Have you ever read a story that speaks to your soul, one that weaves together faith, family, and hidden truths? Embracing Her Inheritance by Debra L. Butterfield does just that. This contemporary Christian novel taps into themes of trust, forgiveness, and personal growth—all wrapped in the mystery of family secrets. In a recent interview, Debra shared the inspiration behind the story, the role of faith in her characters’ journeys, and the life lessons readers can take away from Sally Clark’s compelling adventure.
A Story Rooted in Faith
Debra Butterfield didn’t just pull Embracing Her Inheritance from thin air. Inspired by her previous book, Claiming Her Inheritance, she knew her readers wanted more of Sally Clark’s story. Debra found guidance in Isaiah 61:7, a grounding Scripture for the series, which speaks of restoration and inheritance. This Bible verse became the backbone for Sally’s spiritual journey throughout the novel.
Sally isn’t just dealing with an inheritance of wealth—she’s uncovering hidden truths and grappling with a spiritual inheritance, learning that God’s love is always within reach. As Debra puts it, “Sally’s faith is strong, but she learns more about God and His love for her as the story progresses.”
The Power of Family Secrets in Christian Fiction
One of the most intriguing aspects of Embracing Her Inheritance is its exploration of family secrets. Sally’s journey is not only about financial wealth but also about the emotional and spiritual legacies left behind by her estranged father. Debra explains, “Shame and guilt create a lot of family secrets, and these are tools of the enemy, Satan. They are not how God intends His children to live.”
In Christian fiction, inheritance often carries a spiritual weight. It mirrors the inheritance we receive through Christ, but Sally’s story takes it a step further by showing how unresolved family issues can impact our relationship with God. The book’s message is clear: no matter how messy our family history is, healing and forgiveness are possible through faith.
Trusting God Through Life’s Twists and Turns
One of the novel’s central themes is trust—both in people and in God. Sally’s distrust of men, stemming from past trauma, taints her relationship with others and even with God. Yet, as Debra beautifully shares, Sally’s journey teaches her (and us) that “God is but a breath away. When we find ourselves in a battle, He’s right there for us. All we have to do is ask for His help.”
It’s a reminder we all need: even when life throws curveballs or our faith feels shaky, God’s presence never falters. This theme resonates deeply throughout the novel, making it more than just a story about family inheritance—it’s a spiritual journey readers won’t soon forget.
Connecting with Readers on a Personal Level
What makes Embracing Her Inheritance so relatable is Sally’s struggle with self-worth. Many readers wrestle with believing they are worthy of love—whether from others or from God. Sally’s journey mirrors that of many Christians who wonder if they are truly deserving of the blessings God offers. Debra hopes the book shows readers “they are worthy and loved by God, and that what others say about them doesn’t matter.”
This connection between Sally’s internal struggles and the readers’ own insecurities creates a powerful bond. Sally’s growth throughout the novel reflects the spiritual maturity and healing we can all strive for in our own lives.
A Christian Novel with Real-Life Lessons
At its core, Embracing Her Inheritance is not just about uncovering family secrets—it’s about healing, growth, and making choices that shape our future. Debra Butterfield hopes readers will walk away from Sally’s story realizing “they can create the life they want through the choices they make.”
In Sally’s case, forgiveness plays a huge role in her personal and spiritual growth, especially as she wrestles with the memory of her abusive, estranged father. The message here is clear: no matter how broken a family may seem, forgiveness and healing are possible through God’s love.
