It started with a dream that wouldn’t leave me alone.
Even after ten years—and countless other projects—Rollins of Riverview kept tugging at my heart. Katie and Lance weren’t just characters. They were two souls on a journey I had to tell, no matter how long it took to get it right.
Looking Back
Crazy how fast time flies, isn’t it? I wrote the first draft of this book over a decade ago. If I could go back and have a serious talk with younger me… well, let’s just say it would be a long conversation. 😂
From the start, I’ve always loved Lance and Katie’s story. There’s just something about it that speaks to me on a deeper level. And I must not be the only one, because even in its earliest (and very rough draft) published form, it became a fan favorite. Don’t ask. (Insert eye-roll.)
Katie: From Broken Glass to Stained Glass
Katie is such a complex heroine. Life has undeniably broken her, and—true to reality—her journey isn’t about a quick fix, but a slow, determined reclaiming of her identity. That’s what I love most about her. She begins as fractured glass, sharp and fragile… and by the end, she’s a stained-glass masterpiece—beautiful because of the light shining through her cracks.
She’s always had more layers than my first heroine, LeAnn from A Ranger for an Angel. (Fun fact: LeAnn started out rather bland until I went back and deepened her character to something that rivals that of any heroine.) But even Katie’s personality grew by leaps and bounds over time. She became the kind of strong, feminine lead I adore—someone who needs her hero, yes, but is strong enough to embrace healing when it comes. Of course, it helps to have a loving Savior and a patient, steadfast man to help glue those pieces back together.
Lance: The Gentle Warrior
And that brings us to Lance. Where do I even begin? This man could quite literally steal any woman’s heart. With the patience of Job and the lover’s heart of King Solomon, he is no ordinary hero. He knows when to push, when to give space, and never once cares how long it takes to win Katie’s trust. He’s both soft and solid—exactly the kind of protector she needs.
But Lance’s journey isn’t just about rescuing Katie. He has his own demons to face, his own hills to climb. And he does it all while holding her hand, walking her through her valleys, and making sure she never feels alone.
Two Hearts, One Home
In the end, Lance becomes the spiritual rock Katie needs… and she becomes the safe haven his heart has always longed for. Together, they’re proof that healing isn’t just about mending wounds—it’s about finding the one who helps you live whole again.
Some stories fade when you close the book.
This one lingers. Lance and Katie’s love isn’t perfect—it’s patient, hard-won, and rooted in faith. And maybe that’s why it stays with me. Because deep down, we’re all hoping to find the one who makes us feel safe, seen… and finally home. (Thank you, Jerry. ❤️)
Which kind of hero do you love most — the bold, sweep-you-off-your-feet type, or the patient, steadfast protector like Lance?