Picture a pharmacist-turned-storyteller weaving tales of faith and forgiveness from the sunny shores of Santa Barbara—meet Kathryn Cushman! With her heartwarming Christian fiction, this inspirational author has captured readers’ hearts since her debut in 2007, blending everyday struggles with profound spiritual insights. Her novels, part of the beloved Tomorrow’s Promise Collection and beyond, invite us into worlds where ordinary people face extraordinary challenges with resilience and grace.
The Making of Kathryn Cushman
Born and raised with a practical streak, Kathryn 'Katie' Cushman earned a pharmacy degree from Samford University, never imagining she’d trade prescriptions for prose. Growing up in the 1960s, societal norms nudged her toward traditional roles—teacher, secretary—but stories swirled in her mind. It wasn’t until 2003, inspired by her Christian faith and historical novelists like Lois Lenski, that she began writing. Despite early manuscripts gathering dust, her persistence paid off with her breakout novel, A Promise to Remember, launching a career that’s touched countless lives.
Kathryn Cushman’s Unforgettable Stories
Cushman’s novels are a masterclass in inspirational fiction, blending emotional depth with themes of forgiveness, hope, and spiritual growth. Her debut, A Promise to Remember (2007), follows two mothers from different worlds united by tragedy, exploring how love and loss reshape lives. Another Dawn (2011) tackles a mother’s guilt when her unvaccinated son sparks a measles outbreak, weaving faith into complex moral dilemmas. Almost Amish (2012) humorously yet poignantly follows two women embracing simple living, reflecting Cushman’s knack for relatable characters. Her recent foray into historical fiction, with novellas like A Lady of the Court and The Christmas Gift, set in Imperial Russia, showcases her versatility. Each story, infused with her Christian worldview, feels like a warm conversation with a wise friend, urging readers to trust in something greater.
Her writing style is approachable yet profound, with vivid settings—often inspired by her Santa Barbara home—and characters who feel like neighbors. Cushman’s faith shines through, not as preachy, but as a gentle guide, making her work resonate with readers seeking meaning in life’s messiness. Her novels, including finalists for the Carol Award like Leaving Yesterday, have earned her a loyal following in Christian fiction circles.
Why Kathryn Cushman Matters
Kathryn Cushman’s impact lies in her ability to make the spiritual personal. Her stories don’t shy away from tough topics—grief, guilt, or societal pressure—but offer hope through faith and human connection. Readers find solace in her portrayal of flawed, relatable characters who grow through adversity, reflecting Cushman’s belief that “wounded people tend to create more wounded people” unless they choose healing. Her work has inspired book clubs, sparked discussions on forgiveness, and reminded readers of the power of grace. Living in Santa Barbara with her husband, Lee, and their now-grown daughters, Cushman continues to write, trusting her stories to touch lives as God sees fit.
- Education: Pharmacy degree from Samford University
- Key Works: A Promise to Remember, Another Dawn, Almost Amish
- Awards: Finalist for Carol Award in Women’s Fiction (Leaving Yesterday, A Promise to Remember)
- Fun Fact: She’s learning to knit when not writing!
About Kathryn Cushman
Ready to be inspired? Snag A Promise to Remember and dive into Kathryn Cushman’s uplifting world of Christian fiction!