Welcome to the author interview for …

Sometimes the best life is the one we never planned.

Sarah Anne Baker never wanted to be anyone’s burden. But hours after losing the Godmother who raised her, she faces an impossible choice: marry her late fiancé’s brother—or flee into the unknown. With fear as her only companion, she places her trust in the one man leaving town that night—the enigmatic traveling peddler known only as Mr. Smith.

Alexander Sinclair walked away from his noble title in Scotland to live a quiet, hidden life. Peddling wares from town to town has given him peace, free from the weight of expectation. Until a desperate young woman crosses his path. He can’t turn her away… no matter the cost.

Together, Sarah and Alex set out on a journey through loss, healing, and a bond neither expected to find. But as secrets surface and choices demand to be made, both must decide: cling to the lives they planned—or risk everything to embrace the future God has written for them.

A tender tale of courage, redemption, and love strong enough to change the course of two hearts forever.

Denise M. Colby writes historical romance sweetened with faith, hope, and love. She loves history and finds herself contemplating how it was to live in the 1800’s. Only sitting still when reading a book, watching movies with her family, or taking in the latest musical theater show, Denise resides in Southern California where she enjoys date nights with her husband of thirty years, at their happy place.

This blog unites us over a love of story … What is your current read?

Unexpected by Kimberly Keagan

Turning to your story … What does a day in the life of your characters look like?

In this story, they are basically camping outside with their wagon, so early morning with a campfire, travel to get to the next town to sell wares from the wagon, then set up camp again. A lot of time for talking, reflection, but also hard work in setting up and tearing down camp every day.

What was your favorite scene to write in this story? And why?

I’m not sure if it’s one scene or an idea that travels throughout. I had a lot of fun writing Alex’s brogue (but it was also challenging) and there’s a time when Sarah finally admits she can’t understand him and I love the banter between them about it. It was also fun to give Sarah wagon motion sickness. That was a real thing during that time-period and I enjoyed weaving that trait throughout the story since they are in a wagon a lot.

What unique research was required to write this story?

Because they were traveling, I studied a lot of maps of the area to understand their route. I learned about early town names and the history behind the people they were named after, and then how they changed names later and why.

What is one bit of research you wish you could have included in the story?

Because I grew up in the area, one of the towns was named different than I knew. Turns out the captain named it after his home town and when they went to put a post office in (a few years after my novel was set), the government told him he had to change the name because there couldn’t be two towns with the same name. So he named the town after his wife.

What was the inspiration behind this story?

When I was writing my first book, When Plans Go Awry, I created a few families who had loved ones pass and become intertwined with one another. But I needed a catalyst for why Luke (the hero in book 1) was sending for a mail order bride that wasn’t about finding a wife to love, etc. I gave him multiple reasons, including Sarah (the heroine in No Plan at All) leaving him right after his ma died to deal with his grief and raising his sisters alone. She’s never on the page, but readers are meant to not like her.

I wrote out that event so I understood the emotions, but I also wrote it from Sarah’s point of view so I could make sure it worked. From there Sarah had her own story to tell. There are always two sides to every situation and Sarah had her own reasons for leaving that night. What were they? Why take the risk? And how could God reach her, teach her, and mold her into who He wanted her to be? What did she need? And who would be the perfect match for her?

I guess I didn’t want readers to ultimately not like her. Sometimes decisions are made that hurt others, but by the power of God we can heal, forgive, and learn from our mistakes. Besides, it’s hard for me to write bad characters—I want to redeem them all.

Then of course, I wanted the chance to write a character from nobility. I was reading a lot of regency but was terrified of writing one because there’s so much to know and I didn’t want to get anything wrong. So during one NanoWrimo year, I wrote the rough draft to No Plan at All and created Alex, who was nobility but was living outside of his world and in the one I had created.

What encouragement do you hope readers will take away from your story?

The main Bible verse theme for this book is PSALM 33:11 But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations (NIV). We may stray, or make poor choices, but God is always there throughout our lives. We just have to reach out to Him, and allow Him to lead us where he wants us to go.

The best way to stay connected is through my weekly email, Fireside News. You’ll receive cozy updates, behind-the-scenes book notes, and a complimentary historical romance novelette when you subscribe.

Until next time, may your reading bring both light and encouragement.

Happy reading!
~ Danielle.