Welcome. Settle in. There’s a story waiting for you.
R. L. Whitly is an American storyteller whose work blends emotional resonance with contemporary clarity. She writes character‑driven stories about identity, family, and the quiet transformations that shape a life. Her fiction leans toward the inward— the conversations we replay, the choices we carry, the truths we finally face. R.L. Whitly is a lifelong creator and storyteller, stepping into publication for the first time with a voice that feels both seasoned and newly unbound.
“I’ve carried the story of Francine, Found for a little over ten years. I began writing it in 2015 and moved through countless iterations as I learned who these characters truly were. Making them feel like real people was always the priority. While my writing isn’t strictly rooted in reality, it does explore the complexity of adoption, sibling relationships, and community—threads that were essential for me to weave into this world.
This was meant to be a standalone novel—until it wasn’t. The second book arrived almost on its own, and ideas for a third (and possibly more) are already taking shape. Time will tell where these characters lead next.
Mystery and deception have long been some of my favorite themes, but I wanted this story to reach beyond a quirky, character‑driven narrative. I wanted it to be grounded in something deeper, something emotionally layered at its core.
So who is this book for? Truly, anyone. It’s not only for readers drawn to adoption‑themed narratives. It’s for any person who loves emotional resonance, intersecting arcs, and fiction driven by the inner lives of its characters, including male point of views. Book club readers, this is one for you.”
Enjoy.
R.L. Whitly
Book Club Readers
Join the R. L. Whitly community for thoughtful updates and behind‑the‑scenes glimpses into the writing process. Book clubs may request a special conversation with the author, including one creative secret about Francine, Found, the premeire book in the Francine series.