About the Book
Book: Valley of Shadows
Author: Candace West
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Release Date: March 17, 2020
Forgiving is far from forgetting.
Lorena Steen gave up on love years ago. After arriving at Valley Creek to visit her daughters, she stumbles first thing into Earl, the husband who abandoned her.
As for Earl, facing Lorena while fighting his own demons tempts him to flee town. How can he rebuild a relationship with his daughters and cynical neighbors when guilt shadows every step?
While the storm brews between them, another storm descends on Valley Creek. Will a ghost town stand in its wake?
But then the townsfolk devise a plan. All they need is a former concert pianist and violinist. A wife and husband estranged.
Can Lorena and Earl set aside their feelings to rescue a community? Even though it sweeps them back through valleys best forgotten? Especially when a forbidden love claims his right to win Lorena’s heart?
Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
Candace West was born in the Mississippi delta to a young minister and his wife. She grew up in small-town Arkansas and is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Monticello. When she was twelve years old, she wrote her first story, “Following Prairie River.” In 2018, she published her debut novel Lane Steen. By weaving hope-filled, page-turning stories, Candace shares the Gospel and encourages her readers. She currently lives in her beloved Arkansas with her husband and their son along with two dogs and three cats.
More from Candace
Why I Wrote Valley of Shadows
Can a villain become a hero? When I ended my debut novel Lane Steen, I knew someday I had to discover if a kidnapper and alcoholic was worth saving. Could that same person save a town after tragedy strikes while wrestling with his own demons?
Earl Steen had a dark valley to cross.
With a destroyed reputation, Earl must prove in Valley of Shadows that God has not wasted His efforts on him. Also, Lorena, his estranged wife, has her own score to settle. How can she when the villain no longer exists?
Nothing tugs at my heart more than lost, unrequited love. My second book focuses on their lost relationship. Earl and Lorena had haunted one another long enough. Could God mend what Earl had shattered?
Sitting down to write, I returned to Valley Creek and uncovered places within Earl’s heart that I never knew existed. Lorena’s struggles became mine as she grappled with understanding and forgiving. The dark places of their past somehow had to merge with the light of a hopeful future.
Getting Earl and Lorena to rediscover their love was a journey fraught with tension, grief, frustration, and hope. Was it worth every rewrite, every long hour staring at my computer screen waiting for my characters’ next move?
You bet!
Author Interview with Candace West
What literary pilgrimages have you gone on?
Pilgrim’s Progress is one of the most exciting literary pilgrimages for me. From the moment Christian weeps outside the City of Destruction until he crosses over the river, I see those scenes vividly. His battle with Apollyon is one of the most powerful I’ve ever read.
What is your favorite childhood book?
When I discovered Anne of Green Gables, all of my other childhood books paled in comparison. Anne was, and still is, one of my favorite all-time characters.
What comes first, the plot or characters?
That’s an interesting question. I’d say the characters come first, followed by the plot. They almost arrive hand-in-hand. With Lane Steen, I saw Lane first, but her story began unfolding moment by moment.
Who is the author you most admire in your genre?
It’s so hard to choose just one! I admire Joanne Bischof’s writing style, the way she crafts a story and pulls me right into the moment. Sons of Blackbird Mountain remains at the top of my all-time favorite Christian Historical books.
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
When I’m not writing, I love to go on golf cart rides with my son. Once the weather warms up, we explore the farmland around us and admire the beauty of the fields and surrounding woods. I loved watching my son discover the taste of honeysuckle for the first time. Moments like that are priceless.
Thank you, Candace, for your time and letting us get to know you better!
Blog Stops
Locks, Hooks and Books, June 3
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 4
For the Love of Literature, June 5 (Author Interview)
Inklings and notions, June 6
Texas Book-aholic, June 7
Older & Smarter?, June 8
Betti Mace, June 9
Artistic Nobody, June 10 (Author Interview)
deb’s Book Review, June 10
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 11
Through the Fire Blogs, June 12
For Him and My Family, June 13
Blossoms and Blessings, June 14 (Author Interview)
Pause for Tales, June 15
By The Book, June 16 (Author Interview)
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Candace is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card, one signed paperback copy of Lane Steen and Valley of Shadows!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/fc17/valley-of-shadows-celebration-tour-giveaway