Candace West

Needing forgiveness and granting forgiveness are the cornerstone of our experiences. First, we have all sinned and fallen short of God’s grace. We need His forgiveness and a reconciliation with Him to lead a fulfilled life. Second, we have all been wronged. To forgive others is often one of the hardest things to do, especially when no one asks for it.

One afternoon, Lane Steen trudged across the fields of my imagination. Lane’s auburn hair grazed her cheeks, partially concealing a purple bruise. I had to know why. Her journey to forgiveness--needed and granted--began in the Valley Creek Redemption series.

Redemption through Jesus makes all things possible.

At the time I wrote Lane Steen, my heart ached from wounds inflicted by others. Lane’s anger and sorrow reflected mine. Even though I yearned to forgive, I discovered I couldn’t. Saying “I forgive” didn’t work. Despair gripped me because I found it impossible.

Yet God used Lane to teach me a lesson. Human forgiveness is often a process. I wanted to forgive the way the Lord does. Instantly. However, the more I tried, the deeper the anger burrowed. Why? I tried in my own strength and failed. Forgiveness only comes through the grace of an Almighty God who paid the ultimate price while dying for His enemies and friends.

Forgiveness is an act of the will though the power of Jesus Christ.

After realizing this, my prayer changed. “Lord, I can’t forgive. I’m powerless to release these feelings. If You’ll help me, I’m willing, Lord.” The key to forgiveness is a willing heart. Once I was willing to forgive, God led me the rest of the way until I was completely free.

It is obvious Candace loves her characters and her characters love her. The way she weaves redemption and love throughout the story will capture and captivate.

~ Irene Thomas

Spotlight on Candace

Favorite Things

The Bible
My son
My family
The Ozarks
A cool evening breeze as I sit on the porch
The smell of freshly mown grass
Exploring old houses
Dark chocolate
A cat's purr
Late night reading

TBR List

Fifteen Minutes by Karen Kingsbury (it’s been there for a while)
Autumn Macarthur’s Chapel Cove romance, Marry Me
Dianne J. Wilson's The Cake List

Favorite place to read
My recliner or my front porch.

Favorite quote or Bible verse
2nd Corinthians 5:1: “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”

Favorite splurge/treat
Love, love, love coconut cream pie!