Inspy Romance

Inspy Romance—Fall in Love With a Good Book

My Second Chance at Romance

by

There was a time when I quit writing romance.

Ten years ago, I sold my debut novel, Love Finds You in Sun Valley, Idaho, then my husband left me. Being that I’d sold the book on proposal alone, I had to write a love story as my own marriage fell apart.

I didn’t believe in romance anymore. Love stories were fairy tales. It even hurt to attend weddings.

My heart became a sieve from all the puncture wounds. Any love poured in seeped right back out. I had nothing to offer.

I quit writing romance. I parted ways with my agent. The publisher went out of business. My book was dead, dead, dead.

But then God did what God’s known for doing. He breathed new life into me and my writing career.

It started with God romancing me. He met me everywhere I went. He sent friends to knock on my door when I was crying on the floor because I felt so alone. I got flowers from my former in-laws for Valentine’s. I was given tickets to the Heart Ball that normally would have cost $250. God even provided a job working for a small publishing house since I had to go back to work to support my three children.

It was more than I deserved. I hadn’t earned it. It was all a gift because God loved me.

Then God gave me another gift. Mr. Strong. I learned what love was supposed to be. It changed my life.

Now there’s nothing else I’d rather write about. And I have so much more to offer than when my first book came out.

I’m writing about what it takes to have a healthy relationship. I’m writing about joy despite pain. I’m writing about hope and healing. I’m writing about a love that lasts forever.

So you remember that book that I said was dead? It got optioned for film.

Because of that, I got my rights back and rereleased it as Finding Love in Sun Valley. Then I wrote romances for the hero’s four brothers, and one of those was also optioned for film. Finding Love in Big Sky is currently in development with plans to film next year as Starlight Christmas. Finding Love in Eureka was nominated for an Inspy. The set of five has become an Amazon bestseller.

I honestly shouldn’t have sold my debut novel on proposal alone. That doesn’t happen. But it was a gift from God like everything else.

He was saying, “You can do this.” And, “Not all dreams die.”

So wherever you are at right now, I just want to let you know you are loved more than you can imagine. The Bible is God’s love letter to you. And this is a love letter from me. I look forward to writing you more.

I’d also love to hear what other romance novels you love. Enter your favorite book of the year in my first annual Angel Awards!

As this is my debut post here at Inspy Romance, I want to give you a chance to get to know me better too. Enter to win your choice from one of my books by responding to the following question:

How has God surprised you with his love?

Angela Ruth Strong (54 Posts)

Angela Ruth Strong survived breast cancer, works as a flight attendant, and uses her own crazy life experiences as inspiration for the stories she writes. Her books have earned TOP PICK in Romantic Times, been nominated for a Christy, won the Cascade Award, and become Amazon bestsellers. She and her husband also got to play extras when her novel Finding Love in Big Sky was adapted for film. To help aspiring authors, Angela started IDAhope Writers where she lives in Idaho.


Comments

  1. It is so nice to meet you, Angela! I look forward to reading your stories. Thank you for sharing such a personal testimony.

  2. Hi Angela, welcome to inspyromance:) Thanks for sharing your story- God IS Good. How exciting to have books being turned into films:) God has surprised me with His love by continually leading and guiding my path, when I wander and question, He prompts me to pause and reflect on His leading in my life.
    Blessings:)

  3. I am glad you had supportive people when your first marriage fell apart. I have a few friends who have been where you were.
    By the way welcome.
    While I am not married I would say a couple of things have happened when God has surprised me with his love involve cats. Last year a friend asked if I would look after her babysitters cats for a short time. (She was involved in a break up and where she ended up living she couldn’t have cats) It was over the road and she got to visit when she could. It ended up being 8 months and while they are cats they gave me lots of love and I got to get to know their owner well and it was good for us all.
    It made me want one of my own and then when she left with her babies my friend told me she would buy me one for my birthday. It was a blessing as Henry and Libby had bonded at the vets and Henry had been there 122 days and I am sure God had worked it out that I would get him and Libby. (although the past few nights I would like Libby to learn to sleep!). I know they love me as much as I love them.

  4. Welcome to Inspy Romance, Angela and thanks for sharing your story. God has surprised me with his love in many ways – by protecting our family in a house fire, through providing jobs and housing when needed, through major health issues, and retirement. Even when we don’t at the time understand why – God gives us strength, wisdom and endurance.

    I enjoyed reading your Cinderella Fairy Tale in Once Upon a Christmas and your romance Finding Love in Eureka, California in the Valentine boxed set I Choose You. Looking at your Amazon page, I also realized you write children’s stories – something I am interested in. Plan to share some of your Fun 4 Here stories with my grandchildren. Best wishes.

  5. Congratulations on your story I had tears in my eyes when I finished reading your first post so I’m look forward to reading your books. I’m glad you found your way.

  6. I enjoyed reading about your background as I went through a divorce too. I am so glad you are still writing and I look forward to checking out your books since you are a new author to me. I also look forward to seeing the movie versions of your 2 books!

  7. I’m so happy for you and canNOT wait until those movies are out for the world to see. Keep letting God use you!

  8. I am so happy to meet you here and hear your story! Thanks for sharing! I heard about you last July from a friend. She sent me some of your books, and I bought all the rest I could find….loved them.
    Looking forward to more great stories from you and thanks for your giveaway.
    God surprises me with his love daily!!!!
    Blessings~~~

  9. Angela, I’m hoping to see your movies. I’ve enjoyed reading your books over the past 2 1/2 years. I also went through a painful divorce but I’ve been happily married for 30 years next April. God surprises me with His love by showing His faithfulness even when I screw up over and over and over again.

  11. Ohh but I love how God will take what we think is broken and make it new and wonderful. His mercy is so boundless. Thank you for being vulnerable with your story. I know that sometimes I dont look at the Bible as God’s Love Letter to me. I think I will put a piece of paper in the front of my Bible stating this. Congrats on the movies. God is bringing everything out for His Glory in your life.

  12. Welcome Angela, I’m fairly new to this blog and always find it encouraging to hear how The Lord is using people and different circumstance to bring Him Glory. I’m encourage by your story even though I have not been through a divorce of my own but have watched as it has destroyed my parent’s marriage of more than 40 years. It’s hard to understand but I’m holding on the truth that all things do work for good for those who love the Lord. Thank you again for sharing and I will definitely look for your books. Have a blessed week.

  15. What an inspirational story! Thank you for sharing so openly with us how God is always there and supporting us. I’m excited to read your stories! Welcome!

  17. Thank you, Paula. I’m actually writing non-fiction based on my story now. Prayers of an Abandoned Wife will be like Stormie Omaritan’s Power of a Praying Wife except for after the wife part no longer applies. It’s so much harder than writing fiction, but I hope it will reach an audience who hates romance novels the way I once did.

  21. Life is hard. And God has given us the exact gifts we need to overcome its challenges.

    I’m so excited you’re going to share my children’s stories!!! I loved being able to share them with my kids as they grew up. They make for fun read-alouds. Enjoy. <3

  22. Thanks! The producer decided not to make Sun Valley into a movie for various reasons (this happens a lot), but I’m excited for Finding Love in Big Sky!!!

    If you’ve been through a divorce, you might relate to Finding Love in Park City. It’s about a single mom and is inspired by my real life. Though right now you can get the whole set as one 99 cent download.

    Hugs for wherever you’re at.

  25. I’m so sorry you went through a divorce too, and I’m so happy to hear you have a wonderful lasting marriage now. That is such a gift.

    The more I mess up, the more I realize how amazing God’s love really is. There’s always more for us. <3

  27. I love that you’re going to give yourself a reminder that God sent you a love letter. <3

    "All things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." -Romans 8:28

  28. Thanks, Angela. Divorce causes so much pain. Seeing how it affects my kids has been the hardest part. I pray it will work together for good in their lives as well as yours. Hugs.

  33. Ohhh…my heart! I’m so glad God put such an amazing man into your life. I’m so glad that he showed you His great love in the midst of it all. And I’m so glad that you’re sharing your testimony with others and helping women through this very difficult time. So many friends have went through this and my heart breaks for them.

  34. Thanks for sharing your story! Just like you I’ve been so in awe at some of the ways God has taken my worst nightmares and turned them into happily ever afters! I can’t wait to see what He has up next!

  35. Congrats on the great news regarding your books being optioned for movies!!! I always love a good ‘hallmark’ film. ;) And I always enjoy your books!!

    God has been loving on me for so long now, it’s just one ‘time’ in my mind. From the moment he opened my eyes 38 years ago to his grace and mercy, to the moment he opened my eyes this morning and answered a most challenging prayer request (at least in my mind) concerning one of our children…He has loved me! Is it surprising? To me, yes. Should it be? No. He is my Father, and isn’t that what daddy’s are supposed to do? Love their children? :-)

  41. God showed his love for me when I was 18. He gave me a second chance at life, giving me a clean slate and replacing the dark thoughts and meaningless life I was leading with one filled with his joy, peace, and love. He gave me a new outlook on life and had such compassion and mercy to those around me! That was 10 years ago and this new life walking with the Lord has been quite the adventure. It hasn’t been easy, but I wouldn’t change it for the world!

  42. Hi, Angela! Glad you are able to share your story! I am so loved by God it is hard to pick one instance. I will go with my loving husband. He walked into the motel I was working at and we were married 9 weeks later! We are still discovering new reasons to thank God for each other…23 years later. A new chance at love makes it so much sweeter.
    You know I love your books!!!! Your non-fiction will bless a lot of ladies.

  43. I also went through a divorce. It was awful and nasty. It has been 6 years now and it is still a battle, but I have remarried and have a 2 year old son with my new husband. I am happier now and am getting to know God all over again. I was unpacking some things we had in storage and came across a book called Lies Women Believe by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. It was given to me by a church I attended with a friend about 15 years ago and I never opened it or read a single word of it. I am so glad I kept it because it is helping me get back to a relationship with God that I lost.

  47. How wonderful about the book. I’m supposed to read that one for a mentorship group I’m in too. I think a lot of people don’t realize that even when the pain from divorce heals and you forgive, there are often new wounds inflicted if you still have kids together. Did you have children with your first husband?

  48. You’re an amazing writer, Angela, and God’s going to continue to bless and use you for Hod glory. So exciting to hear your book is being made into a movie! God’s love is unfailing, and He’s constant even when things are changing.

  50. Hi Angela, great post! So happy to hear how God got you through your divorce. God surprises me by how things I read, devotionals and blog posts, will often be about issues I’m struggling with or have messages I really need to hear.

  52. Yes. So true. I do. I have 3 children with my exhusband. He was extremely malicious and ended up gaining full custody of them. It is a daily battle for me. He takes pride in causing problems between them and me. I turn to the Lord for strength and my husband is very supportive of me. Hopefully some day they will understand that everything they are told is not true.

  53. Thank you. I can relate to you on so many levels. I appreciate your transparency and willingness to help us heal.

    I can’t wait to read all of your books. Fiction and Nonfiction.

    God bless you.

  54. I can so relate to this. I’m very thankful that my was not successful at taking the kids away physically, and I’m so sorry you have to deal with that. Yes, there is hope. Hugs, my friend.

  57. Angela, it’s great to now follow you on here!! Since I’m part of your FB group, plus get your newsletter, plus follow on Bookbub and Goodreads and Amazon, I think I’ve met you just about everywhere!! It’s wonderful that God is taking your experience for you to help others. He can take our worst to use for His glory, and you’re proof!!! Thank you!!

  59. The best gift beyond Jesus has been my husband. My first husband who is now dead, was abusive. After a divorce the last thing I thought I’d like was to be married again. But I met my husband on a blind date. And he was the right person that my three children needed.
    We celebrated 26 years this year, and with the two years we dated, we’ve been together for 28 years! God can redeem the bad years, the painful experiences, the times you can’t see the answers…..

  60. Congratulation on your story and about your second chance romance! Hope you have many more happy years together.

  61. Awww, I love this. So sweet!
    God loves me in such a big way. I was especially covered in His love when my dad died. My husband took care of everything for me, and I realized how lucky I am to have him.

  62. Angela, I loved reading about all the ways God has shown you His love! In spite of those fiery trials you went through, those ones I would never wish on anyone. For me, God tends to use them to strengthen me (eventually) in my own life. I don’t like going through them, they are painful, but I know I will come out the other side rejoicing because of them. I can look back at all the ways God has used those situations to make me a better person, just as pure as the gold refined.

    Your eventual real love story touched me so much!! I went through my own not so good first marriage with an abusive ex-husband that I eventually had the strength to leave for good. God also blessed me with the husband I’ve had for 22 years now & I couldn’t be more blessed if I tried! I went through all the emotions and cutting myself off to even the IDEA of love. But God’s love came through my hardened heart…like you, He wooed my wounded heart back into relationship with Him and I began to live for Him. That’s when he slam-dunked me right into a real love relationship with my husband…lol! What a beautiful story we have, isn’t it?

    God shows me His love everyday if I but look for all the ways….most of them are small or seemingly insignificant. God is a God of the little things as I’ve discovered over the years. I look for at least one thing in each day that I see His love shining through :-)

    Thanks for such an encouraging post today! And welcome to blog.

    P.S. It’s been a long time, no see me too! But what a post to come back and comment on….love it when God does these little things!

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