Chapters of Joy with Shanna Hatfield
Celebrating the people that write stories that bring us joy.
Welcome to my new weekly blog series called Chapters of Joy! Every week we’ll dive into an interview with an author to get some behind the scenes insight on the lives of the people that write stories that bring us so much joy.
At no cost to you I may receive a commission for items purchased through links.
“When I feel the need for inspiration and comfort I reach for a book by Shanna Hatfield.”
— Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author
Thanks so much for joining us for the very first issue of Chapters of Joy. I’m thrilled to have you here. Before we get started, I’d like to say thank you for sending me a gorgeous signed copy of your latest book!
📖 The Bridge by Shanna Hatfield | 366 pages, published October 7, 2025 by Wholesome Hearts Publishing
For readers who may not know you yet, please tell us something about yourself that we might not find in your professional bio.
I grew up on a farm that was a dozen miles from the nearest town, which, at that time, didn’t even have a stoplight. But once a year, for the 4th of July, the town burst at the seams with a rodeo, race, and parade. I thought it was magical. The experiences I had, both on the farm and in our small town, gave me a wonderful foundation for writing small-town stories. Even though The Bridge is set in a bustling city, the feeling of community and friendship in the story comes from my small-town roots.
On writing and inspiration
Were any of your characters inspired by real-life people or relationships?
The Bridge does not have characters inspired by real-life people, but most of my characters have tidbits of characteristics, personality quirks, memories they share, or even food they like that reflects someone or something personal to me. For example, in this story, Carter, the tow truck driver, recalls how much he liked his first-grade teacher. I adored my first-grade teacher, and that carried over into part of Carter’s story.
What are some romance tropes you love, and are there any you avoid in your writing?
Tropes are so fun and there are some I especially love, like grumpy/sunshine, fish out of water, best friend’s sibling, second chance, arranged marriage, forced proximity, and holiday romance.
One trope I have never enjoyed is a love triangle, so I tend to avoid writing them.
What do you hope readers will take away from your characters’ journey?
That there is always hope. That the kindness of strangers can feel like a miracle. That life can be chaotic and unexpected, and we can still choose to find the good in every day.
What has been the most rewarding part of your journey as an author so far?
My readers. I love connecting with readers. When they tell me one of my books has helped them, it makes all the challenges, late nights of writing, and hard work worthwhile. Many readers have become friends, and I’m grateful for each one of them.
I’ve also found such joy in the friendships with fellow authors. It is a community rich in encouragement and support.
What’s a compliment you always enjoy receiving?
When a reader tells me she’s rereading one of my books, it makes me so happy—to know she loved it enough to read it again. It also warms my heart when a reader shares that she learned something from one of my books, or found added value, even if it is just from the recipes I include at the back.
Getting to know more
What’s the most embarrassing fashion trend you’ve followed?
Well, considering I was a teen in the 1980s … there are probably several! One was the big, poofy, permed hair that was popular then. Oh, and shoulder pads. Enormous shoulder pads that made me look like a misplaced linebacker. I also had an entire collection of corset belts that I dearly loved.
What’s your favorite childhood memory?
One of my earliest childhood memories is from when I was three or so, because we moved to a new house when I was four. The memory is from when we lived in what we called the “old house.” Mom was making dinner, and I was in the kitchen, sitting in the rocking chair in the corner with a book, “reading” it to her. I’m sure the story I was telling her had nothing to do with what was written on the pages, but it’s a special memory because it reminds me I’ve always loved books, and my mother was the one who shared that love for them with me.
What’s the most random thing in your bag right now?
Q-tips – because they are just handy to have on hand sometimes.
What’s your favorite way to destress?
I have several things I enjoy doing to destress. Reading is at the top of the list. I also enjoy baking, making flower arrangements, and I love wrapping gifts.
If you could instantly become an expert in anything, what would it be?
Marketing and advertising. That would be followed by an expert pianist, and an expert financial investor.
What’s something on your bucket list?
To visit every state in America. I still have many to cross off that list!
Favorites and a little ‘this or that’
One of my favorite things about the bookish community is discovering new authors and books - are there any books you love that you’ll never stop recommending?
✨A Girl of the Limberlost by Gene Stratton-Porter
✨Little Britches by Ralph Moody
✨Just a Regular Boy by Catherine Ryan Hyde
Thank you so much for joining us for the very first issue of Chapters of Joy!!
Author Bio | Shanna Hatfield
USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield creates character-driven romances with realistic heroes and heroines. Her contemporary fiction has been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way” and her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanaza and The Virginian.”
Shanna grew up on a farm where her childhood brimmed with sunshine, hay fever and an ongoing supply of learning experience. Now based in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, better known as Captain Cavedweller, the award-winning author spends her time writing and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.
CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR ONLINE
Official Website: ShannaHatfield.com
Facebook: /AuthorShannaHatfield
Pinterest: /shannahatfield
Instagram: @shannahatfieldf
Goodreads: ShannaHatfield
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With joy from the stacks
