Unraveled, a book review

Secrets intertwined with relationships begin to unravel in Heidi McCahan's riveting debut novel Unraveled. McCahan takes readers inside the close-knit community of Emerald Cove, Alaska; a port town similar to her childhood hometown and parent's bed & breakfast. McCahan weaves a realistic tale of love, friendship and choices. When heroine Lauren Carter returns to her hometown to plan her wedding, she is faced with the people she has left behind- her parents and their struggling business, an aging grandparent, and a past love. Lauren must choose between keeping her secrets hidden or coming clean to those she loves.

My favorite story elements included a family-run bed & breakfast, a relay race, a kayaking adventure, a second chance with a past love, and most-importantly God's abundant grace. I had a chance to talk with the author and ask her a few questions about writing her first book.

Author Heidi McCahan

Rachel: Is there an inspiration behind the book? 

Heidi: "The concept of a reunion romance appeals to a lot of readers. Who hasn't wondered about “the one that got away” ?

Rachel: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Heidi: "I hope my readers will hear a message of hope and that the Lord can redeem anything, even the huge messes and seemingly unforgivable things we've done."

Rachel: Do you have any advice for other writers? 

Heidi: "Two things come to mind. First, join a group of other writers. Whether it’s online or in person, find people who are writing consistently and figure out a way to read and comment on one another’s work. You’ll stop feeling like you are going at this alone, you’ll experience tremendous growth as a writer, and you’ll learn to accept constructive criticism. Secondly, I follow a blogger named Jeff Goins and he once said, “stop waiting to be picked”. To me, this means start writing and don’t worry about when or how or if you’ll publish it. Write something every day and if this is your dream, never, ever give up."

Start reading Unraveled today and escape to Alaska.