About the Book

Book: Off the Itinerary: The Search and Rescue Files

Author: M. Liz Boyle

Genre: Christian YA

Release Date: May, 2025

Marlee and Marshall are now students at the Professional Outdoor Guides School where Sawyer just graduated. Meanwhile, Lydie is busy training a search-and-rescue dog. In this special edition with seven search-and-rescue stories, the Off the Itinerary characters face new adventures (and misadventures). Adrenaline is high as Marlee faces her fears in a cave rescue, a helicopter evacuation, a swift water rescue, and more! Will Marlee trust that her misadventures are part of a greater plan? If you loved Avalanche, Chased, and Ablaze, you won’t want to miss this collection of short stories.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Liz is the author of the Off the Itinerary series, the wife of a professional tree climber, and the homeschooling mom of three energetic and laundry-producing children. Liz once spent a summer in Colorado teaching rock climbing, which she believes was a fantastic way to make money and memories. She resides with her family in Wisconsin, where they enjoy hiking and rock climbing. Liz and her husband have also backpacked in Colorado and the Grand Canyon, which have provided inspiration for her writing. She makes adventurous stories to encourage others to find adventures and expand their comfort zones (though admittedly, she still needs lots of practice expanding her own comfort zone).

More from M. Liz

When I published my third book, Ablaze, I was confident that the Off the Itinerary series was complete. Marlee had a solid character arc, she’d endured three natural disasters, and I wanted to finish the series on a good note. A number of devoted readers reached out, asking if I would please write another. I was reluctant for a while, but eventually (thanks to the excitement of my readers), I began brainstorming this special edition. Rather than another full-length novel, I chose to compile seven short stories focusing on Marlee’s involvement with search and rescue missions. I’m eager for my readers to spend bonus time with the Stanley girls and Miles boys. Some things never change, like Marlee’s high odds of finding misadventure and her need to overcome fear with the support of God, her family, and friends. Other things have changed for the better, like Lydie introducing a dog to the adventures. One thing is certain: Marlee must learn that God’s itinerary is better than hers.

Interview with the Author

1)What does success as an author look like to you?

For me, the best success is hearing from my readers. A sweet or appreciative email from a reader brings me a huge smile and makes all the hard work well worth it!

2)What inspired this book?

My readers did. I did not plan to add on to this series, but when my readers continued to ask for another book, I started brainstorming for them. My Wilderness First Aid training helped me decide to write a collection of search-and-rescue short stories. I asked God to help me honor Him in my writing, and I know I couldn’t do any of this without Him.

3)What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse?

I find great encouragement in Isaiah 41:10: So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

4)What are you reading right now?

Currently I’m reading Mercy by S.E. Clancy, which is a retelling of Ruth’s story in the Bible. It’s thought-provoking to imagine Ruth as a contemporary and to feel more able to relate to her life.

5)Describe your view as you’re sitting in your writing chair.

I’m on the front porch, which we screened in a few summers ago, and am surrounded by a variety of potted plants that moved outside for the summer. In front of me, beyond the screen, is our yard with green grass, some coneflowers, and a tire swing that my arborist husband hung from a branch so high the neighbors wondered if it’s safe. (It is). Ooh, and a hummingbird just buzzed by 🙂