Born and raised in west Michigan, Sharlene MacLaren attended Spring Arbor University. She married one of her childhood friends and together they raised two lovely daughters. Now happily retired after teaching elementary school for thirty-one years, “Shar” enjoys reading, writing, singing in the church choir and worship teams, traveling, and spending time with her husband, children, and precious grandchildren. Shar is an occasional speaker for her local MOPS organization; is involved in KIDS’ HOPE USA, a mentoring program for at-risk children; counsels young women in the Apples of Gold program; and is active in two weekly Bible studies. She and her husband, Cecil, live in Spring Lake, Michigan, with their lovable collie, Dakota, and Mocha, their lazy fat cat. Shar’s other Whitaker House titles include Through Every Storm, the Little Hickman Creek series (Loving Liza Jane; Sarah, My Beloved; and Courting Emma), and Long Journey Home.