Meet author Kathleen Rouser
Kathleen Rouser is a multi-published, award-winning author of historical and contemporary Christian romance. She is a longtime member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of Faith, Hope and Love Christian Writers. She resides in southeast Michigan, a location which she often uses in her novels, with her hero and husband of forty-some years and two sweet cats who found a home in their empty nest.
Tell us about your newest book, Secrets and Wishes:
Determined widow Maggie Galloway dreams of a peaceful life and a successful business. And winning the Silver Leaf Flour Company baking contest could be the key to that success. She even has a chance at a prestigious position through a dashing former beau. But when her son gets into a fight with the local pharmacist’s son, Maggie’s peaceful life is derailed.
Reserved pharmacist and recent widower Thomas Harper is also looking for a fresh start for himself and his four children. But when Thomas falls gravely ill, his only choice is to enlist the help of the local baker with a knowledge of concocting remedies. He’s even more reluctant to admit that Maggie may also be the remedy for his grieving heart. And when a traveling medicine man’s medicines beget tragedy, Thomas and Maggie must overcome their differences to save the children of Stone Creek—and face the growing attraction between them—before it’s too late.
What inspired you to write your story?
In my first full-length novel, Rumors and Promises, the hero, Ian McCormick had a housekeeper who happened to be his bossy older sister, Maggie Galloway. I had so much fun writing Maggie’s character and her banter with her brother, I decided to give Maggie her own story.
What genre do you focus on.
Historical Christian romance, though I’ve dabbled in contemporary, and in historical women’s fiction. I like the sense of being transported to another time and place, a window into the past (without leaving my modern conveniences). I also like the more formal way in which people spoke and their elegant manners. We’ve lost so much of that. And I love the feminine styles in historic clothing, though I’m thankful I don’t have to wear a corset! Also, with all the difficulties and struggles in our world today, I love writing a happily ever after ending to each romance and give my readers a fun, clean escape.
Why do you write?
From the time my mom started reading to me, books became an important part of my life. Even before I learned to read, I wanted to write stories. It’s a passion I believe God put on my heart at an early age. I loved being immersed in the world of imagination and escape. In sixth grade, I wrote a Nancy Drew type mystery titled The Beast with the Glowing Fingers. I was so pleased when my teacher wrote on my little book: “Exciting to the very end!” And as I said in the previous question, because of my desire to give my readers the same kind of happily ever after and escape from our weary world, which is the same type of story that I enjoy reading. It’s even better when I’m able to include uplifting messages based on the truth of God’s word with themes of hope, second chances, or identity in Christ.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
Maggie Galloway. Since she was a secondary character, and I was looking for a good old-fashioned Irish-sounding name, it seemed to fit. I could picture her with auburn hair. And if you do look up Maggie or Margaret, it means pearl.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I often wind up writing in the mid to late afternoon and I try to reach a certain word count, writing as many days a week as I can. The goal is five, but I don’t always get that many days of writing into my schedule because of other conflicts.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
It’s the promotion part. I’m shy about tooting my own horn and it’s hard keeping up with the constant changes in marketing and social media, when I’d rather be writing—or reading.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
It’s about story. It’s creating a new story and becoming immersed in a character’s life that is so fun. And I think it’s an awesome privilege that God, our Creator, gave us the awesome ability to create stories.
The second thing is holding the book in my hands when after it’s published. It gives me a such a sense of satisfaction.
What’s one thing your readers should know about you?
I’m thankful to be saved by God’s grace through faith, because Jesus died on the cross in my place, so I could be reconciled to Him. Romans 10:9 says it all: because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
I can rely on Him no matter what I’m going through, though sometimes I struggle to trust Him fully. I’m doing my best to follow Him through the power of His Spirit. It’s definitely a journey through the ups and downs of this earthly life.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
While I’m more of a character-driven writer and started out as a pantser, I’ve been learning how to plot and outline my stories better and how to weave the wounds of my characters’ pasts into their present stories.
What is your favorite pastime?
I hate to sound cliché, but I’m so thankful to be blessed with 43 years of marriage to my husband, Jack. I’m happy to be spending time together, whether we’re quietly watching a movie or a whodunit, going for a walk, or having dinner out.
I also enjoy designing and making jewelry when I can find the time.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
The first and third books of the Stone Creek Brides series: Rumors and Promises and Scandals and Mercies. I also have a contemporary indie novel out, When Hearts Take Flight, which also has a WWI split-time subplot.
What are you working on now?
Stone Creek Brides Book Four, which is nurse Rose Sinclair’s story. Here is part of the description:
Rose Sinclair, the compassionate nurse at the unwed mothers’ home, Hope’s Place, needs a change. Her heart breaks each time a new baby is separated from their mother. Perhaps God can use her to help children at the orphanage heal, while she finds solace for her wounded soul. Two mischievous siblings become a balm for what ails her, and she’ll do anything to protect them. Then charming and enigmatic Caleb Ellis shows up in Stone Creek, claiming to be a former lawman. Her curiosity is piqued, but she’s also concerned about Caleb’s interest in the identity of her charges.
When Caleb Ellis started his private investigation business, he was looking for adventure and a way to escape the griefs of the past. He answers an ad in a local newspaper placed by a desperate grandfather, looking for his orphaned grandchildren. Having lost much of his immediate family, Caleb is willing to take on the challenge to see this family reunited.
What he doesn’t bargain for is meeting the darkhaired beauty caring for the grandchildren. He can’t deny the pull on his heart from this warm and compassionate woman…
Thank you, Susan, for the opportunity of being a guest on your blog!
Website: https://kathleenrouser.com
Link to book: Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
Social media links: Amazon Book Page, BookBub, GoodReads, Pinterest, Facebook Author Page
The Boldt’s Wellesley House
George Boldt’s Wellesley House stood as a reminder of the grandeur and ambition of the Gilded Age. While often overshadowed by the more renowned Boldt Castle on Heart Island, Wellesley House offered a fascinating glimpse into the life and legacy of the hotel magnate George C. Boldt.
In the late 19th century, George C. Boldt, the proprietor of New York City’s Waldorf-Astoria Hotel and Philadelphia’s Bellevue-Stratford Hotel, began acquiring land on Wellesley Island. His vision was to create a summer retreat that mirrored the opulence and sophistication of his urban establishments as well as provide for his hotels.
By 1899, Boldt had purchased several hundred acres of farmland from the Cornwall brothers, laying the foundation for what would become the Wellesley House estate. Though Mrs. Boldt called it their “summer cottage,” it was no ordinary dwelling. During the building of Boldt Castle, George and Louise stayed in the Wellesley House, making it a centerpiece for Madison’s Mission.
Wellesley House had over fifty rooms, the mansion featured intricate architectural details and was strategically positioned along a man-made canal between Wellesley Island and Tennis Island. This canal, a remarkable feat of engineering, was approximately two miles long, seventy feet wide, and ten feet deep, facilitating direct access to Lake Waterloo. The canal’s construction involved extensive dredging and blasting through solid rock, reflecting Boldt’s commitment to creating a seamless and luxurious environment.
The Wellesley House estate was also a hub of agricultural innovation and social activity. Boldt established modern stables and raised high-quality stock, supplying his hotels with fresh produce and dairy products directly from his Wellesley Island farms. The estate eventually featured a golf course, tennis courts, and meticulously landscaped gardens, offering guests a plethora of recreational activities.
Nearby the Wellesley House was the Boldt Yacht House on the northeastern shore of Wellesley Island. Completed in 1903, this shingle-style structure housed the Boldt family’s fleet of yachts and boats. The yacht house is a beauty in itself with towering bay doors, a workshop for building racing launches, and accommodations for crew and staff. Today, it stands as the only remaining wooden yacht house of its kind and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Following the untimely death of Louise Boldt in 1904, construction on Boldt Castle ceased, and George Boldt’s focus shifted to his Wellesley Island properties. The Wellesley House continued to serve as a cherished family retreat and a place for entertaining distinguished guests. Over the years, the estate changed hands but remained a symbol of the lavish lifestyle and visionary pursuits of George C. Boldt.
Today, while Boldt Castle attracts numerous visitors, the estate’s rich history, architectural grandeur, and the visionary spirit of its creator continue to captivate those who explore the storied landscapes of Wellesley Island.
About Madison’s Mission:
Step into the captivating world of Boldt Castle in 1903, where dreams are forged in the fires of adversity and love.
Madison Murray, the devoted maid to the legendary Louise Boldt, harbors a singular mission—to care for her ailing mistress while hiding her own painful past. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Emmett O’Connor, the distinguished foreman overseeing Boldt Castle’s extravagant construction. Their connection sparks with promise, yet the chasm of class difference and hidden secrets loom large.
Just as their budding romance begins to flourish, tragedy strikes, shattering their world. A deadly accident leaves Emmett wrestling with guilt and at the center of an investigation that could unravel everything he holds dear. Then Madison finds herself ensnared in a dangerous coverup that threatens her very life.
When Mrs. Boldt passes away, Madison is left reeling—jobless and burdened by the weight of her perceived failures. In a world filled with uncertainty, can she summon the strength to move forward and confront her past? Will Emmett rise above his challenges to forge a future alongside the woman who has captured his heart?
Meet author Carrie Turansky
Carrie Turansky is the award-winning author of more than twenty inspirational novels and novellas and a winner of the ACFW Carol Award, the International Digital Award, and the Holt Medallion. She loves traveling to England to research her Edwardian novels including A Token of Love, The Legacy of Longdale Manor, No Journey Too Far, No Ocean Too Wide, and The Highland Hall series.
Tell us about your newest book.
Christmas Mail-Order Brides is a heartwarming holiday novella collection set in the American West in the late 1800s. Two of the novellas feature young mail-order brides heading West to marry grooms they’ve only met through letters, and the third features the matchmaker herself who finally finds her own match when she travels West.
What inspired you to write your story?
My novella, A Trusting Heart, was inspired by my twin daughters and their love for each other. In that story, Swedish born Annika, decides to become a mail-order bride so that her twin sister will feel free to marry the man she loves. But when she arrives in Wyoming, her intended groom is missing, and she is left wondering what to do. I enjoyed learning about Swedish Christmas traditions and including those in the story. There are fun quirky characters, a bit of a mystery, and a sweet love story.
What genre do you focus on.
I enjoy writing historical romance novels that tie into true events or the lives of men and women who lived out their faith in their generation. I believe we can learn a lot from those who have gone before us and be inspired by their lives. Many of my novels are set in England, but some are also set in the US, like Christmas Mail-Order Brides.
Why do you write?
I write to share God’s love and truth through stories that I hope will touch readers’ hearts and inspire their faith. I want to entertain but also encourage readers to consider the characters’ journeys and recognize the way God is working in their lives and situations. I hope they can relate and see God’s love for them as they enjoy the story.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I like to write in the morning between 10:00 and 12:00 and try to reach my daily word count. After lunch I come back and write for another hour or two then work on promotion, marketing, and editing later in the day.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
The hardest part for me is receiving the editor’s notes and beginning the revision work. It always feels overwhelming at first, and it takes me a day or two to see where to start and how to use the suggestions my editors send me.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
One of the best parts of being an author is hearing from readers and knowing that my books have made an impact on them. Receiving an email or comment on social media like that really lifts my spirit.
What is your favorite pastime?
When I’m not writing, you’ll find me working in my flower gardens, walking around the small lake hear our house or cooking healthy meals for family and friends. I also enjoy having lunch with a friend, taking part in our women’s Bible study, and spending time with family.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
Yes! I’ve written more than twenty novels and novellas. My latest English historical novel is A Token of Love, which is a dual-time story set in Victorian and contemporary London and includes the search for a missing girl by a devoted aunt and a dedicated journalist. On October 7, another Christmas novella collection, A Very English Christmas, releases. Each of the three novellas features a beloved English author as a secondary character: Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Beatrix Potter. They bring insight, wit, and inspiration to the three unforgettable heroines. I loved writing A Victorian Christmas Tale and learning more about Charles Dickens.
What are you working on now?
My next project is a full-length English historical novel, Echoes Across the Moors, Book One in the Lost Treasures of Yorkshire Series. Three sisters inherit an old rundown English estate, but the title will only be transferred to them if they stay for one year, and someone is intent on seeing that doesn’t happen. An old photograph they believe features the famous Bronte sisters, beloved English novelists, seems to hold the key to keeping the estate. Romance, family drama, and inspiration will delight and inspire readers who enjoy English historical novels with a classic twist.
Website: https://carrieturansky.com/
Link to book: https://carrieturansky.com/christmas-mail-order-brides-3/
Social media links: https://www.facebook.com/authorcarrieturansky/ https://www.instagram.com/carrieturansky/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/247470.Carrie_Turansky
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/carrie-turansky
Meet author Peggy Wirgau
Susan loves connecting with fellow authors, so let’s chat!
Peggy Wirgau is a Michigan native but moved with her husband to Colorado in 2023. She writes through the eyes of real women in history who did the extraordinary. Her first novel, The Stars in April, is based on the true story of a twelve-year-old Titanic survivor. Peggy is an active member of the Historical Novel Society and American Christian Fiction Writers, and enjoys giving presentations at conferences, schools, and book clubs. She and her husband have two adult children and three grandchildren.
Tell us about your newest book.
To Outwit Them All is based on the true story of the only female member of George Washington’s group of citizen spies, known as the Culper Ring, during the American Revolution. Betty Floyd is the niece of William Floyd, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Forced to flee her Long Island farm for New York City, Betty keeps her Patriot ties a secret until a murder at the British prison drives her to join the highly secretive Culper Ring. Gaining the trust of enemy officers at New York’s finest balls and soirees, Betty catches the eye of Britain’s Director of Intelligence, the charming Major John André. But the slightest misstep could expose her and the entire Ring. Amid heightening collision between duty to her country and deepening feelings for the Major, Betty attempts to uncover a plot led by Benedict Arnold, leading her to the very brink of death.
What inspired you to write your story?
There really was a Culper Ring, and one female member. Her identity remains unknown, although many have speculated as to who she was. Some evidence points to Betty Floyd, the niece of William Floyd, who was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. I decided to write the book through the eyes of Betty, as if she was the spy known as “the lady who would outwit them all.” I want readers to know more about the Culper Ring and what they did behind the scenes in the fight for independence, and what it might have been like for a young woman masquerading as a Loyalist to the Crown while gleaning information for General Washington.
What genre do you focus on.
I focus on historical fiction because I’ve always loved reading about the past, imagining what life was like in different time periods, and how people dealt with hardships or great disasters.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I’ve written two books, and both took me years to write because I’m a slow writer, I love to procrastinate, and I can’t help but edit as I go. Also, they both involved a great deal of research and deciding what parts of that research were needed for the stories.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
Marketing is hard for me, but a necessary part of being an author today. I’m very tech-challenged.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
Hearing from readers is so heartwarming and satisfying. I write for them, and hearing from them is the absolute best.
What’s one thing your readers should know about you?
I’m a Christian, and I try to show through my books that God (in very subtle ways) guides those that seek His will. And a fun fact — I’ve lived in five states: Michigan, Washington, Virginia, Florida, and now, Colorado.
What is your favorite pastime?
I have a few, including spending time with my grandchildren, baking, gardening, taking walks, exploring historical sites, and reading.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
My debut novel, The Stars In April, is based on the true story of a 12-year-old Titanic survivor named Ruth Becker. Ruth was traveling aboard Titanic with her family from India, where her parents were missionaries, to Michigan. When the ship struck the iceberg, Ruth was separated from her family in the lifeboats but managed to help other passengers. When I read about her, I had to know what she was like, and that led to writing her story. I was fortunate to meet a friend of Ruth’s from later in her life and he told me many things she had shared with him about her life in India, which I was able to include in the book.
What are you working on now?
Publicity and marketing for To Outwit Them All and looking for the next real unsung heroine to write about!
Website: Peggy Wirgau
Link to book: Link will be available when book is ready for pre-order.
Social media links: (1) Facebook, Instagram.
Meet author Vickie McDonough
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Vickie McDonough is the CBA, EPCA and Amazon best-selling author of more than fifty books and novellas. Vickie grew up wanting to marry a rancher, but instead, she married a computer geek who is scared of horses. In October, they will celebrate 50 years of marriage. Vickie now lives out her dreams penning romance stories about ranchers, cowboys, lawmen, and others living in the Old West. Vickie’s books have won numerous awards including the Booksellers Best, OWFI Best Fiction Novel Award, the Inspirational Readers’ Choice awards.
Tell us about your newest book, Mutiny of the Heart.
A proud Loyalist and a jaded patriot are bound by a child and a shared loss—but as sparks fly, they must decide if love is worth trusting the enemy.
Heather has no reason to like Lucas Reed. He is an American, who’s fight for liberty from England led to Heather’s family’s financial ruin and the death of her father. But her cousin’s dying wish was that Heather take little Jamie to his father in Charleston, and she’s determined to honor that wish, even if it breaks her heart to do so.
Lucas Reed knows the boy at his door cannot possibly be his, but there’s no denying that Jamie has the trademark Reed blue eyes, black hair, and dimples. Still, Lucas is ready to close the door to the boy and his escort until Miss Hawthorne presents him with a letter. He instantly recognizes the writing he thought he’d never see again. The contents of the letter shatter his resolve, forcing him to open his door—and his carefully guarded heart—to the boy and his steadfast guardian.
As Heather and Lucas work together to create a new life for Jamie, can they resist their growing attraction? Or will mutinous hearts finally admit their love when an enemy’s desperate plot threatens their lives?
What inspired you to write your story?
I wanted to write a generational story about a family so that was the basis for my series. After a visit to the Charleston area and to a plantation, I knew that would be the setting. As for the inspiration for my story, I give that glory to God. Without his giving me a vivid imagination and dropping story ideas into my mind, I doubt I’d be a writer.
What genre do you focus on.
Historical Christian Romance. I watched a lot of cowboy shows with my dad when I was young. I fell in love with cowboys, horses, and the slower pace of the Old West. I even talked my parents to buying me a horse, and my experience with it helped me when it came to writing about horses. Historical Christian romance has always been my favorite genre to read also.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I generally write from around 10–2 or 3. If I’m on deadline, I will often have much longer writing days.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
For me, it’s keeping the pacing going strong in the middle of the book. My advice to young writers who suffer from this is to kill somebody—on paper, that is. 😊 That doesn’t always work for a particular story though. The main thing is to have something exciting happen in the middle that propels your characters forward into the next part of their adventure.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
My favorite part is the research trips my husband and I have made, as well as going to writers’ conferences and seeing my many friends.
What’s one thing your readers should know about you?
When my husband and I were first married, we went with a group of young adults to Israel and lived on a kibbutz (a communal farm) for a year. We had a wonderful time there, working and meeting the Israelis that lived there. We also got three days a month to travel and were able to visit most of the key areas of historic Israel.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
I’ve learned to plot more. When I first started writing, I just sat down and wrote. Later, I learned the importance of making character sheets with all of the information about my characters. It helps to have those in case you forget something. I still don’t plot out my whole story, but I often will have a skeleton of it.
What is your favorite pastime?
I don’t have just one. I love to read, watch my favorite shows on tv, garden, travel, and make homemade cards for my friends.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
The Texas Boardinghouse Brides series is a favorite among my readers. The premise is that three mail-order brides show up in a town, expecting to marry the sheriff, but he never ordered a bride. The story has a lot of humor and a young tomboy who often tries to steal the show. The Anonymous Bride is the first book in the series.
Another fun trilogy is my Land Rush Dreams series. Each book has at character or two who ride in the Oklahoma land runs. The third book deals with the Oklahoma land lottery. They are a great way to read about a unique part of our country’s history as well as experiencing an exciting story. The first book in this series is Gabriels’s Atonement.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m not working on a new story. I’ve been working with Wild Heart books to get some of my previously published books republished with beautiful new covers.
Website: www.VickieMcDonough.com
Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/Mutiny-Heart-Windswept-Weddings-Book-ebook/dp/B0FDJJK7TN/
Social media links:
Facebook: facebook.com/VickieMcDonough
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/vickie-mcdonough
Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/vickiemcdonough
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/VickieMcDonough/
Instagram: instagram.com/vickieamcdonough
Heart Island’s Alster Tower
One of the first—and only—structures the Boldts got to enjoy while Boldt Castle was being built is Alster Tower. Often referred to as the “Children’s Playhouse,” this unique building offers a glimpse into the opulent recreational life of the Boldt family during the early 20th century and illustrates George C. Boldt’s imaginative vision and love for his family.
Completed in 1899, Alster Tower was completed before the construction of the grand Boldt Castle. George Boldt, the millionaire proprietor of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City, envisioned the tower as a space dedicated to leisure and entertainment for his family and guests. Unlike the main castle, which remained unfinished due to the untimely death of Boldt’s wife, Louise, the family actively used Alster Tower during their summers on Heart Island.
Alster Tower’s design is a departure from conventional architecture created to reflect the charm of medieval European castles. The structure features slanting and uneven walls, ceilings, and roofs, and the deliberate irregularity adds to its whimsical character, making it the most architecturally unique building on the island.
In Madison’s Mission, Mrs. Boldt rests in the Venetian Room and the Boldts entertain here, too. The Tower’s recreational facilities reflects Boldt’s commitment to providing unparalleled entertainment. Its amenities included:
Two-lane Bowling Alley: A space for friendly competition and social gatherings.
Billiard Room: A sophisticated setting for playing billiards.
Venetian Room: An elegantly designed room inspired by Venetian aesthetics.
Library: A collection of books for leisurely reading.
Shell Room: A uniquely decorated room, possibly adorned with seashell motifs.
Theater: A stage for performances and entertainment.
These features made Alster Tower the center for recreation and socialization for the Boldt family and their guests, even before the castle was ready to enjoy.
After years of exposure to the elements and periods of neglect, restoration efforts are working to revitalize Alster Tower. The Thousand Islands Bridge Authority undertook extensive work, including masonry restoration, veranda reconstruction, and interior refurbishments. By 2014, the tower was reopened to the public, allowing visitors to experience its historical and architectural significance firsthand. And the work continues.
Today, Alster Tower stands as a captivating piece of the Boldt Castle estate. Visitors can explore its unique rooms and envision the lively gatherings that once took place within its walls. The tower’s distinctive design and rich history offer a fascinating glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the Gilded Age elite. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious, Alster Tower on Heart Island is a destination that promises to enchant and inspire.
Boldt Castle is accessible seasonally from mid-May to mid-October by ferry or tour boat from various locations, including Alexandria Bay, NY, Clayton, NY, and Gananoque, Ontario. Private boaters can also dock at Heart Island. As the island is a U.S. port of entry, visitors arriving from Canada must present appropriate identification for customs processing. For more information on planning your visit, including hours of operation and admission fees, visit the official Boldt Castle website: https://www.boldtcastle.com/visitorinfo
About Madison’s Mission:
Step into the captivating world of Boldt Castle in 1903, where dreams are forged in the fires of adversity and love.
Madison Murray, the devoted maid to the legendary Louise Boldt, harbors a singular mission—to care for her ailing mistress while hiding her own painful past. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Emmett O’Connor, the distinguished foreman overseeing Boldt Castle’s extravagant construction. Their connection sparks with promise, yet the chasm of class difference and hidden secrets loom large.
Just as their budding romance begins to flourish, tragedy strikes, shattering their world. A deadly accident leaves Emmett wrestling with guilt and at the center of an investigation that could unravel everything he holds dear. Then Madison finds herself ensnared in a dangerous coverup that threatens her very life.
When Mrs. Boldt passes away, Madison is left reeling—jobless and burdened by the weight of her perceived failures. In a world filled with uncertainty, can she summon the strength to move forward and confront her past? Will Emmett rise above his challenges to forge a future alongside the woman who has captured his heart?