If you abide in Me and My word abides in you, then you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.

Today, it’s my pleasure to host Kathy Harris, author of The Road to Mercy. Her contact information appears at the end of this post.

Kathy, How long have you wanted to be a writer?

I’ve wanted to write since I was a young girl. I pursued the dream through college, graduating with a Communications degree. Then my life took a detour. I also loved music, and when I received a job offer in Nashville it turned into a 30-year career in music marketing.

More than a dozen years ago, I realized it was time to make good on my childhood dream of writing, so I completed my first fiction manuscript. After that, I began working on a second, which became my debut novel, The Road to Mercy from Abingdon Press (September 2012).

How does your faith influence your writing?

It’s the foundation. I doubt I would have finished my first manuscript if I hadn’t been motivated by the desire to encourage others in their faith.

What are the faith elements in The Road to Mercy?

I initially wanted to write about generational blessings. I love that concept—the idea that our lives today have been influenced by the faith (and prayers) of our ancestors. In the same way, I believe, we influence future generations. But The Road to Mercy is really a story about forgiveness. Not just forgiving others, but forgiving ourselves—which can sometimes be more difficult. I want readers to be encouraged, to be reminded that God loves them with a merciful and unfailing love.

Can you give us a short synopsis of The Road to Mercy?

From the back cover:

Tragedy, love, and secrets meet on a journey of faith

Dr. Ben Abrams, rescued as an infant from a fiery crash that killed his family, turned his adversities into success but lost his heritage of faith. Fifty years later, Josh and Bethany Harrison face a difficult decision that also tests their faith. A rupture in Beth’s carotid artery leaves her on the brink of death, even as she’s pregnant with their first child. While Dr. Abrams urges her to abort the baby to save her own life, she and Josh step out on faith and continue the pregnancy.

During the next few months, Josh, a contemporary Christian singer, struggles with his faith while Beth hides a secret that may destroy their marriage. She also discovers a decades-old connection to Dr. Abrams that could change his life forever.

What’s next for you?

Right now, I’m working on the final draft of a romantic suspense, which I hope to submit to a publisher this spring. After that, I have a women’s fiction manuscript to complete.

How can readers learn more about you and your book?

My author website is www.KathyHarrisBooks.com. I regularly interview Christian authors and music guests on my blog at www.DivineDetour.com. You can find me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/KathyHarrisAuthor or on Twitter: @DivineDetour

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What do you do when God places a fork in the road? You pray. Hard. And then you make a choice.

That’s what I did many years ago after graduating from college. I had two dreams. One of writing. The other of working in the music industry. I chose the latter because the path that led to music was clear. I had a job offer, a place to live, and a plan.

Through the years I’ve looked forward to the time and circumstances that would lead me back to writing. Not long ago, I saw a clearing ahead where two roads appeared to merge – the road I was on and the other I had also dreamed of taking.