Extras

Excerpts, Fun Novel Facts, and More!

Did You Know?

• Hayden’s character is a product of my first break-up. I realized that guy didn’t have a lot of qualities I needed in order to be happy. So I created a character that possessed all those important qualities.

• In the Family was almost turned into two books. If you read it, I’m sure you will find the point where the story takes a huge turn.

• The tree house came to my mind while I was listening to music one day. The song “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None the Richer inspired the tree house along with several other ideas. If you know the song, I’m sure you can figure out what those are when you read the book.

In the Family Excerpt:

Aliyah silently hid her face in her sleeve. Hayden stared down at her, “Sweetie, was it a nightmare?”

“Mm-Hmm,” Aliyah squeaked out, shivering.

“It was only a dream. You’re safe here,” he reassured her.

Aliyah continued crying and shivering. Hayden stared, wondering what in the world went through her mind just before she woke up. He climbed up onto the bed and pulled her into his arms.

“Was it about what happened tonight?” He asked softly.

“Yes, ten times worse,” Aliyah hid her face in his shirt.

“Let’s pray,” Hayden concluded, and took her hands in his.

He asked God for peace and comfort for Aliyah. He asked for the thoughts from the nightmare to leave her mind and never come back. As he finished, he guided her back down to her pillow and pulled the blankets over her.

What caused Aliyah's terrible nightmares? Why is she so frightened?