Author Spotlight: Kerry Anne King

You may be surprised to know that Kerry Schafer and Kerry Anne King are one in the same person. Kerry first started writing as herself, as in Kerry Schafer, and published the Between Trilogy, which is best described as fantasy novels. These were followed by The Shadow Valley Manor Mysteries, which delved into the paranormal.

After Kerry's agent, Deidre Knight, suggested she try writing women's fiction which she agreed to do under another name. And so Kerry Anne King was brought to life, but the name wasn't randomly chosen. Kerry's middle name is Anne, and her grandmother's maiden name was King.

Kerry believes that her background as a mental health counselor and registered nurse, along with her own personal experience with grief and tragedy, formed a solid foundation for writing psychological and family dramas. As a result, she successfully writes compelling and transformational stories focusing on family and personal growth

When asked what's the best thing about being a writer, Kerry shared, "I get to re-create reality the way I want it to be. I take my characters through very dark places of grief and loss and despair, but I can always help them find their way to a better place. And that makes me happy. Besides, it's always just fun to make stuff up."

Publications

Despite the fact that she writes in two distinct genres, there are many similarities between the two. Her books are all set in those quintessential small towns of the Pacific Northwest and feature strong women protagonists. Kerry admits that she loves magic and mystery and likes to include a mystery element, and she simply can't resist including a romantic subplot.

Improbably Yours

Improbably Yours, in true Kerry Anne style, contains some of the quirkiest characters we've seen in a long time. This is a story that encapsulates family and love and perfectly adds Kerry Anne's favorite elements – adventure and a little bit of magic.

We join Blythe Harmon on a life-changing journey in this novel of romance, secrets, and the joy of family. Improbably Yours starts off with Blythe, age 6, and her close relationship with her grandmother, founded on tales of magic and foreign lands, which she desperately misses after her grandmother passes away.

Blythe, now age 30, is confronted by a surprise birthday/engagement party which is unexpectedly interrupted by balloons and a happy birthday serenade from a mystery man. Blythe discovers the man is none other than her grandmother's lawyer and has a bequest from her which was to be delivered on Blythe's 30th birthday. The unusual request is the start of a great adventure as Blythe must journey to a small island in San Juan with her grandmother's ashes and a treasure map.

We would hate to give anything away but suffice it to say, that subplot of romance is definitely in abundance, and as for treasure, well, you will have to find that out for yourself.

Other Peoples Things

Barbara Davis, the bestselling author of The Last of the Moon Girls, describes Other People's Things perfectly - "Woven with suspense, family drama, magic, and just the right touch of romance, Other People's Things is an utterly compulsive read. With a compelling cast of characters and a delightfully imaginative plot, readers are taken on a journey of self-discovery as a young woman struggles to embrace her unique gifts and find her place in a world that has already made up its mind about her. King's emotionally honest storytelling and wonderfully flawed protagonist remind us that people aren't always who we think they are—and that some curses might actually be blessings in disguise." 

A Borrowed Life

A Borrowed Life has been described as an emotional and sharply witty novel about how life's unexpected detours can ultimately bring you home.

Many of us can identify with playing the perfect role and losing our freedom without even realizing it. But when the call to adventure comes, will we answer it? Welcome to the life of Mrs. Thomas Lightsey, the pastor's wife and mother, a role that Liz has portrayed to perfection for the last 26 years. When her husband unexpectedly dies, Liz feels the usual grief and shock, but then an unexpected emotion begins to rise – for the first time, Liz feels a sense of freedom.

As in real life, adventures come with challenges, unexpected events, and in Liz's case, an unexpected steam relationship!

Everything You Are

Everything You Are is a poignant and musical novel about promises made and the forgiveness we seek when we break them. Author Julianne MacLean praised the book, saying, "Writing sensitively about characters struggling to overcome tragedy and loss, Kerry Anne King has delivered a beautiful, soulful novel that hits all the right notes—especially for music lovers. It will leave you with tears in your eyes and sighs of contentment when you reach the satisfying, emotional conclusion. A richly rewarding read."

This is a story about miracles, the determination of the human spirit in the face of adversity, and the healing power of music.

Whisper Me This

Whisper Me This is an emotional rollercoaster that will have you riveted from the onset. Maisey grew up in a home ruled by the iron fist of her domineering mother, which saw her move away as far as possible. Although she loves her parents, she knows that raising her daughter away from their influence is the right choice.

But a single phone call changes her life forever, and she returns home to discover that all is not as it seems and that secrets abound. Her mother is seriously ill, and her father seems evasive and confused. And then, there is the mention of domestic abuse by the police.

Kerry Ann has written two other successful novels, Closer Home and I Wish You Were Happy.

Why do we recommend this author?

Kerry Anne says that she finds inspiration from the clinic where she works, saying that everyone who walks through the door has a story and that every person who lives long enough has lived a tragedy. This can be seen in her characters, who are authentic, and it is always easy to identify with them. Although her stories deal with emotions on a deep level, her stories are always interlaced with humor, but what we love most are the feel-good endings.

Kerry Anne's novels are not only a great read but deal with the challenges we all face. Through her words, we find ourselves looking inwards and realizing that we, too, can overcome the obstacles in our path.