Helena Smrcek's Blog

Meet Sara Blackard: Writing Alaska, Heart, and Suspense

If you love your romance with a side of adventure, rugged landscapes, and heartfelt emotion, then Sara Blackard is an author you’ll want to know. An award‑winning Christian romance novelist, Sara weaves pulse‑pounding action, swoon‑worthy characters, and deep emotional arcs into stories that stay with you long after you turn the last page.

When she’s not crafting daring escapades and tender moments, Sara homeschools her four boys and one princess, keeps the lights on (and the wood stove go...

Rebecca Hemlock on Faith, Mystery, and Characters That Feel Real

When you open a book by Rebecca Hemlock, you’re stepping into a world where faith meets suspense, and where characters feel so alive, you might expect to meet them on the street. An award-winning Christian Fiction author of 15 books, Rebecca’s storytelling draws on her love of mystery, her journalistic background, and her passion for weaving hope into even the darkest of plots.

Below, Rebecca shares about her writing process, inspiration, and her latest book.

Your characters feel so re...

Author Spotlight: Jerusha Agen – Crafting Suspense with Faith and Hope

Jerusha Agen has a gift for keeping readers on the edge of their seats while reminding them that even in life’s most unexpected twists, God is in control. Known for her Christian romantic suspense, Jerusha’s novels combine heart-pounding tension, relatable characters, and the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ. Her latest release, Waylaid, exemplifies her signature style: suspenseful plots wrapped in faith, romance, and inspiration.

Finding Hope in the Unexpected

When asked what she ...

Meet Cara Putman: A Storyteller Where Law, Heart, and Hope Collide

What do a courtroom, a World War II romance, and Jo March have in common?

They all live vividly in the mind and work of Cara Putman—an award-winning, best-selling author with more than 40 novels and two nonfiction titles to her name. A gifted communicator and passionate educator, Cara combines her love of the law with a deep sense of storytelling to create novels that are as thought-provoking as they are emotionally rich.

Where It All Began

As a preteen in Nebraska, Cara witnessed a...

Dancing Through Life and Love: Meet Gina Conroy—Author, Storyteller, and Creative Encourager

When you first meet Gina Conroy—whether in person, online, or through the pages of her books—you’re instantly struck by her warmth, wit, and unmistakable New York charm. A storyteller at heart, Gina has spent her life navigating the beautiful mess of writing, parenting, caregiving, and creativity. And she’s done it all with a sparkle of hope and the courage to be real.

Born and raised in New York but now settled in Tornado Alley, Gina splits her time—and sometimes her personality—as a writer...

From the Skies to the Page: An Inside Look at Author and Flight Attendant Angela Ruth Strong

Step aboard a journey where fiction meets flight paths, humor dances with heartache, and real-life turbulence fuels powerful stories. Angela Ruth Strong is no stranger to adventure—both in the sky and on the page. An Amazon bestselling author, Christy Award nominee, and Romantic Times TOP PICK honoree, Angela brings a unique voice to inspirational fiction, deeply rooted in her own life experiences.

A breast cancer survivor and current flight attendant, Angela doesn’t just write about bold...

From London to Idaho: The High-Stakes, Faith-Filled Fiction of Lisa Phillips

If you’re a fan of romantic suspense where the bullets fly fast, the emotions run deep, and love always finds a way—even amid disaster—then Lisa Phillips is a name you already know and love. With over 80 novels to her credit, Lisa has become a powerhouse in Christian fiction, captivating readers with high-octane plots and deeply rooted faith journeys.

A USA Today and Publishers Weekly Top Ten bestselling author, Lisa’s work spans Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line, independently pub...

Katy Lee: Faith, Suspense, and the Power of Second Chance

When you think of Christian romantic suspense, a few names stand out-and Katy Lee is certainly among them. With over forty novels to her credit and a reputation as a #1 Publishers Weekly best-selling author, Katy has captivated readers with stories that blend edge-of-your-seat intrigue, heartfelt romance, and unwavering faith. But Katy’s journey as a writer, teacher, and advocate for storytellers is as inspiring as the characters she brings to life.

From Utah’s Mountains to the Heart...

From Combat Boots to Christian Romantic Suspense: Jessica Ashley’s Journey

From Combat Boots to Plot Twists

After seven years in the Army, Jessica Ashley traded her combat boots for plot twists, determined to craft stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats while offering swoon-worthy romance. But her journey as a writer has been anything but ordinary.

Jessica is an Army veteran who lives in Texas with the love of her life and their three children. After spending nearly a decade writing spicy paranormal and fantasy romance as a USA Today bestselli...

From Combat Boots to Christian Romantic Suspense: Jessica Ashley���s Journey

From Combat Boots to Plot Twists

After seven years in the Army, Jessica Ashley traded her combat boots for plot twists, determined to craft stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats while offering swoon-worthy romance. But her journey as a writer has been anything but ordinary.

Jessica is an Army veteran who lives in Texas with the love of her life and their three children. After spending nearly a decade writing spicy paranormal and fantasy romance as a USA Today bestselling author, she felt the desire to do something completely different.

For over a decade, Jessica Ashley built a successful career in the secular romance world, writing under two pen names and penning over sixty novels���many of them bestsellers. However, as her faith deepened, she felt God calling her in a new direction. It was a call she couldn���t ignore.

Now, Jessica Ashley dedicates her talent to writing Christian romantic suspense, weaving together faith, danger, and love in ways that reflect the power of redemption. Her stories feature strong heroes, resilient heroines, and the kind of faith that shines brightest in the dark. She will still tell heartbreakingly beautiful stories with strong women and protective men, but this time they will also feature the joy of faith and the importance of following God in whatever journey He sets you on.

Living in Texas with her husband of fifteen years and their three children, Jessica Ashley���s life is a beautiful blend of homeschooling, homemade bread, and storytelling. She understands the challenges of balancing faith, family, and a thriving writing career, but through it all, she remains committed to crafting books that remind readers: even the darkest night can lead to a brighter dawn.

Faith at the Core

Every one of Jessica Ashley���s books is influenced by scripture, with a Bible verse (or three!) forming the heart of each story. Her goal? To remind readers that no matter how far they feel from God, He never turns His back on them. No matter how lost someone may feel, they are never beyond redemption.

Her faith-driven approach to storytelling ensures that even in the most suspenseful, heart-pounding moments, there is always a thread of hope. She crafts her novels with the belief that faith is not just something we lean on in times of crisis, but a guiding light in everyday life. Through her characters’ struggles and triumphs, Jessica Ashley aims to inspire and encourage her readers in their own faith journeys.

Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Authors

When asked what advice she���d give to those dreaming of publishing their own stories, Jessica Ashley keeps it simple: IGNORE THE NOISE. While learning from others is important, there���s no one-size-fits-all approach to success. ���The best thing I ever did for my career was fail,��� she says, ���because it taught me to get back up and try something else.���

She encourages aspiring writers to stay true to their voices and trust in the process. The writing journey is filled with highs and lows, but perseverance and faith are the keys to pushing forward. She knows firsthand that the road to success is rarely straight, but every detour and challenge can lead to something greater.

The Truth About Writing

Many people assume that authors have their stories perfectly mapped out before they ever type a word. But for Jessica Ashley, that couldn���t be further from the truth. ���A lot of the time, I have literally no idea what’s going to happen or who the big bad is when I start,��� she admits. ���It’s a surprise to me, too!���

The process of discovery is part of what makes writing so thrilling for her. She allows her characters to lead the way, trusting that the story will unfold exactly as it should. This organic approach gives her books a sense of authenticity and unpredictability that keeps readers hooked from the first page to the last.

A Mission Beyond the Page

Beyond writing, Jessica Ashley is passionate about connecting with her readers and encouraging fellow writers. She believes storytelling is a powerful tool for ministry, and she hopes that through her books, readers will find not only entertainment but also encouragement and spiritual nourishment. Whether through suspenseful twists or heartfelt moments of romance, her goal remains the same: to remind people that God is present in every moment of their lives.

Jessica Ashley���s journey from the military to a bestselling author of inspirational suspense is a testament to the power of faith and perseverance. If you love stories filled with high stakes, deep emotions, and an unwavering trust in God���s plan, you won���t want to miss her books.

Find out more and purchase signed paperbacks at www.jessicaashleybooks.com.

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