It’s my pleasure to introduce Ana Waters, who recently released book 4 of her Beauty for Ashes series, Lev Tahor: A Heart Redeemed, to the InspyRomance family.
JM: Welcome to InspyRomance, Ana! I’m a huge fan, so I’m super excited to have you here. Can you tell us about yourself?
AW: Hi, and thank you so much for having me! I’m a Jewish believer in Jesus, an abuse survivor, and an advocate against spiritual and emotional abuse. As an avid romance reader since childhood, I was frustrated with trauma being used either as a plot device or easily glossed over. I wanted to show the realistic road to healing while also presenting a faith forward message that abuse doesn’t get to ruin your life or steal your chance for a happily ever after.
JM: Your series is written as though they are the memoirs of a group of women who are on a journey to faith, emotional healing, and love after trauma. Can you tell me about the series and your “why” for writing it?
AW: The series began after leaving a cult of 21 years. I had written so many plays and lessons for the congregation, but nothing for myself since college. What initially began as catharsis became a 425 page manuscript in just 2.5 months! This was with three babies all under four years-old! I just couldn’t stop writing. Two weeks after I finished book 1, I remember lying in bed and thinking, “I have to know what happens next!” So began book 2. I’m not sure when or how the idea of the characters publishing their “memoirs” began, but it’s been such a fun detail now throughout the series.
JM: Tikkun Olam: Restoring What was Lost was my introduction to your books. I’m not a fan of love triangles, but something kept drawing me back to the blurb, so I took the plunge and loved it. Can your books be read as stand-alone stories, or should they be read in order?
AW: They are written as stand alone novels, and I do my best to quickly re-introduce old characters without boring readers of the entire series. My hope is that wherever a reader chooses to start the series, they’ll want to go back and find out how each of these women overcome their hardships.
JM: That was certainly the case for me! Can you give us a brief overview of your new release, Lev Tahor: A Heart Redeemed?
AW: As this is book 4, our main character, Carly, has read the first three books within the series herself. The difference is that since she lives within this literary universe, the characters are flesh and blood people to her. Her book crush on the unlucky member of the book 3 love triangle, Joe Trautweig, creates immediate tension when neither can deny the instant connection. Joe’s past draws him closer to God, but Carly believes her sins are too big to forgive. She grew up with a twisted version of Jesus, and Joe fights to show Carly she is worthy to be loved by both God and by him.
JM: One of the things that drew me to your books was the dual titles in Hebrew and English. I have enjoyed reading about Jewish traditions along with their encouraging Christian faith messages. Lev Tahor shows us a traditional Hanukkah celebration. You’ve revealed on social media that you go all out for Hanukkah. Can you tell us how you celebrate with your family?
AW: Yes! There are blue and white lights everywhere! Every year, I buy my kids matching Chanukah pajamas, t-shirts, and the house is decorated with lights, toys, garland, towels, and art. We also have headbands, my Chanukah t-shirts for all 8 nights, and then all the delicious food served in Chanukah-themed glasses, plates, and service ware. The kitschier the better!
JM: Thank you so much for chatting with me. Before you go, can you tell our readers what’s next?
AW: Book 5 in the series will be coming Fall of 2024, and it’s definitely the most vulnerable of the entire series. It deals with the realities of divorce when facing an abusive spouse and toxic congregation weaponizing the Bible rather than holding the abuser accountable. Book 6 is also done, so I’m currently working on Book 7, which will be the final novel in the series. Maybe romcom next? We shall see!
JM: You can find all of Ana’s books here, and Lev Tahor: A Heart Redeemed, is currently on sale for $.99 US (or the equivalent in other markets). She has graciously offered 5 ebook copies for our readers. To enter to win one of them, comment with a welcome message to Ana or answer the following question: what intrigues you most about the series based on our interview today? Entries will close on Sunday, November 19, at 8:00 PM EST.
Carly Miller loves reading the triumphant memoirs of her friend and co-worker, Poppy Levine. Having survived a tumultuous upbringing with her hyper-religious mother, Carly is happy for Poppy’s story of healing and faith, but she believes her own sin is unforgivable. Equally inaccessible to Carly is Poppy’s former suitor, Joe Trautweig, whose story from Poppy’s book captivates Carly. When she encounters those jade green eyes in real life, the lines between the printed page and the man himself begin to blur. Joe has his own painful secrets, but Carly fears her past will be too much for their mutual attraction to overcome. Can Carly accept the idea her own heart could be made clean (lev tahor) and that both she and Joe can embrace what forgiveness truly means?
Judith McNees lives in Michigan, where she enjoys spending time hiking with her kids and breaking out into random songs to annoy them. She loves to travel, and visiting all 50 states with her husband is at the top of her bucket list. She has a B.A. in English from Western Michigan University and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.
Good morning from SW Michigan Judith and Ana. Welcome to Inspy Romance Ana and thanks for the book deal. This German American purchased your book so no need to include me in the Give Away.
My husband studied Hebrew as a seminary student. In our parishes every spring we invited the group Jews for Jesus to do a seder meal for our congregations. Often for the winter holidays, I did Christmas around the World presentations for the ladies in our church. I have several dreidels and a menorah. I enjoy visiting the Festival of Lights / Christmas Trees Around the World displays at Fredrick Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
I am intrigued with learning about holiday traditions. As a retired high school English teacher, I am intrigued by your story’s point of view – as memoirs of a group of women who are on a journey to faith, emotional healing, and love after trauma. Best wishes and happy writing.
Hi Renate! My son and I attended Christmas around the world last year as a homeschool field trip. So cool!
Renate, what a beautiful story and testimony! I studied Hebrew in college too :) Every book features at least one Jewish holiday/tradition and then the tie in for followers of Christ to see the continuity of the Bible from beginning to end. I really wanted to show Jewish people in a modern context within this genre and also talk about the realities of spiritual abuse and gaslighting. So many people have been hurt or rejected for speaking up against abuse, corruption, and sin. I wanted to be a voice for the voiceless and offer hope that Jesus loves them, sees them, and is not finished writing their story.
Hi Ana, thanks very much to you and Judith for this post. It’s always good to find a new-to-me author, and your series sounds fascinating. I have young children myself and I’m in awe of anyone who can manage 3 under 4s, let alone write a book as well!
Hi Ruthie! Same here. I have a total of 7, but I didn’t start writing books until the youngest was 9. I can’t imagine writing with babies at home. Thanks for the comment!
Thank you!!! And yes, it was definitely a passion project :) It’s crazy to think I began this series 7 years ago and to see how the Lord has used it far beyond what I imagined when I began writing. I love romance, and I wanted to read something for adults without all the “adult” content. They’re an emotional ride, and I love all of these characters <3
I love it when Inspy authors introduce me to new to me authors! These books sound really good, and not your “typical” books. It will also give me a totally new perspective, since they’re written by a Jewish believer in Jesus!
Hi Trudy! I have really loved that aspect of Ana’s books. I’m just so fascinated by all of the celebrations and traditions, and it’s nice to read about them from a contemporary perspective. Thanks for the comment!
Hi Trudy! Thank you for your comment :) I promise, these books are anything but typical, and I hope you enjoy reading them!
Thank you Ana and Judith, happy Hanukkah and merry Christmas to you. I have found stories unbelievable in the past where trauma is simply brushed aside or God heals all and so you should accept that too and that is all that is needed for a character to heal. In reality I have experienced and seen it very differently, so thank you for bringing that into the world in a way people can hear it more easily and make a difference in the lives of survivors. Looking forward to reading the series.
Thank you Dianne for your reply and vulnerability. It was a huge reason I published this series. Rather than romance being some magic cure all, it has exposed trauma for these women and shown where healing is still needed. I really wanted to not only be voice for survivors but also help friends and family better understand and empathize with their plight. Healing isn’t linear, and when we are dealing with complex layers of trauma (especially from loved ones), it’s an agonizing process and fight for peace. I hope you enjoy the series and appreciate what you shared :)
Hi Dianne! Totally agree…it is a process. God can, and will, heal all, but it often doesn’t look the way we thought it would. Thanks for the comment!
Nice to meet you, Ana! I’m looking forward to reading Lev Tahor: A Heart Redeemed. Thanks for bringing Ana (and her stories!) to our attention, Judith!
Hi Valerie, pleasure to meet you! I hope you enjoy it :)
She’s one of my new favs, so of course I had to share. Hope you enjoy it!
Welcome. Thank you so much for being here today. It is very nice to meet you. God bless you.
Hi Debra! Thank u so much! It’s a pleasure to be included 😊
Hi Debra! Thanks for the comment. Have a wonderful weekend!
Welcome Ana! Thanks for sharing some of your journey with us. Your series sounds fascinating and I will definitely be adding your books to my TBR list.
Hi Jessica! Thanks for the comment. The series is great, and I hope you enjoy it!
Hi Jessica! Thank you so much for your comment, and it’s an honor to be added to the list! :)