Author Interview · Hope Came at Christmas
A Conversation with Stephanie Daniels
Author of Christmas for the Prodigal · authorstephaniedaniels.com
Journey to 1862 with Stephanie Daniels, historical romance writer and fellow storyteller in Hope Came at Christmas. Her romantic adventure, Christmas for the Prodigal, shares the timeless hope of redemption, even for those who’ve strayed far from the light of faith and family.
Stephanie was gracious enough to answer some questions about writing for young adults, Christmas, and the hopeful message of her story.
What draws you to write for young adults?
I remember processing all the emotions and decisions that seem to go with being a young adult. I was often terrified of making a wrong choice. I wanted to live for God and please Him, but sometimes I didn’t always understand how to follow His Will. I write for young people so they can know they don’t have to have it all figured out, but they follow a God who has. Stay faithful to the things God has shown them to do, and He will reveal a little more of the path ahead.
Who is your favorite side character in your story/stories, and why?
Two of my side characters in my first book become the main characters in my second—so I guess I’d have to say Sara Jane and Keller.
If your readers could learn just one thing from your story/stories, what would it be?
Don’t follow your heart. Read God’s Word and seek His heart.
Is there a particular Bible story, verse, or hymn that inspired your story, or is there one you’d like to share?
Yes. The Prodigal Son. This story has been on my heart a lot lately for many reasons.
The characters in these stories often face difficult decisions or circumstances. What encouragement would you offer a teen—or anyone—walking through a challenging season of life?
The season we’re in always feels like the biggest. Sometimes it’s hard to process all the emotions and weight that goes with it. But we can learn to cope with anything. Truly. Trusting God through a difficult season is realizing that He is taking us through a hard time because He counts us worthy. And He wants to develop something in us. It’s like the teacher who mentors a student by being tough on her, or the high school coach who benches the star player because he hasn’t learned team work. God wants to bring out the best in us, but that often only happens when we are focused on Him. Hard things will do that.
Just for fun, would you like to share one of your favorite Christmas traditions?
We love to watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” every Christmas season. When I lived up north, I had rules about when we could watch it. I had to have all my Christmas decorations up and snow had to be in the forecast. Now that I live in a place that doesn’t get snow as often, I’ve had to give that part up. We also make gingerbread cookies every year.
Thank you, Stephanie, for helping readers get to know you better, and for sharing such a beautiful, heartwarming story with us this Christmas!
To learn more about Stephanie and her other work, check out her website or the social platforms below.
