Two British authors have inspired Karon in the development of her main characters Father Timothy Kavanaugh and Cynthia Coppersmith: C. S. Lewis, author of science-fiction, fantasy, and Christian books for children and adults and Beatrix Potter, author and illustrator of The Tale of Peter Rabbit (1900) and more than forty-five other children's books.

Evan K. Gibson (1980) has written an excellent analysis of Lewis's writing, entitled C. S. Lewis Spinner of Tales. This easy-to-read book explains Lewis's story-telling techniques, including plot structure, point of view, main characters, and his themes of good and evil. The underlying philosophy of Lewis's religious books follow two paths to understanding God: one path examines common errors in reason and logic, and the other path reveals the joy of discovery. Previous to his involvement with Cynthia and Dooley, Father Tim has allowed reason and logic to guide his life. Duty to God and...