New Release: BURK'S SURRENDER, a Christian Romance Book

Happy Book Birthday to Burk's Surrender,

the third and final book in the Harmon Heritage series, 

where three siblings struggle to find healing and peace after their father's tragic death. 

Purchase Link ~ Available now

with Pelican Book Group

Deputy City Manager Burk Harmon has always been the strong one for his family, but recently those responsibilities have dwindled. When Lacie Heatherton, Assistant Director for Parks and Recreation, ropes him into a city-sponsored trip to the mountains with fifty seniors, Burk has two things on his mind: considering a possible promotion and wooing Lacie past friendship and into a future. Lacie has emotional scars and a thirteen-year-old daughter to remind her that men can be cruel and unforgiving. Can Burk convince Lacie to relax her "no dating" policy or will he surrender his dreams of family and love?

Harmon Heritage, available with Pelican Book Group

Rori's Healing ~ available now

Beck's Peace ~ available now

Burk's Surrender ~ available now!

Meet Lacie Heatherton from BURK'S SURRENDER, a Christian Romance Book

Tell us your name and a little bit about yourself.

Hi guys! I’m Lacie Heatherton. Oops, I mean Lacie Harmon. Burk and I have only been married a few weeks, so I still haven’t adjusted to my new name. My thirteen-year-old daughter, Violet, lives with us along with my grandma Wilma. But I suspect Grandma won’t be here too much longer. Monty’s been coming around every night. Can you believe she finally ditched the baggy sweatpants? :)

Tell us about where you live and why you choose to live there.

We live in Harrison, North Carolina, in a Craftsman home I saw online. I’d bookmarked it, thinking I could scrounge up enough savings to buy it for Violet and me. But, then I almost lost my job and Violet needed braces. And, well, you know how it is being a single parent. Of course, the listing expired, but Burk’s twin brother, Beck, remodels and stages homes for a real estate company. His company picked up the listing for the tiny house. He added a bunch of square footage and transformed it into a gorgeous home. We snapped it up. It’s perfect for our family, and I love it!

What is a quirk of your personality that most people wouldn’t know?

Burk couldn’t stand that the number four by the front door at Grandma’s house hung crooked. Every time he came over, he straightened it. What he didn’t know was that I twisted it just to mess with him. He never found out!

What obstacles did you have to overcome to reach your happily-ever-after?

I had to harness the fear that rose up like a tidal wave and threatened to drown me. Fear that he would hurt me just like all the other men in my life. Fear that a man in Violet’s life would hurt her and complicate our lives. I had to trust him and trust that our ten years of friendship meant something, that it proved he was a man I could depend on and that he would never hurt us.

Tell us about your knight in shining armor. What makes him special?

Like I said, he would never hurt us, and his friendship has never wavered. Even when we went through a rough patch and I told him to leave, he didn’t. He’s been my friend since practically the day I met him. Part of my job was to take the Parks and Rec collections to him every day. After a few months of doing that, I started to plan my visits for late afternoon, after everybody had gone home, so we could chat uninterrupted. He was always kind, never complained that I took up too much of his time, and he seemed genuinely friendly. He never tried to push my buttons or ask me out. One night I complained that our washer had kicked the bucket. He offered to fix it. That was the first of many fixes and dinners that I cooked in trade. So, when Renee left me in the lurch with the senior trip, I knew I could count on him to go with us if I asked. Nicely. Which I did. And can you believe he accused me of batting my eyelashes?

But you know what really lights up my heart about my husband? His faith. It’s quiet, but steady and sure. Just like him. And he’s a family man. After his faith, he puts his family first. Always has.

The first time you saw him, what did you think? Did you like him immediately, or did he have to grow on you?

Oh, I liked him. With his friendly smile and that incredibly deep voice, how could I not? But the first time I saw him, he was a college intern and I was…pregnant. I didn’t introduce myself. What was the point? Dating was not on my agenda. I had more important things to worry about. Like how to keep my job when I spent every morning running to the bathroom or where I would sleep that night.

But then he became Finance Director, and I finally had the chance to really get to know him. I thought he’d arrange for me to turn in the collections to someone else, being so busy and all, but he didn’t. Our conversations started veering to personal things, and we became friends more than business associates.

And he’s over six feet of gorgeous! But like him? Not a chance! Not after being beaten by Violet’s father when I told him I was pregnant and then being kicked out of the house by my stepfather. Poor Burk had his work cut out for him. I’m so glad he didn’t give up!

COMING SEPT 18
With Pelican Book Group

Deputy City Manager Burk Harmon has always been the strong one for his family, but recently those responsibilities have dwindled. When Lacie Heatherton, Assistant Director for Parks and Recreation, ropes him into a city-sponsored trip to the mountains with fifty seniors, Burk has two things on his mind: considering a possible promotion and wooing Lacie past friendship and into a future. Lacie has emotional scars and a thirteen-year-old daughter to remind her that men can be cruel and unforgiving. Can Burk convince Lacie to relax her "no dating" policy or will he surrender his dreams of family and love?

Meet Burk Harmon from BURK'S SURRENDER, a Christian Romance Book

Tell us your name and a little bit about yourself.

I’m Burk Harmon, City Manager for Harrison, North Carolina. People around here like to tease that I look a lot like Drew Scott from the Property Brothers. I actually do have a twin brother, Beck. He just moved back to Harrison and married his high school sweetheart.

Tell us about where you live and why you choose to live there.

Harrison is a sleepy suburb of Charlotte, North Carolina. We moved here after our father’s death. He was a popular golfer, and the sports community and media blamed my mom for his suicide. Neighbors here tend to protect each other. They rallied around my family so I was proud and honored to come to work for the city. I interned here during college, and then I was offered the Finance Director’s job when I graduated. My old boss finally convinced me to apply for the City Manager’s job when he retired, and …here I am.

What is a quirk of your personality that most people wouldn’t know?

I like my clothes pressed, even my jeans.

What obstacles did you have to overcome to reach your happily-ever-after?

The biggest obstacle was convincing Lacie to relax her “no dating” policy. But then it was risking a decade long friendship to woo her into a future together as man and wife, as family. It was a challenge to show Lacie that all men were not created equal, but I think I finally did it. Not sure what swayed her in my favor. Maybe it was agreeing to escort her and fifty seniors on their trip to the mountains? Or the private picnic lunch I arranged? Or tutoring her daughter with her math homework?

Tell us about your special lady. What makes her special?

She’s beautiful, on the inside as well as the outside, and strong yet gentle. She’s a single parent and a wonderful mother to Violet even though she didn’t have the best example. As Assistant Parks and Rec Director, she works with the seniors, and she treats them all with respect and dignity, with as much tenderness and affection as if they were all her grandparents. The men in her life, men who should’ve loved and protected her, taught her that she couldn’t depend on us, so she covers a world of hurt with that make-my-heart-stop smile.

The first time you saw her, what did you think? Did you like her immediately, or did she have to grow on you?

I met Lacie after I officially came on board after graduation as the Finance Director. Lacie worked in Parks and Rec and used to bring in the cash they collected late in the afternoons. Her visits were the highlight of my days, still are, and I always made time to talk. Seemed like she needed a friend. Back then, she was only twenty one, a single parent of a toddler. It took a while before she took me up on my offer to fix some things around her Grandma Wilma’s house and to help Violet with math homework. It took her Grandma Wilma even longer to come around. Good thing Violet was in my corner.

Coming SEPT 18 with Pelican Book Group

Deputy City Manager Burk Harmon has always been the strong one for his family, but recently those responsibilities have dwindled. When Lacie Heatherton, Assistant Director for Parks and Recreation, ropes him into a city-sponsored trip to the mountains with fifty seniors, Burk has two things on his mind: considering a possible promotion and wooing Lacie past friendship and into a future. Lacie has emotional scars and a thirteen-year-old daughter to remind her that men can be cruel and unforgiving. Can Burk convince Lacie to relax her "no dating" policy or will he surrender his dreams of family and love?

When You Need to Recharge...

Struggling to find a job? Feeling stomped on by co-workers? Going through marital problems? Family discord. Rebellious children. Financial challenges. Medical issues. Or maybe you just lost a precious family member or friend.

You name it, and we’ve probably all faced it at some point. Pressure gains momentum as a culmination of events and issues take turns with their punches. Or it could be one major incident that knocks us until we’re staggering backward like a fighter in a boxing ring, squeezing the breath from our lungs until our vision blurs, the voices around us fading into oblivion.

We each handle stress differently. Some people thrive on it. Others tug the blanket back over their head and sleep. I tend to...

Run! Not run away because we all know that doesn’t solve any problems. But run to the mountains. 

Peace speaks to my soul here. Whispers that everything’s going to be all right, that life is more than writing and books. That God is in control and that He’s infinitely greater than my paltry problems. Being here brings God more into focus, and the pressure lifts. I can breathe deep again, liberated from the chains of worry that squeeze my chest.

If we can’t break away for a weekend, then this is where I run…

Not quite the same, but it’s nice to escape my desk and the mountain of tasks demanding my attention and slip away for a few minutes.

This year has been crazy busy. While I’m beyond thrilled that four of my books released between May and September, that also meant long hours hunched over my laptop, trying to keep the momentum going with my current work-in-progress and the extra writing related to marketing four books. You know how, at times, events just keep piling on your calendar until suddenly you've lost control? That's me this year, somewhere about April. I definitely needed a recharge, so we headed for the mountains over a long weekend.

It’s the same for hero Burk Harmon in Burk’s Surrender. As Deputy City Manager of fictional Harrison, NC, he deals with stress every day in his job, and as the oldest of the Harmon siblings, he’s been the glue that held his family together since their celebrity father’s tragic suicide. But he has a few weighty decisions to face. Like if he’s willing to risk his family’s emotional well-being with the increased visibility that accepting the City Manager’s position would demand, and moving beyond a decade of being “just friends” with Lacie. When she invites him to tag along with her and fifty elderly seniors to the mountains for a city event, he jumps on the chance to recharge. That, and spend time with her. :)

Where do you go to destress and recharge?

He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in him,

whose thoughts turn often to the Lord! ~Isaiah 26:3 TLB

He's my yesterday, my tomorrow, my today.

He's my redeemer, my hiding place, my refuge.

He's the grace who covers a multitude of wrongs, the beauty in my ugly, the bridge to forever.

He's the restorer of my soul, the quiet in my storm, the still water of perfect peace.

He's my champion, my hero, my rock.

He's the sweet spot in my day, my reason for being,

my very next breath. ~Dora Hiers

Reviewers and Bloggers Needed for Christian Romance Book

“I won’t let you down.” His fingers fanned out to her cheek, his giant palm cupping half her face, his gentle touch sending quivers of delight to skip up and down her arms. A tremor rocked her torso.


“Cold?” Cinnamon flavored breath puffed so close to her lips, she could almost taste the candy herself.

Uh…no.

Definitely. Not. Cold.

She shook her head, only a slight wag. Because if she moved anymore, his hand might drop away from her skin, dragging his warmth with him. Her heart practically thumped out of her chest.

What was wrong with her? Why was her heart betraying her?

“Lacie—” his voice came out hoarse and ragged, so unlike his typical confident tone, and she witnessed the vulnerable little boy in his eyes, the one he might’ve been before the world took his dad away too soon, before he was forced to become the head of his family prematurely.

Instinctively, her hand covered his fingers. Maybe he needed someone to protect him, too.

“Lacie, I want to talk about—”

He wanted to talk? She gulped, embarrassment heating her neck. Talking wasn’t what she had on her mind right now.  

Like that little goodie? Hope so! I'm looking for reviewers and bloggers to help spread the news about the release of Burk's Surrender on Sept 18. Interested in reading and leaving a review on Amazon, Goodreads or any of your other favorite online sites? How about featuring on your blog? 

Here's the back cover blurb:

Deputy City Manager Burk Harmon has always been the strong one for his family, but recently those responsibilities have dwindled. When Lacie Heatherton, Assistant Director for Parks and Recreation, ropes him into a city-sponsored trip to the mountains with fifty seniors, Burk has two things on his mind: considering a possible promotion and wooing Lacie past friendship and into a future. Lacie has emotional scars and a thirteen-year-old daughter to remind her that men can be cruel and unforgiving. Can Burk convince Lacie to relax her "no dating" policy or will he surrender his dreams of family and love?

I have a handful of pdf review copies available. Interested? Message me here or email Dora(at)DoraHiers(dot)com. Thank you!

Annoying or Divine? You choose...

It's been a crazy couple of weeks. I just wrapped up my Christmas novella, Christmas in the Rink, and behold! Edits for two other books, Beck's Peace and Burk's Surrender, arrived in my inbox within seconds of each other. 

I expected Beck's Peace, but I was rather surprised to receive both books. Since I'm fairly single-minded, I don't usually bounce back and forth between books, especially when they feature identical twin heroes, Beck and Burk. Hello! Anybody see a problem here? Although these twin heroes, polar opposites, were so much fun to write, it was torture keeping them straight. I was afraid that somewhere along the way Burk would end up romancing Beck's heroine or vice versa.

Typically, I stop whatever I'm working on to dig into edits, but last weekend, we expected our house to be bursting-at-the-seams with family. My parents were coming, and it was the last opportunity to visit with them before they made the trek back to AK for the summer. Also, several of  our male family members were excited about heading to the NASCAR race in Martinsville, and our house made the perfect landing spot for all.

So what to do? Clean and shop for a full house or work on edits for two books?

For me, the decision wasn't too hard. Family takes precedence, and I had ten days to turn in the edits. But what if I was backed up against a tight deadline and losing a couple days in my schedule really mattered? 

Well, don't you know that very same weekend our awesome pastor preached on...divine interruptions. Kinda timely, don't you think? I won't go into details of the message, but later that week God really hammered me with this particular passage (and it wasn't even part of the sermon!). 

Do I consider the interruptions in my daily work schedule as God-appointed? Or am I more exasperated that I'm not reaching my word count goal? Ouch.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying schedules and daily goals are a bad thing. After all, God prefers organization over chaos. (1 Cor 14:33) But, since God sees the big forever picture, His plans for my day might be a bit different than mine, and if I'm praying for God to direct my path, shouldn't I be open to the opportunities he plants in front of me? 

You know how amazing God is? He stretched my time as only He can do, allowing me to accomplish all the tasks, and my editor received the edits way ahead of schedule.

What about you? Do you tend to get frustrated or annoyed with interruptions? Or do you treat them as the divine encounters they might be?

God, help me to acknowledge that You order my day, not me, and to recognize these interruptions as divine appointments. Fill me with Your joy, and allow me to be a beacon for You.

I'm Super Excited to Announce that ...

Pelican Book Group has contracted my Harmon Heritage Series, where three grieving siblings struggle to find healing and peace.

Rori's Healing ~ Book 1

Still stinging from the publicity surrounding her father's death, social phobic Rori Harmon prefers the solitude of her animal sanctuary, accepting that marriage isn’t in her future. Racecar Driver Graham Decker refuses to be wrangled into a relationship by another money-hungry female. On a philanthropy mission, he arrives just in time to assist Rori with a llama birthing, but his appearance thrusts her into the media spotlight again. Has Graham found a woman who doesn't care how deep his wallet extends? Has Rori finally met a man who will stick around when times get tough? Is healing for a hurting heart finally within Rori's reach?

Beck's Peace ~ Book 2

Burn survivor Savvy McCord doesn't blame her best friend for running away. She can't even look at her scars without wincing. When Beck's disappearing act spans years, she relinquishes dreams of love and marriage. Unable to face Savvy's expectations of happily-ever-after, Beck Harmon deserts her, far away from the rumors that he's just like his father. When the wanderer returns, dreams of forever blossom in Savvy's heart, but she worries he'll leave again. Can Beck convince Savvy that her true beauty comes from her inner strength and faith? Will his idea to help burn victims regain their self-confidence restore Savvy's trust in him? Will love be what the wanderer needs to find peace for his hurting soul?

Burk's Surrender ~ Book 3

Deputy City Manager Burk Harmon has always been the strong one for his family, but recently those responsibilities have dwindled. When Lacie Heatherton, Assistant Director for Parks and Recreation, ropes him into a city-sponsored trip to the mountains with fifty seniors, Burk has two things on his mind: considering a possible promotion and wooing Lacie past friendship and into a future. Lacie has emotional scars and a thirteen-year-old daughter to remind her that men can be cruel and unforgiving. Can Burk convince Lacie to relax her "no dating" policy or will he surrender his dreams of family and love?

If you click the links on the titles, you can peek into the stories by heading to my Pinterest boards. :)

I'll be sure to keep you posted with release dates and cover reveals.