About the Book

Book: Not My Hero

Author: Michelle Bolanger

Genre: Contemporary Romance / Biblical Retelling

Release Date: August 4, 2026

She lost everything… except the chance to begin again.

He has everything… except the freedom to follow his heart.

After losing her husband, Kennedy Bishop is left with nothing but grief, debt, and unanswered questions.

Returning to Dayton with her faithful mother-in-law, Kennedy is determined to rebuild her life without relying on anyone… especially God.

But when she crosses paths with the wealthy Donovan Taylor, a devout man committed to rescuing others while hiding burdens of his own, their lives become unexpectedly intertwined.

As suspicion, sacrifice, and unseen connections threaten to tear them apart, the pair must decide if they’re willing to put their trust in God and take a chance on love.

A powerful Christian romance about redemption, faith, and the courage to believe that even the most broken stories can be restored.

Perfect for readers of Francine Rivers and Nichole Deese, this emotionally rich Christian romance blends heartbreak, redemption, and faith into a modern-day story of Ruth that speaks to anyone learning to trust God again.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Michelle Bolanger a small town, socially awkward and often anxious author and artist who found unshakeable security and hope in 1998 when she surrendered her fears and her heart to Jesus Christ. Her greatest wish as an author is that her stories will be a vehicle to share the hope and courage she found through her faith with others. Michelle lives in small town Ohio with her husband of almost 30 years and a mildly chaotic Akita named Hugo. She and Robert enjoy going on long cruises, taking motorcycle rides along side roads and back roads, and cheering for their favorite professional hockey teams.

More from Michelle

When I get asked why I wrote Not My Hero, I tell people it is because I had been looking for a modern retelling of the book of Ruth that impacted me. I couldn’t find one that I loved, so I wrote it myself.

I’ve always been drawn to Boaz’s history. I wondered about his lineage and how his parents’ past might have been the reason he was well past the age a man of his station should be married with children, and yet he wasn’t. Could it have been because his mother was not only a foreigner, but that she was a former prostitute? Would other families hesitate to offer their daughters in marriage to such a family? How did that past affect Boaz’s view of himself?

And I found it so interesting that Ruth was the faithful one when Naomi felt God had abandoned her. Ruth had every reason to be wary. As a Moabite, she knew she would not be accepted in the Hebrew society, yet she clung to the God of the Hebrews. She was rewarded for her faithfulness to Naomi when God brought her to Boaz’s field, and through her, Naomi saw proof that God had not abandoned her at all.

While I wrote the story simply wanting to retell a beloved story from the Bible, I realized that even in my own darkest times God always had a plan that I couldn’t see. He is always working, even when we can’t see a way through.

It took me 8 years to write and publish this story, and I think it took that long because God needed me to see beyond the characters I had created and into His heart for me. He wanted me to understand that this isn’t just a fictional story, it is a tale that illustrates His steadfast love and faithfulness.

Interview with the Author

How do you overcome writer’s block? Do you have any advice for others in finding their process to overcome it?

I don’t have writer’s block as much as I get stuck or reach a point in a story where the characters aren’t speaking to me anymore. Thankfully, I usually have several projects going at the same time. When the story line for one goes cold, I switch to the other and keep writing. I think that helps me keep words flowing. And if neither stories are flowing, I journal more. I have found that if I stop writing completely it is harder to get started again, so having multiple projects to bounce between keeps me in the routine of creativity. That would be the advice I would give if someone asked me how to break through the block. Write something else. Even if it is copying scripture, writing out a prayer, or simply making note of what happened that day.

How did you come up with the title for your book?

The main female character of my story, Kennedy, is a widow whose dad and husband were a first responders. She also trained and went to school to be a police officer, but due to the circumstances that came to light after her husband’s death she could no longer pursue that career path. When she travels back to Ohio with her mother-in-law, they are in a serious bus accident, and she is rescued by Donovan, a man who is well known in the community for his bravery and philanthropy. But she wants nothing to do with another heroic man! Try as she might to keep him at arm’s length, he earns her trust and ultimately her heart. But a hero isn’t what she needs to heal from her past – she has to learn to rely on God, not a human hero.

What’s your favorite writing snack, drink, and/or music?

I always have a mug of coffee nearby, and I love something salty and crunchy like chips, pretzels, or crackers.

What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

That the first draft is always bad, and that it’s only job is to exist. Getting the story out is the most important part, even if it is a disaster of plot holes, bad grammar, and wandering scenes. Those can all be edited and corrected later, but without the first draft you don’t have a story to work with.

Do you participate in writing challenges on social media? Why or why not?

I always say I’m going to but by the third day I am distracted or forget about it. The novelty of having a prompt or a goal each day to share sounds fun until I have to do it. My follow through isn’t the best, and so I don’t attempt them anymore.

Is your writing space pristine or organized chaos?

Barley organized chaos! Because I also paint and bullet journal, there are paints, brushes, water cups, highlighters, and pens scattered all over my desk. There are snacks, and usually a couple mugs of cold coffee from the day before. I clear it off on Fridays to start the week tidy, but by Tuesday it’s a mess again. And please don’t ask me how many times I’ve dipped my brush into my coffee or almost taken a sip of paint water!