2007 Golden Heart® Finalist

• A classic World War II love story with a twist...

While stationed in Europe during World War II, Midwestern farm boy Morgan McClain discovers life in the trenches to be gruesomely unbearable. His only saving grace is the exchange of deeply revealing letters with a woman he danced with at a farewell USO event. Each letter endears him more to Betty, whom he comes to know as a poetic university student with unsurpassed beauty. Through their correspondence, they guide and support each other through family dilemmas and wartime tragedies - and ultimately fall in love. As the end of the war approaches, however, his correspondent risks losing all adoration from the soldier who has captured her heart when she is forced to reveal her true identity and the reason for her ongoing deception.

• Inspiration behind the story:

Between the Lines is a first novel loosely inspired by Kristina’s own personal heroes of the Second World War: her grandfather, a charismatic Navy man who proposed marriage to his "sweetheart" after only two encounters that led to fifty years of devotion; and her grandmother, a witty romantic who saved every one of the heartfelt letters responsible for bringing them together. It is for the heroes of this era, rightfully dubbed "the Greatest Generation," whom Kristina hopes to honor with her story.

2008 Golden Heart® Finalist

• The revelation of a dark family secret spurs a woman's emotional journey...

Successful yet emotionally-stifled artist Kate Flaherty stands at the deathbed of her estranged father, a man whose morphine-induced confession reveals the dark truth behind her mother's untimely demise. Distraught, Kate flees for home, where an awaiting confrontation with her husband will decide the fate of their troubled marriage. A car accident interrupts her journey, however, leading her down an unexpected path that forces her to reevaluate her beliefs and make choices that will impact the rest of her life.

• Inspiration behind the story:

Flaherty's Crossing was originally inspired by Kristina's maternal grandfather. His Irish wit, stubbornness, and the bravery he exuded during his relentless battle with terminal cancer sparked the idea for a novel during a reminiscent chat with Kristina's mother over a few glasses of wine. Not only does this faith-seeking tale delve into the complex emotions of bidding a final farewell to an estranged parent, but it also explores the strain placed on a marital relationship when childhood issues go unresolved.