Behind the Story: Sorrento Girl

One of the reasons I’m drawn to the study of history is because when I learn about the problems that people dealt with in the past, it shows me how connected we are as human beings. On the surface, our lives might look very different from our ancestors, but at the heart of it, we’re still dealing with the same fundamental issues. 

“What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun.” -Ecclesiastes 1:9 (ESV) 

One might read this verse as words that are somewhat defeatist. Haven’t we evolved into better people over time? When I study history, I’m not so sure we have. When I read the verse from Ecclesiastes, however, I take comfort in the fact that even though the manual I use (the Bible) to guide my life is thousands of years old, the truth contained within it is still relevant today. And when we receive the gift of Jesus, we’re promised a future that is full of hope.

Some of the common themes that consistently show up in my writing are fear, trust, and justice. It’s because my natural proclivity leans toward worry, I can be a little cynical, and I have a strong desire to see justice. I write with passion about these ideas because I’m close to them, and I’m coming from a place of learning.  I wrote my first book, Look to Jesus: How to Let Go of Worry and Trust God, as much for myself as I did for others. 

My second book, a novel titled Sorrento Girl, takes place in the late 1930s, in Seattle, Washington, but the problems Ann has are universal. The themes of fear, trust, and justice are woven throughout the pages. Two questions that lie beneath the story are: How can we be brave in the face of injustice? And, Who is worthy of our deepest trust?

Ann is a young woman who admires brave and unconventional women like her childhood hero, Amelia Earhart, and her Aunt Rose, a professor at the University of Washington. She sees herself as an adventurer, eager for new experiences and opportunities—and she’s a bit unconventional too. Moving away from the tiny town she grew up in and going to college in the big city is only the beginning of what she’ll learn about bravery, however. 

Shortly after arriving in Seattle, Ann discovers her aunt has been fired from her job—for nothing more than getting married.  She’s awakened to the injustice of how women are treated differently in society, and she becomes more aware of the consequences that come with going against the grain. 

Seeking adventure is a type of bravery that comes easily to Ann, and she’s willing to speak against injustice for others, but speaking up for herself is where fear takes over. When she falls in love with Paul Lewis the stakes become much higher. How much is she willing to risk to remain faithful to what she knows God has called her to do? To overcome her fear, she’ll need to rely on a strength that’s greater than herself. She’ll need to trust God. 

Lea Miller, a popular art professor at the University of Washington, whose marriage and subsequent dismissal (due to the ‘Anti-Nepotism’ Act of 1936) was a real woman, and her experience is part of what sparked the Aunt Rose’s storyline. You can read more about her HERE.

I often referred to my story, when I was writing it, as “my feminist romance.” Women’s rights have come a long way since the 1930s, but there is still injustice happening, and there is still a need to speak up. That still requires bravery. 

How can we be brave in the face of injustice? And, Who is worthy of our deepest trust? In Sorrento Girl, I try to answer those questions subtly. But here, I’ll be less subtle, and I’ll respond by quoting the scripture that inspired the book:

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.” -2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)

If you’re interested in reading Sorrento Girl, it comes out this spring on March 23rd. It will be available in paperback, digital, and audiobook. HERE. (aff. link).

The paperback is available at Barnes and Noble HERE

Also, I’ll be sending out the application for those who want to be on the book launch team soon. I promise, it will be lots of fun! Signing up for my mailing list is the best way to make sure you don’t miss any news. Plus, you’ll get a free download of my short story, Nothing Moved But the Tide. You can do that HERE.

Note…Amazon affiliate links may be used throughout this post. If you click on a link and buy a book, I receive a small portion of the proceeds at no additional cost to you. Thank you! For full disclosure, click HERE