Family By Choice

Bill and Brittany. Brother and sister. They grew up so close, yet so far apart and it was a mix of luck and fate that brought them together. Suddenly, in a flash, in a moment of heroism, both of their lives are forever changed. It isn't the event as much as our reaction that defines who we are as people. Brittany has always reacted with grace and dignity when confronted with trauma. Sometimes, everyone has their breaking point, and for her, what happens to Bill causes a response no one saw coming. Courage Lies Within is the story of a family fractured after being pushed to the limit. Sometimes, even when we know what's right, we still choose a different path. Sometimes, it's the only way to survive. Sometimes it can have devastating consequences.

Julie. Throughout everything, Julie has been the reason this family survived. She is the glue that holds them all together, as her brothers like to tell everyone. She is the mother of two strong teenagers who adore and need her. She is the wife of a hero; one who embodies strength and courage. Julie is hope. She is also tenacious and protective. What happens to her catches everyone off guard. Bill blames himself. The threats against this family have always been relentless and for the most part, they have been contained. This one came out of nowhere. Julie has no choice but to fight. For her life.

Jade. A beautiful, strong crystal that symbolizes strength and healing. A perfect name for a powerful woman who has battled against the odds her entire life. Sometimes, the best we can do is simply not enough. Life doesn't care if you're a mother or a wife, if you have young children who need you or friends who adore you. Life doesn't care if your husband would be lost without you. Life reminds us, over and over again, how little control we have. Jade is needed and loved and important and vibrant. None of that matters when her heart gives out. A second transplant is not an option. Time is not on her side. The family gathers to bid farewell. Sometimes, despite everything, we have no control over what is meant to be.

There is nothing worse than a child being injured or sick. When you have a family of doctors, the inability to help can be suffocating. Jack and Stephanie are dealing with Tessa's complications the best way they can. It's excruciating to know your child is in pain and there is nothing you can do to fix it. Bill and Julie are trying to help their children through the senseless loss of a best friend while dealing with David's injuries which suddenly become much more serious. The kids are also growing and becoming their own individuals, with a mix of their parent's convictions and their own. It's easy to get caught up in the day to day struggles. It's easy to forget that for some of us, those struggles are never ending. Tommy and Brittany have learned that lesson over and over again. Naomi is blossoming into a beautiful and intelligent young woman. They are coming to terms with their new normal, now that Tommy can't operate. Things get pushed aside. Minor aches and pains get ignored. When we don't make time to listen to our bodies, our bodies force us to hear them. Brittany has ignored things for too long. Her life is about to take a tragic turn. Suddenly, those five words keep coming to mind. Till death do us part.

Nothing matters, if only love endures the unexpected darkness. A simple sentence that launched the first five books in the Family by Choice series. Brittany and Tommy. Jack and Stephanie. Julie and Bill. These characters have become my family and it has been an honor and a privilege to write them into existence. But it's time for this chapter to end. Brittany and Tommy's story was always about love and family. Two broken souls in need of awakening. Jack and Stephanie were the ignition. Julie and Bill were the glue. Tommy and Brittany were the reason. When approaching the final installment of the series, I wanted to be sure to honor the characters and give them an ending worthy of their importance. There will be tears and laughter. Some will never be the same. But there is always, always hope. It's not just about the life we lead, but the impact we make on the world. Brittany always wanted that impact to matter. What's left behind is her legacy.