Meet author Audrey Shrive
Audrey was born in Hot Springs, South Dakota and raised on an irrigated farm East of unincorporated Oral, SD. Audrey grows a small but mighty vegetable garden every summer. Come fall, her pantry is full of the canned fruits and vegetables, she spends hours processing. She does raise huskies and also prefers pearls over diamonds, but any other similarities to Tara Tillotson end there, other than the family name. Audrey’s paternal grandmother’s maiden name was Tillotson and her two times great grandfather, as well as her great grandparents, Ira and Hattie, are buried in the rural cemetery near the homestead. Ira and Hattie homesteaded the place south of Cascade that is still in the family today. Audrey is a two-time ACFW Genesis semi-finalist.
Tell us about your newest book.
You never forget your first love, the one that got away, the one you still dream of from time to time. For decades, Tara Tillotson has faithfully honored the vows she made to her husband, even as Alzheimer’s slowly steals away the man she once knew. She finds fulfillment in serving her small South Dakota town and has no intention of reopening the door to the love she walked away from forty years ago.
Sheriff Wyatt Russell has spent a lifetime burying his own regrets. Memories from his Gulf War Service plague his thoughts from time to time, but he’s convinced the past is best left in the past. When a series of attacks on the Hot Springs Pregnancy Center occur, Tara and Wyatt find themselves working closely together to find the person behind the crime. As vandalism escalates to violence and the life of an innocent child is in danger, Tara and Wyatt work to uncover the truth, all while a secret from their past is finally demanding to be told. Tara must choose between the vows she’s determined honor and a love she’s never forgotten.
Filled with impactful characters, strong faith, a dash of history, and a love worth waiting for, Lost Love is a gripping clean, small town, Christian romance with a hint of suspense, about honor, sacrifice and second chances.
What inspired you to write your story?
I was encouraged by another author to develop a character and build a series around her, having her navigate many of the tough life lessons that I’m a reluctant subject matter expert. From this idea, Tara Tillotson was born. She can operate heavy machinery, knows her way around power tools, but always wears pearls.
What genre do you focus on.
Contemporary Romance is the genre because these ‘tough’ subjects I’ll be dealing with simply fit best in a contemporary setting. This series brings in a splash of forbidden love, small town and suspense as well.
Why do you write?
I believe God has given me the ability to tell a good story both verbally and in the written word. I also believe, He has called me to use that gift to encourage, teach and share the good news of His saving grace. I am committed to having the gospel shared within the story line of every Tara Tillotson book.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
Tara Joy Tillotson. My paternal grandmother’s maiden name was Tillotson. Tara was what I was going to name the daughter I never had and Joy is my middle name. Tara Tillotson is such a strong name! Don’t you agree?
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
Well, I retired from 24 years of selling Aflac insurance in January of 2025. However, my husband needs nearly full-time care due to his health issues, my Dad had two TIA’s in the spring and summer of 2025. He passed away at the age of 99 in September of 2025. My mother has Macular Degeneration and Alzheimers. I’m her medical and financial POA, and the executor of the estate. The live in South Dakota. I’m in Colorado. So, I was dealing with all of that, getting their house ready to sell, getting Mom settled in an assisted living facility, helping Dad navigate his final decisions and funeral, getting my arms around Mom’s medical needs, and taking care of my husband while writing this book. I’m frankly sort of amazed it got done!
What is the hardest part of being an author?
Balancing the business side and the writing/creative side. The other thing is having my husband actually view what I do as work. It’s not that he doesn’t support the writing, it’s just very easy to interrupt me. And to be honest, I don’t always respond with grace.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
The sense of accomplishment when I get that paperback from Amazon and see my name on a story is one. The other, and the way bigger deal, is when someone who has read a book tells me how much they enjoyed it and can’t wait for the next book to come out. That, after all, is why we do this right? Our actual job is to please and entertain readers!
What’s one thing your readers should know about you?
I’m inspired by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Growing up in South Dakota, I was always impressed with her and her books. Now, as a ‘savvy sixty-something’ who is just entering her writing career on a full time basis, I’m especially inspired by her, as she wrote the Little House Books in her early sixties.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
I’ve been very fortunate to sit in the excellent teaching of American Christian Fiction Writers for four years. I’ve learned so much! And the most important thing I’ve learned is how much I don’t know.
What is your favorite pastime?
Reading!
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
Yes. I wrote a memoir in 2020 titled This is from Me and a second book called The Empty Womb.
What are you working on now?
The second book in the Tara Tillotson series, Wounded Love.
Website: Audrey’s Website
Link to book: Lost Love
Social media links:
Joyful Gems With Audrey Joy You Tube
Follow me on social media!
