In Jesus, Take the Wheel, young readers follow a woman who experiences multiple challenges as she travels, and they learn important lessons in faith and the power of prayer. Why was this an important book for you to write?

I’m a mom to a four-year-old and a two-year-old. We go to the library once a week and always check out a big pile of books. We also own a massive amount of books at home. And yet, throughout my constant exposure to the kid-lit world, I’ve never read a book quite like Jesus, Take the Wheel. I wanted to read a story to my children about the power of prayer and how faith strengthens us when life brings challenges. I couldn’t find one, so I wrote it.

It was important for me to write a story that could positively impact both children and adults in different ways. Those are my favorite kind of books.

I wanted children to understand the basic concept of prayer and that Jesus supports them. Plus, kids love to read about vehicles.

For adults, it’s more layered. I hope it makes them pause, reflect, and trust in God’s plan. Often, it’s only through hindsight that we gain clarity about our struggles. When a problem appears, we usually need to learn a life lesson, or there’s an unexpected blessing. We can’t know where life will lead us when we are knee-deep in a problem. But God does. I thought it could be a beautiful moment for an adult to remember this perspective when reading to a child.

My ultimate hope is that Jesus, Take the Wheel brings comfort to anyone who reads it.

Is there anything from your own life included in Jesus, Take the Wheel?

Oh yes. It’s very loosely autobiographical. I met my husband on New Year’s Eve. The night had gone awry, and I was walking around in the most cynical mood. Then I turned a literal corner, and he was right in front of me. In one moment, I believed everything had gone wrong, and in the next, I met my soul mate.

We also experienced years of infertility. If you read the book, you’ll understand the nod to that. However, I wrote it in a way where it could also apply to adoption.

I look at my two incredible children and understand that God sent them to me at the perfect time in my life. I wanted to have kids much earlier, but God’s plan was so much better than my own.

I thought the illustrations in your book were wonderful. Can you share a little bit about your collaboration with Marissa Napolitano?

Marissa Napolitano is an incredible talent! She’s so gifted. I worked with her on my last book, Christmas Begins With Christ, so we’d already established a good working relationship.

Before we began the project, we discussed my vision for the book in-depth on the phone. I made a storyboard with illustration ideas for each page that would complement the text. I shared that storyboard with her, and she contributed her ideas. I let her run with it if I didn’t have a specific plan for a spread. She always delivered stunning work.

I really wanted to represent Jesus with light, and she nailed that. I was so blessed to have her illustrate the book.

What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?

I have two more ideas for children’s books but haven’t written them yet. My next one will most likely be about Easter.

I’m also plotting an adult fantasy trilogy. I’ve started outlining the first book chapter by chapter, and it’s been such a joy to do!

I stay busy between being a nurse and a mom. Once my kids go to bed, I find pockets of time to write. My pace is slower because I wear many hats, but it’s been a beautiful adventure. I’m incredibly grateful to be doing what I love.

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