What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?
Originally, the secondary mystery connecting my first three books (The Secret, The Witness, and The Rescues) was going to run through more stories. However, I decided to wrap it up (or did I?) in this fourth volume so I could release my other stories without readers going nuts waiting to find out what happens with this one. (You’re welcome!)
My superfans have been wonderful about letting me know how much they love my books. Their excitement about this series pushed me to tie things up earlier than planned in that respect, but I think it’ll work out great!
Many of the plot twists and turns came to me unexpectedly while I was driving—or while I was on medication after breaking my ankle (at a book signing, no less!). Being home and unable to work gave me unlimited time to sit down and write this book. I’d only written about nine chapters, so breaking my ankle was actually quite handy. I simply put my best foot forward and got it done. I only write when I’m inspired, so once I got going, it was basically non-stop action!
With The Guardian, I really wanted to expand on Morgan’s situation and her emotions. The unconditional support from Josh and Ty—and other recurring characters, along with new ones—really showcases the themes of loyalty, trust, and love among my characters. My books hone in on relationships and values, so this story allowed me to delve even deeper into them. Having that deep mystery and the suspense woven into the emotional moments really had me invested in writing a satisfying sequel—not only for my readers, but for me.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be?
Music is such an inspiration in itself, I could make a long list of songs that work for my characters or for this book as a whole. Trisha Yearwood’s “How Do I Live Without You?” comes to mind because it harks back to Book One, The Secret. This song works for more than one character as well. Air Supply’s “Without You” is another excellent choice that pulls on my heart. Then there’s “Unchained Melody” and Anne Murray’s “You Needed Me.” On the lighter side, I mention a few Bruce Springsteen songs in the story, too.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
It depends on my mood. But I do like mystery and suspense, and if there’s some nice romance to the story, that adds a little extra something. Having different genres combined together also allows for more emotional play. For example, “Romance” and “Suspense” are really completely separate genres. Yet, combining them into “Romance Suspense” really gives me as an author a fresh, clean slate with limitless storylines. The possibilities become nearly endless getting to cover both at once. For a reader, I feel they get to experience more as well.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Free time is quite limited with me, so reading others is not a luxury I have. That being said, I recently borrowed some audiobooks from the library for a trip to Chicago, but then kept listening to more! I got in some terrific stories from new authors for me as I just chose books at random. Jodi Picoult’s “Leaving Time,” Lisa Gardner’s “Love You More,” the entire Atlee Pine series from David Balducci. All were great. Props to those that made me cry as I don’t normally do that. Twists and turns, and plots that made me an emotional wreck. What gets better than that?! I don’t have anything TO read now though.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
I can’t say because it could be a spoiler. There are a few in “The Guardian” that really stand out for me though. Showing humor in a marriage was fun while the ending was both heartbreaking and yet hopeful and solid. Because this story brings back numerous characters from my previous books, each set of them have their own special scenes. I loved them all because I could write them a little differently to match the people they are about.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I write best with a movie playing in the background. It’s best if it’s one I have watched repeatedly and better if I have it memorized. If it’s a new movie, then I’m going to want to watch it instead of writing. But I can’t write in silence because my ears will pick up the slightest thing to distract me. If my rabbit is sitting at my feet as he likes to do, that makes it sweeter.
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
I began keeping quotes when I was a teenager. I have two volumes of them that I go through on a fairly regular basis as well as using to add to my newsletters. There is one that I have on my biography everywhere by Hunter S. Thompson that sums me up well: “Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, ‘WOW—what a ride!’”
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
That life is what we make of it. To choose their friends and spouses wisely in the hopes they will be there for them throughout life and to be a true friend back for them.