This interview with Niki Florica dives into the heart of The Heir of Light, her swashbuckling addition to the Blood of Kings: Legends series. In this inspiring episode, Kelly chats with Niki about crafting a redemption-driven romance between a noble heir with hidden scars and a tough yet tender-hearted former pickpocket. With vivid world-building, faith-filled themes, and swoony, opposites-attract energy, Niki shares how God met her in the creative process—and how this story mirrors her own journey of grace. Packed with pirates, spiritual depth, and a touch of Aladdin-meets-Robin-Hood flair, this episode is an encouraging reminder of how stories can reflect the heart of God and offer second chances to even the most wounded hearts.







Listen to the episode here.















Meet Niki Florica















Niki Florica is a full-time story addict and advocate for all things epic. She believes Latin is immortal, dreams of being in a musical number (like, a lot), and writes to stir the part of our hearts that God has stamped with eternity. Catch her between writing sessions or brisk Canadian walks with her doodle, Reggie, and she’s probably in the clouds—the glassy stare will give her away. Find Niki’s writing adventures on YouTube at Niki Florica.







Visit Niki's website or YouTube channel







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Bible Verses for Encouragement








“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”— 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV)

















Let us know, let us pursue the knowledge of the Lord. His going forth is established as the morning; He will come to us like the rain, like the latter and former rain to the earth."— Hosea 6:3 (NKJV)








Niki Florica's New Book: Heir of Light















Sir Rigil Barak came to Land’s End expecting a routine mission: investigate some rumors, spy on some nobles, and above all, play the perfect knight. Instead, he is reunited with his less-than-shining past–the same past that has kept him on the road for years, fleeing his noble father’s scorn and grieving the woman he thought dead.



Until now.



Because in Land’s End, he sees a face he never thought he’d see again . . . at least, not outside his dreams. And if she’s alive, he’ll do anything for a second chance to save her.



Years of captivity to a madman left Sethe with a face full of scars and one rule: never be trapped again. Except, to keep that rule, she’ll have to ask for help from Rigil, the thief who broke her heart and abandoned her long ago.







Now, years later, he shows up to rescue her from Land’s End like a knight in shining armor? Who does he think he is?



And even if the boy from her past has become a real knight with real honor, can she fall for a man who lied to her?



Maybe that doesn’t matter now, because Sethe’s old captor is hot on her heels with a new invention that could turn her into something worse than a prisoner.