Do you love a good heartwarming, coming home story? How about second-chance romance? Then you’ll love Patricia Lee’s books.
Pat and I recently had an opportunity to chat about her upcoming release In Search of Forever (coming to you June 5, 2023), writing advice, and more.
So, who is Pat?
Patricia (Pat) Lee has had a fascination with words and what they can do since she wrote her first short paragraph at the age of six. She doesn’t remember the content of her story, but her teacher became excited at what she’d done. “Obviously,” Pat says, “words made people happy.”
Pat worked as a stringer for a local newspaper during her middle and high school years representing the school’s news to the community. She received her B.A. in Journalism from the University of Oregon, then went on to work as a tabloid newspaper editor at her local church.
After she married, she began her freelancing career and sold to various publications, including Expecting, Moody Monthly, and Power for Living. More recently she has published in two anthologies, Cup of Comfort Bible Promises and Heavenly Company, as well as featured articles in Focus on the Family’s Clubhouse magazine.
An Anchor On Her Heart, her debut novel, released in July, 2017. Love Calls Her Home, A Kite on the Wind, and Love’s Autumn Harvest followed. A fifth book, In Search of Forever, is due to be released in May, 2023.
She also wrote The Call of the Frontier series. The two dual-time novels , The Descendant’s Daughter (2020) and The Sister’s Plight, chronicled the journey of her great-great-great grandfather, Cornelius Joel Hills, when he crossed the Plains in 1847 seeking a new life and free government land in Oregon. Pat grew up on part of the original land claim.
She lives with her husband in the Pacific Northwest. They have two grown children. She is a member of Oregon Christian Writers (OCW) and American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW).
JD: Tell us about the themes in your books in a single sentence:
Pat: Broken People in need of an unbroken God
JD: How long have you been writing?
Forever. . . seriously. But my fiction writing journey didn’t begin until my daughter finished high school in 2005.
JD: Tell us about your soon-to-release romance In Search of Forever.
Can they bridge the long gap in their friendship?
Growing up Jayden Clarke dreamed of becoming a Marine like his late father, who was killed in Afghanistan when Jayden was nine. His foster dad, Kurt, was also a decorated soldier. But his own encounter with a narrowly missed IED in Afghanistan leaves Jayden wounded and honorably discharged. He returns home defeated, his dream destroyed, not certain what his future will hold. Who will he become now? Is there anyone he can turn to?
Baylie Summers, two years out of college, has returned to the Mueller Rescue ranch where her best friend Jayden Clarke once lived as a foster teen. She hasn’t seen him since they graduated six years ago but she’s thrilled when she lands the job as the ranch’s fundraising newsletter writer. Seeking refuge from the storms of life, Baylie waits for Jayden to return home, hoping he’ll have wisdom to help her recover from past incidents she wants to forget. Once a foster child herself, she fears Jayden might not like the woman she’s become. Will telling her secret make her lose Jayden forever?
Jenn’s review: I was lucky enough to read an early version of this book and loved it. It’s a sweet ride in search of happily ever after. Even better, Jayden is back!!! I loved getting to revisit clever and determined Jayden (and his faithful dog), but now he is back from the Marines, injured, and in need of healing both emotionally and physically. Swoon!
With soaring views and a unique ranch setting that highlights caring for foster kids, this inspiring story takes us deep into the hearts of broken people and offers us a chance at redemption, forgiveness, and romance. I love friends-to-lovers and wounded warrior tropes, and this books offers us that and more. Uplifting and inspiring. Definitely check this one out.
JD: Where did you get the idea for this book?
I have always had a heart for children in difficult circumstances. Jayden first appeared in my book, Love Calls Her Home, as a lonely 11-year-old befriended by an aging rancher. When home life becomes too difficult, Jayden is taken into custody as a ward of the state and meets his new hero, Kurt McKintrick. The idea for this new story comes when I wrote Jayden as a grown man. He’s served in Afghanistan, and has failed to achieve his childhood dream of following in his father’s footsteps and making him proud.
The story brings former characters back together and follows a new romantic thread for Jayden.
JD: You feature some sweeping scenery of open ranch territory in Oregon. What was your inspiration?
The research for the original story (Love Calls Her Home) followed the plight of the Kiger mustangs which are a protected herd living on the Steens Mountain in eastern Oregon. The setting for the ranch and all other elements of the story surrounded that basic premise. I’ve been to that part of the state and you’d be surprised how many helpful YouTube videos I found that showed me the places and the horses I needed to see to give the story credence.
JD: What advice would you give for writing scenery and setting that immerses the reader?
Research the area you are writing about. Don’t guess. I had tumbleweed in the story and found out it didn’t live there. Oops!
JD: This is your 7th novel. Any advice for launching a book?
Engage the help of every person you know who has either published a novel or who is an active participant in social media—blogs, podcasts, reviewers, avid readers, etc.
JD: How did you get your first contract?
I attended a writers conference and submitted my manuscript for review to editors attending the conference. I chose an editor who said she would look at stand alone stories. But when I went to the interview she said she preferred book series. I was devastated. But she also said she liked the premise of the story I had submitted and could I write two other books to compliment that novel? I sweat blood and tears trying to come up with two more novel ideas that might appeal to her. I did, and submitted them, knowing I was promising a full-length novel based on a single sentence that I had no idea what I would write. But God knew and the three-book series was published over the next fourteen months.
JD: You write sweet PG romance, so would you share a tip for writing sizzle without the spice (closed-door romance)?
I don’t focus on that. I write real characters who have life struggles they must overcome. And if love happens along the way that’s even better. I like writing banter between characters. That’s where the sizzle comes. And it is fun.
JD: What is one tip for building conflict or tension?
Put your main character in a tree and throw rocks at her. Don’t let up.
JD: Which character in In Search of Forever do you admire most and why?
Parker MacGregor. He brings wisdom and stability to the story, giving both Jayden and Baylie scripture to help them figure out their journeys. He leads quietly from the background and manages to find love for himself.
JD: What advice would you give to pre-published writers?
In the words of Churchill, Never, never, never give up.
JD: Where can we stay in touch you?
Social links (some/all/none/whichever you prefer or use):
Facebook: @patricialeebooks
Website: www.authorpatricialee.net
Goodreads: Patricia_Lee
Newsletter link:
Watch for Love’s Autumn Harvest to be a giveaway near the release date!
Where can we get In Search of Forever?
