A tragic event at work leaves South African paramedic Johlene Anderson reeling.

If you enjoy stories of self-discovery and redemption, you’ll love The Runaway’s Redemption.

Dedicated paramedic Johlene has spent most of her adult life on the front lines, saving lives. But a tragic event at work leaves her questioning her career choice, her self-worth, and her faith in God. Desperate for solace, she retreats to the serene coastal town of Eden Cove. Amidst the soothing sounds of the ocean and the gentle embrace of the community, Johlene begins a journey of healing.

As Johlene navigates the complexities of her pain, she encounters unexpected friendships and profound moments of reflection. Will these experiences help her find a path to redemption? Will Johlene manage to overcome her trauma and rekindle her faith, rediscovering her connection with God?

What is something interesting readers would enjoy learning about you?

Many of the things I enjoy doing, I started later in my adult life. I started scuba diving in my forties, started pottery classes in my mid-fifties, and wrote and published my first book in my late fifties. I firmly believe that you are never too old to try something new, and we are generally limited only by our frame of mind.

What does a day in the life of your characters look like?

My main character, Johlene Anderson, was a paramedic in South Africa, so most days were spent responding to medical emergencies, where she was responsible for assessing, treating, and stabilising patients before transporting them to hospital. In her current situation in Eden Cove, she is leading a much quieter life, spending much of her day exploring the area and….oh but that next thing would be giving away a crucial part of the story, so we’ll just leave it there for now!

Morgan Saunders leads a very full life as the local carpenter, handyman, shuttle bus driver, and part-time lighthouse keeper.

What was the inspiration behind your story?

My eldest daughter Shannon is a paramedic (in South Africa) and I have seen how taxing the job can be. She has been held captive in a locked rooms for many hours, held at gunpoint and knife point, and been physically attacked. I wanted to relate how such job stressors can chisel away at one’s faith, and in Johlene’s case one single event could completely destroy her faith. I also wanted to show that redemption is available to anyone, no matter what they have gone through.

What did you learn while writing this story?

I have a habit of going down rabbit holes when I’m doing research for stories, and this has not been an exception. I did extensive research on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and was shocked to discover how many people this affects. I also studied information on the various types of treatment available to assist with PTSD, one of which is Christian trauma counselling. This form of counselling offers a holistic approach to healing by integrating faith and spirituality. It addresses both psychological and spiritual aspects of trauma recovery.

This aligns very nicely with my own beliefs about healing, which may involve someone needing medication, but that they would most definitely benefit from Christian counselling, which helps the recipient/patient to overcome their issues.

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

I would like for those people who suffer from PTSD to take some hope from the story. There are many people out there who are prepared to walk with you on your road to recovery. Reach out to trusted members of your church (or a church in your community if you aren’t already in a church family), trust that God is always by your side, no matter the circumstances. Interestingly, when I pulled out an old notebook that I wanted to use to jot down some pertinent facts for the story, on the first page I had written “…but with God all things are possible.” — Matthew 19:26. If that isn’t divine intervention, then I don’t know what is!

For those people who are fortunate to have not suffered PTSD, be sensitive to the emotional state of those around you and help to provide them with the support they might need. 

Born in England, Allyson Koekhoven emigrated with her parents to South Africa in 1974. She now lives in a beautiful seaside village on the South African East Coast with her husband and two boisterous dogs. She spends her spare time scuba diving, reading books, and creating perfectly-imperfect pieces of pottery. https://www.allysonkoekhoven-writes.com/