Les Dupuy | Updates

Freedom Looks Different From Here

Les Dupuy — Sun, 6 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

249 years ago, our forefathers fought for liberty—declaring independence from tyranny and stepping into the unknown, trusting that a better way was possible.

In my stories, the characters of Willow Creek face their own battles for freedom—not with muskets or marching orders, but in the quiet wars of the heart. They wrestle with grief, guilt, pride, fear, and failure. But true freedom comes not when they “win,” but when they surrender—to grace, to redemption, to the One who sets captives free.

Their independence begins the moment they submit to God and begin living for Jesus.

That’s true for me, too.

I used to think I was doing everything “right.” I was successful. But I wasn’t at peace. I wasn’t satisfied with the journey. I kept pushing forward—my goals, my vision, my plan. And I kept banging my head against the wall of my own stubbornness.

Until I stopped. Until I asked for help hearing Him. Until I started practicing Psalm 46:10:

“Be still, and know that I am God.”

I learned to sit. Watch. Listen.

And God—faithful, patient, kind—granted me sight and wisdom. I began to see His hand in my life in ways I had missed before. I began to understand things about life, nature, and people I had longed to grasp for years. And I saw doors open that had been there all along—just waiting for me to let Him lead.

Independence? It’s not just a date on the calendar.

It’s a daily decision. A faith walk. A choice to remain free from the things that chain us to this world.

True freedom isn’t doing whatever we want—it’s walking in obedience to the One who gave everything so we could live free.

Happy Independence Day, friends. May we never take freedom—spiritual or civil—for granted.

Ready for a story of freedom, forgiveness, and fresh starts? Meet the folks of Willow Creek.

Les Dupuy Books

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Les Dupuy — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Father’s Day is almost here—and if your heart's anything like mine, it's caught somewhere between warm memories and a to-do list that never quits.

Truth is, not every father is perfect. Some show up late, some not at all. But in Willow Creek—and in life—grace has a funny way of rewriting the story.

There’s Harry Sr., who didn’t know he had a son until years had passed. But once he found out, he stepped in with his whole heart. Fatherhood came to him like rain on dry ground—unexpected but life-giving.

Ethan is the steady presence Clara didn’t even realize she needed. He’s raising Ava, Noah, and the baby on the way—not with fanfare, but with quiet strength and consistency. Even with Truman, the birth father, out of the picture, Ethan’s presence says everything.

Then there's Ben Reeves, who took on Alan and Ralph when their own father, Roger, failed them. Ben’s the kind of man who leads not with words, but with his actions. And Jake? Still carrying the lessons his father Dexter left behind—hammer in one hand, heart in the other.

In real life, I’ve seen fatherhood show up in all shapes:

My Heavenly Father, who never lets go, even when He’s shaping me in hard seasons. My husband, who shows up every day for our family, no matter how tired he is. And the others—brothers, (in blood and in-law), cousins, friends, and those quiet father figures who make all the difference without needing the spotlight.

Ephesians 6:4 says it best:

“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

It’s not about being flashy. It’s about being faithful.

So here’s my Father’s Day prayer:

May we honor the good ones, forgive the broken ones, and never forget the power of grace.

💛 Want to meet the fathers of Willow Creek? Start the series at lesdupuybooks.com and discover stories of redemption, resilience, and real love.

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📣 The Les Dupuy Books & Gifts Shop Is Now Open!

Les Dupuy — Sun, 18 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

📣 The Les Dupuy Books & Gifts Shop Is Now Open! Love the stories? Now you can take a piece of them home. I’ve launched a shop full of faith-based merch inspired by my novels—pillows, aprons, stickers, and more, including a few fan-favorite surprises.

🐾 If you loved reading about Ms. Pickles, you’ll want to check out her collection. She’s got her own merch now (because of course she does).

🛍 Enjoy 10% off orders over $30 through 7/31 It’s my way of saying thanks, sugar. 👉 lesdupuybooks.myshopify.com

Got an idea for a design or quote you'd love to see? Reach out—I’d love to hear what you'd like in the shop next.

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A Different Kind of Mother’s Day

Les Dupuy — Wed, 14 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This year, Mother’s Day looked a little different.

I didn’t spend it with breakfast in bed or handmade cards. I spent it with my mother—making sure she had her favorite foods and soaking up the quiet joy of simply being with her. Because honestly? We don’t know how many more of these moments we’ll get.

And that got me thinking about the mothers I’ve been writing about: Clara. Maggie. Treva.

Mothers who’ve endured heartbreak, betrayal, exhaustion, and grief. Women who’ve carried more than they should have had to—and still kept going.

Maggie said it best in Harvest of the Heart:

“My ex-husband leaving me kicked the rug out from beneath my feet. I landed on my knees, and all I had left was my babies and Jesus. We clawed our way out of grief, and now we’re standing on our feet again.”

That’s motherhood.

It’s not just nurturing. It’s surviving.

It’s praying in the dark and standing in the morning.

It’s choosing to hope when you’ve been left with nothing but faith.

As Proverbs 31 tells us:

“Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come… She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.”

If you’re missing your mom this year, I want to remind you that Jesus said He’s gone to prepare a place. For her. For you. For all of us who walk with Him—even when the road feels long.

I don’t have it all figured out. I’m just a woman trying to live like I believe it.

Trying to make sure that someday, I get to spend eternity with my mother in that place He promised.

💛 What are you doing to make sure you’ll be there, too?

Come visit Clara, Maggie, Treva, and the other fabulous mothers of Willow Creek, Tennessee. The first three books of the Willow Creek Second Chances Series are now available on Amazon.com or at lesdupuybooks.com.

Second Chances in Middle Tennessee
Harvest of the Heart
Truth Begets Light

Walking in grace (and sometimes stumbling),

Les Dupuy

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🕊️ Now Available: Truth Begets Light (Book 3)

Les Dupuy — Thu, 1 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Thirteen years. One secret. And the kind of grace that changes everything.

In Truth Begets Light, Treva Walker has spent over a decade raising her son in secret—until Harold Spinnaker, the town's new preacher and the father who never knew, returns to Willow Creek.

As truth rises, so does the chance for redemption, restoration, and love renewed.

Come back to the Willow Creek Second Chances series for a tender, faith-filled journey where old wounds meet new mercy—and the light of truth reveals just how far grace can reach.

📚 Clean, faith-based romance with Southern charm and a whole lot of heart.

👉 Available now in ebook and paperback.

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Coming Soon: TComing Soon: Truth Begets Light 🌳✨ A Willow Creek Second Chances Novelruth Begets Light 🌳✨ A Willow Creek Second Chances Novel

Les Dupuy — Sat, 26 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In the quiet town of Willow Creek, some secrets are too heavy to carry alone — and some second chances are worth fighting for.

When Preacher Harold "Harry" Spinnaker returns home, he expects to rebuild his ministry, not face the truth he left behind. Treva Walker has spent twelve years raising their son, hiding the secret that could change everything. As hidden sins surface and old wounds reopen, the path to forgiveness will demand more than words — it will demand the courage to trust in love, family, and God's perfect timing.

Truth Begets Light is a heartfelt story of redemption, restoration, and the healing power of honesty. Because in Willow Creek, the truth doesn’t just set you free — it shines a light that leads you home.

📖 Sometimes the hardest truth to face... is the one that leads you to everything you ever needed.

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Easter Reflections from a Reluctant Writer

Les Dupuy — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

I started this writing journey because I was searching for fun, faith-filled fiction—stories I wouldn’t be embarrassed to read on a beach or in a waiting room. I wanted books that didn’t make me uncomfortable, but still made me feel something.

The irony? I failed 9th grade honors English because I couldn’t write. I didn’t understand poetry, couldn’t journal, and never thought I’d be capable of writing a story—certainly not one worth reading. But for over a decade, a seed of an idea stirred in my heart: a Christian romance series. I prayed. I waited. I wrestled with doubt and defeat. Most days, I believed I wasn’t enough.

And yet—here I am.

Rising from the dregs of self-ridicule and self-doubt, trying to keep my covenant with God as I pour out my heart onto pages filled with love, redemption, and renewed faith. Not to build a platform—but to glorify Him.

Jesus knew what was coming. And still, He stayed the course. It wasn’t easy. It wasn’t painless. But He chose the cross—for us. For you. For me.

So I choose to keep writing the stories God places on my heart. I walk in faith. Because Sunday is coming. And so is my someday.

One foot in front of the other.

He is always faithful.

His timing is always perfect.

He never abandons us—no matter how far we stray.

I believe. ✝️

He is risen. He is risen indeed.

Mark 16:6 (KJV)

“And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.”

God bless.

—Les

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Willow Creek Second Chances is a heartwarming Christian romance series

Les Dupuy — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Willow Creek Second Chances is a heartwarming Christian romance series set in the fictional town of Willow Creek, Tennessee—a place where faith is tested, grace runs deep, and healing begins when we finally put God back at the center of the story.

Each book follows characters wrestling with past mistakes, broken hearts, and the long road toward redemption. As they learn to face their failures and receive God’s mercy, they discover that second chances aren’t just possible—they’re part of His plan.

With emotional depth, clean romance, and a community of characters you’ll want to spend time with, this series is perfect for fans of Becky Wade, Denise Hunter, and small-town stories rooted in faith and hope.

In Willow Creek, the porches are wide, the roads are dusty, the biscuits are hot—and God’s love never lets go.

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Les Dupuy is a debut Christian romance author who traded a career in technical writing for a second chance at something more creative. . .

Les Dupuy — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Les Dupuy is a debut Christian romance author who traded a career in technical writing for a second chance at something more creative—and a whole lot more personal. With a heart for storytelling, a lifelong love of small towns, and a faith that shapes every chapter, Les writes redemptive stories about real people, real struggles, and the kind of grace that shows up when life falls apart.

Her Willow Creek Second Chances series blends heartfelt romance with sweet-tea sass, porch-swing wisdom, and characters who feel like neighbors. Written especially with a 55+ audience in mind, her stories offer faith-tested hope, second chances that feel earned, and the reminder that it’s never too late for love—or healing.

A Southern gal by birth, Les believes in the power of pie, porch talks, and the occasional well-placed “Bless your heart.” When she’s not wrestling commas or feeding plot bunnies, you can find her sipping sweet tea and dreaming up small-town drama under the Tennessee sky.

Second Chances in Middle Tennessee is her debut novel—and the fulfillment of a dream ten years in the making. To God be the glory.

📚 Short Author Bio (BookBub, Goodreads, etc.) Les Dupuy writes faith-filled Christian romance with sweet-tea sass, heart, and a whole lot of grace. A former technical writer turned storyteller, she creates redemptive small-town love stories with a 55+ audience in mind. Her debut novel, Second Chances in Middle Tennessee, kicks off the Willow Creek Second Chances series. To God be the glory.

💬 Back-of-Book “About the Author” Section Les Dupuy never set out to write a book, but years of devouring faith-based romances with a side of sass lit a fire too strong to ignore. A technical writer by trade and a Southern gal by birth, she believes in the healing power of pie, porch talks, and stories that wrap around your heart. Her books, written with a 55+ audience in mind, blend faith, humor, and second-chance romance with just enough sweet-tea sass to keep things interesting.

When she’s not wrestling commas or feeding plot bunnies, you can find her sipping sweet tea and dreaming up small-town drama under the Tennessee sky. To God be the glory.

✨ Social Media Bio Snippets Faith-filled fiction with heart, healing & sweet-tea sass | 55+ friendly

Christian romance author | Second chances + Bless your heart energy

Small-town grace. Big-hearted stories. Sweet tea required.

Writing stories for anyone who’s ever needed a second chance. To God be the glory.

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