This is Ink & Intrigue—the blog where romance ignites, secrets simmer, and every love story hides a twist. I’m your blog host, Sheila Kell, romance author and lover of plot twists, slow burns, and morally questionable book boyfriends.
Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to an author whose heartwarming stories with relatable heroines who navigate the challenges of living a balanced life, laugh-out-loud moments, and romance—Christine Columbus! If you’re a fan of Debbie Macomber’s gentle optimism and Sherryl Woods’ family-driven plots, you will love this charming, feel-good read.
Christine Columbus is known for crafting intimate, emotionally layered romances where real life and real love collide in the most unexpected ways. Her newest novel, Chance Meeting, is a warm, love story threaded with secrets, hope, and the spark that happens when two people meet at exactly the wrong—and right—moment.
In this spotlight, Christine Columbus talks about how life on the road—volunteering at wildlife refuges and state parks—eventually nudged her back into storytelling, and she takes us behind the scenes of Chance Meeting, where Melody’s over forty juggling act of family, work, and unexpected romance mirrors the messy, heartfelt truths that inspired the book.
Whether you write love stories, devour them, or dream of doing both, you’re in the right place. Let’s get into it and give a warm welcome to Christine Columbus💖
What drew you to writing romance in particular
Romance gives me space to explore the small, meaningful moments that shape our lives—the quiet gestures, the unexpected connections, the way love shows up when you’re busy doing everything else. I didn’t set out to write romance; I sort of stumbled into it after years of writing children’s stories and creative nonfiction. But once I started, I realized how much I enjoyed writing about people finding hope, humor, and second chances, especially later in life.
Can you tell us about your latest romance and what inspired the story?
Chance Meeting grew out of a simple “what if” — what if a woman who’s spent her life taking care of everyone else suddenly meets someone who sees her? Melody’s story came from a mix of humor, heartache, and the complicated reality of being over forty and juggling family, work, and a secret that could change everything. I wanted to write a romance that felt real, tender, and a little messy in the best way.
What romance tropes do you love to write—and which ones do you avoid?
I love second chances, slow burn attraction, and stories where love grows out of everyday life. I’m drawn to characters who are a little older and carrying a little baggage — it makes the romance richer. I tend to avoid love triangles and anything that relies on over the top drama. Real life gives us enough of that.
What was your journey to publication like?
Winding. I published children’s stories, poetry, and flash fiction years ago, then stepped away from writing entirely while traveling the country with my husband. Coming back to romance felt like coming home. It wasn’t a straight path, but it was the right one.
What are you working on next?
I’d Rather Kiss You Goodnight, was published on September of 2025, another heartfelt romance with humor, over forty, who are trying their best to get life right. I have also signed with Stardust Romance for Love Called A Second Time, a closed door, rom-com. And my current works in progress is a Woman’s Fiction and a Cozy Mystery series.
What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
I spent ten years traveling the U.S. with my husband, volunteering at wildlife refuges and state parks. It was an unexpected chapter that shaped me in ways I’m still discovering and prefer living in a camper to stick and brick housing.
Motto:
I always told my children. It’s only money, don’t worry, you can always make more.
When I write, I think it’s only words, I can always make-up more…so I have no trouble editing, cutting, deleting, changing…
Christine’s Bio:
Eighteen years ago, while living in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and waiting for my ship to come in. I published several short stories and a novel with The Wild Rose Press.
After that, I took an Adult Gap Year that lasted thirteen years.
In 2024, I signed a contract with The Wild Rose Press for my sweetheart romance novel, Chance Meeting.
I am excited to be back writing and looking forward to the release of Chance Meeting and sometime in 2025, I’d Rather Kiss You Goodnight.
I hope you loved getting to know Christine Columbus and hearing about her inspirations, journey, and latest release, Chance Meeting. If you haven’t added this to your TBR yet, now’s the time—trust me, you won’t want to miss it. 💖
You can connect with Christine Columbus here:
📱 Socials: https://www.facebook.com/christinecolumbus/
https://www.instagram.com/Christine_Columbus/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinecolumbusnet?
https://bsky.app/profile/christinecolumbus.bsky.social
🛒 Grab her books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0C5RX93QD
Thank you for joining me in spotlighting a fellow author who’s giving us all the feels. Stay tuned for more author features, book talk, and behind-the-scenes romance goodness.
Until next time—keep reading, keep swooning! 💖