From Panama to Publication: Mission: Matrimony Arrives November 6

From Panama to Publication: Mission: Matrimony Arrives November 6

More than thirty years ago, while my husband was stationed at Fort Kobbe, Panama, I was dreaming about becoming an author.

At the time, I had no idea those early ideas would eventually grow into an entire military romance series—or that one day I’d be announcing the fifth and final book.

But here we are.

Mission: Matrimony — The Final Engagement releases November 6, 2026!

This story feels especially meaningful because the Rules of Engagement series has been part of my writing journey for such a long time.

Years after those early dreams in Panama, I attended the Colorado Christian Writers Conference in Estes Park, Colorado. It was my first big writers conference, and that’s where I met Susan M. Baganz.

Susan and I eventually became friends, writing partners, and co-authors of the Rules of Engagement series.

Our first four books were published through CrossRiver Media, where I’ve worked since 2016. Now, for the final story in the series, we’ve come full circle. Mission: Matrimony is being published by Pelican Book Group, where Susan serves as an editor.

The Characters Who Wouldn’t Stay Quiet

Some characters are carefully planned from the beginning.

Others apparently have plans of their own. 😂

Canyon Davis and Harley Barnett were two of those characters.

When they appeared in the series, Susan and I knew there was something between them. There were sparks, history, and plenty of unfinished business.

What we didn’t know was that they would keep nudging us until we finally gave them a story of their own.

We’re glad we listened.

In Mission: Matrimony — The Final Engagement, Harley carries wounds and secrets from her past, while Canyon has patiently cared for her through the years. Their story is one of faith, trust, forgiveness, and learning whether love can survive the things we’re most afraid to reveal.

Want to Catch Up Before November 6?

If you haven’t read the Rules of Engagement series yet, now is a great time to start.

The first four books are:

Operation: Camouflage Christmas
A Christmas military romance filled with faith, family, and unexpected love.

Operation: Allegiance
A military romance where duty, faith, and love collide when a woman determined not to marry a military man meets an Army helicopter pilot.

Operation: Reconnaissance
A story about trust, family, second chances, and following God in unexpected directions.

Operation: Skirmish
A story of grief, healing, hope, and discovering that love can grow again after loss.

And now, Canyon and Harley will bring the series home in Mission: Matrimony — The Final Engagement.

I’ll share more behind-the-scenes stories as we get closer to release day.

For now, mark your calendar:

November 6, 2026.

It’s hard to believe a dream that began in Panama more than three decades ago is reaching this final chapter.

And what a journey it has been. ❤️

Learn more about Mission: Matrimony — The Final Engagement.