We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Melissa S. Harkin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Melissa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

The story of “What If”—my debut novel and book one in my series—came to me during a dark time, reflecting on the “what ifs” of my life after experiencing heartbreak and violence. I wanted to write a story that offered hope—a journey of love and recovery after trauma. I drew inspiration from my own experiences and from strong women I met throughout my life and while working with the U.S. Army. The logic behind pursuing “What If” was deeply personal: I knew that sharing this story of rebuilding and finding happiness again could resonate with many who have faced similar struggles. It was a story I had to tell for myself and for others.

The protagonist of WHAT IF, Melanie (Mel) Cooper, is an Army JAG living in Kansas City, stationed at Fort Leavenworth, and the mother to a gifted ten-year-old son, Noah. Her second husband, Noah’s father, was killed in action in Afghanistan one year ago, and her first husband was abusive. Melanie has found a sense of control and stability through her career in the Army, but she has never fully come to terms with the trauma of her past. As she reconnects with Henry, whom she secretly loved as a teenager and who is now a wealthy entrepreneur, they begin a whirlwind romance that awakens new feelings in both of them. Their relationship becomes a key part of Melanie’s emotional healing, and her evolving comfort with intimacy reflects her gradual recovery from the scars of domestic violence, an extremely difficult journey for a survivor. As chapters alternate between Mel’s and Henry’s point of view, Henry reveals that he always harbored an unspoken love for Melanie, which kept him from settling down. However, their newfound happiness is threatened when Henry’s unstable ex-girlfriend, Lisa, begins stalking them.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a Brazilian-American author and translator of Italian descent with over 20 years of experience. Writing has always been part of my life, both personally and as a translator, but only a couple of years ago, I decided to write my first novel, “What If.” The story draws on my own experiences as a survivor of physical, psychological, and financial abuse, exploring themes of love, trust, and recovery. As a translator, I work with Portuguese, English, and Spanish, specializing in culturally nuanced translations supported by my legal background and experience with the U.S. Department of Defense. My creative work is driven by authenticity and empathy, aiming to connect, inspire, and resonate with real emotions.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One story that illustrates my resilience is the very journey of writing “What If.” Revisiting those memories and emotions was incredibly challenging, but I felt a deep responsibility to share a story that could offer hope to others who have faced similar situations. Writing became a form of healing for me, and each word I wrote was an act of reclaiming my voice. Despite the pain, I was determined to create something meaningful that could resonate with readers, showing that it’s possible to rebuild your life and find happiness again after domestic violence and abuse. That happiness is not fiction, even if Melanie and Henry are fictional characters.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My creative journey is driven by a mission to provide hope and empowerment to those who have faced challenges similar to my own. Through “What If,” I want to show that it’s possible to overcome trauma, rebuild your life, and find love and happiness again. By telling Melanie’s story, inspired by my experiences as a survivor of domestic violence, I aim to resonate with readers who need to see that they are not alone—that healing, trust, and joy are within reach. My goal is to create stories that inspire resilience and highlight the beauty of second chances.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://melissaharkin.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melsharkin/

Image Credits

Heashot: Ariel Everman https://www.instagram.com/ariel_sedona/
Book cover: Melissa S. Harkin