Ruth Reid is the CBA and ECPA best-selling author of the Heaven on Earth series, which includes Promise of an Angel, Brush of Angel’s Wings, and An Angel by Her Side—all published by Thomas Nelson. Her latest novel, A Miracle of Hope, is the first in her new Amish Wonders series.

While attending college at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan, Ruth lived with retired dairy farmers and had the opportunity to meet many of the Amish in the area. The simplicity of the Amish lifestyle has intrigued her for many years.

Ruth and her husband, Dan, now live in a small town in Florida. They have three children.

What sparked your writing journey?

My teacher in grade school suggested I enter the Young Author’s Writing Contest. I didn’t win, but the experience sparked a dream to become an author.

Has God ever provided an unexpected “detour” in your life that turned out to be positive?

Wow has He ever! What comes to mind is when my son was born in liver failure. I thought the bottom had dropped out of my life, but God used that situation to draw me closer to Him.

How does your faith play into your work?

I like to write about characters whose faith wobbles a little because I think many of us have the same struggle. I might not struggle with salvation issues, but I’ve asked God “Why?” plenty of times. I’ve been told from several readers that they like to read about characters who are on a faith journey.

Let’s talk about your new book, A Miracle of Hope (Thomas Nelson, January 2014). Please tell us about the book and the series.

Lindie Wyse thinks an arranged marriage is the only way to preserve a future for herself and her unborn child. Josiah Plank is certain he’ll never love again, but he needs someone to care for his deaf eight-year-old daughter, Hannah. The two take on their arrangement tentatively at first but soon realize they are each in for more than they imagined. After a short time, Lindie experiences a breakthrough with Hannah when she recognizes the child’s special gifts, but a risky pregnancy and serious health issues threaten to demolish the foundation Josiah and Lindie are building—and the love that is growing between them.

Will their marriage survive their struggles, or will their hearts become as cold as the northern winter?

You finished your first published novel in only eight weeks. Is that a typical schedule for you? What’s your writing process like?

No, it takes me a lot longer to finish a novel. I think the first book was God’s way of showing me that I could do it. I tend to come up with a basic idea, then write the opening chapters. I usually get somewhere around chapter seven and have to stop long enough to figure out my character’s goals/motivations. Sometimes I have to scrap the majority of the opening chapters and start over. I know there are faster ways, but I haven’t figured it out yet.

A few fun questions…

When the words aren’t flowing—or when you want to celebrate if they are—what is your favorite comfort food and why?

I love peppermint candy. I read a study once that peppermint helps you to concentrate, although I’m sure the group of people studied didn’t eat nearly the amount that I do when I’m trying to focus.

This website features musicians as well as writers. Do you have musical, as well as literary, talent?

When I sing, I pray for God to convert my flat tone and receive it as something that pleases His ears.

If you were a song, what kind of song would you be?

I would want to be a praise and worship song. One of my favorite songs is by Casting Crowns about praising God during the storm. “…But once again, I say amen, and it’s still raining.”

In the story that is your life, are you the strong, female lead; the girl next door; the mysterious woman behind dark glasses; the super heroine; or the little girl trying to walk in high heels?

I think I’m a mix between a strong female lead and the girl next door. I’m plain and I tend to mind my own business, but I’ve never been one to back down from a bully.

I’m a dog lover. Please tell us about your pets, if any, or your favorite pet as a child.

My favorite pet as a child was my horse, Bell. I think the majority of my daydreaming as a child involved horseback riding and pretending to be heading west on some dusty trail.

Thanks, Ruth! It’s great to have you as a guest at DivineDetour.

Thank you for having me, Kathy!

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 To learn more about Ruth, visit her website (her inspirational bio can be found here) or on Facebook.

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