“Every aspect of this endeavor has been a learning process, but I know this is something I’m meant to do.”
Chantal DeYoe
From Passion to Publication
Chantal DeYoe’s journey as an author has been years in the making, but her passion for storytelling has always been with her. Growing up in Kansas, she had an innate love for writing—exploring business writing, non-fiction, and even short stories. Yet, it wasn’t until May 2021 that she finally set aside dedicated time to embark on her first full-length novel. With faith as her guiding force, she completed Right Where They Belong, the first book in The Sutton Series, a Christian fiction series set in the heart of Ohio.
Chantal’s work reflects a deep commitment to crafting realistic Christian fiction, where faith isn’t just a subplot but an integral part of a character’s journey. She strives to create stories that inspire, encourage, and resonate with readers who long for narratives that balance romance, personal struggles, and the pursuit of faith.
Though her passion for writing has been long-standing, Chantal’s journey took a different route before she could fully commit to storytelling. She and her husband raised their two sons in rural Ohio, where they established a small homestead. As life unfolded, Chantal dedicated her time to homeschooling, church involvement, and running a thriving bookkeeping business. These experiences helped shape her perspective as a writer, giving her rich material to draw from when creating her characters and stories.
chantal.deyoe@gmail.com
Her Writing: Inspirations and Themes
Chantal’s literary influences range from celebrated Christian fiction authors like Lynn Austin, Karen Kingsbury, and Francine Rivers to mainstream storytellers like John Grisham, Kristin Hannah, and Michael Connelly. Their ability to craft compelling narratives inspired her to pursue writing that showcases faith-driven characters navigating real-life struggles.
In Right Where They Belong, Chantal explores the complexities of relationships, personal growth, and faith. She is particularly drawn to the internal world of her characters—what drives their decisions, how they communicate, and how their faith shapes their actions. Her stories portray people at different stages of their spiritual journey: those embracing faith, questioning it, or even walking away. Through heartfelt moments, humor, and realistic struggles, she aims to create a space where readers see themselves reflected and find encouragement in their own walks of faith.
An Entrepreneurial Spirit: Her Bookkeeping Business
While Chantal is a passionate writer, she is also a dedicated entrepreneur. Before fully diving into fiction, she established a bookkeeping business that has flourished over the years. Her firm serves approximately 50 clients, with the support of several subcontractors, ensuring that small businesses and entrepreneurs have reliable financial management.
With years of experience in bookkeeping, Chantal understands the importance of structure, precision, and financial health in business. These skills not only sustain her livelihood but also provide the discipline necessary for managing her writing career. Balancing both her business and her passion for storytelling has been a challenge, but one that she navigates with faith and determination.
“I had to make hard decisions about my schedule to prioritize writing. It’s easy to fill our lives with things other people need from us, but I realized this was something I needed to do.”
Chantal DeYoe
Giving Back: Volunteer Work in STEM Education
Beyond her professional and creative endeavors, Chantal is deeply invested in her community. She and her husband actively volunteer with a local robotics team, supporting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education. Through mentorship and hands-on engagement, they encourage young minds to explore engineering and problem-solving, fostering skills that will serve them in future careers.
Chantal believes that STEM education is crucial for today’s youth. Seeing students design, build, and program robots while developing teamwork and leadership skills has been an incredibly rewarding experience. This involvement reflects her love for both structured learning and creativity, mirroring her own balancing act between analytical work and artistic expression.
Personal Moments: Faith, Family, and Finding Her Calling
Chantal’s journey to becoming an author wasn’t a straight path, but rather a winding road of faith and timing. Years ago, she considered pursuing writing when her children graduated from homeschooling. However, life had other plans, leading her first into entrepreneurship. It wasn’t until 2021, during a week-long break from work, that she felt the undeniable pull to start her novel.
Faith has always been at the center of Chantal’s life, guiding both her business and her creative endeavors. She is an active member of her church and has been part of a women’s Bible study group for over six years, where she finds deep connection and spiritual growth. These experiences shape her writing, ensuring that her books depict faith as an authentic and evolving journey rather than an idealized concept.
Looking back, she sees every step—homeschooling, entrepreneurship, volunteer work, and even the long break before starting her book—as part of God’s plan. Writing isn’t just a passion; it’s a calling she feels driven to fulfill. As she works on her second book, she hopes her stories will inspire readers to explore their own faith, embrace personal growth, and engage in meaningful conversations about what it truly means to follow Christ.
A Legacy of Faith and Fiction
For Chantal DeYoe, writing is more than storytelling—it’s a way to connect with others, spark faith-filled discussions, and leave a lasting impact. Whether through her novels, business, or volunteer work, she strives to uplift and inspire those around her. As she continues to build The Sutton Series and explore new stories, her hope remains the same: to create books that people can enjoy, learn from, and carry with them long after they’ve turned the last page.
“I hope my books encourage readers to have conversations about faith—whether it’s their own or someone else’s.”
Chantal DeYoe