The Broken Weathervane follows a woman trying to unravel a family mystery who takes a new job with an English professor who is working on a biography that he does not realize is tied to her family. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

My dad shared a family story about his father and uncle who were in business together with a younger brother who struggled quite a bit. The two older brothers did everything in their power to help him succeed in his own businesses and later let him work at theirs. I loved the way they cared for him despite all the difficulties they encountered.

This was the spark of the 1950s timeline in my novel. However, it’s just the spark. It’s not a story about my family, and the characters took on lives of their own. 

In the 2015 timeline, I needed two people at cross purposes with each other—both seeking the same information for different reasons.

I found Leslie to be a very well-written and in-depth character. What was your inspiration for her and her emotional turmoil throughout the story?

It was important for Leslie to have understanding of mental health issues, some from experience, some from study and observation. Having safeguarded her family’s identity and history her entire life, she wrestles with how to handle newfound information she’s been wondering about for years. 

Since her life had to overlap Greg’s at the university, I gave her an education background (previously a high school English and literature teacher) and made her a grants officer at the college so she’d have to work directly with Greg from time to time. 

Part of her turmoil comes from keeping secrets from Greg who doesn’t even know she’s part of the Buckwalter family that he’s been researching. While honoring her grandmother’s wishes for privacy, she could be putting Greg in jeopardy by withholding information.

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

In the 1950s timeline, one of the characters deals with mental illness. My hope is to reduce the stigma of mental illness by learning about it, discussing it, and having empathy for those who suffer.

Directly related is the question of transparency and truth. When is it important to be transparent and when should privacy and protection of loved ones take priority? There are no easy answers.

The Broken Weathervane is conducive to great book club discussion. There are resources and nine questions at the back of the book and on my website. I’d be happy to visit any book club in person or via Zoom.

What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?

My next book is historical fiction, as usual, but it goes back further into time than my other books. Rain in the Wilderness is Biblical fiction set in the time of Christ. The main character is Rebekah, mother of three adult children. One son works for a Roman centurion; another despises all things Roman. 

In Jerusalem and beyond, the Jews writhe under the oppressive Roman Empire, longing for a political Messiah. At the center of controversy, Jesus of Nazareth seems an unlikely prospect. Ruthless debates unite his enemies while further dividing Rebekah’s family. 

After years of research and writing, I’m thrilled this novel will finally be published on October 13, 2026.

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