After the death of her husband, Emma is determined to fend for herself, which means caring for her ailing daughter and keeping their ranch up and running. When Daron shows up to fulfill a promise made to his dying friend, Emma wants nothing to do with his guilt-ridden mission to rescue her and her daughter. Can Daron break through her tough exterior to allow him into her life? Will Emma open her heart once again? Brenda Minton’s latest release Her Guardian Rancher (Love Inspired) tells their story of heartbreak and romance. In this interview, Brenda discusses her unlikely inspiration for her characters, her faith, and what she hopes for her readers.
WHAT INSPIRED HER GUARDIAN RANCHER?
I’m not sure that any one thing inspired the story. The idea for all three bodyguard books in the Martin’s Crossing series came about during a trip to Washington DC. We were driving through the downtown area and at the entrance to a hotel I spotted a man who appeared to be a bodyguard. He was wearing jeans, a button-up shirt and cowboy boots. Of course I wondered about his story. And then created one of my own.
WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE MAIN CHARACTERS?
Daron McKay is from a wealthy Austin, Texas family. Daron chose the military rather than the life his parents hoped he would lead. And after the military, he chose to build a business with his friends.
Emma Shaw is a country girl through and through. She’s strong and determined. Her main priority is her ailing daughter, Jamie. Jamie comes first. Always.
EMMA DOES NOT WANT TO ACCEPT HELP FROM DARON. WHY IS THAT?
Daron is a reminder of the past. He knew her husband. The two were from the same world, a world she never felt a part of. And now, with a daughter needing surgery, she doesn’t have time for relationships. Or men with guilt complexes.
DO YOU BASE YOUR CHARACTERS ON PEOPLE YOU KNOW OR HAVE RESEARCHED – OR ARE THEY ALL MADE UP?
All of the above. There are bits and pieces of people I know or have met. I do research on different aspects of character’s lives. Also, sometimes I see a stranger on the street and I wonder about their story. What made them cry as they walked down the sidewalk? Why do they look lonely? What is their story? Of course I don’t know, so I make up a story for them.
HOW DOES YOUR FAITH INFLUENCE HOW YOU APPROACH WRITING STORIES?
My faith is an integral part of who I am and how I live my life. In my stories I want the faith aspect to be organic and not preachy. I hope it shows in how the characters approach even their fictional lives, the way they treat others and how they overcome obstacles.
WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES – OR BENEFITS – OF WRITING ROMANCE STORIES AS A CHRISTIAN?
I love writing stories that can be passed from a young teen daughter to a grandmother, without worrying that the content will be offensive. I also love the emails and messages telling me how the story helped a reader through a difficult situation.