About this Event
Meet the Author: Wanda Rawlings is a Christian fiction author, Bible study teacher, and speaker with over three decades of experience as a civilian Federal employee and a lifelong passion for encouraging spiritual growth through storytelling and the Word of God. She is the creator and facilitator of the Root of the Matter Virtual Women’s Bible Study, a thriving ministry she has led for more than five years, guiding women deeper into their relationship with Christ.
Wanda is the author of the A Christian Journey series, including Chloe’s Missing Piece, Chloe’s Season of Storms, and Chloe’s Journey to Joy. Through relatable characters and faith-filled narratives, the series explores themes of identity, perseverance, healing, and learning to hear God’s voice in every season of life. In addition to her novels, Wanda has written devotionals for women in family shelters and is available to teach, speak, and minister at conferences and faith-based events.
A storyteller at heart, Wanda’s passion for exploring the complexities of human emotions and relationships from a spiritual standpoint through her writing is explosive. A lifelong lover of literature, Wanda has discovered her love for crafting stories and finding inspiration in the everyday moments that shape our lives. Her debut novel, Chloe’s Missing Piece, is a deeply emotional and poignant journey of self-discovery, love, and healing that resonates with readers from all walks of life.
Wanda’s writing is characterized by her ability to delve into the inner lives of her characters, creating relatable, multidimensional protagonists who face life’s challenges head-on. In Chloe’s Missing Piece, she brings to life a rich and heartfelt narrative that explores the delicate balance between loss and fulfillment, and the search for meaning in a complicated world.
Beyond her work as an author, Wanda enjoys connecting with her readers through her social media platforms, where she shares her thoughts on life through Kingdom living. When she’s not writing, Wanda can be found spending time with her family, enjoying nature, and exploring new literary worlds. She currently lives in Whitsett, NC with her husband, where she continues to write stories that inspire and connect with readers on a deep, emotional and spiritual level. Learn more:
[caption id="attachment_6574" align="alignright" width="267"]Chloe's Missing Piece[/caption]
About the Book — She has the life everyone wants—except the peace she desperately needs. Chloe is young, polished, and professionally successful. With a thriving career and a picture-perfect image, she’s the kind of woman others admire. But behind the confidence and career is a silent ache—something sacred that still feels incomplete. When tragedy strikes just as Chloe begins to discover what her soul has been searching for, her carefully balanced world starts to collapse. Friends try to help. Family offers advice. But the truth is clear: there’s only One who holds the missing piece she needs to be whole. If you’ve ever wrestled with purpose, identity, or faith in the middle of your success—this book is for you.
About A Christian Journey: Chloe’s Missing Piece is the first novel in a soul-stirring series about faith, redemption, and the quiet battles many women fight behind the scenes. Wanda Rawlings masterfully weaves a story that is both inspiring and relatable—reminding readers that true healing doesn’t come from having it all… but from surrendering it all.
Click here to buy .
About our Elaine's Literary Salon Host, A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General's Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more:
. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on and listen to all the podcasts on
[caption id="attachment_12728" align="alignright" width="300"]Elaine's Literary Salon[/caption]
A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. "I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her," shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area." Located in an 1880s building, it was the previous home for 38 years of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Elaine's, 208 Queen Street, Alexandria, United States
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