Whispers of Appalachia

Welcome to Harrison Valley!

Hi there! I am Misty Williams, author of the Whispers of Appalachia series and I'm really glad you've stopped by! I've been writing stories and "books" since I was ten or eleven, and today I am dedicated to crafting deeply emotional, clean and wholesome contemporary Christian fiction. My dear husband, Richard, is my first editor, sounding board, and my reality check. He is my hero and it is my privilege to honor him by acknowledging his deeply necessary contributions to the world of Harrison Valley.

In reading a lot of Christian fiction, we both noted that the genre seems to shy away from real-world, contemporary situations. Entertaining as that may be, it falls short in one area that we believe is essential in encouraging people to maintain their faith and their commitment to it. Fiction not only entertains, but it instructs. (Parables, anyone?) If most of the fiction young people read is set in the distant past or in communities most contemporary Christian people have no connection to, the instruction may be terrific, but it can feel distant and as though doesn't have a practical application.

The Whispers of Appalachia stories began because we kept hearing kids talk about not knowing how to "adult." We were both raised to be adults, to assume adult roles. It sort of surprised us to realize that wasn't always the norm anymore. Part of what I hope to do in writing is to fill in the gap between extended adolescence and real-world "adulting."

Richard and I share a passion for family legacy, personal transformation, and real-world faith that lit a fire in my mind. My job is the plot lines, to breathe life into the heart, setting, and emotional depth of the characters. Richard brings a vital layer of authenticity to the table. I freely admit to sometimes being swept away by the romance and Richard has no problem saying "But no real guy would act that way." By ensuring the stories reflect a man's true perspective, thoughts, and integrity, our collaborative partnership allows us to create male leads—like Dr. Aiden Graham—who feel genuinely real.

Why We Write
We believe that Christian fiction shouldn't shy away from the real-world temptations and desires that young adults face. Too often, topics like pursuing chastity and setting dating boundaries are avoided in church circles, or, they're considered old fashioned, foolish, or "lame." This leaves young people expected to maintain purity without the practical tools or honest conversations to help them succeed.

Our mission is to bridge that gap. I write openly about our characters' internal convictions, emotional intimacy, and physical boundaries, while maintaining a strict promise of zero on-page explicit content. Please note that this does not mean that the characters do not encounter non-believers and their bad habits. It's contemporary, after all. But the gratuitous use of vulgar language is not part of my writing style, and it doesn't have a place in my work.

A second promise: You will always find the characters in the stories challenged by some real-world thing that forces them to make choices to serve themselves or to serve God. I love a happy ending, but I also value absolute honesty. So, through the character's experiences, scripture and the counsel of others I strive to provide a deep dive into the processes that guide the characters to making the choices that would please God most.

Whether you are a young adult looking for a relatable, searingly honest romance, or a parent looking for safe, wholesome entertainment that serves as a springboard for deeper family discussions, we hope the Whispers of Appalachia series brings inspiration, encouragement, and a little bit of Appalachian beauty into your home.