Behind the Scenes: Lori DeJong on Sanctuary and Sabotage

Step behind the scenes with Scrivenings Press author Lori DeJong for a closer look at the inspiration, characters, faith, and creative journey behind her newest release, Sanctuary and Sabotage. From bringing Trevor back to the family ranch to balancing romance, suspense, and themes of hope and restoration, Lori shares some of the stories behind the story—and even gives readers a peek at what’s coming next in the Guarded Hearts Series.

What inspired you to write this book?

From the moment Trevor showed up in Mistletoe and Malice, I knew I had to write his story. When I started brainstorming plot ideas, I felt that a brother’s best friend trope fit him perfectly. So, I took him out of the big city, plopped him down at the family ranch he hasn’t been back to in sixteen years, and he immediately runs into Kinsley, little sister of his boyhood best friend. She’s not so little anymore, and sparks fly. At the worst possible time for Trevor.

What do you hope readers will take away from this story?

When bad or even tragic things happen, God can still work through that situation, no matter how much self-blame we might carry or how hopeless it feels in the moment. And that we can never fall away so far from God that we can’t get back.

What was your favorite scene to write without giving away any spoilers?

I think when Trevor and Kinsley went to their friends’ wedding was my favorite. That’s when things began moving in a more romantic direction for them, until memories of a past tragedy rear up for Trevor. It went from a sweet moment in time to something he had to finally face.

Is there anything from your own life that found its way into the story?

There’s a scene where Kinsley tells Trevor she’s fine with not knowing what the future holds because God’s already there. That came directly from a time in our lives when things had turned upside down for us, and I had to lean hard into my faith, knowing that, even though I had no idea what lay ahead for us, God was already there.

What was the hardest part of writing this book?

The suspense thread is always a challenge for me. Am I dropping hints too soon? Too late? Is the suspense compelling enough to keep the reader reading? I’m so thankful for my critique partners who give me excellent feedback. Also, researching all the veterinary information. Kinsley’s a large-animal veterinarian, so I wanted to make sure I was somewhat close in my depictions of her practice and so on. I have a friend who’s a vet, so she read over those portions of the book and gave me wonderful tips for edits.

What are you working on next?

Book 3 of the Guarded Hearts Series, Legacy and Lies, is set for release next September, so I’m hard at work writing that. Readers will meet Piper in Sanctuary and Sabotage, so I hope they’ll stick around to hear her story.