Today, I’m happy to introduce one of my author friends, Candace West, to you. Candace and I connected on social media, and I’ve enjoyed getting to know her. She has a sweet spirit, and I am grateful to be able to call her a friend. Candace writes beautiful stories of hope through her historical fiction characters. I was happy to have read and reviewed her first book, Lane Steen, in the Valley Creek Redemption series.

My Review for Lane Steen:

In the early 1900’s and deep in Ozark country, young Lane Steen dreams of a life away from her abusive father. In a way school becomes Lane’s escape, but the longing building in Lane’s heart to be a teacher seems an impossibility. 

Lane’s new teacher, Edith Wallace, and Lane’s dear friend, Guy, help when the brunt of her father’s fists leave Lane nearly incapacitated. Lane marvels at Miss Wallace’s offer to speak with Lane’s father. With some mysterious power, Miss Wallace gets Lane’s father to back off.

But will that be enough for Lane to gain her freedom from her under father’s heavy thumb? If so, will Lane be able to step forward into the faith that’s calling to her and be able to forgive her father? Is there a future for Guy and Lane deeper than friendship, or will they continue to be separated by too many obstacles?

Readers of Christian historical fiction and Christian historical romance will become drawn into Lane’s story of suffering, faith, grace, and forgiveness. 

Reminiscent of Catherine Marshall’s Christy, West brings to life the Ozark region with satisfying descriptions and rich characters, rife with emotion and struggling for more in life. Through West’s character, Lane, readers will experience pain, heartbreak, and the joy that comes with true freedom. Lane Steen skillfully tolls out a meaningful Christian message of salvation and redemption that centers this deeply moving novel. West portrays Lane’s struggles to release the past and embrace the future as relatable, driving the reader to be moved with compassion, holding onto hope for a better life for Lane. 

From Candace:

Writing in 2020 and 2021 has been a whirlwind experience. You would think staying home would’ve been just what I needed. Think again. The days filled with one task after another, and my stories often took a backseat to everyday tasks.

I’m not complaining. Many of us experienced this, I think. Life seemed to accelerate at times. Is that a good thing or a bad one?

Working on two books in 2020-2021 has been grueling, enjoyable, discouraging, rewarding, tiring, and invigorating—especially when my characters behaved themselves and showed me their journey.   

Their challenges inspired me. In Dogwood Winter, Ella Steen contracts polio, and the renowned surgeon, George Curtis, makes a fatal mistake during a surgery. Both events alter the course of their lives and force them to confront their fears—and each other.

Aynsley O’Brien, in my upcoming novel, Through the Lettered Veil, is dyslexic, but her condition was not understood in 1865. Three letters hold the key to her past and future, but she can’t read them. Nolan Scottsdale, the Union calvary officer who wrote them, doesn’t know she is unable to read. How can they breach the misunderstanding between them?

I hope these characters uplift and inspire the readers who follow their journeys.

Author Bio:

Candace West was born in the Mississippi delta to a young minister and his wife. She grew up in small-town Arkansas and graduated from the University of Arkansas at Monticello. At twelve years old, she wrote her first story, “Following Prairie River.” In 2018, she published her debut novel Lane Steen. By weaving entertaining, hope-filled stories, Candace shares the Gospel and encourages her readers. She currently lives in Arkansas with her husband and their son along with two dogs and three bossy cats.

Links:

Valley Creek Redemption series (available in KU): https://www.amzn.com/B09C6KKJV4

Newsletter: www.candaceweststoryteller.com

Author page: www.facebook.com/inspirationalnovel

Instagram: www.instagram.com/candace.west.posey.10

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/candace-west

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17901230.Candace_West

THANK YOU!

Thanks so much, Candace for being here as a guest today! It is a pleasure to share your books with my followers. 🙂

And dear followers, thank you so much for reading. Have you read any of Candace’s books?

GIVEAWAY!!!!

To be entered into a giveaway to receive a Kindle copy of Candace’s latest novel, Dogwood Winter, please leave a comment on this post and a contact email address. If you are uncomfortable leaving your address in the comments, send me an email through my contact tab with the required info.

RULES: Giveaway open to US residents only. Must be 18 or older to enter. One entry per person. Please consider following Candace on social media to enter. Giveaway ends on October 6th, 2021.