She vowed never to settle. He doesn’t believe in love.
Neither expected the one person who could unravel it all.
The Sergeant’s Marriage Arrangement
An Army mechanic. A dreamer with everything to lose. One unexpected marriage deal that could change everything.
Iris Matthews has sworn never to settle. Even when eviction and exhaustion close in, she clings to her dream of becoming a writer—and to the epic love she’s promised herself she won’t compromise on.
Sergeant Phoenix Hastings has never believed in love. Raised on the example of a hollow marriage, duty and stability are what he knows. But when Iris stumbles into his life, her relentless hope for something more forces him to confront the dream he buried long ago.
Determined to give her the security she needs, Phoenix offers a practical solution: marriage, nothing more. But Iris’s heart demands more than security—it demands a love that’s epic, the kind that can’t be arranged.
When conviction and circumstance collide, can two people who swore they’d never bend discover a reason to risk everything?
Coming Soon
It Is Written
An Inspirational Young Adult Romance Novella, Book One in the Campfire Prayers series
At Camp Vineyard Tabernacle, hearing God’s voice isn’t just taught — it’s expected. But when questions, doubts, and unexpected emotions rise to the surface, hearing Him feels harder than ever. But as hearts begin to open, everything becomes more life-changing than anyone expected. A story of first love, spiritual awakening, and the courage to listen when God speaks. In one unforgettable week at camp, friendships form, faith deepens, and young hearts begin learning to hear God’s voice — discovering His unfailing love in ways they never have before.
Releases May 19, 2026
Meet the Author
Hi, I’m Lorna Sotelo—lover of iced coffee, cats, and epic love stories. I write novels filled with heart, hope, and a spark of faith, because I believe the best stories don’t just entertain us—they leave us changed.
From YA adventures to heartfelt contemporary romances, my books are about characters wrestling with conviction, love, and purpose. I pour my heart into every story, and my greatest joy is knowing my words can make readers feel seen, encouraged, and inspired.
When I’m not writing, you can find me socializing with my four adorable cats, tending to my garden, or curled up with a good book. I’m so glad you’re here—and I can’t wait to share these stories with you.
Latest Blog Posts
What Publishing My First Book Taught Me (The Hard Way)
Publishing my first book taught me far more than how to upload a file to Kindle. It taught me the difference between a dream and a calling, between finishing a story and building a career. Fifteen years after my first misstep, I’m finally releasing a book I’m proud of—and learning what it truly means to begin.
Welcome to Kingdom Tides
A full-length novel is unfolding in real time—shared first with my newsletter readers. Kingdom Tides is a living story revealed one chapter at a time. If you’re ready to follow the tides as they rise, your seat by the fire is waiting.
Why I Wrote Letters to Cassie
I never planned to write Letters to Cassie. But when these side characters started whispering their love story, I realized it needed to be told—for them, and for all of us who’ve loved quietly and wondered, what if?
Author Update: Perseverance, Publishing and a Whole Lot of Prayer
A personal update on what I’ve been writing, launching, and learning lately—including the wins I’m celebrating, the roadblocks I’m navigating, and the faith that keeps me moving forward.
The Holy Spirit Is My Co-Author (And Sometimes Editor)
Writing isn’t just craft—it’s calling. In this post, I share how the Holy Spirit shapes my writing process, not just through inspiration, but through edits that transform both the story and the storyteller.
Why I Write Stories That Stir the Soul (Even When It Hurts a Little)
Some stories are meant to entertain. Some are meant to heal. This is where I write the kind that do both—with grace, grit, and the help of the Holy Spirit.