What does modern-day dating look like? And why is that relevant to us as readers?

Honestly, my friend, as a seventy-something woman, it didn’t seem that important to me. Especially in a nice Christian romance novel. But this month’s featured author, Stephanie Mack, bulldozed that complacency with an uncomfortable, yet sometimes humorous, and most definitely insightful look into the challenges of diving into the troubled waters of modern dating–and in southern California which is a world of its own. And finally, why as someone with a heart toward women’s faith and healing, it is important.

Who is this brave woman who courageously guides us into this world? Stephanie Mack is an author, speaker, and podcast host with a passion for the art of great storytelling. Her novels blend women’s fiction and romantic elements with meaningful insights for readers navigating the complexities of modern life.

Throughout her career, Stephanie has been trusted to craft language for individuals, publications, and Fortune 500 companies. As a podcast host, she has interviewed numerous New York Times bestselling authors and literary stars. Stephanie’s work has also appeared on Scary Mommy, Faithit, Coffee + Crumbs, and more.

Stephanie lives in Orange County, California, with her husband and three daughters, balancing motherhood, creativity, and community. She invites readers to connect with her on social media and through her newsletter, where she shares book recommendations, behind-the scenes insights, and conversations about life and womanhood.

So what is this book about that has folks talking?

Newly divorced Seraphina Jones has returned to the corporate world after four years as a stay-at-home mom. She loves her job at prestigious Hamilton Hotels & Resorts, but the transition from playdates to boardrooms has been tricky, leaving her little space for anything else as a single mom.

Encouraged by her friends to start dating again, Sera tries a wildly popular new app built for people exhausted by swipe culture. Blinde is photo-free, designed to spark meaningful conversations. With renewed confidence—and a groove in co-parenting with her ex, Connor—Sera decides she’s ready to explore romance. Suddenly, there are several contenders: Graham Hamilton, the gorgeous young heir to his family’s
hotel empire; Jack, the irresistible match on Blinde whose messages feel like fate; and Connor himself, who still stirs up feelings she wishes her heart would forget.

But while Sera thinks she’s juggling three different men, there are really only two. Jack is actually Connor, who was shocked to be matched with Sera on Blinde and is secretly hoping to connect with her all over again.

When the truth comes to light, Sera is forced to ask herself: Is love at second sight truly possible, or is it finally time to move on from her failed marriage?

With a hint of You’ve Got Mail and a sophisticated approach to Christian chicklit, When We Blinked roped me in and made me really think.

CAUTIONARY NOTE: After much reflection and discussion with other authors, I do believe this Women’s Contemporary Christian Romance is “clean” even with moments of sensualness between the protagonists. Nothing graphic, but for that reason, I would caution parents to read before giving to their 16+ year old daughters. In fact, I believe it is worth reading if there are teenagers in the household for educational purposes.

Let’s get to know this fresh new voice in Christian fiction.

What did you read as a child? Or what did/do you read to your children/grandchildren?

I read everything I could get my hands on, but the most formative series for me were The Boxcar Children, The Chronicles of Narnia, and Nancy Drew. And when I got a little older, I fell head over heels for Robin Jones Gunn’s Christy Miller series! Looking back, I can see how these books shaped so much of what I love about storytelling today: mystery, adventure, faith, friendship, and, of course, a good romance. It’s no wonder I grew up to write the kinds of stories I do!

Do you have any strange writing habits/quirks?

I am a MASSIVE checklist girl! I set goals for myself every week—and then, every day. Whether that’s “edit four chapters” or “write 2,000 words”. For me, mentally and emotionally, the simple task of writing it down and checking it off creates huge accountability and forward momentum.

What is a question no one has asked you about When We Blinked, and you wish they would? Why?

I wish someone would ask me if I was inspired by the Netflix show Love Is Blind. Because the answer is a resounding NO! 😂 In fact, I was writing the final chapters of When We Blinked when Netflix announced the show—and this story had already been baking in my head and heart for about a year.

My first reaction? Pure dread. Nooooo! MY BOOK! Everyone is going to think I copied this show! But eventually, I reframed it. Maybe this was a good thing. Maybe the idea of loving someone sight unseen was having a moment. Maybe it was something people were hungry for.

And just look at the show’s wild success!

I think this happens in arts and culture all the time. Something gets into the air, into the zeitgeist, and suddenly we’re exploring the same questions through different stories and mediums. I’m honored that When We Blinked is part of that conversation. Because at its heart, I think the idea of loving someone without seeing them—of looking beyond what’s visible to discover what’s true—is incredibly powerful.

What is the best writing tip you have ever received? How was it helpful?

“If you never try, you’ll never know.” It’s so simple, but wow, you know? If I’d let fear hold me back—if I’d never opened that Word document and tried my hand at writing a novel—I would’ve missed out on the rest of my life!

What is the least helpful writing tip you ever received? Why wasn’t it helpful?

“You are too happy to ever write meaningful poetry.”

I don’t know that this qualifies as a tip, but it’s certainly the least helpful thing a professor ever said to me. She actually kept me after poetry class during graduate school to tell me this!

It was unkind, unhelpful, and, honestly just incorrect.

So, what did I do? I went home and wrote her a poem about someone in my life who was battling serious addiction at the time—and the devastating ripple effects on everyone around him. I returned to class. I read the poem aloud. Everybody fell silent. My professor cleared her throat, looked up at me, and said, “Well. This is eminently publishable.”

I’ll never forget that moment. It can be a gift to be underestimated. But let’s maybe not assume that just because someone is full of joy, they can’t speak to the depths of the human experience. You have no idea what they’ve endured. Maybe they’ve chosen joy. Maybe they’ve earned it. Maybe her happiness is a symptom of impossible strength.

So, I refuse to stop smiling. But I also refuse to stop telling the harder truths.

November’s A2A Giveaway!

Yes! Thanks to Tyndale House Publishing, the winner will receive two softcover copies of Stephanie’s first two books, When We Blinked and Twenty Something Else!

Leave a comment below and share this blog and if you haven’t already, please subscribe to my newsletter at the bottom of this blog and receive another free gift from me — and an extra entry.

NOTE: WANT TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING THIS INCREDIBLE GIVEAWAY?*

Check out my YouTubeA2A interview with Stephanie. Because, in the video interview Stephanie answers different fun questions–and we have some inspiring discussions, especially as it pertains to Christian Romance today! 

By Liking and Commenting on the video episode, you will have one more entry.* Sharing the video, another entry.* Subscribe, and you have TWO entries for a chance to win.* 

The Deadline is November 12th    

Watch our interview–

That means, my friends, if you comment and subscribe -– or are already a subscriber -– to my blog, then watch the video and LIKE, SHARE, and COMMENT on the VIDEO, then Subscribe to my YouTube Channel, your name will be entered SIX TIMES!*

Next month’s A2A Guest: Due to health reasons, there will be no December A2A show. However, we’ll have what will no doubt be a fantastic interview with Jaime Jo Wright. Keep the lights on because we’ll be talking about her latest and upcoming books.

Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed getting to know Stephanie! Until next month, God bless and KEEP READING! 

*So sorry, entries from the contiguous US only.