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Someone wants to kill her. She wants the killer to finish the job.

Spring Weston will do anything to rise in the ranks of pro cycling and prove she isn’t the one failure of the five Weston siblings. Anything except cheat. When she learns of doping on her cycling team, she’s determined to uncover the truth. But she can’t if she’s dead.

Sergeant Torin Cotter may not be the hero the public thinks he is, but he recognizes fear when he sees it. When he takes over the investigation of the collision that landed Spring in the hospital, he’s compelled to protect her from whatever danger she’s in, even though he knows he might fail. Again.

Spring’s faith in God isn’t enough to help her face the living nightmare she awakened to after the accident. But neither she nor the handsome sergeant see the greater threat that’s coming until it’s too late.

If they’re going to survive, Spring and Torin will not only have to confront their worst fears—they’ll have to find a reason to live.

Waylaid is the first installment in the thrilling Windy City Westons series that features five siblings who encounter danger and love in the city of Chicago. (Each book can stand alone or be read as series installments.)

What is something interesting readers would enjoy learning about you?

I share my life with two of the largest, furriest dogs most people have ever encountered. One is a fluffy white Great Pyrenees who was just termed a “giant marshmallow” by an employee at a drive-thru. (He’s actually been nicknamed a “marshmallow” since he was a little puppy!)

And my other big boy is a brown and black Leonberger whose enormous head comes up to my waist. When out in public, he often earns the remark that he’s the biggest dog people have ever seen. (Right after the question, “Is that a grizzly bear?”)

What I love most about my big boys is that they are truly gentle giants. And while their fur definitely requires lots of maintenance to keep clean and groomed, it also makes them super cuddly and huggable, which is really the point.

What makes up your ideal reading environment?

A comfy sofa, a cozy fleece blanket, a snack, and classical music!

What unique research was required to write this story?

A significant element of the story required me to research spinal injury and paralysis. It was a fascinating, though difficult, topic in some ways since the impact of such an injury can be so devastating in people’s lives.

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

I did extensive research about physiatrists, physicians who coordinate and oversee the care of patients with intensive rehabilitation needs. Initially, I thought this story would focus on a physiatrist as the main character, so I did a deep dive into that unique profession that I hadn’t known anything about before. It’s a fascinating and very important job, but I ultimately didn’t use most of that research in the finished novel!

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

Amid the tension, suspense, and romance of this novel, Waylaid delves into some tough topics related to suffering, whether that’s physical pain and limitations, emotional loss and psychological impairment, or overwhelming despair caused by circumstances.

My prayer is that this story will meet readers where they are at, and God will use it to shine His Light on their own life situation. Waylaid illustrates the truth that God has a purpose for each of His children, no matter how much they may feel limited or held back by their circumstances. 

And Waylaid is also the reminder we all need that, as God shows us throughout His Word, suffering is NEVER for nothing. He always uses the suffering He ordains for the good of those who love Him, for those He has called according to His purpose.