Interview with Angela D. Shelton and a Giveaway

I hope you not only enjoy this interview with Angela D. Shelton, but are challenged by it. She’s sharing about a multi-author anthology, Every Captive Freed, about human trafficking. This is such a critical issue to address in our world today, so I really appreciate her and her fellow authors tackling this important topic. God can do amazing things through truth in fiction.

For a chance to win an ebook of this anthology collection, comment below by November 18. (US only)

Welcome to the blog, Angela. I’m excited for readers to get the scoop on your story. Let’s start with an easy question. Do you have any pets? Do they find their way into any of your stories?

I do! We share our home with three dogs, and I love slipping pups into my stories. Carly, our labrador, and Lucy, a Siberian Husky, are both in their senior years, while Willow, our German Shepherd, is still young, energetic, and constantly testing the patience of the other two. As I type this, all three are sprawled in my office—Lucy campaigning for another treat she doesn’t need, while Carly and Willow nap. The moment I stand, they’ll leap up, ready to follow me wherever I go.

Because pets bring such comfort to weary souls, I can’t help but weave them into my fiction. I don’t always write my own dogs directly into a story, but their personalities sneak in—the joy when they see their people, the persistence in wanting affection, the unconditional love they give. The dog in this particular story was inspired by a small pup I once dog-sat while his owner recovered from illness. In the book, one of the youngest captives bonds with a stray dog that shows up unexpectedly. I won’t spoil what happens, but I will say he earns his badge as man’s best friend.

Aww, now I really want to know what happens with the pup. Is Every Captive Freed inspired by true events or personal history? 

Yes. Of the three stories in this anthology, two—including mine—are based on real cases. My story is Unbroken.

When I first met my husband, he was serving in the sex crimes division of the Special Victims Unit, a role he held for five years. It’s grueling work, confronting the worst of what people are capable of inflicting on the vulnerable. I carry immense respect for those who serve in this field—their cases don’t just end when they leave the office; they follow them home, lodging in their hearts and minds.

Two cases in particular haunted me. One involved a five-year-old girl whose mother sold her to a man she knew. That child didn’t survive, and I still ache when I think of her too-short life. The other case centered on a teenager whose captor ordered her killed when he learned the police were coming. By God’s grace, those orders weren’t carried out.

When the opportunity came to contribute to this anthology, I knew I wanted to give voice to victims like them, even if they’ll never know these stories were written with them in mind.

Before I met people who worked directly in trafficking investigations, I had no idea how widespread this evil is in the United States. Living near Atlanta—one of the nation’s worst cities for this crime—has made the reality even starker. If these fictionalized tales can raise awareness, warn young people, or offer a glimmer of healing for survivors, then I’ll have accomplished what I set out to do.

This is such a relevant topic for the times we’re living in. Thank you for talking about this important issue. Tell us how you selected the names for your characters.

I love exploring the meanings behind names, and I almost always research them before deciding. The main protagonist of Unbroken is Nova, which means “new,” “new star,” or “bright star.” Since she’s forced into a dark world against her will, I wanted her name to carry light and resilience—a reminder that even in the darkest places, hope can still shine through. Human trafficking doesn’t just break victims; it twists and destroys those who exploit them too. But I wanted Nova’s name to embody survival and the possibility of healing.

The second, younger girl is Lily. Lilies symbolize purity, innocence, beauty, and grace. Even though her childhood was stolen, she deserved a name that reflects who she was before the darkness touched her.

Even my antagonists’ names matter. Damien, for instance, means “to subdue,” which I thought fit perfectly. And with a name so close to “demon”… well, enough said.

As for the dog who wanders into the story, the girls give him a playful name—because even in captivity, children cling to scraps of childhood joy. You’ll have to read the story to discover what they call him.

I love how intentional you were with choosing names. How do you tackle research for your novels?

My husband, Tom, works in law enforcement, so I peppered him with endless questions about police procedures until I nearly drove him crazy. Any mistakes in the story are mine, not his. I also watched Sound of Freedom (2023) to better understand how trafficking operates in other countries.

It’s tempting to look away from the reality of human trafficking because it’s uncomfortable to confront. I’ve even been told I shouldn’t talk about it because it makes people uneasy. But I can’t stay silent. The more attention we give to this issue, the more chances we have to recognize it and help save lives.

Sometimes the signs are subtle. For example, if the women at your nail salon don’t speak English and quickly hide any cash tips, it may be worth asking questions. Awareness matters.

For practical guidance, the U.S. State Department provides excellent resources on recognizing and assisting trafficking victims: https://www.state.gov/identify-and-assist-a-trafficking-victim

I saw Sound of Freedom, too. Very eye-opening and heartbreaking. What did God teach you through the writing of Every Captive Freed?

The greatest lesson God impressed on me through this journey was to look beyond myself and pay closer attention to the struggles of others. I think often of my nieces, nephews, and even great-nieces and nephews. I don’t want them growing up in a world where we turn a blind eye to suffering—or worse, where they themselves could be pulled into the darkness so many endure.

God reminded me that change often begins with small acts of compassion. When we care enough to notice, to pray, to donate even a few dollars toward ending trafficking or helping survivors heal, we push back the darkness. Even if it’s only one life changed, that one life matters. That’s one less soul trapped, one more step toward freedom.

Amen! Every life matters. What do you hope your readers take away from Every Captive Freed?

My deepest hope is that readers—especially young women—become more cautious and more protective of one another. Predators exploit isolation. Something as simple as staying with a friend who seems vulnerable, making sure she gets home safely, can prevent tragedy.

We also need to recognize the dangers children face online. Predators frequent gaming sites and social platforms, grooming kids until they believe they “know” the person on the other side of the screen. Too often, those relationships end with heartbreak—or worse.

If this book inspires readers to keep their eyes open, to watch out for the most vulnerable, and to support organizations that rescue and rehabilitate survivors, then it will have done its job. Awareness leads to action, and action can change lives.

Thank you so much for sharing about your story and this anthology, Angela. I applaud you for speaking up for the vulnerable and seeking to make a difference through your writing. May God use this book in amazing ways!

I also want to mention Blazing Hope Ranch, a faith-based organization in East Tennessee our church recently connected with. They host summer programs for kids to teach trafficking prevention, and they provide support for recovering female victims of human trafficking. Find out more about their ministry HERE.

Join the conversation. Do you enjoy reading stories based on true-to-life issues like sex trafficking? Does Every Captive Freed sound like an anthology you’d like to read? What questions or comments do you have for Angela?

Comment below by November 18 for a chance to win an ebook of the multi-author anthology, Every Captive Freed. (US resident only)

Every Captive Freed by B.D. Lawrence, Shannon McNear, and Angela D. Shelton

Click the book cover for Amazon link

Sarah’s Story by B.D. Lawrence

Once a nameless girl surviving the brutality of strip clubs and street corners, Sara Hanley has been snatched from the darkness and given a second chance. Now eighteen, she’s using her hard-earned strength to reach and rescue others caught in the same trap. Sara’s Story is a raw and redemptive look at one young woman’s journey from exploited victim to fierce advocate.

Streams of the Heart by Shannon McNear

During the winter of 1804-05, a young Native woman stepped onto the stage of American history and helped shape the course of an equally young nation. Sacagawea proved an invaluable asset to the Lewis and Clark Expedition, not just as an interpreter but also with her knowledge of the land, a cool head in times of crisis, and as a sign of peace to the peoples of the West by her mere presence. Her strength and resilience are legendary. Though her name is well known, some are unaware that she was a survivor of slavery, twice over.

Unbroken by Angela Shelton

Seventeen-year-old Nova Stone thought she knew how her story would go—faith,
volleyball, and finding where she belongs. Then Damien Blackwell walked into her life,
charming and protective, making her feel seen. Special. Loved.

When Nova’s world shatters, her dream date evaporates, and she finds herself imprisoned in a nightmare, far from home and hope. As Nova fights to reclaim her life—and her voice—she must face a terrifying question: Can she risk everything to escape, even if it means leaving someone behind?

10% of all proceeds go to the anti-human trafficking arm of the Tim Tebow foundation. Learn more HERE.

Meet Angela Shelton: Rancher by Day, Bestselling Dreamer by Night 🌾📚

She’s the faith-filled force behind heart-pounding romantic suspense and thought-provoking dystopian tales. With one foot planted firmly in Georgia cattle country and the other chasing publishing dreams, Angela blends hope, grit, and grace into every story she tells. Whether she’s decoding healthcare billing like a pro or plotting her next YA twist under starlight with Carly (her loyal black lab) curled at her feet, Angela’s always crafting something meaningful — something that connects.

Champion of clean reads. Master of subtle faith threads. And on a ten-year mission to land among the bestsellers.

Connect with Angela: Website / Facebook / X / Instagram / Amazon / Goodreads / BookBub / TikTok / Newsletter

Please share Angela’s interview on social media to help spread the word about this Brave Authors anthology!

If you missed Lana Christian’s spotlight on Survival Secrets last week, FIND IT HERE.