Today I'm thrilled to welcome RaeAnne Thayne to the blog! I reached out after reading her beautiful book Woodrose Mountain from the Hope's Crossing series. I loved the small-town world RaeAnne created and couldn’t wait to learn more.
If you're new to the series, I recommend starting with Blackberry Summer. The books are full of heart, community, and healing. By the time you finish the first, you’ll feel like part of the town.
Author Interview
Stories of hope, healing, heart
FBL ♥: Hope's Crossing features strong friendships. Is that personal?
Absolutely! My girlfriends are vital to my sanity. They lift, encourage, and inspire me. Claire from Blackberry Summer was based on one of those friends.
FBL ♥: Did you plan for Blackberry Summer to become a series?
Yes! It was originally pitched as a trilogy, but I fell in love with the town and ended up writing more stories than planned.
FBL ♥: What inspired the Hope's Crossing series?
My own community. We have a son with severe disabilities, and the love and support we’ve received from our neighbors inspired the heart behind these books.
FBL ♥: Favorite part of the writing process?
Creating characters—I love discovering all their layers. By the end, they feel like real friends.
FBL ♥: Can you share a teaser from Sweet Laurel Falls?
This one is my favorite. It's Maura McKnight-Parker’s story. While emotional, it’s filled with healing and love. I shed tears writing it, but I also smiled a lot!
Final Thoughts
RaeAnne's stories remind us that kindness, friendship, and love can help us weather any storm. Her heartfelt messages linger long after the final page.
📚 Find more books by RaeAnne Thayne on Goodreads
Join the Conversation
Have you read RaeAnne Thayne’s Hope’s Crossing series? Which book or character resonated most with you? Let’s chat in the comments!
Love books by RaeAnne Thayne?
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What a wonderful and very interesting interview, I'm always curious to discover what an author is made of (Not sure it's correct or understandable, sorry I'm french !!!)
ReplyDeleteOur life experience couldn't be more dissimilar. I was born and raised in a big city where nobody really cares about others. A little community is so alien to me but it seems so attractive.
I am always amazed to see the work of an writer, the birth of her characters and how they can lead a story, as if they were completely independent from the author's mind (a dream of one of your characters triggers another story, wow !!) and the fact that you say that they become dear friends, for me it always seems so incredible and magical.
I can't agree more about the fact that a stranger can be there for you and be so much more than your own family will ever be (I know it for a fact)
Thank god that you, writers, are here with your wonderful stories. A book has always been like a refuge for me. It is so essential, it's something that keeps you company when nobody is around or if you're lonely.
And yes it can give you hope ...
Wonderful perception,BT. Not all authors can use mere words and be able to have the characters and town come to life before your eyes, RaeAnne did just that with this series!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the lovely comment!!
Thank you so much for the great interview, Kat! Your questions definitely made me think :)
ReplyDeleteLove your comments, BlackTulip. I absolutely agree, books have always been my refuge too. What a lovely way of phrasing it.
ReplyDelete@RaeAnne Thayne Thanks for the opportunity, I know my readers love learning about books I have found truly memorable and your series really gave the readers something to cherish- family and friends, and those you may not even know well will step up to the plate when times are challenged.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful example of "Pay it forward".
Great interview. How wonderful that you live in a community where people reach out and help each other. Our world would be a much nicer place if we had more communities like yours.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your series and everything that you do.
@Janna ShayThank You. And thanks for taking the time to comment, I love when ppl let me know their thoughts.
ReplyDeleteYes, if we could just take a piece of Hope's Crossing and spread it around, what a wonderful world it would be.