To solve this case, she’s forced to team up with ex-flame Austin McKade. What can you tell us about these two characters? What about them made you want to write their story?
Willow’s strong relationship with her grandfather adds layers to her character and brings depth to the story. I loved seeing him through her eyes. I loved how she thought about him when she needed reassurance or remembered his words of wisdom. He taught her to be strong and to prevail. I could relate to her drive even in the face of her insecurities. She’s resilient and vulnerable.
Austin deals with his past and his issues by running away—or rather going someplace where he can get his head and his act together before he revisits the past. Okay, so he’s forced to go back, but sometimes that’s how it is. Circumstances or providence forces us to face life issues that we’ve been avoiding.
I love writing characters who have flaws and weaknesses—the same as we all do though we might not want to admit that—and showing that character work their way to a better place. Add to that, Austin is a textured character with many appealing traits. He was air force pilot. Then FBI Agent. As Willow finds out, underneath it all, he’s a cowboy.
How does Never Let Go fit into the bigger picture of Uncommon Justice?
Never Let Go sets the foundation for the series, establishing the Jackson Hole, Wyoming setting and Emerald M ranch where the three brothers grew up. In Never Let Go, readers meet Heath McKade who appears in book two, Always Look Twice, and Liam who appears in the untitled book three.
What’s the overarching theme or concept of the series?
The overarching theme of the series has grown into one of forgiveness and letting go of past mistakes, of creating a life of hope out of the ashes and finding restoration and redemption.
On the next page, Elizabeth reveals the spiritual themes in her new series. Click through to continue!