We’re three books into my new Welcome to Redemption, Alaska series and I think it’s safe to say this rugged coastal town is all about grit, fierce determination, and embracing second chances.
I’m so excited to share more about my latest release, The Last Mile Between Us, and give you a behind-the-scenes glimpse at how this story came to be.
Wholesome Small-Town Romance Rooted in Redemption
In case you missed it, the overarching theme of this series is in fact redemption. When I teamed up with Susan May Warren to develop all five books plus the prequel novella, we quickly landed on this particular theme. First as the name of the town and then later on as the elusive thing at least one character is chasing in every story.
The Last Mile Between Us explores the question: What do we do with our mistakes and how does God use them to shape us?
Caroline McGuire, the middle child in the McGuire family, is stepping into a role that terrifies her—a brand-new physician assistant in a town where she feels she can never measure up to the beloved Dr. Wallace. She ran from Redemption once, building her life and pursuing her education far away in Colorado. Coming back? That was never part of the plan.
But sometimes, the places we avoid are exactly where God calls us to grow.
Meet the Hero: Flawed, Fierce, and Fighting for Truth
Jude—the hero of this story—might be one of the most complex characters I’ve written.
He’s a biathlete, competing in a physically and mentally demanding sport. But what fascinated me most in my research wasn’t just the brutal nature of the competition. I couldn’t ignore the real-life documented allegations of cheating among the athletes.
Right away, the opening scene unfolded in my imagination and I knew Jude was a hero who had made a mistake.
In trying to call out someone else’s wrongdoing, his emotions got the best of him. His sense of justice—something I personally relate to deeply—backfired, costing him his reputation and temporarily derailing his career.
Because isn’t that how life works sometimes?
We try to do the right thing… but pride, anger, or hurt get tangled in a nasty snarl. Before we realize what’s happening, a huge mess erupts. Often at great cost.
That Kiss Though…
Six months before the story begins, Caroline and Jude shared one perfect kiss outside on a wintery Colorado evening.
Just one kiss.
And then… he disappeared.
No explanation. No goodbye. Nothing,
So when Jude suddenly shows up in Redemption, desperate to salvage his career, and in need of Caroline’s medical expertise, the tension skyrockets.
She doesn’t want to help him.
He doesn’t deserve her help.
And yet… they’re thrown together in the most unavoidable way.
This dynamic—hurt, healing, and unresolved feelings—was so much fun to write. I have to tip my hat to Susie May as well as the rest of the editorial team at Sunrise Publishing for helping me make this romance novel a compelling page-turner.
Inspired by Life, Alaska, and a Love for Medical Drama
This book is quite personal because:
- I grew up in a family owned small business in Alaska
- Hiking, cross-country skiing, biking and ice skating were part of our routines, so we often encountered wild animals
- In college, we rearranged our study habits around watching ER on TV
- Before I became a mom and a writer, I worked as an athletic trainer, where we were always prepared for a catastrophic medical emergency (thankfully those types of injuries rarely occurred).
When folks ask where I get my ideas for my books, I rely on The Story Equation, Romancing the Beat, Enneagram personality types, as well as Writing Your Novel from the Middle to help me shape the plot. But eventually, my subconscious takes the wheel and often personal experiences are layered in.
Emergency medical situations, high-stakes decisions and wilderness encounters coupled with the breathtaking beauty of small-town life in Alaska all serve as the foundation for The Last Mile Between Us.
A Sweet Wholesome Romance You Can Trust
If you’re new here you should know:
This is a wholesome, no-spice, inspirational romance.
My promise to readers—and something I worked hard to honor alongside my editor—is to deliver stories that are:
- Emotionally rich
- Spiritually grounded
- Wholesome and uplifting
- Full of hope
If you love small-town settings, medical drama, second chances, and faith woven naturally into the story, this book is for you. Out of the five books I wrote last year, this one stands out. I think because it hit a creative sweet spot.
The characters came alive in a way that often felt effortless. After a bit of a rough start rewriting books one and two, I found my lane and just went for it. And even now while I’m deep in the challenges of writing The Hidden Light of Her, the final book in the series, I look back on this one with so much joy.
Grab Your Copy for a Super Affordable Price
Right now, The Last Mile Between Us is available exclusively through Sunrise Publishing’s Shopify store for just $4.99.
This is the lowest price it will be as a new release, so if you’ve been waiting to start your journey to Redemption, Alaska—or if you’re eager to continue the adventures—now is the perfect time.
Thank you for being here and taking the time to read my books. I hope you enjoy Jude and Caroline’s story!
