Hello, readers of Inspy Romance! I’m Laura Ashwood, and I’m delighted to join this amazing community of inspiring authors. I write heartwarming contemporary Christian romance and women’s fiction. My stories explore relationships, second chances, and the everyday moments of grace that uplift us.
I’ve always been an avid reader, losing myself in stories from a young age. A few years ago, I decided to try crafting stories of my own – tales of hope, second chances and families of the heart. My novels celebrate resilience, redemption and the beauty in ordinary moments. The characters you’ll meet are like old friends – complex, quirky and endlessly inspiring.
I believe in the ability of story to change lives, and through my books, I celebrate the resilience of the human spirit, the power of faith and forgiveness, and the light that finds us even in our darkest of times. It’s my hope that in some small way, my stories encourage others and remind readers that they are never alone. That there is always hope to be found and a purpose in each new day. Life has taught me that love comes softly, forgiveness frees us, and there are angels unaware all around.
When I’m not writing, you can find me cooking, gardening, or spending time with family. I live in Minnesota with my husband, kids, grandkids and two very spoiled Chihuahuas.
Gus and Pippin
Thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself. We all need stories to live by – I feel privileged to share those that have lived in me. I look forward to connecting, and to sharing more about the tales closest to my heart in future posts.
What themes or topics do you find most meaningful or inspiring in the books you read?
So you can get to know me a little better, I’m giving away an ebook copy of my book, Romancing the Royal, to one person who leaves a comment here. This is open to anyone (U.S. or International). I’ll draw the winning name on May 7.
“Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.”
Laura Ashwood is an award-winning, USA Today Bestselling author of sweet contemporary and historical western romance, and women's fiction. Laura and her husband live in northeast Minnesota. She works a full time day job, and in her spare time, she likes to read, cook and spend time with her husband. She is a devoted grandmother and chihuahua lover.
One of our neighbors has a chihuahua that looks like your black one. His name is Gomer. I believe stories have the power to change lives. Jesus knew the power of story. Wishing you well on your writer’s journey.
Hi Laura, Welcome to Inspy Romance! Your chihuahuas are adorable. 😊
Your puppies are so cute!! I like to read about trusting in the Lord even when things look dire.
Welcome! It’ll be nice to get to know you here at Inspy! Stories can help us learn and grow, as we view things from someone else’s perspective!
Well, I’m already following you on FB, and am part of your reader group! So, I should have said, fancy meeting you here!!
How fun to see you here!
I follow your newsletter so kinda already know u .not entering the giveaway as I already read the book
I love your books and enjoyed meeting you in Deadwood last summer! Follow you everywhere that I participate!
Oh my goodness! I had to promise my family no more Chihuahuas as the grandkids started to come. They can be so temperamental. Yours are beautiful!!
Hi Laura, it’s great to see you here, I love finding new authors through Inspy Romance and I will definitely look out for your books.
I completely agree with you about the power of stories to makes us feel less alone and give us hope – along with faith and prayer my favourite books have got me through difficult times.
I like to read all sorts of stories, I particularly enjoy ones that remind us of God’s love for us in all sorts of circumstances.
Hi Laura! Welcome to Inspy Romance from a retired Midwest teacher and avid reader. I enjoy stories about second chances. Best wishes. Happy writing.
Hi Laura!! Welcome to the group. I get and enjoy your newsletters. I love to read books with stories of hope, forgiveness, second changes, redemption. I love getting into the characters. I like books that make me smile, chuckle, shed a tear or two, and that definitely have happy endings. Most of the stories I read from the group of authors I have meet this past year help to keep me on the straight and narrow and remind me of God’s love, forgiveness, and mercy.
Welcome.
Hi Bonnie, those are JUST the kind of stories I love too. Thank you for the welcome.
Hi Renate, thank you!
Hi Ruthie, thank you. Faith is everything!
Hi Becky, LOL is there such a thing as too many chihuahuas? (my husband says yes) Thank you!
Hi Sandy, it was great meeting you in Deadwood too! Thank you.
Thank you Kendra, I hope you enjoyed the book!
Hi Erralee, thank you, it’s great to be here!
Hi Trudy, great to see you here too! Thank you!
Hi Kathleen, thanks, I think they’re pretty cute too!
Hi Narelle, thank you!
Hi Beth, Gomer is such a cute name for a chihuahua. Thank you for the well wishes.
Welcome to the group. I read all except Sci-fy and Fantasy. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you.
Welcome Laura I am another of the Aussies here. I look forward to getting to know you.
Cute doggies (although I am a cat person).
Not sure which themes I really like most. I do like when there is an issue the couple or even just one needs to work through. Maybe its something that happened in childhood, or a medical issue they need to learn to live with etc. I like when its done in a real way. For example, when a person is deal with a medical issue not one like cancer or one that could be deadly, but ones that are like me constant head pain, MS, Diabetes, and many others that are constant and you learn to live with. There are stages of I want to know what is causing the issue, I want it gone so what can be to get rid of it. Then the knowing it maybe forever and being quite down about it to getting the diagnosis and feeling the relief you know what you have even if you don’t want it and you accept it and look at how to change your life to live with the issue. Not so much give up on life or stop living but do what helps you to cope the best. Seeing this sort of thing in a book (and the book could start further along after they have started adjusting with flashbacks to how they got to here) would give hope to many. (I am on a forum and I see so many new member newly diagnosised and wanting to know how to cure it and if you tell them they need to learn to live with it not give up hope but adjust they don’t want to know. its the same with lots of situations sometimes we have to acept and adjust but we need to get there first and cant be told that is what we have to do)
Welcome, Laura. Glad you are here.
cute cover
Welcome today and thanks for sharing. I find that books that are close to real like but set in the west or rom coms or cozy mysteries are my most favorite. If they have christian morals that is even better. I have read non christian books and some are ok but for me personally I prefer to learn and grow in my faith. Rom Coms I have been especially happy with the clean ones that have animals The cozy mysteries I have found some clean even chrisatin ones and am so happy to read them.
Welcome! It’s always so fun meeting a new author here. I enjoy books that bring hope and light into this dark world.
Welcome to the InspyRomance community!
I love healing stories!💗
I love a good redemption story. I love when broken relationship are healed. I also love when the outcast or the black sheep has a good character arch is the one you root for!
Welcome, Laura! I also consider myself an avid reader. Looking forward to hearing more from you!
Hi Laura! Thanks for sharing about yourself, and foe the chance to win your book. Your dogs are so cute!
Welcome, Laura! It’s great to have you join us.