The Inspiration of Home

As an author, I am often asked what sparked the idea for my novel. I think most authors would agree the inspiration for each book is as unique as each individual writer. Ideas are mined from everywhere—running the gamut from everyday experiences to the evening news. Callie and Jake's story was actually inspired by "real life events"—the real life of a friend. 

When my friend was a toddler, her father was deployed for a very long time during the Vietnam War. Her mother was afraid she wouldn’t remember him when he returned. So as they went through their normal routine each day, her mother talked about her dad a lot. For example—

"This blue flower reminds me of Daddy. Blue is Daddy’s favorite color."
"Let's have an apple for our snack today. Daddy loves red apples the best."
"Hear that song on the radio, sweetie? This is Daddy's favorite song . . ."

And sure enough, when her family was reunited at the Welcome Home ceremony, my friend wasn’t shy at all. She ran right up to the man her mother hadn’t let her forget while he was serving his country.

My friend shared this sweet story years ago, but it stuck with me. What a clever and creative way to keep her absent father real and present in her small child’s mind. This idea was the seed that blossomed into His Secret Daughter, the first novel in my new Love Inspired series. I really, really, really love the cover. Wouldn't we all like to have some pink boots like Maisie's?

Welcome to Truelove, North Carolina—Where True Love Awaits. This fun, new romantic series is set in the breathtakingly lovely Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

Though the course of true love doesn’t always run smooth, never fear. The Truelove Matchmakers are there to make sure everyone finds their true happily-ever-after.

He just found out he’s a father…
But is he ready to be a dad?


When veteran Jake McAbee learns he has a daughter, he’s determined to raise the adorable toddler. But Maisie’s foster mom, Callie Jackson, insists Jake stay at her orchard until he’s prepared for fatherhood. While Jake and Maisie bond, the trio begins to feel like family. Could the best home for Maisie be the one Jake and Callie create together?

 Order here.



Like so many, Jake is searching for home. This story is also about trusting God. With the good. With the bad. With everything.

Home. What images does that word create in your mind? For some, the memories are good. For others, memories of home are extremely painful. But I believe the longing for home is at the core of who we are as humans.

As Jake discovers at Apple Valley Farm, no matter how tragic the past or present, God has a place of belonging for each of us. And I believe no matter where you’ve been, no matter where you are right now, no matter what you’ve done—that God can take what is broken and make it into something beautiful. In fact, I think He delights in bringing beauty out of brokenness.

Why did I write this story? Because it is my prayer that no matter where you’ve been, no matter where you are right now, no matter what you’ve done—that you will ultimately find in Him your Home. The happily-ever-after for which you were truly made.

I'm so excited about this new series. I hope you will be, too.

Happy Reading,
Lisa

As a Southern romance writer, Lisa has definite opinions on serious issues like barbeque, ACC basketball and the whole Pepsi vs. Coke controversy. When she isn't writing, Lisa enjoys traveling to romantic locales. She also enjoys quilting and researching her next romantic adventure. www.lisacarterauthor.com

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