Interview with Carly L. Carlson, Author of These Wild Dreams of Ours!

Hi, guys! V. Joy Palmer here! Since we are all friends here, you guys can call me Joy. ;-) And one of my favorite things to do is talk with my friends at coffee shops, then head to the bookstores. Yes, plural. After all, books and yummy drinks are the perfect combination! So consider this our virtual coffee shop. I'll wait a second for you to get your warm drink and a fuzzy blanket before we chat with today's guest. <3

Today we are going to pry into the private life of CHAT with Carly L. Carlson, author of These Wild Dreams of Ours!

Interview ~

This may be the most important question I ask -- no pressure or anything, LOL! 

*drum roll*

What are you drinking in our virtual coffee house? Coffee? Tea? Hot chocolate? Something else altogether?

Coffee. Every time :)

I like your style! :) If you could order anything in the world to eat (we can dream, can't we?), what would it be?

I’ve always wanted to try one of those super expensive Wagyu steaks :)

Yum! Where is your favorite place to write, and why is that your favorite place?

Currently: outside in my yard. I can watch the kids play and get a tan while still getting some writing in.

Genius thinking! Do you have an odd habit that is only explained by your bookish, writer tendencies? Safe space. ;-)

I have been known to mispronounce many words because I’ve only ever read them.

You are not alone! What inspired you to write These Wild Dreams of Ours? 

Check out These Wild Dreams of Ours HERE!

They say if you can’t find the book you want to read on the shelves, you need to write it. I’ve often had a hard time connecting with the female main characters in Christian Historical Fiction, and I really wanted to write a character who was both strong and soft, tomboyish but still inherently feminine, a little wild but still kind and tender. That’s where Kate McGrath came into being, and the story grew from there.

Love a multifaceted character! What led you to write in this genre?

Christian Historical Fiction has always been my favourite genre, and this time period and setting in particular (1800s American frontier) has had my heart since I read Little House on the Prairie as a kid. I have often said I was born in the wrong century :)

I know that feeling! What message do you hope to convey to your readers?

A main theme in my book is the question: where is God when we encounter suffering? My characters struggle and face many trials, and I wanted to express the unwavering goodness of God despite the valleys that we walk through. I pray that readers will walk away encouraged in their faith knowing that the Lord is with them through whatever they may be facing in their lives.

Love that! Can you tell us a little about your next project(s)?

I am part of a multi-author series of twelve novellas coming out this winter inspired by Christmas Carols, and my novella will feature a side character from These Wild Dreams of Ours! We’ll get to see them have a happily ever after, and I can’t wait for everyone to read it on December 1st! After that I have plans for four more books in the series and have two other standalone novels, all in various stages of development. I am so excited to bring more stories out into the world!

Yay! That's awesome! Do you have a favorite Bible verse or story that inspires you on a soul level? 

Psalm 46 has stuck with me through the many ups and down in my life, and I think it really applies to this story:

“God is my refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea…the Lord almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”

So good! What are you currently reading? Inquiring minds -- mine! -- want to know. ;-)

That’s a complicated question :) On audiobook I am currently listening to The Indigo Heiress by Laura Frantz. My current physical book is Earthbound by Katee Stein, and on Kindle I’m switching between Sins of the Past by Bethany Klassen and Seashells and Other Souveniers by Rachel Lawrence.

I love complicated book answers! Thanks for answering all of my prying questions, Carly!

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and create aesthetic content for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable daughters. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Amazon Author Page!

Author, Editor, and Designer, Bev Haynes

   

                 Quilted Hills Book Series                                     Bev Haynes

Welcome to Quilted Hills! 

A place where every stitch tells a story, and every heart holds a secret.

In this beloved series from authors Bev Haynes and Jewel Adams, the serene beauty of Amish country hides more than meets the eye. Love, loss, and faith intertwine in tales of redemption, hope, and finding home again.

Hello Everyone! Gay N. Lewis here, and I’m introducing Bev Haynes to you today. Bev and I met years ago, but we have yet to see each other face to face. She read my books and recommended me to her publishing company. She’s an exceptional author, editor, and designer. She also knows technology!

She worked as the editor for one of the first Online publishers in 1998, Romance Foretold. She held the managing editor position for the Paranormal division. Due to new technology, the company faded away. So, in 2000, along with friends, she formed a new publishing company: Wings ePress, Inc. As if that wasn’t enough, after that, she created Whiskey Creek Press. She loved Whiskey Creek but sold it when her husband became ill. Thankfully he is healthy now! 

Bev loves to read, crochet and cook. If I ever visit her in Guernsey, Wyoming, she promises to feed me her favorite food: Cabbage buns. Shredded cabbage and onion mixed with browned hamburger in the middle of homemade bread. She’d also show me “The Hub of the Oregon Trail.” From where she lives, I would see the Oregon Trail Ruts. Thousands of covered wagons carved deep grooves into the Wyoming sandstone.

Bev’s primary genre is Amish Romance.

Now for the answers to my questions.

Gay: Tell our readers about you.

Bev: My husband, Odell and I live in rural Wyoming on the east side near the Nebraska line. We love small town life. We have three grown children, 5 grandgirls, and 4 great grandchildren.

Gay: How long have you been an author?

Bev: I cannot remember NOT being an author. I remember writing stories as far back as grade school. In High School, I wrote short stories for $1each for my classmates featuring them meeting and dating their favorite star.

Gay: Wow! Just wow! You sold stories in high school! How many books as of today?

Bev:  Ten books in many genres. Contemporary romance, paranormal romance, Amish romance and my first draft of a Paranormal Women’s Fiction.

Gay: I know you edit, and design covers for other authors. What is your favorite? Writing, editing, or designing?

Bev: Great question. I love writing, but my second love is editing. Helping an author make their book as great as it can be is quite fulfilling.

Gay: I know you have been under contract for a traditional publishing company, and you are also self-published. Which is better?

Bev: I’ve experienced both, true. I love being independent. It boils down to the fact that no matter which way you go, it is up to you to promote your work.

Gay: How do you market your books?

Bev: That’s my biggest problem! I have taken marketing classes, spent money on ads and in general failed miserably because I am internet shy! Back in the day, I “tried” to sell Avon, Mary Kay and Tupperware! I’m not cut out for it and marketing my books drops my emotions back to the days of failure. I’m determined to change all of this! The first step I created a website, and I like it a lot. Now, I need to make a newsletter.

Gay: Do you attend workshops and conventions?

Bev: I attend a few online workshops. There are conventions that really interest me, but living in Wyoming, everything feels far away when you are terrified of flying!

Gay: What is your favorite genre?

Bev: Hmmm…Paranormal Women’s Fiction. I know, it doesn’t fit well with my Amish Romances. I have contemplated using a pseudonym for my paranormal writing, however, managing dual identities would require significantly more effort. Being eclectic is more fun.

Gay: I see you write with a partner. How does that work?

Bev: Yes, my good friend Jewel Adams and I teamed up on the Amish series. Me in Wyoming and Jewel living between Maine and Florida. We wrote while talking on Skype. We’d discuss the scene and using Google Docs we’d both type at the same time and select the parts we liked or blended them. It was a lot of fun. Jewel and I now live only a few blocks apart and are we continuing the series? Not yet. We are both writing separately in the Fantasy genre.

Gay: Have you ever had writer’s block?

Bev:  Life block is more accurate. I get busy “thinking” about a book, then another pops up, and another. All of this while I’m busy having fun shopping out of town and around here, everything is out of town. Our closest Walmart is 60 miles one way.

Gay: Oh my goodness! That’s a distance! My Walmart is five miles away, but it can take me an hour to get there. We have tons of traffic and road construction between here and there. I order and have them deliver!

Thank you, Bev, for visiting us. I am looking forward to working with you again in days to come.  Everyone, please click on her purchase site! It's lovely, and of course, buy books!

Contact Bev via email: bev.haynes@gmail.com

Purchase Links: authorbevhaynes.com

Author Megan Besing's New Book Lights Up the Shelves

 

(Photo by Matt C./unsplash.com)

All right, readers, you're firefighters! Pull on your gear, grab your helmet, (those things are heavy so pump some iron before you start!) and jump in the firetruck. We're about to find out more about the next fire and rescue book Rescued Heart by an author near and dear to my heart, Megan Besing. Sound the alarm and break open the garage door—don't forget Dally the Dalmatian—and let's get right into the hot spots of this new release!

PT: Let's jump right into the fire, Megan. Tell us how you got started as a suspense author.

MB: After I had two published historicals, I saw how Sunrise Publishing had a call out for an opportunity to potentially be mentored by a great suspense author, Lisa Phillips, and I thought I’d like to learn how to write suspense. So, I tried out and was chosen. I got to have a weekend retreat with Lisa and Susan May Warren where I learned lots and that lead to my next three suspense books through Sunrise Publishing.

PT: Everyone's dying to know, do you have a day job besides writing?

MB: I’ve spent the last two years teaching 7th and 8th grade at a small Christian school. Yes, all the subjects, including Latin the first year (which I did not know). My favorite subjects to teach are Bible and believe it or not, Math.

PT: So is there any genre you secretly want to write in?

MB: I have several YA/YA fantasy/ Dystopian stories on my old computer and in my head. I think being a current junior high teacher has me longing to see those stories in print. But I just want to find books for my students that I know they’ll love, and I don’t have to fear what’s inside of them. However, I don’t see that happening tomorrow at least. 😊

PT: Hobbies? Pets? Favorite vacations? Favorite foods while writing? Work with silence or music or other?

MB: Reading, that counts as a hobby, right? Pets, we have a dog and three cats, plus some chickens all of which live outside and actually enjoy there. Though my cat, Novella, is actually sleeping on my lap right now. We’ve gotten to travel a fair amount, and I love things about each trip, but my favorites are probably: Ireland, Hawaii, and Lake Superior. And yes, I love water it seems. My favorite foods while writing tend to be on the crunchy/salty end like Chex-Mix and Cheese-Its, but I also love chocolate. Usually, I work outside in my “writing room”. It’s really a little shed by our lake that gets really hot in the summer.  I tend to listen to creation, but if I’m inside where it’s loud, I’ll listen to instrumental music—like The Piano Guys.

PT: Did you ever have a book review that really inspired you?

MB: I try to read all my reviews. Generally, they are good, but occasionally I’ll get a review that beats me or my book up (or both) and for some reason those bad reviews seem to stick out in my brain more than the good ones. But I love reading a review where the reader “got” the story and when they mention the spiritual aspects of the book, I’m like: “Yes, this is why I do this.” It’s very encouraging.

 PT: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

MB: My original dream destination was Ireland, and we actually visited there a few years ago. And yes, it’s beautiful and lovely. I think now I’d like to visit England and see the beautiful coastline. Drink some yummy tea. However, don’t tell my daughter, but we’d love to take her to Paris—her dream—for her senior trip. But… life doesn’t always allow our dreams. So only time will tell if that adventure will happen or not.

 PT: Tell us a quick synopsis of your new book, Rescued Heart.

 Actress Bianca “Bia” Pearl has finally landed the headlining role that could help leave her scandalous past behind—a role that may even earn back her parents’ respect. All she has to do is stick to the script, both on and off camera. Bianca is determined to prove to the press that she’s not who they say she is…an overrated gold digger

Firefighter and former foster child Eddie Rice has always drawn the short straw in life. Now, he’s determined to help kids in need have a better future than he did. And when Eddie is selected to represent the fire station at Last Chance County’s masquerade ball, he realizes it’s the perfect opportunity to secure the mayor’s signature on a grant for a much-needed rec center.

 But when a case of mistaken identity and a bribe lead to Eddie and Bia being trapped together in a fire, the pair must team up to escape—and protect their futures in the process.

 Rescued Heart is a heart-pounding romance that celebrates the power of second chances, the resilience of the human spirit, and the transformative power of love.

PT: Your new book, Rescued Heart is part of a series, correct? Tell us a little about the series and how many books are included.

MB: Rescued Heart is actually book seven in the Last Chance Fireand Rescue Series which is a branch from the original Last Chance County Series that Lisa Phillips wrote ten books in. Each book in the LCF&R series are all stand alones, where they follow a different firefighter either on Rescue Squad Five or Truck Fourteen. Or the fire chief like I got to write about in book two, Expired Hope. There will be one more book releasing in a few months to finish out the series the LCF&R series. It’s been so fun bringing the crew their own happily-ever-afters.

PT: I’ve just started reading the book. I can’t wait to see which direction Bianca will go next. Do you have a character in this, or other books, that is most like you?

MB: I usually don’t mirror a character after anyone specific. A character may get a few random traits or I might borrow from people I know. But if anything, sometimes I borrow favorite things—Like Bianca enjoys a certain kind of milkshakes, and the reason I chose that flavor is because my dad likes that kind, too. She’s also partial to flipflops and sweatpants, and I’m guilty of that as well.

 PT: What’s the Bible premise or verse that Rescued Heart centers around?

 MB: I chose Palms 139: 23-24 for Rescue Heart’s verse: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

It talks about our heart, and it touches on some trials the characters have to endure doing the story.

 PT: What Bible verse keeps you centered right now?

MB: My favorite verse has always been Proverbs 3:5-6. Trusting in the Lord covers most things we go through in life. But the verse I’d chosen for my classroom this past year was Proverbs 4:23 which says: Above all else, guard your heart; for everything you do flows from it.  I also need to pick a new verse to memorize for the month. It will probably be another verse in Proverbs because that’s the book I’m currently in. 

 PT: Drum roll for my favorite prompt. Name 5 things that have nothing to do with writing.

 MB: 1. A Vanilla Coke—because I’d like to drink one right about now. 

        2. Packing—we’re about to go camping. (Which is not what I consider a great vacation. Lol. But it is good family time.) 

        3. Orchids and tulips—because I think they’re my favorite flowers. Though, I do enjoy Gerber daisies too.  

        4./5. Bedtime I’m wondering how much farther is bedtime because I’m tired. And I’m thinking I might need another hummingbird feeder.

 PT: What’s next on your author chalkboard? Writing? Editing? Marketing? All three?

MB: It looks like I’m going to have another book release next spring. More details can be found in my newsletter and social media when everything because more official.

(Photo by Tak Kei Wong/unsplash.com)

PT: And the fire's out. Enter Megan's book giveaway by leaving your email address and a inspiring
comment, or use our contact form. Thanks for reading, and thanks to Megan for joining us today!

Want to know more about Megan Besing? Keep reading!

purchase links:

https://books2read.com/rescuedheart

 https://www.amazon.com/Rescued-Heart-Chance-County-Rescue-ebook/dp/B0DFY2YVCZ

 https://sunrisepublishing.com/books-last-chance-fire-and-rescue-rescued-heart/

 

bio:

Megan Besing is a PW's Bestselling Author. Winner of the Selah Award, a 2x finalist in the Carols, and a HOLT Medallion finalist, Megan lives in a pocket-size Indiana town, with her husband and their children, where she's always planning a road trip. Yet, her favorite place may just be on her front porch drinking tea. Connect with Megan at meganbesing.com.

 

Links:

 https://www.meganbesing.com/

https://www.instagram.com/meganbesing/

https://www.facebook.com/MeganBesingWriter

 https://www.bookbub.com/authors/megan-besing

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Megan-Besing/author/B073X2W8CV

Interview with author Heidi Glick!!

 

Today we welcome Heidi Glick to The Diamond Mine!! Her upcoming release is a romantic suspense from Scrivenings Press. Gazing into Darkness is Book 1 in the Queen City Heroes series. The release date is August 12, 2025. The book will be available on Amazon and free for Kindle Unlimited subscribers. 

Here's a taste of the book:  Instead of moving closer to his girlfriend, Chance McPherson gets dumped and relocated to Cincinnati—farther from his dreams and closer to his shameful past. Stacey Sanderson is excited to finally secure a role in law enforcement, like the rest of her family, especially as an EPA CID agent, where she can protect God’s creation.

On the job, Stacey’s perfectionism and faith rub Chance the wrong way, while his antics and wisecracks irritate Stacey. When federal employees who worked an old case with Stacey start dying, Chance becomes concerned, and not just because Stacey is his partner. Stacey senses a closeness between them but has vowed not to get involved with men in law enforcement and especially not someone who doesn’t share her faith.

The anniversary of the case is creeping closer. Time is running out. Can Chance and Stacey stop the person who is out to kill her before it’s too late?

Sounds really interesting, Heidi!! Now let's start the interview!

So, tell us a bit more about the series.

Gazing into Darkness is the first book in a three-book romantic suspense series, Queen City Heroes, set in Cincinnati, Ohio. While solving cases, federal agents Chance McPherson and Stacy Sanderson must also investigate their feelings for each other. In Book 1, Chance must overcome his anger toward God and his fear of working with a female agent, to protect his partner, Stacy, from a madman who wants revenge.

How did you get your idea for this story?

For several years, I worked for a government contractor onsite at the Cincinnati EPA. Later, I learned about EPA CID agents.I thought it'd be cool to write a story about them and the work they do.

Great idea! I'm glad you thought of it. So, what made you decide to be a writer?

When I  was thirteen, I was in a church Christmas drama. I wanted to play Mary, but I couldn't sing, which was required for the role. An adult suggested I write my own play. Growing up in Southern California, originally, I dreamed of writing Christian screenplays, but God had other plans.

Then, what was your first story?

My first story was Dog Tags, a romantic suspense from Pelican Book Group. In it, Marine Mark Graham determines to protect Beth Martindale, the woman he loves, at all costs, and yet his own secrets might turn her against him forever.

That sounds cool!

Do you write from an outline, or just from inspiration, or both?

Normally, I write from an outline. With my current work-in-progress, I have written toward what James Scott Bell refers to as signposts, but I haven't followed an outline as closely as I normally do.

Do you have any underlying themes that you want your readers to come away with?

Yes, I try to include themes of redemption, forgiveness, and trusting God.

Such important themes for every person to experience!

Do your characters share any traits with you or someone you know?

The heroine of the story and I both like to read books.

Do your characters ever surprise you?

Yes, with my current work in progress, I was surprised by twists along the way.

I love it when that happens!

Do you have a favorite character in your books?

The main characters in Gazing Into Darkness, Chance and Stacy, are my favorite characters.

So, what are you working on now?

Currently, I am working on a stand-alone romantic suspense, tentatively titled, Kalamity Cabin, set in the fictional town of Kalamity, Ohio.

I love that title! 

Thanks for the interview, Heidi! I really enjoyed hearing about your books.

Now readers, here is a short bio of Heidi, plus her social and purchase links!

Heidi Glick has a B.A. in biology from Cedarville University, a Master of 

Technical Communication from Utah State University, and a passion for writing 

romantic suspense from a Christian worldview. Additionally, she is a member 

of American Christian Fiction Writers and Faith, Hope, and Love Christian 

Writers and has written two articles for Intercom. She has an eye for detail and 

includes law enforcement particulars in her stories, grounding the reader in 

scenes. She’s attended Writers’ Police Academy and the Hancock County 

(Ohio) Sheriff Citizen’s Academy to ensure accuracy of story details. Before 

becoming a romantic suspense writer, Heidi taught science to middle and high 

school students and edited science documents. Though she grew up in 

Southern California, Heidi now considers rural Northwest Ohio her home. When 

she is not busy discovering unique ways to wreak havoc upon the lives of her 

fictional characters, she spends quality time with her husband, two kids, and 

eight pets.

Readers can learn more about Heidi on her 

Website, https://authorheidiglick.com/

Social Media Links:

·       http://www.facebook.com/authorheidiglick

·       https://twitter.com/HeidiGlick1

·       https://sleuthsandsuspects.blogspot.com/

·       https://www.instagram.com/glick.heidi/

·       https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7035003.Heidi_Glick

·       https://www.pinterest.com/sheglick/

Romantic Suspense Author Rebecca Lake Shares About Baseball, Life, and Writing

 This week, I'm excited to introduce you to Rebecca Lake. Rebecca is a romantic suspense author who writes stories of courage grounded in hope.

About Rebecca

Rebecca grew up in the rural West, where gold rush towns, remote caves, and the rugged Idaho mountains stirred her imagination.

The stories remained unwritten until one day she decided she could no longer wait for tomorrow and began writing. Within a year, she penned Where Secrets Lie, His Last Text, and The Mistaken Witness.

Her clean novels provide unique twists, white-knuckle suspense, and sweet romance. The characters inspire with their courage, grounded in hope.

Connect with Rebecca: website | newsletter | Facebook  | Bookbub

Interview

Suzie: Welcome to the Diamond Mine, Rebecca. We’re thrilled to have you visit us this week. Let's start with something easy. What is your favorite spring-time beverage?

Rebecca: I enjoy an ice-cold Arnold Palmer (unsweetened tea and lemonade) or iced coffee.

Suzie: Ah, an Arnold Palmer in the summer is refreshing. Tell us a little about you—family, hobbies, day job, or whatever you’d like to share that’s not in your bio.

Rebecca: We’re avid baseball fans, and we’ve watched a lot of games, both on TV and in person. Pro, college, high school and youth baseball—we’ve watched it all. 

Suzie: I've never been able to get into baseball but have some good friends who love it. What are three books on your current tbr?

Rebecca: Doyle by Susan May Warren, Two Seconds Too Late by Dani Pettrey, and Out of Time by Irene Hannon

Suzie: Two of those are on my TBR as well! What does your writing space look like?

Rebecca: We converted a spare bedroom into a shared office. My window overlooks our hummingbird feeders, and when I need a break, I watch the horses in the field behind our house. 

Suzie: That sounds like an amazing view. Would you share with us a little about your road to publication?

Rebecca: My road has been shaped by authors who generously shared their expertise. I wouldn’t have made it without one incredibly kind mentor who patiently shared her vast knowledge. I hope to pay it forward someday.

Suzie: What drew you to the romantic suspense genre?

Rebecca: I’ve always loved mysteries and suspense. I initially planned to write sweet romances, but suspenseful elements kept creeping into my stories.

Suzie: Tell us more about your newest release, The Mistaken Witness.

Rebecca: Harper Ashford narrowly escapes death after getting forced off a treacherous Idaho mountain road. Ignoring his own rules, former Special Forces officer Alek Locke races to her rescue. She doesn’t trust him. He doesn’t want to get involved. Yet, unraveling the deadly conspiracy her father ignited demands they remain in the mountains, forge an uneasy alliance, and follow a trail of cryptic clues. The danger escalates beyond their wildest expectations, each discovery leading them deeper into peril. 

While writing The Mistaken Witness, one plot twist captivated me so much I spent hours researching the actual event.

Suzie: What are you currently working on?

Rebecca: Deception At Christmas. A Christmas novella, Where Secrets End, Book Three in the Deception In The Mountains series, and Disguised Deception, book one in the Garnet Falls series.

Suzie: Wow, it sounds like writing is keeping you plenty busy. How can we pray for you?

Rebecca: For wisdom.

Suzie: Thank you for spending some time with us today, Rebecca. We will be praying God gives you wisdom as you continue your writing journey.

The Mistaken Witness

A fatal crash. A father’s betrayal. A web of lies.

Budding journalist Harper Ashford isn’t stalking a big story when an SUV forces her off a treacherous Idaho mountain road—it’s stalking her. So, when a handsome former Special Forces officer “just happens” upon the remote scene, she’s not about to trust him.

Alek Locke has retreated to the mountains to regroup after a mission gone awry. Rescuing a beautiful stranger wasn't part of his recovery plan. But as threats escalate and shocking connections emerge, Harper's father's betrayal pulls Alek deeper into the conspiracy he might have been entangled in all along.

Cryptic clues soon have the reporter question her sources and the military man reevaluate his priorities. With the danger relentless, their enemies might not be who they seem. Will their fragile partnership keep them alive? Can Alek’s selfless vow to protect her pierce her guarded heart? And could Harper’s resilience teach him another kind of strength before it’s too late?

Amazon | Goodreads

 Join me in welcoming award-winning author, Rhonda Ortiz to the Diamond mine! Rhonda is such a sweet and supportive author and writes fantastic historical fiction. If you haven’t had the chance to enjoy her Molly Chase Series yet, “In Pieces” and “Adrift” are excellent reads. The third book in the series will be releasing soon and I can’t wait. Without further ado, here’s Rhonda!

Rhonda Ortiz is a historical novelist, a founding editor of Chrism Press, and the editor in chief of Dappled Things. Her Molly Chase series has been the recipient of multiple awards, placements, and honors, including the Catholic Media Association Book Awards, the ACFW Genesis Award, the Oregon Christian Writer’s Cascade Award, and others. A native Oregonian, Rhonda attended St. John’s College in historic Annapolis, Maryland and now lives in Michigan with her husband and children.

Welcome, Rhonda! We’re so excited to have you here today. First let’s learn a little about you. Can you share a few things about yourself that have nothing to do with writing?

Nothing to do with writing, huh? Ask the hard question first! Just kidding. I’m Rhonda Ortiz. I grew up in Oregon, went to school in Annapolis and there met my native New Yorker husband. If our story was My Big Fat Greek Wedding, his family would be the Greeks and mine would bring the Bundt cake. After he finished graduate school—he’s a theologian and professor—we landed in west Michigan, which neither of us realized was on the map. (The stereotypes about coast people’s views on flyover country is one hundred percent true. Now we know better.)

Outside of writing and freelance work, most of my time is spent running after my six children, ages three to fourteen. But occasionally I have time to pursue hobbies, including gardening and knitting.

What an adventure! What drew you to write?

I’ve always been a writer, but I came to fiction writing late. One day I had a story idea, and both my husband and my parents encouraged me to pursue it. After several years of writing drafts and stuffing them into a desk drawer, never to see the light of day, I finally hit upon the idea for the Molly Chase series and knew this one was a keeper. 

It sure is! What’s your writing process? 

I begin with an eight-beat scene structure worksheet that I created—I keep a clipboard with several copies at hand. I set a timer for ten minutes and fill out the worksheet with whatever comes to mind. This is not a hard-and-fast plan—in fact, I rarely follow it. But filling out the sheet helps me brainstorm the scene’s conflict and arc, getting the juices flowing.

Then I set my timer for ten minutes again and write. When the timer stops, I jot down my word count, make sure I’m averaging ten words a minute, and set the timer again. Rinse and repeat. The timer helps me stay focused—I have ADHD—and aiming for ten words a minute keeps me moving at a reasonable, moderate pace.

I love it! I may have to bother you for this worksheet. It sounds so helpful :) How do you come up with your story ideas?

On the YouTube video of a recent interview I gave, someone in the combox declared, “She’s very weird.” Certainly the comment was petty and mean, but it also made me laugh. Between being neurodivergent and being a novelist—someone who spends her days listening to imaginary people talk in her head—weirdness comes with the territory. And it’s this same weirdness that generates story ideas. Ideas just happen.

That certainly is mean (and I strongly disagree), but am so glad you could laugh about it. We all loved “In Pieces” and “Adrift.”  Tell us about your upcoming release. 

Keeper of Keys is the third and final installment of the 1793, Boston-set Molly Chase series, which is one story told in three volumes—kind of like a miniseries. I can’t say too much about it, lest I spoil the book for my diehard Molly fans, but I can share my early readers’ reactions. The first reader cried. The second reader said Molly kept coming up during her prayer time for days after she had finished the story. The third reader sent me a ton of emojis—heartbreak, mind blown—with a “Well done, my friend. Well done.” At the time of this interview, the manuscript is going through editorial, so of course I have more work to do on it. But the overall story did what it was supposed to do, and for that I’m grateful.

Gah!! Now I’m even more impatient for it! Are there certain themes explored in the story?

Redemptive suffering is perhaps the most important theme, followed by the deeper meaning and efficaciousness of marriage, especially Christian marriage. The series contains no small number of story threads, from love to family drama to politics and spies, which means there’s a theme for everyone!

That’s something I’ve enjoyed about your other two books for sure. Do you have any favorite characters in your books?

I love my Molly, of course. And while the story’s lead male character, Josiah Robb, is great, my favorite character is his roguish, sharp-witted friend, Mark Findley. I can’t think about Mark without smiling. My other favorite character is Sarah Robb, Josiah’s mother.

What are you working on now?

I was supposed to work on a story about the 1900 Galveston (TX) hurricane, one of the deadliest on record. Then I thought, well, I’ve been meaning to write Sarah and her late husband Nathan Robb’s story as a novella, so maybe I should do that before leaving eighteenth century Boston. After I began brainstorming the opening scenes, I realized it will be a novel, not a novella. So that’s what I’m doing next.

Ooo. I’m in!! Can’t wait to read Sarah and Robb’s story. When you’re not writing, what do you enjoy doing?

Gardening! While I don’t know as much about plants as my botanist character Prudence Warren, I do love playing in the dirt.

Thanks so much for joining us today, Rhonda!

Keep an eye out for Keeper of Keys, set to release March 2026

Here’s a sneak peek at what the story is about:

Best to leave the ghosts alone.

Boston, 1793—Federal spies Molly and Josiah Robb have returned to Molly’s childhood home—not to brood on her father’s suicide, but with a mission: woo Boston’s elite and find the traitors infiltrating American intelligence operations. Dinners, parties, church committees, business dealings—the Robbs must throw wide their doors if they are to hear society’s tittle-tattle. Only one door remains locked. No one goes in Papa’s study.

Spinster Anne Lawrence will do anything placate her wealthy uncle, if it means her brother Peter will inherit his fortune. So when Uncle Lawrence asks her to befriend the detestable Molly Robb and hunt down a document hidden in Molly’s house, Anne agrees. Little does she know that she’s being watched in turn.

When Molly tells Josiah that they’re expecting a baby, Josiah is caught between joy and panic—Molly’s late mother lost several children at birth. When Molly’s pregnancy doesn’t go as planned, he wonders if they are reliving her parents’ story.

In this poignant conclusion to the Molly Chase series, Keeper of Keys explores themes of love, sacrifice, reconciliation, and the true meaning of homecoming.

Enjoy the first two books of the series to pass the time:)

In Pieces:

Certain things ruin a girl’s reputation, and madness is one.

Purchase: https://a.co/d/8nIy50c

Adrift:

“Everything about your life is my concern, Mr. Robb, including your betrothed.”

Purchase: https://a.co/d/1geJ7n9

Connect with Rhonda

https://rhondaortiz.com/

Social media: Across all platforms at @writingrhonda