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Thank you for your interest in my work and for taking the time to read this blog post.

I was born and raised in west central Florida. I married my brother's best friend and high school sweetheart. We had a second chance romance when we reached our 20s and have been happily married for 19 years.

My childhood dream was to be an FBI agent following a career in the Air Force. A car accident my senior year of high school changed my storyline, and I became an elementary school teacher instead. I was encouraged to write my own stories after 20 years in the classroom helping 2nd-5th graders develop their love of reading.

Here I am. I am a brand-new author with only one book published at the time of writing this. I am a clean romance author, full stop. I want my books to be about real-life people and their challenges but be something my nieces can read. My characters will have strong family values but often be broken people. Every book will end in a happily ever after. As I develop my reader base, I may delve into some of the more difficult aspects of life, the gritty side of society, and show that redemption is possible but... not yet.

I am currently writing book 2 in my Mountain Man series and plotting the rest of the Hickory Falls series. Planning has already started for a future RomCom series and another small-town series. I have an avid imagination, so I constantly have stories rolling around my brain. Getting it all on paper with the right details is the challenge.

I appreciate all the readers who took a chance on a brand-new author and are sticking with me on this journey. I do believe that God blessed me with this imagination for a reason, and I hope I am able to bless others with the stories He gives me.

Blessings,

Deanna

Phew, it's been a whirlwind couple of months, and I'm thrilled with the progress we're making on this literary journey. 📚✨

Back in August, I proudly published book 1, Max's story. It might've been a novella, but it marked a significant accomplishment! Then came book 2, Eric's story, which had a few bumps along the way. It decided to surprise us by going live two days early, causing a bit of promotion chaos. But, wow, my readers are rock stars. Thanks to their support, we skyrocketed to #10,622 in the entire Kindle store and #163 in clean/wholesome romance. That's all thanks to you!

Currently, I'm in overdrive, working diligently on book 3, Tom's story, set to launch this November. The excitement is building, and I can't wait to share it with you.

Now, as I delve into research for an upcoming series, hopefully debuting next year, I've been asked for business cards and a polished website. This week was all about tackling the tech side of things. My fantastic editor is guiding me through the ins and outs of Instagram and Twitter, and my website is now up, reflecting the best of my abilities. Now, the challenge is keeping the information flowing across these various platforms as I start to feel a bit like I'm juggling kittens.

Through it all, I feel blessed to be on this journey, and I hope my readers are equally blessed by the stories that come from my heart. Thank you for being a part of this wonderful adventure with me. 🚀📖❤️

Blessings,

Deanna

I love the characters I write about, all of them. But I struggle getting the story just right. 

Tom challenged me. He kept me up at night. I rewrote the last half of the book a week before it was supposed to go to the ARC Team. My editor was not thrilled. 

Then, I wanted so badly for the book release to go smoothly that I put it on pre-order so I could get all the book promotions planned and scheduled... just to find out that as a new author, this pretty much dooms your book. Yep, Pre-orders are the best way to send your book to the bottom of the search list, Amazon's No Man's Land. UGH! Then there was a mad scramble to find authors willing to promote a pre-order and book promos for their books in return. WHAT A MESS!

 I have no idea how "The Broken Billionaire" will do now that I have totally messed up his launch, but... I hope the readers like his story. It means a great deal to me as it was inspired by friends of mine and their heroism as servicemen. 

To show appreciation to my newsletter subscribers who received an extra email in their inbox this week, I interviewed Tom and shared some behind-the-scenes details. I will add them here for anyone who checks out my website.

Blessings,

Deanna

Deanna: What is your full name?

Tom: Thomas William Holgan

Deanna: Do you have any siblings? If so, what are they like?

Tom: If you don't count Sarah, my best friend who is more like a sister than a friend... I have one sibling, my baby sister Charlotte. She is sweet and kind. Char loves to mother others and often tries to mother me even though she is seven years younger.

Deanna: Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

Tom: Probably "yeah". My father always hated it, so I think I used it even more.

Deanna: What is your favorite color?

Tom: Blue-green, the color of the mountain forest just before dawn. Although, I am starting to really love a golden, olive green with streaks of emerald. 

Deanna: Do you have any nicknames?

Tom: Tom is the nickname.😉 My father tried to insist that everyone call me Thomas, but my mother called me Tommy for a time which turned into Tom as I matured. My grandfather always called me "Tommy Boy". Most people just call me Tom. 

Deanna: How old are you?

Tom: Same age as Sarah. You'll have to read the book for that little nugget. 😆

Deanna: What do you do for fun?

Tom: My life is fun so I don't really need to add more things. Spending time with my friends just being low key is cool for me. I watch movies but that is less fun by myself. Zach is a great movie buddy when he doesn't have Grace. Really, anything outdoors. Reading.

Deanna: What are you reading right now?

Tom: The Obstacles is the Way by Ryan Holiday and A River Runs Through It by Norman Maclean

Have you ever had one of those weeks you just can't believe one more thing went wrong?

That was my week. From getting snowed in on my trip to TN and losing heat during a 5-degree night (sleeping in my coat -legs not arms-was a new experience) to frozen and ruptured pipes in my writing cabin that flooded the place. My launch of Best Friends' Unexected Love was anything but smooth. I forgot to post the New Release on social media. Didn't remember to post payment for two large promotions... and yet she reached #1 Top New Release and held it for three days straight. 

It is moments like this that God reminds me that He is in control and I just need to just chill out and roll with the wave instead of trying to stop them. Looking back on the challenges of this week, I now have quite a few details to include in my future stories. 😬

Blessings,

Deanna

I was recently interviewed by a blogger and thought it would be fun to share my answers with all of you. The questions were so interesting, and I think they’ll give you a bigger glimpse into my world as an author. 

1. If you could have a fantasy pet, what would you have and why?

Dragon, all the way! I mean, think about it—they breathe fire, so you’re never cold, plus you’ve got a built-in barbecue. They’ve got those razor-sharp claws and teeth, and their roar would scare off pretty much anyone, so protection is covered. And, of course, they can fly, which is just plain cool. What more could you want in a pet?

2. What type of music best describes your writing?

Definitely country. I write small-town romance with a dash of billionaires and plenty of ex-military characters, so country music fits right in. It’s all about family, small-town values, and finding that forever kind of love—without all the drinking, cheating, and leaving. Just give me those epic love ballads, and I’m set!

3. Tell us about your writing office/space and why it’s special to you.

Up until a week ago, my writing space was a shared guest bedroom that doubled as my husband’s office, and it was total chaos! But now, it’s a peaceful, zen space. I’ve got candles, a live Ficus tree, and bookshelves on every wall. The light gray walls and carpet, white sheer curtains with embroidered climbing roses, and teal blackout curtains give the space a calm and cozy feel. A stand lamp casting a warm glow offsets the blue light from my dual monitors, creating a softer, more relaxing atmosphere. Now, I look forward to sitting down to work every day. When I need a break, I can just look out at the trees or sit back and breathe. It’s made all the difference!

4. What is your favorite piece of visual art that has inspired a story or two?

As a teen, I was completely obsessed with Thomas Kincaid’s work. His paintings weren’t just beautiful—they spoke to me. They calmed my often turbulent mind and gave me a sense of warmth and comfort I wasn’t used to feeling. In some strange way, they made me feel safe. In fact, the first computer I ever owned had a Thomas Kincaid screensaver installed before I even put on my word processor! Now, I have a lithograph of his Lakeside Hideaway in my office, and it’s inspired my Mountain Men of Whispering Pines series in many ways.

5. If you didn’t write full-time, what would your day job be? Is writing a hobby for you?

I’m actually a veteran teacher! I took a leave of absence to write full-time, but if it doesn’t work out, I’ll definitely head back to the classroom. Kids are such a big part of my life. I spent twenty years teaching reading and writing to at-risk and special-needs elementary students. One of my dreams is to write children’s books someday—an idea that goes all the way back to my first year teaching second grade. My students loved my creative writing stories and told me I should make them into books. Now, those kids are almost thirty, and some have read my clean romance novels. They even recognize the names in my Bad Boys Club series and ask questions I can’t answer! Several wait anxiously for each new release, hoping to find their name in my next story.

6. What is your writing schedule and how many words do you write in a sitting? 

I’ll admit, my writing schedule isn’t the healthiest. I’m a binge writer. When the story’s flowing, I get completely lost in it and hate being interrupted. I’ve had days where I’ve typed for 15 hours straight, only stopping when my fingers gave out—25,000 words later! On a more typical day, I write 10,000 to 15,000 words over 8 to 12 hours, then take a day off to rest my hands, think about the story, and handle the publishing side of things. I’ve never written less than 7,000 words in a sitting. I’ve tried to stick to a regular 9-to-5 schedule, but it was a total fail and stressed me out. My best writing happens between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., usually stopping around 3 or 4 in the morning—just as my husband’s getting up for work, so he’s not thrilled with my current routine!

7. How do you celebrate publishing a new story?

When I publish a new story, my go-to celebration is indulging in a piece of Publix carrot cake. Yep, the whole 1100 calories, and I don’t feel guilty at all—I earned it! I’ve only ever shared it with my editor, once, and after that, I got her her own piece. I even have a sticky note by my monitor that says, “Writing is hard… eat a piece of cake.” At the end of a series, I take my editor out for a fondue dinner. We go all out—hair, makeup, the whole nine yards—and just enjoy being girls for a night before I’m back to author mode.

8. How do you balance your outside life with your writing life?

Um, can I skip this question? The answer is… not well. I’m an all-in kind of person. I was like that as a teacher, and I honestly thought the author's life would give me more freedom and time, but that was a lie. If anything, it’s worse! Now that I work from home, I feel guilty if I’m not writing. As soon as one book is finished, there’s all the publishing stuff to handle, and then it’s on to the next book. It’s a never-ending cycle, and I haven’t figured out how to balance it yet.

That said, my family loves my stories and celebrates each one. So when I say, “Sorry, I have to write,” they totally get it. I’m good about not missing too many family days, though. When I can spend time with the little ones, I drop everything. Having an empty nest makes it a bit easier, and since my husband puts in just as many hours as I do, it works for now. But I really need to find time to exercise—I’m feeling all those hours sitting at my desk!

9. Write your eulogy in three sentences. 

She loved fiercely and gave everything she had to the people she cherished. Her words touched hearts through her books and the lives of the students she taught. Her legacy is one of love, strength, and the belief that everyone has a story worth sharing.

10. What project are you most proud of completing?

 This is a tough one. My first instinct is to say The Grumpy Mountain Man because it was the hardest to get on paper. I lacked the confidence to write it, and if it weren’t for my sister and editor, it never would’ve seen the light of day. Even though it was published second, it was my first step in this new journey.

But my heart is most proud of my Bad Boys Club series. These stories are inspired by my students. In each book, I try to show the world that there aren’t bad kids, just hurting children who need love. This series is like my final love letter to my students as I close out my career as an educator. When I finish each story, I cry. I know I didn’t do the characters full justice, but it’s the best I can do. 

If I have to choose one book, it would be Finding Love on the Slopes. I cried every day while writing it, thinking of my students who inspired those details and the pain they survived. 

When I hit publish, I pray that these stories touch just one person’s life, give them hope, or help them see the world in a more accepting way. So, I guess my answer is my Bad Boys Club. 

11. Do you have any projects you would like to tell your readers about?

My Mountain Men of Whispering Pines series is where it all begins. It follows three military men who come home to heal and rebuild their lives in the small town of Hickory Falls, which becomes a safe haven for those dealing with trauma—whether it’s military PTSD, mental, or physical wounds. This series lays the foundation for all my other books, as I love writing interconnected series. Characters from my holiday stories and Bad Boys Club all intersect with my military guys, creating one big extended-found family.

In early 2025, the Bad Boys Club series will be complete, and in the spring and summer, I’ll be finishing the Hickory Falls series. Then, in fall 2025, I’ll be launching a brand new series, where I’ll be building a whole new small town for readers to fall in love with.

12. Who is your favorite character from any of your stories, and why? If you had to choose a popular author to continue writing this character in another book, who would you choose and why?

My favorite character is Eric, my grumpy mountain man and Staff Sergeant. He’s inspired by my husband, so he’ll always hold a special place in my heart. But if I had to pick someone else, it would probably be Fernando from my Bad Boys Club books. He’s inspired by one of my students who really touched my heart.

As for who could continue writing these characters, readers have compared my work to Karen Kingsbury’s Baxter family series, and I think she’d be a great fit to carry on the found family legacy and do justice to my boys.

13. Where can your readers find you on social media?

 Website: DeannaLillyBooks.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/DeannaLillyBooks/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deannalillybooks/

*Want a free book? Sign up for my author newsletter and be the first to hear all the latest Deanna Lilly news, book releases, and special offers! https://dl.bookfunnel.com/7zhpb7nnme

Blessings,

 Deanna

If you’ve ever been through a hurricane, you know the anxiety and exhaustion that come with constantly watching weather updates and worrying about your home whether you are in it or evacuated. After a long day of clean-up, your mind can feel like it's racing in a hundred different directions.

To offer a bit of a break from it all, I’ve made all my eligible books free for five days—October 10th-14th.

While I don’t make enough from royalties to donate money from sales, I still wanted to give something to those who might need a distraction right now. Sometimes, a little escape into a good story can make all the difference when you’re trying to decompress.

We’re in this together. Stay strong! 💕

📚 Grab my free books on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/author/deannalilly

🎄For a feel-good funny read, download my upcoming release that’s not on Amazon yet: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/x1uyohg19m 

Now, for a funny hurricane story!

As we move into the clean-up and restoration phase after these last two hurricanes, I try to remind myself of some of the good (and funny) moments that these storms have brought into my life. Here’s one from my first year of marriage—20 years ago.

We had three hurricanes that year, and every time the power went out, my wedding cake topper played musical freezers across family members’ homes. The topper had been in and out of freezers so many times, it became a running "Who has the topper?" joke. Our anniversary fell on a Sunday, so we were at my in-laws' for our weekly family dinner. Someone eventually remembered the cake topper and pulled it out of their freezer.

I insisted that it was bad and we should toss it, but my cousin (the ultimate country boy who wrestled alligators and chased hogs for fun) declared he would take the first bite. I tried to talk him out of it, but there was no stopping him. He bravely took a bite—and try as he might, he could NOT swallow it. As it turns out, cakes do go bad… not just stale. For some reason, our cake topper tasted like gasoline!

Note to future brides living in hurricane states like Florida: After the first hurricane, toss the cake and have a fresh one made. There is no such thing as luck, but there is something called food poisoning, and it is not pleasant.

I hope that little story brought a smile to your face, wherever you are, and whatever life is bringing you right now.

Thank you for being here with me.

Blessings,

Deanna 💕

Interview by author Christine Henderson: 

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Celebrating Christmas Books 2024: Author Interview with Deanna Lilly

What made you decide to write Christmas-themed books? 

Growing up in a dysfunctional family, I always longed for those picture-perfect Hallmark-style holiday moments. I'd daydream about what it would feel like to experience a cozy, love-filled Christmas. Now, I get to write those holiday stories for my readers! My books blend inspiration from real life with a generous dash of holiday magic to create heartwarming, feel-good romances. They’re like a big, cozy blanket on a cold winter’s day, where love always finds a way—whether it's under the mistletoe or in a small-town snowstorm.

Could you give a short synopsis of the books for my readers?
I love writing interconnected series, so whichever book you pick up, you’ll always find familiar faces tucked inside. My characters are real and a bit broken, but that’s what makes their happily ever afters so satisfying—they find someone who loves them, flaws and all. I’m passionate about supporting our military, and many of my stories revolve around ex-military characters who face challenges after returning home.

My Mountain Men of Whispering Pines series is where it all starts. It’s about three military men who come home to heal and rebuild their lives in a small town, Hickory Falls, which becomes a sanctuary for those dealing with trauma—whether from military PTSD, mental, or physical wounds.

My first book, The Grumpy Mountain Man, follows Eric, an Army Ranger Staff Sergeant who’s recovering from a severe injury sustained during a mission. He’s carrying a lot of personal baggage, and the last thing he wants is to be tasked with protecting his best friend’s sister all winter. But sometimes life has a funny way of giving us exactly what we need, even when we don’t realize it.

Just released is Sleighed by the Farmer’s Daughter, a Christmas book about Eric’s older brother, Seth. This story dives into childhood trauma and feelings of abandonment that have shaped Seth and Eric. It focuses on the importance of family and healing from those early wounds.

Next, The Best Mistletoe Bet (releasing 11.23.24) takes place in a neighboring small town and introduces Tim, a childhood friend of Seth and Eric. Tim, a former Spec Ops pilot, is haunted by memories of his military service. He works with the men of Mountain Men of Whispering Pines to keep their communities safe, running rescue operations that tackle both human threats and the harsh forces of nature. Tim also teams up with characters from my Bad Boys Club series, who run BraveHeart Securities, providing protection and retrieval services where the government can’t—or won’t—intervene.

My Bad Boys Club series revolves around a group of five orphaned boys who’ve formed a tight-knit found family. Each of them has worked hard to lift themselves and each other up, pursuing different careers but always staying connected. Their stories weave in and out of my Hickory Falls and Mountain Men of Whispering Pines series. Book three, Finding Love at Sea (releasing 12.14.24), follows Gabriel Knight, a billionaire financial and real estate mogul known for his charitable work around the world. Despite the tabloids painting him as a playboy, Gabriel is a man with a deep sense of duty and honor. This series centers around a New Year's Brotherhood pact, with each man on a journey to find love.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions? Honestly, I didn’t grow up with many holiday traditions, and I think that’s the bittersweet part of writing these stories. But one tradition I’ll always cherish involved my great-grandfather. Every year, during the week before Christmas, he’d randomly pick a day and call the family with the announcement: “I think today feels like Christmas!” We would pile in our mom's station wagons and head to my grandmother's to open gifts. It wasn’t about the presents—half the time it was socks, underpants, or some other basic necessity—but it was the surprise that made it magical. The whole week, we’d be on tenterhooks, waiting for that call and wondering when “Christmas” would arrive. It was such a special way to build anticipation and make the holiday a little bit more exciting. It’s the one holiday memory that still brings a smile to my face.

What’s next? (future books, novellas, special appearances ets.)

2025 is going to be an exciting year for me. I’ll be finishing my Bad Boys Club series early in the year, and my first Valentine’s Day book, A Heart in Bloom, a Hickory Falls story, will release on 2.6.25. After that, the rest of the Hickory Falls series will roll out in the spring and summer.

One big milestone I’m really looking forward to is my first-ever in-person book signing at the Feel the Heat Book Bash in Tampa, Florida, on July 12th. I’m thrilled to finally meet readers face-to-face.

Then, later in the year, probably late summer or early fall, I’ll be releasing the start of a brand new series. It’s a project I’ve been dreaming up for two years, and I’m really excited to bring it to life—though I’m keeping the details under wraps for now.

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been given you’d like to share?

One of the best writing tips I’ve learned? Be cautious when reading your reviews, especially the one- and two-star ones. More often than not, those reviews aren’t a genuine reflection of your work, but someone behind a keyboard venting. I used to read them, hoping for constructive feedback, but all they did was chip away at my confidence and make it harder to write my next story. Now, I avoid them altogether.

If you’re writing from the heart and telling a story you love, focus on that. Write it for you, not for everyone else. But if you’re in this to make money, you’ve got to do your research—it’s a tough industry, and knowing your market is essential.

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
If you have a story burning a hole in your heart, get it out there—it doesn’t take much to self-publish. But if your goal is to make money, save up first because it’s going to take a serious investment to get off the ground. Making a living as a writer is hard. It takes countless hours, and you really have to want it, because this dream is going to make you work for it. The saying in this industry is “No risk, no reward, and no pain, no gain,” and it’s true. You don’t have to be fully ready—take those messy first steps—but be prepared for the grind. I wasn’t, and the debt piled up fast.

Any last words or tips?
You’ve probably heard the saying, “Everyone has at least one story in them that needs to be told,” and I really believe that. But here’s the thing—it might not be a story for everyone, and that’s okay.

Sometimes it’s a story just for you, a part of your own healing process, or maybe it’ll touch one person and change their life. Don’t be afraid to share your story, and when someone tells you it’s not good enough—because someone will—shrug it off. Your story just wasn’t for them.

I wish you well on your journey, wherever it takes you. Embrace it. Grow from it. Find joy in the process.

Are there any other books that you’d like to tell my readers about? 

I have a feel good later in life romance (carribean cruise/vacation romance that takes place at Thanksgiving) for those looking for a quick easy, fun read with only warm fuzzy feelings. I don't believe every love story needs to have drama and angst, especially later in life when they have learned their life lessons and have earned the right to be happy. 

This book is not for everyone but if you enjoy low drama romance reads then Best Friends' Unexpected Love might be a story for you. It is connected to my other characters. Beth is the mother of my main characters Sarah and Tom (they are in almost all of my stories). This book is free if you join my newsletter. You get a feel good book and a sample of my characters then you can choose which character you would like to learn more about as my books are all standalones. 

That's all for today's interview. Hope you'll check out Deanna's books. Here are some links to get you started.

Website: https://www.deannalillybooks.com/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/DeannaLillyBooks/

Newsletter links: https://subscribepage.io/DeannaLillyNewsletter

And here's a special bonus... Sign up for her newsletter, and you'll get a free eBook of  Best Friends' Unexpected Love.  I've already signed up for my copy! Here's the link: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/7zhpb7nnme

Blessings,

Deanna 💕

Meet the Character Interview: Cammie Rodes

Deanna: Hi, Cammie! Welcome to the Deanna Lilly family. I’m so excited to introduce you to our readers. Let’s start with something easy. I think favorite foods tell us so much about a person. What’s your go-to dish?
Cammie: chuckles Oh, that’s easy—mac and cheese. But not the boxed stuff! I’m talking the rich, creamy, five-cheese, baked-from-scratch kind. I like to toss in diced ham and broccoli for a little extra flavor and color. But if my mother’s around? I’ll deny it and say balsamic-glazed chicken with seasonal veggies. A Southern belle has to keep up appearances, right?

Deanna: laughs Fair enough! Speaking of being a Southern belle, where do you call home?
Cammie: A not-so-small town in North Carolina where traditions run deep. My street is lined with historic mansions, perfectly trimmed lawns, and beautiful gardens. It’s breathtaking but… sometimes cold.

Deanna: I hear that. What about colors? What’s your favorite scheme for decorating or creating cozy spaces?
Cammie: That’s actually something my mother and I have always agreed on—for the most part. I love lavender. Anything and everything. Back home, my bedroom was a mix of purples with pops of green and yellow. But now, I like pairing it with softer tones—silvers, grays, creams, and whites. My bedroom still has splashes of lavender, but the rest of my space just has little touches. It makes everything feel… comforting.

Deanna: That sounds heavenly. Now, I know you’ve recently moved to Hickory Falls. What made you decide to take such a big move?
Cammie: Honestly? It wasn’t my choice. A man pulled the rug out from under me, and staying in Glacier Ridge wasn’t an option. My time there was defined by pain and disappointment, so the move will hopefully do me some good. Time will tell. I can’t shake the fear that I’ve just traded one Harrington for another.

Deanna: I think you’ll find Zach Harrington is nothing like the others, but I get it—you’ll have to see for yourself. So, when you’re in the florist shop, what’s on your playlist? I personally need soothing instrumentals when I’m writing. What keeps you going and focused?
Cammie: Oh, definitely a mix of classic women of country and contemporary Christian hits. I love Lee Ann Womack and Martina McBride, but you’ll also hear Lauren Daigle and Anne Wilson on repeat. Their music lifts my spirits and encourages me. But just a warning—if “I Hope You Dance” or “This One’s For The Girls” comes on, you might want to plug your ears because I’ll be belting out the lyrics.

Deanna: smiles Love that! Okay, last question. What’s one thing you’re hoping for your future?
Cammie: pauses thoughtfully A fresh start. Coming to Hickory Falls wasn’t in my plan, but now that I’m here, I want to build something meaningful. I want to grow into the woman I choose to be—not just the one others expect.

Deanna: That’s inspiring, Cammie. I pray for strength and joy as you navigate this new chapter in your life. Thank you for letting us get to know you better. I have a feeling we’re going to love watching your journey.

  Meet the Character Interview: Allen Calhoun

Deanna: Hi, Allen! Thanks for sitting down with me today. Our readers are so excited to meet you. Let’s start with something fun—what’s your favorite food?

Allen: grins I’m a sucker for good barbecue—anything, really—but ribs are my favorite. Slow-cooked, smoky, and slathered in spicy-sweet sauce. But if Mrs. Davis at the Hickory Falls Café has Boston cream pie on the menu, you can bet I’m saving room for dessert.

Deanna: laughs Sounds like you’ve got a sweet tooth! Me too. My go-to is butter pecan ice cream or cheesecake. So, Allen, you’ve had quite the journey—from Army Ranger to construction foreman in Hickory Falls. What led you here?

Allen: After I left the Army, I needed something that gave me purpose. Construction was a natural fit. I like creating things that last, things that make a difference for people. Building homes, restoring old spaces—it feels like I’m contributing to the community. Plus, I needed help accepting my injury and working through the emotional challenges that came with it. Moving to the hometown of my old Sergeant, who knew exactly what I was going through, just made sense. It was a wise move.

Deanna: It sounds like it’s a special place for you. What do you do to recharge when you’re not working?

Allen: I love being out in nature. There’s something about walking the forest trails around here—the stillness, the deep green of the trees—that clears my mind. It’s where I go to think, pray, and just breathe. Sometimes I go alone, and sometimes I drag Zach or Eric along. Tom’s a bit harder to pin down—he’s always got some project going at the preserve.

Deanna: That sounds so peaceful. Let’s talk music. What’s on your playlist?

Allen: Christian rock, mostly. Bands like David Crowder Band, Skillet, and Switchfoot. Their lyrics keep me grounded and remind me I’m not walking this path alone. There’s a power and hope in their music that keeps me going, and it’s great to work to when me and the crew need to hustle.

Deanna: Do you have a favorite song?

Allen: Oh, too many, really. But off the top of my head... Kutless’ What Faith Can Do, Skillet’s Feel Invincible, Switchfoot’s Dare You to Move, and anything by Toby Mac. I told you—too many! I could keep going.

Deanna: I love that. Now, this might be a tough one—what’s one thing you’re hoping for in the future?

Allen: pauses thoughtfully A family of my own. I’ve seen what love looks like in my friends’ lives, and I know it’s worth waiting for. My heart’s been hurt before, but I trust that God’s got a plan. Until then, I’ll keep building—both homes and myself—and trust that the right person will come along when I’m ready.

Deanna: That’s beautiful, Allen. I pray many blessings for your future. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with us today. Something tells me we’re going to enjoy tagging along to see how your story unfolds.

I hope you enjoyed getting to know Cammie and Allen through these interviews. Their story is one of hope, trust, and second chances, and I can’t wait to share it with you. If you’re ready to follow their journey, A Heart in Bloom will be available on Amazon, Kindle Unlimited, and Audible starting February 6th. 

Blessings,

Deanna 💕