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Unwavering Love
Starting Over, a Father by Choice follows a couple who have been together since their teens and are now facing a crossroads that will determine the future of their relationship. What inspired the setup of your story?
I enjoyed Wanda and Randy’s romantic relationship. How did it develop while you were writing it? Did you have an idea of where you wanted to take it, or was it organic?
Let me address these first two questions together.
My characters talk to me and sometimes tell me which direction to take. I started out knowing what happened to Wanda that resulted in the birth of Carter and I knew she and Randy would eventually repair their relationship. Some of the scenes that helped them get there were not part of the original plan. For example, their participation in a living nativity was a sudden, unexpected inspiration. But it fit right in with another goal I had. I wanted to use their story, and Randy’s unwavering love for both Wanda and Carter, as a vehicle to explore the true meaning of family. That it goes way beyond DNA. This is part of my personal experience, as I claim two grandchildren who do not carry my DNA but were gifted to me by my daughter-in-law after my son died.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
My plan for all of my books (this series will have six when complete – then another series is floating around in my head) is that each will explore a real-life contemporary issue, as a strong protagonist (or protagonists) struggle to overcome personal trauma related to that issue. It is my hope that readers will learn something new and gain a better understanding of how that issue impacts individuals and communities, while enjoying an intriguing story. The first book in the Hidden Valley Series, New Tomorrows, explored the issue of domestic and sexual abuse. When Wanda, a strong supporting character in that story, publicly revealed that she, too, had been a victim, I had to tell her story, too. Other themes planned for the future are racial relations and healing, eating disorders, illegal dog fighting, and addiction.
I love the Hidden Valley Fire & Rescue series. What will the next book in that series be about, and when will it be published?
The next book (which will be released late summer or early fall this year) is Tillie’s story. In No Turning Back: Marching Toward Freedom, you will meet her when she is a young teen and follow her life from the 1950s to the early twentieth century. During that time span she leaves Hidden Valley to go away to college where she becomes involved in the Civil Rights movement of the sixties. She eventually (and reluctantly) returns to Hidden Valley following a series of difficult life events. It is a story that explores racial relationships and healing, as a strong woman with a mountain heritage finds her personal freedom to define who and what she is. And perhaps, finds an unexpected, late-in-life romance. There is some historical family saga in her story that goes back to Civil War times.
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Wanda Marlow and Randy Sullivan fell in love when they were young teens, both involved in the volunteer fire and rescue company of their remote valley home in Virginia’s Appalachian Mountains. They are sure their relationship as a forever couple will survive being apart while Randy pursues a carpentry apprenticeship out of state and Wanda goes away to college. However, at the end of her freshman year, Wanda comes back to their Hidden Valley home pregnant and holding onto a big secret about the father of her child.
Wanda feels shame over the circumstances of her son’s conception and blames herself for betraying their love. She keeps trying to push Randy away, but they have never stopped loving each other. When her son Carter is only three months old, Wanda and Randy agree to start over as a couple, but the secret still lies between them.
Randy’s greatest fear is having Carter’s father show up one day to claim the child he has come to love as his own. As Carter grows, he begins to ask questions about his father. Once the secret begins to hurt Carter, Wanda and Randy know the truth must be revealed. But what is the truth? Is it what Wanda believes? Or is it something entirely different? Their search for the truth leads them on a path to solve an unexpected mystery about Carter’s biological father.
Carter becomes convinced that Paws, his pup since they were both babies, can help solve the mystery. In a drama-filled scene, Paws must help Randy rescue the nine-year-old from the danger he finds himself in as a result of that belief.
Told against the backdrop of the Hidden Valley Fire & Rescue company, this story is filled with a unique cast of characters you will come to love and want to visit again. This closed-door romance is more than just a happily-ever-after love story. It’s a story of family and friendship, community and compassion, and finding strength to overcome personal trauma.
You can read this book as a stand-alone, but you will enjoy a richer experience by reading the books in the Hidden Valley Fire & Rescue series in the order published.
Starting Over: A Father by Choice
In Starting Over, a Father by Choice by Ann Heap, readers are drawn into the lives of Wanda and Randy, a couple whose longstanding relationship since their teenage years faces its toughest test. Heap intricately explores the dynamics of love and commitment through the lens of this pivotal incident that promises to either solidify or unravel their bond.
Wanda, traditionally a diligent and sensible individual, finds herself at a crossroads after a transformative event, prompting readers to ponder the resilience of her character and the future of her relationship. Randy’s enduring affection for Wanda is portrayed with depth, challenging him to redefine acceptance and support in the face of unforeseen changes. Heap crafts a cast of well-rounded characters, from Wanda’s blend of intelligence and vulnerability to Randy’s unwavering support. Additionally, Carter adds a touch of charm and spontaneity, while Tillie emerges as a wise and enigmatic figure whose timely interventions often carry a touch of mystique.
The narrative balances light and dark tones effectively, ensuring a compelling read. Dramatic turns, such as a character’s sudden disappearance, are handled with a flair that grips the reader. The portrayal of firefighters weaves in a layer of heroism and sacrifice, enriching the storyline with a realistic glimpse into their courageous lives and the personal stakes involved in their profession. Heap also addresses the complex theme of adoption with sensitivity and insight, providing a thoughtful commentary on its challenges and emotional journey.
Starting Over, a Father by Choice is a captivating and enjoyable read, deftly combining elements of romance and drama with a realistic portrayal of life’s unexpected twists and the enduring power of love.
Pages: 250 | ASIN : B0CJQQS3G8
LITERARY TITAN 