To Miralee, writing is a ministry that she hopes will impact hearts, and she anticipates how God will use each of her books to bless and change lives.
The following is an October 2014 interview with Miralee.
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My husband, Allen, and I, live on 11 acres in Washington State. I enjoy ministering to women (I am a certified Lay Counselor with the American Association of Christian Counselors), riding my horse, working in my flower beds and playing with my dogs—one being my little 7 lb, long-haired Chihuahua, Lacey, who spends a lot of time on my lap while I’m writing. I speak at various women’s functions and I’ve taught at writers’ conferences. I’ve been writing since 2005, and my first book was published in 2007. Since then, I’ve had 10 books release, both in women’s contemporary fiction and historical romance, and I’ve had the honor of being a best-selling and award-winning author.
How did you become a novelist, and did you always want to write?
I know a lot of people mention God nudging them to write, but that actually happened—and a little bit more. I had no desire to write (other than personal memories/journals). I was visiting a sister church to hear a special speaker. At the end of the service I responded to a call for prayer. The pastor/speaker prayed with me and stopped after a few moments. He told me he felt God was saying that I needed to be writing…he didn’t know whether fiction or non-fiction, but that it was important it was published. I prayed about it and counseled with my pastor, my husband and my mother, who all urged me to take that word seriously.
What do you think is significant about Christian fiction?
The biggest thing for me is the ability to write an entertaining story while weaving in life issues that women can relate to today, even if the story is in a historical setting. I love ministering to women at a level they can relate to—Jesus told parables—stories—to teach, and I believe Christian authors who write fiction are blessed with that same opportunity.
I pray it will be a two-edged blessing—one that will entertain and minister at the same time. Most of my books contain life lessons and speak to the heart of a woman—especially one who might be grappling with difficult personal issues. My books are rich in historical detail, but are character driven and written so women can connect on deep level with the characters, in the hope that my readers will grow in some way in their own spiritual life.
What responses to your novels have affected you the most and why?
I’ve had three that truly impacted me. One letter was written by a young woman who had been contemplating suicide and felt she couldn’t touch God no matter how hard she tried. She wrote to thank me for my book, The Other Daughter (my debut novel) as it pulled her back from the edge. Another reader of the same book was given a chance for a new relationship with her step-mother after they both read and discussed my book. And recently I received a hand written, three-page letter from a pastor’s wife in the Philippines who has read four of my books. They ministered to her so deeply that she asked if she might translate them (by hand) and share them with their tiny mountain congregation.
How has being a novelist impacted your relationship with Christ?
It’s put me in absolute awe of His purpose and plan for my life. I truly had no intention of ever writing with the thought of publication. Then, after I turned 50, to have Him direct me into this career that is much more of a ministry, has been amazing. It’s stretched me spiritually and mentally in ways I never expected—and God has opened doors that I didn’t even know needed to be opened.
To be the best wife, mother and (recently) grandmother possible, as well as a friend to women in need.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Whenever I get the chance, I hit the trails on horseback with my daughter. Since I had to put my mare down due to old age last year, I now ride my son-in-law’s Arab mare, and my daughter and I ride spring, summer and fall, about 3 times a week. As much as I love riding, spending time with my daughter is the highlight of those rides.
What can you tell us about your latest novels?
My current series is historical romance, Love Blossoms in Oregon, set in Baker City, Oregon, in the early 1880’s. Each book in the series can stand alone, but it’s better to read them in order if possible, as the same cast of characters flows through the entire series, with the characters changing and growing from book to book. I believe these books are my best work to date, and are both entertaining and have elements that could potentially be life changing to women experiencing some of the same struggles as the characters endure. Book four, Dreaming on Daisies, released October 1.
Releasing next spring (March 1 for the first book), a new series called Horses and Friends, is something brand new for me—middle-grade horse novels for girls. I’m very excited about this set of four books as I know the Lord placed them on my heart. Girls ages 9-13 will find they satisfy their desire for horse adventures as they follow Kate, Tori and Colt, three kids their own age from one escapade to another, and parents will appreciate the life lessons and strong family values woven into each one.
What would you like to say to your fans in New Zealand, and others worldwide?
I’m so very honored and blessed to have fans! After 10 books and several short story compilations, I’m still new enough at this to be amazed that I’m a published author and readers want to hear from me or read my work. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to try one of my books. If readers didn’t purchase books, there’d be no market and we’d have to quit writing. I’d love to hear from any of you who’d care to contact me….you can find out more about me, my family, my writing, and sign up for my newsletter on my website/blog, or join my Facebook fan group.
Do you have any parting words?
If you’ve read one of my books, I’d love to hear from you…and of course, authors always appreciate reviews if you enjoy our books and can find time to post one.
Thank you so much for hosting me on your blog! It’s been a joy and an honor to chat with your readers.
(Love Blossoms in Oregon #1)
by Miralee Ferrell
- David C Cook
- Historical
- June 2013
- ISBN: 9780781408080
[Kindle | Amazon | The Book Depository]
Do Dandelion Wishes Actually Come True?
Katherine Galloway knew this moment of calm wouldn’t last, blown away like the dandelion seeds she scattered as a girl. In 1880, three years after her husband’s death, she struggles to run an Oregon boardinghouse and raise two girls alone. Things don't get easier when her critical, domineering mother moves in. Katherine must make the situation work, but standing up for herself and her family while honoring her mother isn't easy. And with a daughter entering the teenage years, the pressure on Katherine becomes close to overwhelming. Then she crosses paths with Micah Jacobs, a widower who could reignite her heart, but she fears a relationship with him might send things over the edge. She must find the strength, wisdom, hope, and faith to remake her life, for everything is about to change.
(Love Blossoms in Oregon #2)
by Miralee Ferrell
- David C Cook
- Historical
- February 2014
- ISBN: 9780781408097
[Kindle | Amazon | The Book Depository]
Can Love Survive When Secrets Collide?
She’d kept her secrets safely hidden—those from her past, and those in the present. Some things, Beth Roberts knows, a lady simply doesn’t share, even in the 1880’s West. The townspeople would never understand. No one ever has.
Jeffery Tucker, a handsome young writer, has kept his own secrets. He doesn’t have a right to pry into Beth’s affairs but finds himself strangely drawn to her and intrigued by the whiff of mystery surrounding her.
Beth knows that one day someone will unravel the threads of her past. And when two men from her past arrive, the truth might just hurt . . . Beth’s future and her heart.
As shadowy memories surface, Beth sketches the scenes she sees and is shocked by what—and who—her illustrations reveal. Dare she risk her heart again?
(A Love Blossoms in Oregon Novella)
by Miralee Ferrell
- Mountain Brook INK
- Historical
- October 2014
- ISBN: 9780996006811
[Kindle | Amazon | The Book Depository]
Can a Lost Love be Redeemed?
Baker City, Oregon, 1881
Seven years ago, Julia McKenzie rejected the man she loved, wanting to experience more of life. Now, at the age of twenty-four, she regrets that decision. What will Seth think of her, when they encounter one another hundreds of miles from home? Will the man she cared for understand the direction her life has taken and love her in spite of her choices?
Pastor Seth Russell has never completely forgotten the girl he once courted. When she shows up in his new home of Baker City, all those feelings return. But why is she sneaking around town late at night? Even more important, will she reject him and break his heart again, or can God heal the breach between them?
Forget Me Not is part of the historical romance, Love Blossoms in Oregon series, published by David C Cook. This book can stand alone, but is better enjoyed when reading the series and getting acquainted with the full cast of characters from the Love Blossoms in Oregon series.
(Love Blossoms in Oregon #3)
by Miralee Ferrell
- David C Cook
- Historical
- October 2014
- ISBN: 9780781408103
[Kindle | Amazon | The Book Depository]
When her father's debts, brought on by heavy drinking, threaten Leah Carlson's family ranch, she fights to save it. When handsome banker Steven Harding must decline her loan request, he determines to do what he can to help. Just as he arrives to serve as a much-needed ranch hand, Leah's family secrets—and the pain of her past—come to a head. They could destroy everything she's fought for. And they could keep her from ever opening her heart again. This is western historical romance that offers hope and healing to the deepest wounds in a woman's past.
(Horses and Friends #1)
by Miralee Ferrell
- David C Cook
- Contemporary Preteen
- March 2015
- ISBN: 9780781411141
[Amazon | The Book Depository]
A horse of her own would be awesome. But Kate figures that might be a long way away, especially since she had to give up riding lessons and move to her late grandfather’s farm. Besides, it would be a lot more fun to have a best friend to ride with. When Kate discovers a barn on their new farm that’s perfect for a horse, and a dusty bridle too, she starts to think that her dream might come true. Then she meets Tori at school, who is totally the best. So when they discover a thoroughbred that appears to be all alone, could it be the answer to her prayers? Maybe. If she can convince her dad ... and figure out what’s going on with that horse.
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One copy to be won
Winner's Choice from the Love Blossoms in Oregon series
Contest open to entrants in the USA only.
Contest runs from 17-31 October NZDT
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