Picture a dynamic duo weaving tales of romance, suspense, and medical drama in the heart of the Missouri Ozarks—meet Hannah Alexander! This pseudonym belongs to Cheryl and Mel Hodde, a husband-and-wife team whose unique collaboration has captivated readers with heartfelt stories and authentic medical details. Their journey began with a blind date that sparked not just love but a literary partnership that’s produced award-winning novels.
From their beloved Hideaway series to the gripping Hallowed Halls, Hannah Alexander’s books blend faith, love, and pulse-pounding tension. Ready to dive into their world? Let’s explore how this couple turned their passions into stories that resonate with readers worldwide.
The Making of Hannah Alexander
Cheryl Hodde was scribbling stories at six, rewriting Bonanza episodes in her head, while Mel, inspired by his mother at ten, set his sights on becoming a doctor. Their paths crossed on a blind date orchestrated by church friends, where Cheryl’s quirky question—'Can you help me paralyze someone?'—left Mel stunned but intrigued. That moment, tied to her unpublished novel Urgent Care, marked the start of their collaboration. After marrying, they merged Cheryl’s storytelling flair with Mel’s 30 years of emergency medicine expertise, adopting the pen name Hannah Alexander, meaning 'hope in the Lord' and 'servant of mankind.'
Hannah Alexander’s Unforgettable Stories
Hannah Alexander’s novels are a masterclass in blending romance, suspense, and medical authenticity, often set in the charming yet perilous Missouri Ozarks. Their Hideaway series, kicking off with Hideaway (2003), follows ER doctor Cheyenne Allison, who seeks solace in a small town only to face a dangerous killer. The series’ 10 books, including Safe Haven and Last Resort, weave compelling dramas with faith-driven characters.
The Hallowed Halls series, starting with Hallowed Halls (2014), explores love and redemption in medical settings, like Dr. Joy Gilbert’s second chance with her former fiancé. Some Kind of Hero (2021) dives into action-adventure with a world-traveling doctor’s secrets. Their style—rich with ethical dilemmas, spiritual depth, and Mel’s meticulously researched medical scenes—has earned them the Christy Award for Romance and three Holt Medallions.
With 32 books, including standalones like Sacred Trust (1999), their stories resonate for their emotional depth and small-town charm. Cheryl crafts the narrative, while Mel ensures every medical detail feels real, creating a seamless blend that keeps readers hooked.
Why Hannah Alexander Matters
Hannah Alexander’s impact lies in their ability to craft stories that entertain while exploring faith, resilience, and human connection. Their novels, rooted in Christian values, offer hope and healing, appealing to readers seeking uplifting yet thrilling reads. By setting stories in the Ozarks, they’ve brought small-town America to life, making it a character in its own right. Their awards and Amazon #1 bestseller status, like A Woman Worth Knowing, reflect their influence in inspirational fiction.
Their partnership also inspires—showing how love and shared passions can create something extraordinary. Fans worldwide connect through their website and Facebook, drawn to the Hoddes’ warmth and storytelling magic.
- Pen Name Origin: Hannah means 'hope in the Lord,' Alexander means 'servant of mankind.'
- Key Series: Hideaway (10 books), Hallowed Halls (7 books).
- Awards: Christy Award for Romance, three Holt Medallions, Library Journal Top 5.
- Location: Now living in Arizona, they love hiking and the outdoors.
Snag Hideaway or Hallowed Halls and dive into Hannah Alexander’s thrilling world of faith, love, and suspense!