The Journey of Henderson County: From One Stormy Night to a Series Finale

After more than three years, the final installment of my novella-length series is finally out! This moment feels surreal, and I’m reminded of how it all began. Let me share the story one more time, for those who might not have heard it before.

The journey started with the first book, Starting Over, which I wrote for a fall romance competition. The competition had two key requirements:

1. The story had to be a fall romance under 20,000 words.
2. It had to feature one stormy night.

At the time, I was riding a wave of acceptance for several short stories, so my confidence was high. Everything was falling into place: editing was completed, and the launch date was set. But just weeks before release, the publisher announced they were closing their doors.

To their credit, they were incredibly gracious, returning our fully edited stories and wishing us well. While it was disappointing, I wasn’t ready to give up on Starting Over. I reached out to my cover designer and published the novella independently under the J&M umbrella.

The response was incredible, but there was one consistent piece of feedback: readers wanted more. The story had been tied up neatly for the main couple, but the short length left them eager to learn more about the world and its characters.

That feedback planted the seed for what eventually became the Henderson County series. Over the next few years, I expanded the story into four additional novellas. Together, they created a rich, interconnected world that centered on the charming Henderson County and its unforgettable characters.

With those prompts in mind, the story came to me effortlessly. I wrote the first draft in a week, fueled by inspiration and excitement. The cover was designed, and my manuscript was accepted alongside many other talented entries.

Questions and Feedback

One of the questions I’ve been asked repeatedly is: “Why are your characters white?” It’s a fair question. The honest answer is that when I started writing, I created characters I thought would be accepted more easily by publishers. It wasn’t a decision I put much thought into at the time—it felt like a pragmatic choice.

As the series progressed, however, I consciously introduced more diverse characters. Representation matters, and I wanted the evolving world of Henderson County to reflect that.

Would I change anything if I could go back? Honestly, no. These characters and their stories have resonated with readers in ways I could never have imagined, and I’m proud of what the series has become.

Looking back, the journey from Starting Over to the final book has been a labor of love—marked by unexpected twists, a lot of learning, and a community of readers who made it all worthwhile.

To everyone who has followed this journey, thank you. I hope you enjoy the final chapter as much as I’ve enjoyed bringing this world to life.

Get Your Copy of the Final Book in the Henderson County Series!

The journey through Henderson County comes to a heartfelt conclusion with the final installment of the series. Don’t miss this chance to revisit the charming town, reunite with beloved characters, and experience the satisfying end to a story that began on one stormy fall night. Whether you’ve been with the series from the start or are just discovering it now, this book is a perfect blend of romance, community, and second chances. Grab your copy today and immerse yourself in the world that readers have fallen in love with!

Celebrate the Series with a Special Giveaway!

As a thank-you to all my amazing readers, I’m hosting a special giveaway to celebrate the release of the final book in the Henderson County series. The giveaway includes a signed copy of the first book of my other series In Other Words, a paperback romance by another famous romance author, exclusive swag, and a Christmas chocolate. Don’t miss your chance to win and celebrate the series that started it all!

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“We all have imperfect families and to see the imperfect family of God and to realize this is my home, imperfections and all, these are my people is a great source of consolation for me.”

Scott G. Hefelfinger

Who is Scott G. Hefelfinger?

Dr. Scott Hefelfinger is a professor at the Augustine Institute and the Director of Content Development. He teaches in the areas of moral theology, marriage and family, and prayer. Based on his teaching and research, he helps to guide the development of the Institute’s multimedia content across various platforms, including Formed, the Amen app, podcasts, and more.

112 The Jesse Tree Tradition

In this episode, Pamela talks to Scott G. Hefelfinger about the Jesse Tree tradition. He explains:
i. What is the Jesse tree tradition involve?
ii. What does Jesus’s family teach us?
iii. How do we get over the differences in our own families at Christmas?
iv. What can we do at Christmas time to bridge and heal broken relationships?

The Jesse Tree Tradition

I came across the book Rooted talking about the Jesse Tree Tradition. It also came with a video series. I was curious because I’ve been looking at what I need to do for Advent. He explains what the Jesse tree tradition involves. I think it is a refreshing way of looking at the family of Jesus.

Scott shared something very profound. The genealogy of Jesus is essentially our genealogy since we are sons and daughters of God, we share the same ancestors. His family is our family. It struck me so deeply. I have never thought of it before. It made me see the family of Jesus through new eyes.

Scott also talks about gratitude and forgiveness and families. He points out that no family is perfect and so was the family of Jesus. Let’s make Advent a time to be grateful for our families even the ones that get on our last nerve and bring about patience in us.

This Advent how about you try doing the Jesse tree tradition.

Also check out this wonderful series on The Chosen!

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Starting Afresh

Yay! The last book in the Starting in Henderson County is here! Starting Afresh is the final book in the series. A series that I started in October 2020. Four years!

Blurb: After emerging from rehab, Sage is desperate to rebuild her life, but her past haunts her in unexpected ways. A chance encounter with Kenneth, a cafe owner and ex-military man, brings her a glimpse of hope. She lands a job assisting Kenneth’s ailing mother, but the shadow of her history complicates her new life in the tight-knit Henderson County.

As Sage navigates her role in Kenneth’s family, she must confront her own pain and doubts while balancing newfound relationships with both children and adults alike. Unbeknownst to Kenneth, Sage’s quiet resilience begins to pierce his walls, drawing them closer even as external forces and old secrets threaten her second chance. Can she truly escape her past, or will it ultimately define her future?

Book Series

The books that have come before have been published in audio and eformat! When I first released Starting Over, there were so many people who said the book was too short and they would like to read more about Henderson County. It took a lot of planning and thinking but I wrote a series of novellas focusing on the seasons of Henderson County. And it has worked. The entire series would be a long saga if read together.

Release Date

My release date is December 16th, 2024. I’m a little sad that this series has come to a close. I’m listening to Vaseegara as I format and finish the edits on this book which is also making me sad. The concept and the rain encapsulates the book but I have loved writing about this place and its people. I enjoyed writing about their joys and sorrows and their ups and downs. I’m choosing the song for the book trailer and I’ve been out of sorts that this is the end here! I’m planning to do a book bundle next year but Starting In Henderson County is done. It’s time to close the series and work on other projects that I put aside.

What’s Next?

Lots! Touchpoint Press is closing and so I’m going to get all my previous books back. There’s plenty to do. However, it’s a matter of choosing what can be done first and which book I’m most interested in doing. It also depends on my mood. What I’m feeling like influences what I write.

If you want to know what I’m writing and where I’m going next with my books then sign up to my newsletter! I share more pictures, news and giveaways there.

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We know there is a post-mortem state of existence that cannot be hell.

– Karlo Broussard 

Who is Karlo Broussard ?

Karlo Broussard, a native of Southern Louisiana, left a promising musical career to devote himself full-time to the work of Catholic apologetics. As a staff apologist and speaker for Catholic Answers, and a member of the chancery evangelization team at the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma, he travels the country and the diocese
giving talks on apologetics, biblical studies, theology, and philosophy.
Karlo has published articles on a variety of subjects in Catholic Answers Magazine, is a regular guest on Catholic Answers Live, and is an active writer for Catholic Answers Magazine Online at
catholic.com. Karlo holds a doctorate in philosophy with St. Patrick’s Pontifical University in Maynooth, Ireland, along with undergraduate and graduate degrees in theology from Catholic Distance University and the Augustine Institute, as well as a masters in philosophy with Holy Apostles College and Seminary.

111 Praying For The Dead In Purgatory

In this episode, Pamela talks to Karlo Broussard about Purgatory. He explains:
i. What is purgatory and what is the Scriptural evidence?
ii. How does it still support the salvific role of Jesus and the doctrine of justification by faith?
iii. Is there any evidence?
iv. Why do we pray for people and purgatory and how to go about doing it.

Purgatory is real

I found Karlo through his book, Purgatory is real. It explains our practice of praying for the dead. With all soul’s day coming up, I prayed about what we would talk about next. It was a difficult subject and I prayed as I looked for a guest. I wrote to Karlo and he responded immediately. God is always so good. I read plenty on the subject and there are just a handful of books on the subject of purgatory. Against all odds, we managed to record, another one of God’s blessings.

I remember back home, we pray for the dead during our daily rosary. Every year we offer masses for all the departed souls in our family. On all soul’s day, my mom made us attend 3 masses for everyone. I used to think it was pure punishment that she did this to us. My dad never said no. Every year it was a family tradition. My little brother would fall asleep during these masses.Now that my dad’s in heaven, I don’t mind hearing a hundred masses where I can offer up a prayer for him.

We pray for our departed family members knowing that they’re heading to God. I love how Karlo talks about the post-mortem existence. He provides scriptural evidence. This could be across denominations, just a passing thought can be converted into a prayer for our beloved. He also explains what you can do and where you can read more. From CS Lewis to the mystical experience of saints, there’s a lot more you can find out if you’re interested. He even has more on the website where he’s on staff and podcast.

What are your traditions for All Soul’s day? How do you pray for your beloved departed souls?

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“Being an Extraordinary Minister is a wonderful chance of being extremely close to the body of Christ and His people.”

Who is Corinna Laughlin?

Corinna Laughlin has been a member of the Cathedral of St. James’ staff since 1998.  As Pastoral Assistant for Liturgy, she works with Father Ryan and the Cathedral staff and volunteers to plan hundreds of liturgies each year.  Corinna also serves as a Consultant to the Liturgy Office of the Archdiocese of Seattle.
 
Corinna’s writing on liturgy has been featured in many publications, including Pastoral Liturgy, Ministry and Liturgy, Today’s Liturgy, and AIM Magazine. Corinna has also written the Guide for Sacristans, Guide for Servers, and Guide for Celebrating Holy Week and Triduum for Liturgy Training Publications. With her sister, Maria Laughlin, she co-authored Journey of Faith: An Illustrated History of the Archdiocese of Seattle as well as histories of the Dioceses of Brownsville, Orange, Green Bay, La Crosse, Wilmington, Austin, San Antonio, and New York City, through Editions du Signe.
 
She holds a Masters of Arts in Liturgical Ministry from Catholic Theological Union, Chicago. She also holds a doctorate in English language and literature from the University of Washington, and a bachelor’s degree in English from Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Massachusetts.

Becoming An Extraordinary Minister

In this episode, Pamela talks to Corinna Laughlin about Becoming An Extraordinary Minister. She explains:
i. What is an extraordinary minister? Why is it an important ministry?
ii. What are the characteristics of a good minister?
iii. How do a person become one?
iv. What are the challenges?

A Ministry that brings you close to Christ

Corinna Laughlin wrote the Guide for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion with Kenneth A. Riley and Paul Turner. It serves as a guide and teaching aide for new and current ministers.

This was an amazing episode. I looked for a ton of resources on the subject and found Corinna’s book. Then I hunted for her email and was so happy to have found her on the Cathedral’s website.

I have a lot of friends who have been part of this ministry and was always aware that it was not easy. There’s a weight to it. I wrote to Corinna to come on the podcast. And she replied so quickly. It was just a blessing to have her respond. We set a time to record and in the interim I read more about becoming an extraordinary ministry. I was surprised to see the opposition in book reviews and online trad forums. I knew we had to do this episode.

A heart for Christ

I love how Corinna explains this is a ministry for you to come close to Jesus and His people. There’s joy in seeing people spread across the Church coming to Christ with all of their human-ness. There’s a special training and commissioning in this ministry. It is one that will allow people to experience community indirectly. What a blessing to serve here.

I highly encourage people who are interested to reach out to their parishes. Corinna says, “don’t worry about your worthiness, just focus on being with Jesus,” she says. And I love that. Fixing our eyes on Jesus can fix a lot of our problems. Do you feel the need to serve? Do you still feel you don’t know where to serve in your church? How about being an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist?

ENJOYED THIS PODCAST?

We hope you enjoyed this podcast. Check out our podcasts on St. Therese  and Blessed Sacrament If you liked this podcast, like us, and leave a comment. Share our episodes on social media with those who may benefit from it.

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