Walking by Your House follows a man struggling to express himself to a woman he has feelings for who keeps trying new ideas hoping to catch her interest and win her heart. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

Much of this part of the story was developed from my own and my friends’ adolescent experiences. I also interviewed some teenagers in my community and found that fifty years later, similar problems occur with similar results. Those experiences provided the basic framework for the story.

What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?

It was important for both main characters to have strong religious beliefs. I wanted both to have an air of innocence and commitment to purity. Emma has a much stronger commitment to family, including extended family. Alan has perseverance, dedication to hard work, and being a good provider.

What were the themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

The most important theme in this book was trust. At times, it was tempting for Alan and Emma to lose trust in one another. They experienced similar issues with their friends. Unconditional love was another theme. Can you continue to love and trust someone when the world is crashing around you? Finally, a husband and wife’s need to support and help one another in difficult circumstances is essential in marriage.

Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?

Walking by Your House is the second story in the Finding Love in the Heartland series, each a standalone tale. The next book is Blue Jeans and Lavender Gowns, which will be published in May 2025. It will examine domestic violence, forgiveness, and second chances.

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