About Belle
Belle Calhoune grew up in a small town in Massachusetts as one of five children. Growing up across the street from a public library was a huge influence on her life and fueled her love of romance novels. Belle is the author of seven Harlequin Love Inspired novels with two more to be published in 2017 and one more contracted. She has Indie published the popular and best-selling inspirational romance series, Seven Brides, Seven Brothers. Her new indie series, the Secrets of Savannah is a spin-off of her debut series. Belle loves writing romance and crafting happily ever afters. When she’s not wrangling her two high maintenance dogs or spending time with her husband and two daughters, Belle enjoys travel and exploring new places.
Here’s Belle!
Hello! I’m thrilled to be here today guest blogging. Thank you, Preslaysa, for inviting me.
I’ll tell you a secret. Shh. Don’t tell anyone. More times than not, when I finish writing a book and I examine the existing theme, I discover I’ve written about forgiveness. The theme of forgiveness clearly resonates with me as an author. I can’t seem to get away from it, no matter what I do. My latest release, Reunited at Christmas, is a rare exception. Although forgiveness is a part of the storyline, there is another theme that dominates. It’s one that took shape without my even realizing it. Belief. A perfect theme for a Christmas book set in my fictional town of Love, Alaska.
My heroine, Ruby Prescott, is a survivor. For the last two years she’s suffered from amnesia after a horrific accident during a search and rescue mission. Her husband, son and extended family were all under the belief that Ruby had perished. As she returns to her hometown with only a few of her memories intact, she has to be strong in order to forge a new future.
My hero, Liam Prescott, has mourned his wife’s death for two years, all while raising a small child on his own. Ruby was the love of Liam’s life, and although he is ecstatic at her return, he soon realizes that the woman he knew may be gone forever. This puts him in a very difficult emotional space, yet he doesn’t give up the fight. He believes despite his doubts.
I really enjoyed creating this dynamic couple. It was fascinating to me to probe into the lives of two people who had such a special love story, yet one of them no longer held those memories in her heart. How strong are the bonds of marriage? Could they withstand such a struggle? Is it possible for one person to hold on to love while the other person may be stepping away from it? If you truly love someone, can you believe enough for the both of you?
To believe that you can push past pain and loss and grief and separation is a powerful tool. Life throws us curveballs, and we either hold fast to our faith and believe, or we fall and give in to despair or depression.
The challenges Ruby and Liam faced are heightened since it’s a work of fiction, but I believe they parallel real life challenges we face in our lives. As a writer I need to believe that my stories will resonate with my readers. As a wife I believe that my marriage is bigger than a random disagreement or challenges placed in our path. As a mother, I have to believe that my children will grow up to be healthy and happy adults who are deeply rooted in their faith.
Belief isn’t something we can reach out and touch. It lives inside us. It is connected to our relationship with God. It sustains us. And without it, I honestly don’t know how people manage to put one foot in front of the other. I would never have become a published author without a deep-rooted belief in myself and my path.
Is belief a big part of your life? Or is it something you struggle with?
I am very happy to be giving away three copies of Reunited at Christmas to three people who leave a comment. Blessings!
To enter for a chance to win a copy of “Reunited at Christmas” leave a comment below with your email. Winners announced on March 10th!
About Reunited at Christmas
Two years after the avalanche everyone thought had claimed her life, Ruby Prescott returns to the remote Alaskan town of Love. And no one is more ecstatic than her husband, Liam, and their young son. Even if amnesia has robbed Ruby of her memories, she’s soon woven back into the fabric of their lives. As they celebrate the holiday season, Ruby is falling head over heels for the man she’s told was the love of her life. But she can’t escape the feeling that there’s something Liam is keeping a secret. Will the return of her memories tear them apart for good—or will this be a Christmas she’ll never forget?
The post Guest Post with author Belle Calhoune + a Giveaway! appeared first on Preslaysa Williams.