Diane Giroux's passion for writing continues in a new novel which is inspired by her childhood growing up in Callander.
Her latest novel, Love Behind Enemy Lines, should bring back memories to many North Bay and Callander residents about what growing up in this beautiful area of northern Ontario is all about.
She says the book references current and former locations in both North Bay and Callander.
"I am trying to put a lot of landmarks from North Bay and Callander for sure," she said.
Giroux published her first novel in 2021, called Til Death Do Us Part. She was inspired to start writing back in 2000 after being involved in a serious car accident.
In 2023, she released her second novel called The Temp.
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Her latest novel follows Danielle, who vacations with her grandparents and befriends a boy named Greg. Danielle becomes a nurse and joins the military, inspired by her great-grandfather's World War I service.
The novel details her experiences in Afghanistan, including her work at a hospital in Kandahar.
She did not intend for this, but the novel's front cover shows a picture of the main character that Diane says looks a lot like her daughter.
"The book is so personal and I put a lot of myself in this book," she said.
Diane's husband, Rene Giroux, feels the local ties to this book make it a very special read.
"My wife got in the car accident, and it almost took her life away, but writing has just given her so much freedom, and I think that this book, she used a lot of like her personal growth and things that she went through as a child living in Callander," said Rene.
While Diane is proud of her personal ties to her latest novel, she also takes pride in creating the element of surprise within her pages.
"My stories are not Hallmark," she said.
"They have twists and turns that you don't expect."