Rich in heritage and unique in culture, The Ozarks region is a place like no other. Amidst a lush backdrop of rolling hills and hidden hollows, stories abound. Some remain elusive while others beg to be shared.
In Her Hope Discovered, book one of my Welcome to Ruby series, Charla and Sam’s story takes center stage as they reconcile the past and reframe the future, Readers are privy to our couple’s ups and downs as their story unfolds between the three hundred or so pages of this inspirational romance novel.
Since HHD is set in the Ozarks, you might guess there are a lot of colorful characters, vivid colloquialisms, and even some supernatural elements to keep readers turning pages.
Isn’t that what we love about a great story? Not knowing, and yet, sensing something big is in store for our characters? (Click-to-Tweet)
Some of our favorite stories, the ones we can’t forget and those we read again, are those that draw us in and beg us to linger a while.
We may know there’s an HEA (happily-ever-after) if it’s a romance novel, but it’s the journey—how the characters arrive there—that twists our emotions and tugs our heartstrings.
To craft stories and breathe life into characters from the beloved region of my heritage is the ultimate thrill for me as an author. I leave a piece of me imprinted between those pages I’ve written. A piece I hope communicates as much passion for The Ozarks as well as the people who love and live there.
From the time I started turning over this idea of writing the books of my heart, I envisioned a series based loosely on my childhood hometown.
It’s a place that still evokes warm fuzzies and happy memories, and though not perfect, the town and the people who lived there created lasting impressions. (Click-to-Tweet)
Some folks were gentle and soft spoken, while others were abrupt and a bit rough around the edges.
Some had simple dreams. Others lived vicariously through friends.
Many eventually endeared themselves to neighbors and strangers alike. We didn’t have to see eye-to-eye to appreciate individuality.
Ahh. Simpler times, yes.
Still, I’d like to think The Ozarks mirrors a little piece of paradise, and perhaps, some of the best aspects of humanity.
Ours is a slower way of life, and possibly—in some areas—not as eloquent in speech, but we tend to be a friendly bunch and we’ve rarely met a stranger.
In The Shepherd of the Hills, Harold Bell Wright’s 1907 classic, we’re treated to a rare glimpse of what life used to be like in these old Ozark Mountains. Even though the story’s a work of fiction, there’s an essence of truth to the mountain living lifestyle. You can read more here, but there are spoilers. You really should read the book first.
As I navigate this writing journey, I consider all the stories on The Ozarks’ horizon. Every region has them.
I hope I serve The Ozarks well with my words.
It’s how the artist imparts the story that sparks our imaginations and begs us to explore old ways through a new lens.
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Located at Point Lookout, Missouri on the College of the Ozarks’ campus, this is one of the most beautiful chapels in the Ozarks.
New library friends at one of our local branches. Stay tuned for some fun events coming this fall!
Welcome to Ruby ~ Your new hometown!
Her Hope Discovered | Book One | Welcome to Ruby
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Stories are borne of our imaginations, but they may contain an essence of truth. Why this region endears itself to those who visit and those who live there.
Our best-loved stories stay with us and some of our favorites may come from our own hometowns. This series set in The Ozarks may be right up your reading alley!
What favorite stories have you read lately?
Tell us about where you grew up. What did you like about it?
What are some unique aspects of your hometown?
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See you next week, friend!
Much Love and Many Blessings,
