Frontier Horizon
As the concluding novel in the Frontier Hearts Trilogy, Frontier Horizon brings Nate and Jack’s journey to its long-awaited conclusion. In this Q&A, I answer some of the most common questions about the final book, the themes that shaped it, and what it was like bringing the people of Silver Creek, and their story, to a meaningful close. As always, I’ll continue adding new questions over time, so be sure to check back. If you have any questions of your own, feel free to leave it in the comments, and I may feature it here in a future update.
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Was it difficult saying goodbye to Silver Creek?
Absolutely. By the time I began writing Frontier Horizon, Silver Creek had become much more than a setting—it felt like home. The people, the streets, the schoolhouse, the boarding house…they all became familiar places in my mind. Finishing the trilogy was incredibly rewarding, but also bittersweet because I knew I’d be saying goodbye to characters who had become part of my daily life for quite some time.
What was the biggest challenge in writing the final book?
The biggest challenge was bringing together the many storylines and character arcs in a way that felt natural and satisfying. I never wanted the ending to feel rushed or overly dramatic. My goal was simply to allow the story to conclude in a way that honored the characters and everything they had experienced throughout the trilogy.
Why did you choose the title Frontier Horizon?
The title represents looking beyond the present and toward the future. Throughout the trilogy, Nate and Jack gradually build a life together, but Frontier Horizon asks what lies beyond that journey. It’s about legacy, hope, and the idea that every ending also marks the beginning of something new.
Did the ending always happen the way you originally envisioned?
Yes. The broad direction remained remarkably consistent from the beginning. I knew where I wanted the trilogy to end emotionally, even before I started writing Frontier Kindred. What surprised me along the way wasn’t the destination—it was how the characters themselves grew and often guided me toward moments I hadn’t originally planned.
What do you hope readers take away from Frontier Horizon?
More than anything, I hope readers finish the trilogy with a sense of hope. While Frontier Horizon concludes Nate and Jack’s story, I hope it also reminds readers that love, kindness, friendship, and community have the power to leave lasting legacies long after individual stories come to an end.
Looking back, what did writing the Frontier Hearts Trilogy teach you?
It completely changed the way I think about character development. I learned that if you create characters honestly and allow them room to grow, they’ll often surprise you in the best possible ways. The trilogy also taught me that the relationships between characters are what readers remember most, and that’s a lesson I’ll carry with me into every future project.
Will you ever return to Silver Creek?
Never say never. Right now, I feel that the trilogy tells the complete story I wanted to tell, and I’m very satisfied with where I left the characters. But Silver Creek will always hold a special place in my heart, so I’ve learned never to completely rule anything out.
