Leah Vasquez is a fiction author and writing coach who helps others bring their stories to life. Her latest novel, His Girl, is a Canadian historical novel set in postwar northern Canada.
Give us an elevator pitch for your book.
A knock on the door shatters a family’s peace forever. Will they extend an open hand of forgiveness or shut out the one who can bring the most harm?
What’s unique about this story?
It includes a five-year-old girl’s point of view and is set in the Northwest Territories five years after WWII. It explores forgiveness, protection, and how to balance the two in the hardest of circumstances.
Who is the main character, and what is their struggle?
His Girl is told through three points of view: Eleanor, Seth, and Melody. Eleanor struggles to keep the peace between her husband and her child’s father. Seth tries to forgive the man who was once his best friend. Melody is trying to understand why her home no longer feels safe.
What first sparked the idea for this book?
Melody played a key part in Eleanor’s journey of healing, even though she hadn’t been born yet duringmost of the first book, Unborn Melody. She needed to have her own voice in the sequel His Girl as the consequences of Eleanor’s past decisions unfolded.
Did anything surprise you while writing it?
I thought I knew the ending, but discovered it wasn’t the right one. My writers’ group at the Alexandria library was instrumental in helping me find the true ending.
What books is it comparable to?
Similar to Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, His Girl explores the messy, painful, and ultimately redemptive side of family relationships.
What are you working on next?
I’m taking a detour from my Canadian historical fiction series to co-write a standalone novel with a debut local author, to be released at the end of the year.
His Girl is published by Vasco Publishing and available at local Glengarry stores, including the Glengarry Market, the Book Garden, Coles (starting in May), and Red Cart Books, as well as Amazon and Indigo.
Readers can visit leahlindeman.com or follow linktr.ee/leahtvasquez.
Are you an author in Cornwall or SD&G &A with a new or recent book? Reach out to Nicole Winters at: [email protected] for a chance to be featured in an upcoming author’s spotlight.
Nicole Winters is a writer, editor, and lover of stories. She has spent decades shaping everything from novels to film scripts and refining training materials and digital learning content. She is the author of two traditionally published young adult novels, including TT Full Throttle, named one of the Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s Best Books for Kids & Teens, and the bestselling teen romance The Jock and the Fat Chick. She is always on the lookout for a great story to recommend and is currently working on her third novel.
About the Author
