About the book

The book starts when Bree Prescott moves to a small town to escape from the nightmares that have plagued her ever since she and her father became the victims of a brutal crime. She rents a cottage by a picturesque lake and gets a job as a waitress in the local diner, all the while trying to fight off her nightmares. Bree just wants to restart her life – she has no plans to get romantically involved with anyone. But, like all good romances, love comes when you least expect it. That’s when she meets Archer, a mute man who has lived a secluded life due to his family's tragic history and the town's prejudice against him.

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As Bree gets to know Archer, she discovers that he is nothing like the man others in the town believe him to be. It takes her a while to get past his initial freakishness, but once she does, she finds a strength in him that helps her begin to heal. However, Archer’s fear of abandonment is crippling, and Bree fears that he’ll never be able to trust anyone or allow himself to feel love again…

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The novel beautifully explores themes of healing, acceptance, and the profound connection that can exist between two souls who have suffered but find solace in each other.

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About Time’s very own interview with author, Mia Sheridan

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The novel explores themes of trauma, healing, and love. How did you approach writing about these themes, and what message did you hope to convey through Archer and Bree’s journey?

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My message, when writing about trauma and healing, is that no matter who you are or what terrible circumstance life has handed you, there is always reason for hope. Hope that you will heal. And hope that regardless of where you are, there IS still life ahead, and joy, and peace.

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A few years before I wrote Archer's Voice, I'd suffered a devastating loss and stories – especially love stories –ministered to me in a way nothing else could at the time. They also distracted me when I needed it most, and offered perspectives that helped mend my heart. And the mere idea that I might be able to offer even a small bit of any of that to others in a dark place is my driving force.  

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Do you have a favourite scene or quote from Archer’s Voice?

One scene that is especially significant to me is the scene where Archer comes to see Bree at her work at the diner. He walks there with his heart on his sleeve, willing to risk the whispers—and perhaps even scorn—from the townsfolk who have only ever given him a reason to mistrust them. And Bree recognizes that as the great act of bravery it is. May we all have someone in our lives who sees our leaps of faith for what they are.  As far as a quote, I think the one that stands out for me is,

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"The loudest words are the ones we live,"

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just because I've seen it quoted so often (and even a few tattoos!).

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In what ways do you think creativity and artistic expression serve as a form of escape or coping mechanism for those in prison?

I think to connect to creativity and imagination is to connect to the childlike part of us that is unafraid to dream and wonder, and especially, to hope. Creative expression softens us and helps us reflect – worthwhile work during times when the future is unclear.

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I think different creative outlets appeal to different people, but I do believe that stories are for everyone and nothing provides more escape than losing yourself in a good book.

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Do you think that literature and creativity impacts personal change? If so, how?

Literature helps you walk in the shoes of a thousand people. And that fosters empathy, not only for others, but for yourself. It helps you see the world differently. It can clarify who you want to be in your own story, whether that's through reading the journeys of others, or crafting one yourself.  

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If you could offer advice or encouragement to individuals currently incarcerated who are trying to find solace or purpose through reading and writing, what would it be?

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I would speak from personal experience and say that books heal. Stories can move mountains in ways you might not expect. I don't say it lightly, but stories saved my life and moved me through great times of despair. We all tend to think that no other human has felt pain like ours, or made as many mistakes as us, or whatever it might be, but stories quickly dispel those falsehoods. That alone is deeply soul healing.

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And if you find strength from books and believe you have your own story to tell like I did, sit down and write it. It doesn't have to be good – first drafts never are. It just has to be yours because no one else on this planet has the exact same story to tell. No one else on earth has your voice. Not one other singular soul.