Bitten by the writing bug in sixth grade, Barbara’s efforts were further encouraged in middle and high school. Upon graduation from Old Dominion University, she worked in banking for 25 years, then became an administrative assistant with a local school system. Between 2010 and 2014, she had three books published, all Christian historical romance. Life events altered Barbara’s priorities—several unfinished manuscripts ended up in a file cabinet for many years. About two years ago, she joined a local ACFW group which led her to that file cabinet and her unfinished manuscripts.
Barbara hopes those who read her books will experience renewal and be encouraged on their own journey with God. Her stories are faith-driven, entwining actual historical events with her characters who discover love in spite of all that threatens to drive them apart.
Visit Barbara Blythe online
Far Grander Than Paradise
Unconventional, Zorinda Wemblish yearns for adventure and a life beyond her Norfolk, Virginia home populated with narrow-minded people and a former suitor seeking to destroy her reputation. Owner of one of the fastest clipper ships afloat, Captain Carris Trewellyn has two goals—make a profit and deliver his deceased brother’s children to their grandfather in the South Pacific as quickly as possible. Zorinda’s and Carris’s worlds collide when his disobedient wards run away, seeking help from Zorinda who is seeking passage to San Francisco. Once matters are sorted, Zorinda finds Captain Trewellyn intractable but aggravatingly attractive. Carris scorns attachment although Zorinda is uncomfortably captivating. A mutual need to seek missing family members alters the course of their lives leading them to a South Pacific paradise. But the paradise hides deceit and betrayal, jeopardizing their faith. And their lives.
- ISBN: B0FZMQR4KY
- Publisher: Elk Lake Publishing, Inc.
Interview with Barbara Blythe 2026
Far Grander than Paradise blends romance, danger, and far-flung adventure. What do you most hope readers experience when they step into this story?
I hope they will find themselves back in time when the only way to get to the Pacific Ocean was via ship and an eight-month voyage (to and from) if all went well. I hope they have a sensory experience through my descriptions of exotic locales and local cuisine. Most importantly, I hope they are intrigued by Zorinda and Carris as their romance blossoms, crumbles, and reignites when all seems lost.
Zorinda Wemblish longs for something beyond her familiar world, while Captain Carris Trewellyn is focused on duty and control. What made this pairing especially compelling for you to write?
Zorinda struggles in a society too eager to disparage anyone who is different. Half-American and half-Polynesian, she doesn’t fit in with the expectations of a young woman in the 1850s. She’s an artist who is afraid to share her talent and passion for fear such will only add to her odd reputation. Zorinda wishes to experience the world beyond the only home she’s ever known. She is generous and views others with an awareness that most people lack.
Carris, a man who has stoically borne his father’s disapproval and accepted his younger, half-brother’s irresponsibility and selfishness, has forged a life free of encumbrances and emotional attachments. Rules and predictability direct his life though the sea, as compelling as it is terrifying, draws him as no one and nothing ever has. Until he meets Zorinda who would boldly face any Goliath that threatens those she loves.
The South Pacific setting plays a pivotal role in the story. What drew you to this location, and what surprised you most as you researched it?
My father, a WWII Coast Guard vet who served in the South Pacific, often told me and my siblings about his layover in Bora Bora, which at the time of the war, served as an American supply base. I’ve never forgotten his tales, always wondering what it would be like now. I think the most interesting thing I learned was that Bora Bora was considered a kingdom ruled by a monarch until much later in the 19th century when France sent its representative to govern the island.
When it comes to your writing process, would you describe yourself as a plotter, a pantser, or something in between—and has that changed over time?
I work out the basics of the story in my mind, writing notes, creating names and characters. Many times after I begin writing, I see different scenarios evolving as the characters take on their personalities. They don’t often end up where I originally pictured them. As I write, sometimes what I thought would be a pivotal point is totally altered. I think I enjoy surprising myself with a different take on the characters’ journey. I guess that would make me a pantser.
Many of your stories place characters in situations where faith is tested under pressure. How do you approach showing spiritual growth organically within a fast-moving plot?
I begin my story with one main character firm in their faith, realistically entertaining doubts at times, but certain God is leading them in a certain direction. Complications result when the other main character, who may have once embraced faith, has been battered by life and now relies on themselves, creating a deep divide between the protagonists. As the story unfolds, both characters draw closer to each other and God, culminating in the moment when they surrender their will to God.
After returning to unfinished manuscripts, did you find that your perspective as a writer—or as a person—had changed? If so, how did that influence this new novel?
I actually wrote Far Grander than Paradise about twenty years ago. I had the plot and the story completed, but it was way too long and geared to a secular audience. As I examined my writing, I realized I wanted to honor God, and I couldn’t do that if I attempted to emulate other romance authors. So I revised the story, several times in fact, revealing the characters’ motives and purpose while on this voyage and how it paralleled their evolving relationship with God.
Your earlier published novels and Far Grander than Paradise share a love of history and adventure. In what ways do you feel your storytelling has grown or deepened over time?
After my first three novels were published, I experienced the loss of those very dear to me in unexpected ways. Now I sometimes draw upon my emotions while developing my characters who are also living through uncertain and frightening events. Even so, I always strive to give the reader a happy ending.
Community clearly plays an important role in your writing life. What has reconnecting with fellow writers meant to you during this new season?
I began meeting with local writers as far back as the late 1980s, some of whom were published authors. The group was a mix of several genres, primarily secular romance. I continued to meet with them until the early 2000s when I felt called to write for the Christian market. Another local group formed devoted to Christian writing, and during that time I found a publisher who gave me my first three opportunities. After I lost my husband, I stopped writing. Then three years ago, I retired from my local school system. The Virginia ACFW president, who lives locally, was hosting another Christian writers’ group. I joined and their encouragement convinced me to give writing another go. Sadly, that group has had difficulty finding a day and time that will meet all the members’ needs. We do still keep in touch, and several members have been a wonderful help as I’ve prepared for my book’s launch.
As both a reader and a writer of historical romance, what elements do you believe make the genre especially powerful for conveying faith?
I believe more people prioritized God in their lives in past centuries and such faith can serve as a prod for modern readers to return to Biblical fundamentals. There are so many things that distract and hinder us on our faith journey in modern times, things that didn’t exist in the time periods in which I write. I think what is so powerful is the fact those who live and love in my books can’t search the internet or meet someone on line or explore the world by hopping on a plane. Yet they manage to build committed lives together and face obstacles we’ll never know.
What are you most excited for readers to discover about Far Grander than Paradise when it releases in?
Several things—I hope they will enjoy the voyage of Zorinda, Carris, and the twins as they sail the Atlantic, travel around the tip of South America, and venture into the Pacific Ocean. I hope I’ve brought to life the beauty and grace of the magnificent clipper ships while portraying the elements of nature with which sailors of the time continuously battled. Maybe readers will find a message of hope and encouragement. And, perhaps, if there’s a sequel in the future, they’ll want to know what lies ahead for the twins.
Lastly, if you could only read one work of fiction one more time, what would it be?
Gone with the Wind—I’ll never forget I saw the movie in a huge theater when I was in middle school, and that, coupled with the encouragement from my sixth grade teacher, turned my mind to storytelling. And, consequently, romance.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Kimberly Keagan is a former corporate financial writer (not very romantic) who now crafts historical romances filled with strong heroines, swoon-worthy heroes, faith, and a touch of humor. Her debut novel, Perfect, released in May 2025. When not reading or writing, Kimberly enjoys baking, gardening, watching University of Arizona sports, and researching her family tree.
I hope they will find themselves back in time when the only way to get to the Pacific Ocean was via ship and an eight-month voyage (to and from) if all went well. I hope they have a sensory experience through my descriptions of exotic locales and local cuisine. Most importantly, I hope they are intrigued by Zorinda and Carris as their romance blossoms, crumbles, and reignites when all seems lost.
Zorinda Wemblish longs for something beyond her familiar world, while Captain Carris Trewellyn is focused on duty and control. What made this pairing especially compelling for you to write?
Zorinda struggles in a society too eager to disparage anyone who is different. Half-American and half-Polynesian, she doesn’t fit in with the expectations of a young woman in the 1850s. She’s an artist who is afraid to share her talent and passion for fear such will only add to her odd reputation. Zorinda wishes to experience the world beyond the only home she’s ever known. She is generous and views others with an awareness that most people lack.
Carris, a man who has stoically borne his father’s disapproval and accepted his younger, half-brother’s irresponsibility and selfishness, has forged a life free of encumbrances and emotional attachments. Rules and predictability direct his life though the sea, as compelling as it is terrifying, draws him as no one and nothing ever has. Until he meets Zorinda who would boldly face any Goliath that threatens those she loves.
The South Pacific setting plays a pivotal role in the story. What drew you to this location, and what surprised you most as you researched it?
My father, a WWII Coast Guard vet who served in the South Pacific, often told me and my siblings about his layover in Bora Bora, which at the time of the war, served as an American supply base. I’ve never forgotten his tales, always wondering what it would be like now. I think the most interesting thing I learned was that Bora Bora was considered a kingdom ruled by a monarch until much later in the 19th century when France sent its representative to govern the island.
When it comes to your writing process, would you describe yourself as a plotter, a pantser, or something in between—and has that changed over time?
I work out the basics of the story in my mind, writing notes, creating names and characters. Many times after I begin writing, I see different scenarios evolving as the characters take on their personalities. They don’t often end up where I originally pictured them. As I write, sometimes what I thought would be a pivotal point is totally altered. I think I enjoy surprising myself with a different take on the characters’ journey. I guess that would make me a pantser.
Many of your stories place characters in situations where faith is tested under pressure. How do you approach showing spiritual growth organically within a fast-moving plot?
I begin my story with one main character firm in their faith, realistically entertaining doubts at times, but certain God is leading them in a certain direction. Complications result when the other main character, who may have once embraced faith, has been battered by life and now relies on themselves, creating a deep divide between the protagonists. As the story unfolds, both characters draw closer to each other and God, culminating in the moment when they surrender their will to God.
After returning to unfinished manuscripts, did you find that your perspective as a writer—or as a person—had changed? If so, how did that influence this new novel?
I actually wrote Far Grander than Paradise about twenty years ago. I had the plot and the story completed, but it was way too long and geared to a secular audience. As I examined my writing, I realized I wanted to honor God, and I couldn’t do that if I attempted to emulate other romance authors. So I revised the story, several times in fact, revealing the characters’ motives and purpose while on this voyage and how it paralleled their evolving relationship with God.
Your earlier published novels and Far Grander than Paradise share a love of history and adventure. In what ways do you feel your storytelling has grown or deepened over time?
After my first three novels were published, I experienced the loss of those very dear to me in unexpected ways. Now I sometimes draw upon my emotions while developing my characters who are also living through uncertain and frightening events. Even so, I always strive to give the reader a happy ending.
Community clearly plays an important role in your writing life. What has reconnecting with fellow writers meant to you during this new season?
I began meeting with local writers as far back as the late 1980s, some of whom were published authors. The group was a mix of several genres, primarily secular romance. I continued to meet with them until the early 2000s when I felt called to write for the Christian market. Another local group formed devoted to Christian writing, and during that time I found a publisher who gave me my first three opportunities. After I lost my husband, I stopped writing. Then three years ago, I retired from my local school system. The Virginia ACFW president, who lives locally, was hosting another Christian writers’ group. I joined and their encouragement convinced me to give writing another go. Sadly, that group has had difficulty finding a day and time that will meet all the members’ needs. We do still keep in touch, and several members have been a wonderful help as I’ve prepared for my book’s launch.
As both a reader and a writer of historical romance, what elements do you believe make the genre especially powerful for conveying faith?
I believe more people prioritized God in their lives in past centuries and such faith can serve as a prod for modern readers to return to Biblical fundamentals. There are so many things that distract and hinder us on our faith journey in modern times, things that didn’t exist in the time periods in which I write. I think what is so powerful is the fact those who live and love in my books can’t search the internet or meet someone on line or explore the world by hopping on a plane. Yet they manage to build committed lives together and face obstacles we’ll never know.
What are you most excited for readers to discover about Far Grander than Paradise when it releases in?
Several things—I hope they will enjoy the voyage of Zorinda, Carris, and the twins as they sail the Atlantic, travel around the tip of South America, and venture into the Pacific Ocean. I hope I’ve brought to life the beauty and grace of the magnificent clipper ships while portraying the elements of nature with which sailors of the time continuously battled. Maybe readers will find a message of hope and encouragement. And, perhaps, if there’s a sequel in the future, they’ll want to know what lies ahead for the twins.
Lastly, if you could only read one work of fiction one more time, what would it be?
Gone with the Wind—I’ll never forget I saw the movie in a huge theater when I was in middle school, and that, coupled with the encouragement from my sixth grade teacher, turned my mind to storytelling. And, consequently, romance.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Kimberly Keagan is a former corporate financial writer (not very romantic) who now crafts historical romances filled with strong heroines, swoon-worthy heroes, faith, and a touch of humor. Her debut novel, Perfect, released in May 2025. When not reading or writing, Kimberly enjoys baking, gardening, watching University of Arizona sports, and researching her family tree.
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