From Combat Boots to Christian Romantic Suspense: Jessica Ashley’s Journey
From Combat Boots to Plot Twists After seven years in the Army, Jessica Ashley traded her combat boots for plot twists, determined to craft sto...
Keep ReadingAfter seven years in the Army, Jessica Ashley traded her combat boots for plot twists, determined to craft stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats while offering swoon-worthy romance. But her journey as a writer has been anything but ordinary.
Jessica is an Army veteran who lives in Texas with the love of her life and their three children. After spending nearly a decade writing spicy paranormal and fantasy romance as a USA Today bestselling author, she felt the desire to do something completely different.
For over a decade, Jessica Ashley built a successful career in the secular romance world, writing under two pen names and penning over sixty novels—many of them bestsellers. However, as her faith deepened, she felt God calling her in a new direction. It was a call she couldn’t ignore.
Now, Jessica Ashley dedicates her talent to writing Christian romantic suspense, weaving together faith, danger, and love in ways that reflect the power of redemption. Her stories feature strong heroes, resilient heroines, and the kind of faith that shines brightest in the dark. She will still tell heartbreakingly beautiful stories with strong women and protective men, but this time they will also feature the joy of faith and the importance of following God in whatever journey He sets you on.
Living in Texas with her husband of fifteen years and their three children, Jessica Ashley’s life is a beautiful blend of homeschooling, homemade bread, and storytelling. She understands the challenges of balancing faith, family, and a thriving writing career, but through it all, she remains committed to crafting books that remind readers: even the darkest night can lead to a brighter dawn.
Every one of Jessica Ashley’s books is influenced by scripture, with a Bible verse (or three!) forming the heart of each story. Her goal? To remind readers that no matter how far they feel from God, He never turns His back on them. No matter how lost someone may feel, they are never beyond redemption.
Her faith-driven approach to storytelling ensures that even in the most suspenseful, heart-pounding moments, there is always a thread of hope. She crafts her novels with the belief that faith is not just something we lean on in times of crisis, but a guiding light in everyday life. Through her characters’ struggles and triumphs, Jessica Ashley aims to inspire and encourage her readers in their own faith journeys.
When asked what advice she’d give to those dreaming of publishing their own stories, Jessica Ashley keeps it simple: IGNORE THE NOISE. While learning from others is important, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to success. “The best thing I ever did for my career was fail,” she says, “because it taught me to get back up and try something else.”
She encourages aspiring writers to stay true to their voices and trust in the process. The writing journey is filled with highs and lows, but perseverance and faith are the keys to pushing forward. She knows firsthand that the road to success is rarely straight, but every detour and challenge can lead to something greater.
Many people assume that authors have their stories perfectly mapped out before they ever type a word. But for Jessica Ashley, that couldn’t be further from the truth. “A lot of the time, I have literally no idea what’s going to happen or who the big bad is when I start,” she admits. “It’s a surprise to me, too!”
The process of discovery is part of what makes writing so thrilling for her. She allows her characters to lead the way, trusting that the story will unfold exactly as it should. This organic approach gives her books a sense of authenticity and unpredictability that keeps readers hooked from the first page to the last.
Beyond writing, Jessica Ashley is passionate about connecting with her readers and encouraging fellow writers. She believes storytelling is a powerful tool for ministry, and she hopes that through her books, readers will find not only entertainment but also encouragement and spiritual nourishment. Whether through suspenseful twists or heartfelt moments of romance, her goal remains the same: to remind people that God is present in every moment of their lives.
Jessica Ashley’s journey from the military to a bestselling author of inspirational suspense is a testament to the power of faith and perseverance. If you love stories filled with high stakes, deep emotions, and an unwavering trust in God’s plan, you won’t want to miss her books.
Find out more and purchase signed paperbacks at www.jessicaashleybooks.com.
