Author Spotlight~ Laura Conaway.

I enjoyed reading Laura Conaway’s novel, Expired Vows, and wanted to share this new author with you.

Welcome Laura! Can you tell us something about yourself?

Hi! My name is Laura and I am a debut romantic suspense author, aspiring Nancy Drew amateur sleuth, and lover of all things sweet potato. I'm thrilled to be finishing off the Last Chance County Fire and Rescue series with Expired Vows. I can't wait for you to read Trace and Kelsey's story of redemption, second chances, and love. If you want a sneak peek, you can sign up for my newsletter to get the first chapter for FREE! Virtual introductions can feel weird but just grab a cup of coffee, or a smoothie if you're like me, and have a seat! It's nice to meet you :) Here's just a few fun facts about me: 1. I love making adventures out of everyday life. There's always something to explore in your town, outdoors in nature, or with friends. 2. I love the smell of coffee but can't stand the taste. 3. I took German for five years in school and would love to visit Europe. 4. Jesus has transformed my life and I can't help but talk about Him. My goal in any story I write is to show there is Triumph through Tragedy and the Greatest Story ever told can meet everyday life right where you are at! To learn more about my writing journey or check out my second novel releasing with Love Inspired Suspense, you can connect with me on my website at www.lauraconawayauthor.com or send me an email at info@lauraconawayauthor.com. I'd love to connect with you!

How did you come up with the story line?

Expired Vows was such a fun story to write! The characters surprised me many times and I often found what they were learning along the way, I was too. This story was birthed from this what-if question: What if a grieving widower moved to escape his past and start over but his past came back to haunt him when he discovered his late wife's best friend was in town. And that's where Trace was created. Then put Kelsey into the picture, a family counselor who wants to help others heal but can't seem to find it for herself. When she becomes the center of dangerous attacks, it's clear someone thinks she is not competent and should be silenced. There's plenty of fire, suspense, and unexpected twists that are the classic marks of a Lisa Phillips novel! 

What was your favorite scene to write in Expired Vows?

My favorite scene to write was when Trace has a freak out moment after a call-out and Kelsey shows up to calm him down. Little does he realize roles are about to reverse when she's the one who loses composure and he needs to find a way to console her. You'll get to see what all the other characters in Last Chance are up to from the original series and Expired Return, Expired Hope, and Expired Promise including, Natalie Atkinson, who is Kelsey's best friend. There's still time to read the first chapter of Expired Vows for FREE if you sign up for my newsletter!  

Where did you get the inspiration for your characters in Expired Vows?

I ‘m often asked what tropes are part of Expired Vows and where I drew inspiration for my characters! So here's the answers to your questions! Trace Bently is a former police officer turned EMT who works at the firehouse in Last Chance County and Kelsey Scott is a family counselor who works at Dean Cartwright's therapy center, the Ridgeman Center, helping traumatic brain injury survivors find hope and healing in their lives. They both have wounded pasts individually; Trace as a young widower and Kelsey with chronic health issues. Trace and Kelsey also have shared history as college friends who are both looking for a second chance in life. Inspiration for these characters came from friends, research, and personal experience. There's actually a short scene in the story that's a tribute to my college days and navigating Kelsey's health struggles was easy to tap into from my own health challenges and the emotional experiences it can bring with it. These characters have become close friends in my imagination and I hope you enjoy getting to know them and they become your own friends, too, who can encourage you with whatever season you find yourself walking through.

Laura resides in Pennsylvania and is a former librarian turned author. She writes romantic suspense novels filled with triumph through tragedy.