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