Forever Changed by Diana Leagh Matthews

Welcome! Today, it is my pleasure to introduce you to Danielle Davis from “Forever Changed.”  Danielle, thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me.

It’s my pleasure. I’m looking forward to our conversation.

As the story opens, you’re excited.  What milestone are you reaching?

The story opens on opening night for The Magical Castle. This is my first leading role on Broadway and I’m so excited.

How long have you been working on your craft?

Forever, it seems. I began in local theater as a child and have been in New York City working as an actress for over a decade. For the last two years, I have been workshopping The Magical Castle. This means we have been rehearsing the show, making revisions and refinements before the show becomes a full, public production.

What throws a wrench into your plans?

As I walk off stage, my assistant informs me that my sister, Meghan, and brother-in-law, Trevor, have been killed in a terrible accident.

Tell me about Meghan and Trevor.

Meghan is a country girl at heart. She loves living in the country and being a wife and mother.

Trevor always loved farming and over the years has turned his farm into a prosperous business that allows the family to not only make a living but to also spend time together. He’s very entrepreneurial and has many different ventures he’s invested in.

How does this tragedy change your life?

I return to the small town of Ninety Six, South Carolina where my family is from. When I arrived, I discover that I’m now responsible for seven children, two grandmothers, a farm and a store.

Wait. What? What’s that like?

Overwhelming. I fought returning, wanting to return to my life. It felt as if I was stepping into someone else’s life, and I resented this turn of events. On top of that, I had to get to know everyone and deal with various attitudes and situations.

What do you learn from Granny and Grandma?

Of, I love them and they have taught me so much. Granny is almost 100 and still so sharp. At times she really challenges me.

Grandma is completely different as she’s living with advanced dementia. She relates best with the younger children. I’ve learned so much about childhood wonder from her, as well as how devastating Alzheimer’s disease can be on a family.

It’s very rare that a community comes together the way your community has. How did they help you?

I could never have survived those early months without the assistance of the neighborhood ladies that came aside to help me. They assisted with everything from caring for the children, cooking, housekeeping, and so much more.

They also helped me to grow as a person and to push me outside of my comfort zone. Without them I’m not sure I would have even known how to bond with the children.

What is this about a mysterious woman from the 1930s. What was that about?

Yes, Shell appears suddenly and unexpectedly. I have no idea how it really works but I can tell you that she’s been such a support. There are as many similarities in our situations and time periods as there are differences. She’s been an unexpected blessing for sure.

Caleb Donovan became a partner. How has he changed your life?

Caleb was Trevor’s best friend, but there’s so much more to him than being a farm hand. We surprisingly have a lot in common and become very good friends. Who knows what the future may hold for us.

What did you learn from your time on the farm?

There were so many lessons that I don’t have time to go into all of them. I’ll say that I had to learn to embrace the past, let go, and forgive. At times it seemed that one crisis after another kept assailing us and I wondered if I’d ever have an opportunity to catch my breath. Most of all I found love, a community, and a family that I never expected and didn’t even know that I need.

This is great. Thank you so much for sharing with us and taking the time to answer our questions.

It’s been my pleasure. I appreciate your interest in my story and I’ve enjoyed spending this time together.

To learn more, check out Danielle’s story in “Forever Changed.”

Link to Forever Changed: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F2DCBDQY

Blurb:

At the pinnacle of her Broadway career, Danielle Davis is savoring her success. Just as her dreams are now within grasp, tragedy forces her to return home to South Carolina.

Following the untimely deaths of her sister and brother-in-law, Danielle discovers she’s now responsible for seven children, two grandmothers, and a farm she knows nothing about.

When a young woman from the 1930s begins making mysterious appearances to her, Danielle embraces her as an unexpected confidant and encourager.

Can Danielle find the healing and support she desperately needs in her new roles?

Caleb Donovan put his soaring music career on hold after making a terrible mistake.

Following the loss of his best friends, he now guides Danielle as she learns about running a farm and caring for a family. Can Caleb find his own place amid the chaos?

Will Danielle and Caleb be able to discover the career and relational paths meant for them?

Can they learn how to let go of their painful pasts, and find it in their hearts to forgive, and move forward into an uncertain future?

Bio:

Diana Leagh Matthews has a heart for the hurting and shares God’s love through the written word and song. Her debut novel, Carol of the Rooms, was published in 2023 and was a Realm Award finalist and her second novel, Forever Changed, just released in April.  Leagh (pronounced L-e-e), who lives in South Carolina with her spunky Maltese. For more information, visit her at DianaLeaghMatthews.com.

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