It’s been a long time coming. My last new title released two years ago. Hill Country Redemption was inspired by a conversation with my mom. She told me about a couple I’d gone to school with. We’ll call them Andy and Pam. They were a few years older than me. All I remembered was that Andy moved here, but didn’t stay long. I didn’t even remember that he dated Pam until Mama told me the story behind their story.
Back when Andy moved here, he and Pam started dating and fell hard. Andy’s mom was from here, but his dad was from the city. His dad hated all things rural Arkansas and said his son wasn’t going to marry a backwoods girl. So they moved, effectively ending the blossoming teenage romance. I do remember that Pam was really sweet and not backwoods at all.
Last year, Mama saw Andy and Pam at the school reunion. Together. After Andy moved, they’d both married other people and had kids. Both ended up divorced. And then they reconnected. They’re happily married now. Their happily ever after was a long time coming. I wonder how Andy’s dad feels about it.
Their story got me thinking. What if a rich girl dated a poor guy in secret, because she knew her dad wouldn’t approve. But her dad found out about the romance and confronted the guy. The guy didn’t want to come between her and her dad or for her dad to think he’s after her money, so he backs off. Even dates other girls to convince her they’re over. Then she finds out she’s pregnant–stick with me, they weren’t Christians then. By the time she finds out, the guy’s on girl number three since he dumped her. So she leaves town, never tells him about the little girl, and raises her child on her own.
Eight years later, after her dad’s death, she comes back to sell the ranch. Only to find out the guy lives next door. Both Christians now, they’re different people than they were as teenagers. But their past is riddled with hurt and lies. This is the premise that led to Larae Collins and Rance Shepherd’s story. Their love story was a long time coming. Just like Andy and Pam’s. Just like my new release.
I’m excited to finally share their story! Look for it in Walmart mid-March or preorder online. I also just realized I’ve been on the Inspy Romance blog for two years. Let’s celebrate. Is there anyone you know whose happily ever after, dream, or goal was a long time coming? Tell me about it for a chance to win a copy of Hill Country Redemption. Deadline: March 19th.
Also, don’t forget to enter the drawing for our Birthday Bash. Lots of books and prizes just waiting to be nabbed. Check it out: https://www.inspyromance.com/announcing-the-2020-birthday-bash/
Ellie says
I feel like my own happily ever after took a long time – I was in my 40’s when I got married. My hubby was worth the wait! This looks like a great book!
Trudy says
I still haven’t met “the one”, and I’m in my 50’s. One of my cousin’s didn’t get his HEA until he was in his 50’s. The book sounds great!
Renate says
Hi Shannon! My parents had a friend who didn’t find her happily ever after until she was in her fifties. Best wishes.
Kimberly Rose Johnson says
This sounds like a great story!
Penelope says
One of my nephews married an active, delightful & sweet lady either in her late 30’s or young 40’s. She was busy living her life, waiting on God to connect her with a worthy man. She is a treasure & I believe my nephew thinks so, as well. He hadn’t married yet, either. They are a sweet cpl. ❤️
Kelley Blair says
Been marries to my ever after for 35 years.
Sonnetta Jones says
My younger sister met hers and they were married for 14 years before God called him home. He left a great legacy in the life he lived.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
That’s awesome Ellie. Happy happily-ever-after.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
I’m glad you haven’t settled and are still waiting for the one, Trudy.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
Hey Renate, this is so cool hearing about all the people in their fifities finding true love.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
Thanks Kimberly. This one didn’t write itselft, but it seems like the ones I really struggle with turn out the best.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
That’s awesome, Penelope. I wish more people would wait on God to find them a worthy mate.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
Me too, Kelley. Actually this summer will be 36. Congrats.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
Hey Sonnetta, that’s sad. But I bet she’s grateful for that 14 years.
Gayla Martin says
I went to church with a lady when I was a kid. She dated but never wound up meeting mister Wonderful until she was 53. Her now husband Hank was 60 and never married when He and She met. Now they are making up for lost time and seem to be so happy. She used to always say that she would rather be alone than to be with someone the Lord didn’t put her with. She said he was worth waiting for .
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
That’s awesome, Gayla. Older, wiser happily ever is the best. Grant and I have gotten better as we’ve aged. Since we were just kids, I often wonder how we made it. I mean we were crazy about each other when we got married, but we were stupid kids. God took care of it for us.
Shelia Hall says
I had a aunt who didn’t marry until she was almost 60 and spent 26 years together before they both passed away within 8 months of each other!
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
That’s wonderful, Shelia. I bet they cherished those years together.
Brenda Day says
Love the story line will have to order and be finding a new author.
Merrillee Whren says
One of my sons-in-law has a sister who didn’t marry until she was in her mid-forties, and my hubby worked with a guy who also didn’t marry until he was in his mid-forties. His wife died from cancer when their daughter was twelve, and then he connected with a widow that he used to work with many years before and they fell in love. So he had two such romances.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
Thanks Brenda. I hope you enjoy it.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
Hey Merrillee. I have a cousin who never married until she was in her 30’s and her husband had never been married either.
Susanne says
My dad’s aunt was in her 40s when she met her husband (also in his 40s). It was the first marriage for both of them.
Lincoln says
My sister, after her first (difficult) marriage ended in the death of her husband found a Godly man who loves her for who she is. Amen.
Linda Herold says
Unfortunately, I am still waiting for my “One” to find me and I am in my early 60s!!!
Lelia (Lucy) Reynolds says
Mine. I was in an abusive marriage for 18 years and had to move in (900 miles away)with my sister with just the clothes we had on, as he had destroyed everything I owned. I am now married to a gem.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
Hey Susanne. By the 40’s, people can make wiser decisions. I bet people who get married late have a better marriage survival rate than people who get married young.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
That’s wonderful, Lincoln. One of my relatives had a first husband who was mean as a snake. After he died, she married a wonderful man. They have twelve wonderful years before she died.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
According the comments I’m getting here, it can still happen Linda. God may be getting ready to send him. I’m glad you didn’t settle for the not one.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
I’m so happy for you Lucy. I love happy endings.
denise says
I have a friend who finally became a mother through adoption after 18 years of marriage–they had almost given up when the opportunity presented itself. Now they’re in the process of adoption a second child.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
That’s wonderful, Denise. My husband and I were married sixteen years before our son finally showed up. Everybody who hasn’t known us long thinks we’re younger than we are simply because of his age, he’s adopted, or we haven’t been married long. He’s eighteen and we’re in our mid-fifties. But we’ve been married thirty-five years, he’s our biological child, and there wasn’t anything artificial involved. He keeps us young though.
Lisa Stillman says
My aunt was in her 80s when she met her second love. She had been widowed for 33 years prior to that, so she had waited a long time for her HEA. They had 10 really good years together before he went home to be with the Lord.
Sheila Lee says
I love the premise of the book. Second Chance Romance is my go-to trope!
Ausjenny says
Tough question. I think my friend would qualify. Husband one had affairs even before marriage and was physically abusive. Hubby 2 was emotionally abusive to her and her child. Boyfriend 3 was immature. Hubby 3 is her perfect match. I didn’t like 1 and 2 but find 3 easy to talk to and a good match. She had decided she was better alone and it was unexpected.
Caitlyn Santi says
Hi, Shannon!
Congrats on your new release! This sounds like a fabulous read, and I love that the story was inspired by a real life couple, how awesome! 😍
Debbie T. says
I still haven’t met The One and I am okay with that. The Lord provides and I have two great sisters and other family members and friends.
The bundles all look terrific. Anyone who wins one will be very lucky!
Thanks for the chance.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
That’s awesome, Lisa. I always hate to see anybody lonely.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
Mine too, Sheila. There’s so much baggage :) It makes it interesting.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
That sounds similar to one my friends story, Ausjenny. I told her, her picker is broke. Her hubby #3 was awesome. They dated for a year and were married for fourteen months. Then he died out of a blue from a brain aneurysm. She treasures those memories and is still single so far.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
Thanks Caitlyn. If I run into them at the school reunion, I’ll tell them they inspired me.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
You’re so right, Debbie. I remember reading a Denise Hunter book. I can’t remember which one, but near the end the heroine came to the Lord. Her thoughts were, all she needed was God. Love was just icing on her cake. If it worked out with the hero, fine. If it didn’t, fine.
Natalya Lakhno says
I love the description! And the cover ❤️ 🥰
We married young and celebrated 17 years together last month; hopefully, we’ll get many more to come 🥰
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
We married young too Natalya. I wouldn’t take anything for our 35 years. I hope we both get many more to come.
Melynda says
This isn’t romance related, but I’m a homeschooling mom and for several years I’ve wanted a new option for my kids that would allow them to homeschool part time and attend school part time. There are hybrid schools like this across the country, but not one where I live. We found out this winter that one will be starting here in the fall and we recently found out my kids have been accepted into it! I’m so excited for them to have some new doors opening up for them and for myself to have some time to take care of more responsibilities while being able to homeschool them still!
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
That’s awesome, Melynda. I’m excited for you and your kids.
Lori R says
I can’t think of anyone. I really want to read your book to find out what happens!
Paula Shreckhise says
We married young and have been married for 50 years. But my sister and her husband didn’t marry until their 30’s and are still lovebirds 30 years later.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
Thanks Lori. It’s probably in some Walmarts by now and is available on Amazon. Good luck in the drawing.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
That’s awesome for both of y’all, Paula. Congrats on longevity.
Rose Blackard says
Your book sounds awesome. I got married at 23, but God brought my husband and I together.
Rose Blackard says
I found my happily ever after when I was young, but I know a lot of people who have married much later in life and then very happy.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
I’m glad you found your happily-ever-after, Rose.