travel together, but she still believes that her home state is one of the most beautiful states there is. She is a proud stay-at-home mom, stepmom, foster mom, adoptive mom, and grandma, which gives her plenty of fodder for her writing. She holds a B.A. in English from Western Michigan University and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. Learn more and connect:
Judith’s Website Judith’s Facebook Judith’s Instagram Judith’s Goodreads
About the book – A Heart to Protect:
Can two grieving hearts find healing with each other…and God?
Zach Morgan has regrets—the biggest being Norah Prior, the one who got away. As he steps into the role of CEO, he throws himself into work, hoping he can keep his heart protected from further abandonment. After all, he believes people can’t hurt him if he doesn’t let them in.
Norah Prior has a secret she’s keeping for a family member that’s bigger than the fact that she’s still in love with Zach Morgan, who also happens to be her new boss. One that will probably get her fired, especially if Zach has his way. But her move to Tranquil Shores has to work. It’s not just her life on the line.
When Norah’s secret comes out, can Zach let down his carefully constructed walls to forgive her, and can Norah trust him not to let her down once he knows just how much baggage comes with her?
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A Heart to Protect Judith’s Books
Come back Jan 22nd for Mary Pat Johns!
My cancer journey has been one of the most difficult seasons of my life. It stripped away any illusion of control and brought me face to face with my need for Jesus daily – not just for healing, but for peace, endurance, and hope. In the uncertainty and fear, I learned to cling to Him in a deeper, more personal way. He met me in weakness and reminded me that His presence is constant, even when answers are not. That season didn’t just test my faith – it deepened it.
What a beautiful testimony! I’m reminded of Psalm 119:71. “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.”
Thanks for commenting!
Losing my parents.
I’m very sorry for your loss, Kelly.