Meet author Lauralee Bliss

Lauralee Bliss is a published author of over thirty romance novels and novellas in both historical and contemporary. Lauralee enjoys writing books that are reminiscent of a roller-coaster ride for the reader. Her desire is that readers will come away with both an entertaining story and a lesson that speaks to the heart and soul. Besides her love of writing, Lauralee is a passionate long-distance hiker, having completed many trails including the famous Appalachian Trail. Lauralee makes her home in Virginia with her husband and furry pals Skye, Belle, and Beau.

Tell us about your newest book.

When the Avalanche Roared is set in the Cascades of Washington State in 1910 during a traumatic time of relentless snows that buried the rail towns serving the Great Northern Railway. During this time, an unlikely union springs between an assistant postmistress from Everett who has come to care for her pregnant cousin, and a slow railroad laborer facing ridicule among his fellow workers for his inability to read. But all is cast aside when the town of Wellington teams together to rescue passengers and workers buried under snow and steel from an avalanche that pushed trains into a ravine.

What inspired you to write When the Avalanche Roared?

I have always had an interest in the human spirit during the worst of catastrophes. When Barbour Publishing began a search for stories set in the backdrop of disaster, the worst avalanche in U.S. history became an intriguing backdrop to share the story of determination and strength in a race against time.

How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?

Lillian Hartwick is in Wellington, Washington, caring for her expectant cousin and assisting the postmaster when February snows bring all train traffic to a halt. Slow-witted but kind Griffin Jones, who works odd jobs while enduring taunts from rail workers, tries to gain Lillian’s interest, but she is awaiting her fiancé’s arrival from California. Predawn thunderstorms on Tuesday, March 1, 1910, trigger a devastating avalanche, sweeping trains down Stevens Pass. Lillian and Griffin work together to help survivors, including Griffin’s tormentors, and their feelings for each other grow. But is it enough when Lillian’s fiancé finally arrives in the spring, ready to claim her as his own?

What genre do you focus on?

I love historical fiction.  I enjoy traveling and history, and so I search out unique aspects of history to set into a novel, anywhere from the tuberculosis hospital housed deep inside Mammoth Cave in Kentucky, to children rescued from Nazi control in war-torn Amsterdam, to trains swept into a ravine by an avalanche.

Why do you write?

I have always liked to tell a tale of adventure, mixed with the goodness of God. If I can impart a spiritual lesson that ministers to the heart and soul while telling a page-turning story, then I am very happy. Never bury your gifts but use them for God’s glory.

Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?

Lillian Hartwick, an assistant postmistress hailing from a wealthy family in Everett, and Griffin Jones, a common railroad laborer, are the main characters in my book. As for their names, they just came to me. I have no set formula, though in the past, I have used the names of family, friends, or acquaintances.

What is the hardest part of being an author?

The times that you let your writing get sidelined when you should be focused. Procrastination can be a tough enemy to beat. Sometimes your thinking gets attacked, wondering if you can tell a story others will enjoy. Or if it will make a difference. It can be a constant battle but one authors must win.

What’s the best part of your author’s life?

Seeing readers changed by reading one of my books. Then it truly feels like I am God’s instrument for the written word, using biblical principles woven into the art of storytelling to change lives.

What’s one unusual fact about you?

I am one of only a few women to complete the Appalachian Trail both north and south.

And so with that….

What is your favorite pastime?

Hiking! I’ve traipsed 15,000 miles of trail from the Appalachian Trail to Arizona! I’ve been at 13,000 feet and below sea level. I’ve camped among the palms, the cactus in the desert, and above tree line. And I have been blessed to enjoy the creativity of God in so many ways.

Do you have other books? We’d love to know.

Yes indeed! Here are a few –

Escape from Amsterdam delves into the rescue of children in the Netherlands from Nazi control

Cavern’s Curse follows intrigue in Mammoth Cave, Kentucky after death haunts a troubled widower and his nephew

My hiking adventure series follows my real Iife backpacking trips in Mountains, Madness, and Miracles – 4000 Miles along the Appalachian Trail and Gators, Guts, and Glory – Adventures along the Florida Trail.

Website: https://lauraleebliss.com/

Link to book: https://lauraleebliss.com/books/when-the-avalanche-roared/

Social media links:

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLauraleeBliss

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/lauralee-bliss