Local Shippensburg University alumna and author, Jodie Wolfe, will release her first full-length novel, “To Claim Her Heart,” on May 14. 

The historical romance novel takes place in Oklahoma during the Cherokee Strip Land Run of 1893. “To Claim Her Heart” follows the fight for land between a preacher, Benjamin David, who is desperately trying to honor his late fiancée, and a headstrong woman, Elmer “Elsie” Smith, who is doing her best just to survive.

Wolfe began envisioning her first full-length novel nearly twenty years ago when her mother-in-law took her to visit the place where a relative of hers had claimed land during one of the last great land races in the United States. Even though the home was practically in pieces by the time Wolfe got to visit, her experiences in Oklahoma paved the way to what would soon become her newest work. 

“The power of story to influence lives and change hearts is what motivates me to weave tales that tell of the Savior's faithfulness and forgiveness,” said Wolfe. 

She relies heavily on her faith as a means of motivation when creating stories that exist where hope and quirky meet. 

Currently, Wolfe is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA), where she has even been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests. She is also a former columnist for Home School Enrichment magazine, her articles can be found online at: Crosswalk, Christian Devotions, and Live the Adventure Letter.

Soon after the release of “To Claim Her Heart,” Wolfe plans to go on a blog tour, guest blog on several different websites and discuss the release of her new book in a few radio interviews. Wolfe also hopes to revisit Oklahoma during its 125th celebration of one of its last great land races this fall.

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