I know this is cliche, but my greatest inspiration as a romance author is Jane Austin. Her novels satisfy in a way that few others do. They always have a touch of humor and she draws you deeply into her characters’ world so that you struggle and cheer along with them. When I first started writing romance, I wondered if I should write historical fiction in order to emulate Jane. Then I realized that Jane didn’t write historical fiction; she wrote contemporary fiction, she just lived a long time ago. The reason we love Jane Austin, the reason we return to her novels again and again is because her characters feel like real people and the story is just as much about them becoming a better person as it is about them falling in love. That’s the kind of story I aspire to write. 

I also find inspiration in the places I visit. My husband and I love to hike and many times I get ideas for love stories while we’re on the trail. Each novel in the Romance in the Park series is set in a different state or national park. Parks are cool places and there’s something  special about being outside that helps us connect with our Creator. My characters go through the emotional gauntlet in their respective parks: they work through heartaches, pound out frustrations,  rejoice, and make new friends. 

Whitewater Wishes is set in Ohiopyle State Park in Pennsylvania. The river is known for its whitewater rafting and there are beautiful trails and waterfalls and a natural water slide. Several of the plot points are based on real things that happened while my family was visiting the park. There’s also plenty of humor and character growth and, of course, romance. 

The photo is of my son in front of the Youghiogheny River where my heroine works as a whitewater rafting guide.

Whitewater Wishes

Bridget plans to spend her summer working as a white water rafting guide and studying for her beautician' s license exam. She isn' t looking for romance, and she isn' t impressed with nerdy nurse Drew when he steps into her raft. She' s looking for a strongman like the father she failed, but she finds it hard to resist Drew' s passion for life.

As a hospital nurse, Drew loves helping people to heal, but after one of his younger patients dies, Drew feels the need to seize the day. So, he faces his fear of open water and goes white water rafting. He' s attracted to Bridget, but meeting his dream girl couldn' t have come at a worse time. His best friend is in trouble and Drew must decide how far he' s willing to go to keep his friend' s secret.

When injury capsizes Bridget' s career, they' ll need strength beyond their own to keep their love afloat.

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