Date Published: June 9, 2026
Publisher: Clay Bridges Publishing
Sometimes, the second chance we truly need is the one we give ourselves.
Ginny Carmichael feels trapped in her abusive relationship until an otherworldly visit ignites her determination to break free. With her baby daughter in tow, she embarks on a courageous road trip that not only takes her away from danger but also leads her to unexpected kindness, genuine connections, and profound forgiveness.
Along the way, she meets a compassionate waitress, a spirited aunt, and ultimately her estranged mother, who may hold the key to her healing. As Ginny approaches her destination—and the truth about her worth—she discovers that escape was never the destination. Wholeness was.
Second Chance Highway is a poignant tale of faith, friendship, and the path to restoration and redemption, and is the sequel to the award-winning Always Think of Me.
Interview with Lori Keesey
Author of Second Chance Highway
Could you tell us about any research trips you took for this story? Which places did you visit, and what made them essential to your writing?
I decided to experience Ginny’s cross-country journey firsthand. Although I had already begun the novel, I realized I couldn’t continue until I took the trip myself. As my husband drove, I filled notebooks with observations and snapped photos of the scenery. We deliberately avoided detailed plans, allowing me to immerse myself in Ginny’s sense of unpredictability and uncertainty. For instance, just outside Oklahoma City, we stumbled upon a diner that ultimately inspired Monty’s Diner in the story.
What's the strangest thing you've ever had to research online for your book?
That’s a tough question. The strangest thing I did was watch Instagram videos of Las Vegas bartenders enthusiastically inviting patrons to their taverns, claiming the slot machines were ‘hot.’ Before my cousin—a Vegas native—showed me these reels, I had no idea they existed or that people avidly followed bartenders online.
What research (history, mythology, science) goes into your world-building?
Medical science certainly played a role in my world-building. Two of my characters—Oralyn and Audrey—face life-threatening illnesses, so I relied on online sources and friends, former emergency room nurses, to review and ensure the accuracy of these scenes.
Have any of the people you've known, past or present, left a lasting impression on your writing journey? If so, we'd love to hear about a memorable experience that stands out to you.
My first-grade teacher, who taught me to read, likely influenced me more than anyone else. I vividly remember one parent day. My teacher asked us to write and illustrate short stories, which she then displayed on the bulletin board. I wrote about three puppies lost in a hatbox. I’ll never forget her telling my mother that I had talent and should be encouraged to write. That single moment shaped my future—by third grade, I knew I wanted to be a writer. I, luckily, fulfilled that ambition. Before I wrote fiction, I worked as a journalist and communication consultant.
Do you write in the same genre all the time?
I’ve written two short stories and two novels, and I also publish a blog. My monthly newsletter to subscribers, Something to Chew On, is especially enjoyable because it allows me to explore any topic that inspires me.
If so, have you ever consider writing in another one?
Not really. Some people have suggested I start a podcast—which would certainly require both research and writing—, but I’m still undecided about pursuing that path.
Which character, supernatural or human, do you enjoy writing the most and why?
In Second Chance Highway, I especially enjoyed creating Oralyn—a kind, salt-of-the-earth woman learning to recognize her own worth. While I’ve never personally gotten involved emotionally with someone like Jacob, I know women who have. Exploring what causes people to become so fractured and self-involved fascinates me. Ultimately, writing these characters let me delve into the minds of people on opposite ends of the personality spectrum.
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