Interview with Nancy Naigle & a Giveaway

I hope you enjoy this week’s interview with USA Today bestselling author, Nancy Naigle. She’s giving away a paperback copy of her latest release, To Light the Way Forward, to a US winner. To enter, simply leave a comment below by July 29!

Welcome to the Hope-filled Fiction blog, Nancy! Let’s jump right in with your first question. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? 

It only took one visit to the Washington, D.C. National Zoo in elementary school for me to dream of becoming a zoologist so I could design and maintain animal habitats. 

You thought I was going to say I wanted to be a writer, didn’t you? Nope, once I left my zoology dreams behind, my sights were set specifically on working in the corporate world, which I did. It wasn’t until I was 40 that I began to consider writing a book.

I always love hearing from other authors who didn’t start writing until later in life. What genre do you write and what inspired you to write that particular genre? 

I write small town love stories. I’ve always been drawn to the charm of small-town Main Streets anywhere in America. The older buildings, tired from carrying so many people’s stories over the years, feel like a warm hug to me. It’s an environment I’m happy to spend time in. It takes a long time to write a book, so I want to spend my time thinking about and pretending to be where I find joy.

Makes sense! Who was your favorite book character as a child and why? 

How far back do you want to go? Clifford the Big Red Dog ago? I’m pretty sure my love for that big dog is what eventually led to me having big dogs. Like most girls born in the 60’s like me, Nancy Drew swept me away into mystery and friendships. I had every one of those books lined up in numerical order on my shelf.  When I read those books, I was Nancy solving those mysteries. I felt so brave between those hardcover pages. I can still see the blue and yellow spines lined up.

Fellow born-in-the-sixties gal here. I loved reading Nancy Drew mysteries too! Do you have any hobbies? Have you incorporated any of them into your books?

Many of my hobbies show up in my books. Antiques, crafts, horseback riding, goats, all things Christmas, old cars, and collecting seashells. I was really captivated by a glass-blowing class while cruising Alaska, and although it isn’t a hobby of mine, I used that experience in two books. Until Tomorrow and Christmas in Evergreen: Tidings of Joy. 

You have some fun hobbies! What do you enjoy most about being a writer?

Pajamas! Best uniform ever! Okay, that is a really awesome perk, but honestly when I originally set out to write one book to help one girl through one bad day, I had no idea that it would someday become a vehicle for me to share testimony and uplift others while showing them hope through my works of fiction. 

I feel so blessed every time someone says something kind about one of books, because these are stories God has placed on my heart. I didn’t do this alone; I’m just the messenger. For that, I am so thankful and grateful.

I feel the same about the books I write. God’s the author and I’m along for the ride! What about reviews? Do you read them? How do you deal with bad or good ones?

Definitely. I read them all. The good and the bad. I take them all into consideration, and sometimes a bad review does give me a little something to consider that will help me improve the next book. The good ones remind me why I wrote that very first book. Write one book to help one girl through one bad day.

Great attitude. How do you incorporate Christ and hope into your writing?

Christ is at the center of my worldview, so it happens naturally. I never sat down and made a decision to put Christianity at the heart of my stories. It happened organically, and as I found my voice and my personality started to find a home in my writing rhythm, it came through stronger in the stories I produced. 

My agent noticed it before I did. Things like prayer, church, and leaning in when things go wonky, just naturally show up in my stories, because that’s how I live too. 

Love that. Which character in To Light the Way Forward was easiest for you to write and why? 

That’s easy. It was Tug. I was so invested in finding his love story that I couldn’t wait to see it through.

Which character presented the biggest challenge?

Rosemary’s daughter Nina was my biggest challenge. It was really hard for me to show the struggles of adult children and aging parents, especially after the loss of a father/spouse, and keep both characters likable and redeemable, without losing authenticity.

What was the hardest scene to write?

The hurricane scene was a difficult one. I’ve lived through many hurricanes having been born and growing up in the Tidewater area. Every storm is different. I wanted readers who’d never experienced a hurricane to get an understanding of what it would be like, but I also didn’t want to trigger friends who’d lost property, businesses, or family in a hurricane in the past. 

I also live in the Tidewater area and have been through several hurricanes. What do you hope your readers take away from To Light the Way Forward?

Even in the aftermath of loss and devastation, God can use broken places—and broken hearts—as the foundation for new purpose, unexpected connection, and lasting healing.

The story gently reminds readers that hope is never out of reach, even when the path forward feels unclear. Through the kindness of a small-town community, the quiet persistence of faith, and the courage to show up for one another, characters like Tug and Rosemary reflect the truth that we are never alone in our trials—and that sometimes God sends the right people at just the right time to help light the way.

Amen! What’s next from you?

I’m so excited about what’s coming up! This November, I’ll release a new super sweet stocking-stuffer of a Christmas book that’s perfect for cozy holiday reading for all ages. This fall, just before the release, I’ll officially reveal the title and cover. But if you sign up for my newsletter, you can be among the first to get a sneak peek this summer! Small-town charm and cherished Christmas traditions fill this heartwarming story.

Looking ahead to spring 2026, Home No Matter Where—the third book in The Shell Collector series—will bring readers back to beloved Whelks Island as the community moves on after recovery from Hurricane Edwina. Life may be returning to normal, but not without a few surprises along the way!

Also in 2026, Where We Go From Here, about a determined realtor who returns to the coast where she spent all of her summers to save its crumbling pier. She discovers unexpected hope, healing, and love with a soulful kiteboarder, as together they work to save the heart of a community.

And for Christmas 2026, get ready to set sail on Jingle Sails, a seafaring holiday adventure brimming with festive spirit.

You’re a busy lady, Nancy! Congratulations on your success! Thanks so much for sharing on the blog today and for the giveaway. May God continue to bless your writing journey.

Join the conversation. Would you enjoy reading a novel that includes a hurricane? Have you seen any of the Hallmark movies based on Nancy’s books? What aspect of Nancy’s interview most intrigues you? What questions or comments do you have for Nancy?

Be sure to comment below by July 29 for a chance to win a paperback of Nancy’s book, To Light the Way Forward! (US resident only)

Please share Nancy’s interview on social media to help spread the word about her latest release!

If you missed Danielle Grandinetti’s spotlight last week, FIND IT HERE.