On Heaven’s Doorstep - Spotlight Book Tour and Interview

In Life or Death, There's Only One Guarantee—God Will Be There

Medical emergencies are among life's most unexpected and terrifying realities. But isn't it reassuring in times of crisis, you can find hope and comfort in the hands of a loving God?

Encounter heart-stopping drama in these real-life stories of everyday people like you who found themselves on heaven's doorstep—fully dependent on the skilled and courageous efforts of first responders and on the mercy of God.

As you read these firsthand accounts of perilous situations with uncertain outcomes, you will experience a full spectrum of emotions, from tender heartache to tremendous joy. Through it all, you will witness God's amazing love and care for His children, both for those who are brought back from the edge and for those He welcomes into eternal fellowship with Him.

Be inspired as you go on call with veteran EMT Andrea Jo Rodgers and other brave professionals dedicated to helping when humanity is at its most frail.

Andrea Rodgers has been a volunteer EMT for 30 years and has responded to more than 7,500 first-aid and fire calls. She holds a clinical doctorate in physical therapy and has worked as a physical therapist in a trauma center for over 20 years.

 

1.When did you first start finding a passion for literature? 

I recall being a voracious reader by first grade. Even before I could read, I was fascinated by picture books. I wrote my first “book” when I was six. It was about how my mom and brother rescued a baby duck from our town’s lake, so I guess writing about rescues has been in my blood from an incredibly young age. 

2.When did you first realize you wanted to become an author, and who or what would you say is your biggest influence in your writing journey? 

I decided I wanted to become an author after my son and I survived a life-threatening elevator accident. Following much reflection, I decided to write about my inspirational experiences as a volunteer EMT with my local first aid squad. Back when I was in high school, my mother suggested I should keep a journal of first aid calls that made an impression on me. When I first thought about writing my book, I dug the journal out of a box in my attic. As I read my journal entries, the people in the first aid calls sprung to life again and I was able to re-live the calls as if they occurred yesterday. Without the journal, I couldn’t have written my books with such detail (thank you, Mom). Being a witness to miracles and answered prayers during my thirty-five years with the squad influenced my writing journey. 

3.Travel and meeting people seem to be a good basis for a wonderful story. Where are your favorite places to travel, and how have these adventures inspired you?

In 2016, my family and I flew to Rapid City, South Dakota and visited Mount Rushmore. I conceived the idea for my middle grade action-adventure novel Saving Mount Rushmore: Saint Michael the Archangel Academy Mission 1 in the airport and began feverishly writing all the way there. I wrote Saving the Statue of Liberty-Mission 2 after a family trip to the famous American landmark. 

4.Writing takes so much time and research. In fact, I believe as readers we sometimes forget how much love and sacrifice an author puts into his or her work. As a writer, what has been your most rewarding and memorable moment? 

I've been blessed to have numerous memorable moments. The first occurred when my dream came true while I was at the park with my children. I’ll never forget my elation when I received an email that my first book, At Heaven’s Edge: True Stories of Faith and Rescue, would be published by Harvest House Publishers. Another rewarding moment occurred when Saving Mount Rushmore won a Third Place Selah Award at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference in May 2019. More recently, I had an incredible experience as a guest on EWTN’s At Home with Jim and Joy. 

5.I tend to read fiction more than non-fiction--what led you to writing non-fiction? 

During my years as a volunteer EMT with my local first aid squad, I’ve witnessed some utterly amazing things and I wanted to share them with others. At Heaven’s Edge, Help from Heaven, On Heaven’s Doorstep, and Heaven-Sent Miracles and Rescues include stories that I would consider to be miracles, others that are sad, but faith-filled, and a few are humorous. My hope is that people will be inspired or comforted by the stories. Perhaps they’ll be able to relate a story to a situation in their own lives and know that whatever they’re going through, they’re not alone because God is with them.