Beyond Happily Ever After: Writing Book Two of Beautiful Wilderness

You know how, when you're reading a REALLY great book, and just can't put it down? People around me find it odd, but I get that way when it comes to research, especially when I'm researching with the intent to write. The problem is, I fall headfirst into a rabbit hole and come out the other side with a dozen pages of research notes and... a blank page. A prime example is the research I've done for my new antagonist, Alistair. He's a railroad tycoon—wealthy, ruthless, and has a very personal connection to Jane Livingston. I won't get into spoilers, especially since I've only written the first chapter, so there isn't much to share yet. What I can say is that Alistair will crank up the tension and raise the stakes from the very first chapter.

Beautiful Wilderness left the door open to explore Adam and Jane's story beyond the wedding. In Book 2 their marriage will be put to the test and, hopefully, make the reader wonder if their love and loyalty to each other will be enough to go the distance. I'm pulling this theme from my personal Bible study and my own marriage story. My husband and I haven't faced the kind of massive trials I'm going to throw at Jane and Adam, but like every couple, we've had rough patches that force you to choose love even when you're feeling low or like the world around you is crumbling.

Where Beautiful Wilderness was a sweet romance with some lower-stakes action, Book Two will shift to what a real marriage looks like once the honeymoon phase begins to fade. This story will be romantic, action-packed, and will lean into themes of loyalty versus taking the easy way out. Alistair won’t just be the antagonist—his wealth and power will let him unleash a kind of Job-like destruction on Adam and Jane’s lives. For those not in the know, Job is a man in the Bible who was tested by Satan to see if he would curse God. It’s a fascinating read, even if you’re not a Christian like I am.

I hope you’ll ready your horses and be patient with me as I write this story. It usually takes me a while to write, but I’ve already managed to put about 2,000 words into chapter one, which feels like tremendous progress. I don’t expect Book Two to be published before September, but I’ll keep you all updated as I go, with a hopeful fall 2026 release!