About Heidi McCahan
Inspirational Romance Author
Heidi’s Story
From Alaskan Roots to Bestselling Author
Heidi’s love of storytelling began in Alaska’s scenic wilderness, where she grew up in a family-owned lodge on the Richardson Highway. Those early years helped shape both her imagination and entrepreneurial spirit. When her older sister brought home a handmade book from school, Heidi immediately wanted to make one of her own. Before long, she had typed, illustrated, and assembled The Story of Snowball My Colt and The Family—a childhood creation she still treasures on her bookshelf today.
Although she adored reading and writing a book was her secret desire (her childhood bestie still says she was obsessed with winning Battle of the Books) a painful rejection letter from Seventeen magazine in junior high made her question if her dream of being published was even possible.
So she pursued a different path. Curious about life outside The Last Frontier, she left her hometown for Whitworth College, earning a bachelor’s degree in Sports Medicine.
During cross-country practice, Heidi overheard teammates talking about one athlete’s mother, a successful romance author. Until then, she had never realized romance writing could be a real career. She quietly tucked away the name Debbie Macomber for future reference.
Heidi went on to earn her masters degree in Athletic Training from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. After a brief but rewarding career as a Certified Athletic Trainer, Heidi married her husband, Steve. One night, as she rocked her newborn and watched a Debbie Macomber made-for-TV movie, she remembered that long-ago conversation and dusted off her dream of becoming a published author.
In 2010, Heidi and her family moved to North Carolina. After several years of blogging, she decided to write a novel. Her debut inspirational romance, Unraveled, was published in 2014.
Clean Romance Books Readers Love
Heidi now writes heartfelt, faith-filled romances for readers who love emotional journeys, fresh starts and tender love stories. Several of her Love Inspired novels—including His Easter Baby, Her Alaskan Companion, A Baby in Alaska, Her Alaskan Family, and Lost Alaskan Memories—appeared on the Publishers Weekly bestseller list in 2023, 2024, and 2025. In 2019, The Firefighter’s Twins was a Booksellers Best finalist. One Southern Summer was a HOLT Medallion and Readers’ Choice Award finalist in 2024. A Winter of Sweet Secrets is a 2026 Carolyn Readers’ Choice Award finalist.
Heidi is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Novel Academy and Faith, Hope & Love Christian Writers.
Let’s Keep in Touch
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Highlights & Milestones
Since 2014, Heidi has achieved numerous goals, celebrated big wins and regrouped after challenging setbacks. Thankfully, God has graciously walked with her every step of the way. Here are a few snapshots highlighting some of her meaningful career milestones.
- Seeing new releases on the shelves at local bookstores including Walmart and Barnes & Noble
- Writing and publishing 25 books (with many more to come)
- Celebrating multiple books chosen as finalists in contests
- Getting that first Harlequin publishing contract after entering a contest
- Signing a publishing contract for a ‘blind book’ deal (publisher pitches the book idea and author writes it)
- Teaching Dictation 101 virtually and in-person at writers’ conferences
- A dream come true: first author event + book signing at Barnes & Noble
- Appreciating the sweet gift of marrying a supportive spouse
- Rejoicing when another Love Inspired book hits the Publishers Weekly bestseller list
– Kathryn, reader review of The Firefighter’s twins
New to Heidi’s books? Here are four great places to start. Enjoy!
