Leaning on Air: Cheryl Grey Bostrom on Love, Loss, and the Power of Second Chances

In this episode, we dive into the beautifully layered novel Leaning on Air with award-winning author Cheryl Grey Bostrom. As we chat, Cheryl shares the inspiration behind her poignant story that reunites ornithologist Celia Burke and veterinary surgeon Burnaby Hayes in a powerful tale of love, loss, and renewal. Set against the lush backdrop of the Pacific Northwest, *Leaning on Air* unfolds as Celia’s search for a hawk's nest near Snake River leads her on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and unexpected challenges. Through this compelling story, Cheryl explores themes like marriage under pressure, grief from miscarriage, and the experience of loving someone on the autism spectrum. Hear her thoughts on the essential, sometimes taboo, topics of faith, marriage, and forgiveness woven into this sequel to Sugar Birds. Cheryl also opens up about her creative process, her passion for nature, and how her life as a photographer and poet shapes her prose. Whether you're a fan of nature-inspired storytelling, exploring neurodivergent perspectives, or just looking for a deeply moving love story, this episode is sure to captivate you. Tune in to hear Cheryl’s insights, her love for the wild beauty of the Pacific Northwest, and her journey in crafting characters that linger long after the last page is turned. About the Author Cheryl Grey Bostrom crafts vivid and surprising prose, blending her deep love for nature with a keen understanding of human behavior. Her acclaimed novel Sugar Birds has garnered numerous awards, including American Fiction, Nautilus, Reader’s Favorite, International Fiction, and ACFW Carol Awards, and was honored with Christianity Today’s Fiction Award of Merit and Christy finalist recognition. A talented photographer as well, Cheryl lives in the Pacific Northwest with her veterinarian husband—near the wild and rugged settings that inspire her writing, including her latest release, Leaning on Air. This novel, hailed as “a masterpiece” and “a reader’s dream” by early readers, continues her exploration of themes of resilience, connection, and redemption. Connect with Cheryl at cherylbostrom.com. *** A Personal Note to Our Listeners Thank you for being here—your time, attention, and heart make this community what it is. We are committed to keeping this platform accessible while maintaining a high standard of production and value. That comes with both time and financial investment. If this podcast has ever added value to you, we invite you to support what we are building. Your contribution, no matter the size, helps us continue to create meaningful and impactful content. If you would like to give, please use the link below to access all payment options:https://docs.google.com/forms/... Thank you for listening, for supporting, and for being part of this community.