| Fame and money have a way of complicating love. Drummer John Kennedy can keep a beat, but he can’t hold a conversation, so he relies on actions to show he cares. Unfortunately, when he’s instantly intrigued by a spunky female mechanic, he can’t seem to convey the sincerity of his intentions. And the rejections don’t stop there. His own sister is pushing him away just when he could help her most. Erin Hirsh’s life would be easier if God hadn’t given her a love for cars. Only her father understood her, and she’s losing him to dementia. Her brief romances have always backfired worse than a mistuned engine, and she refuses to give John the chance to wreck her heart. A rock star with a supermodel ex can’t possibly see anything in her. At least that’s what she thinks until they find common ground in faith and their worsening family situations leave them each longing for a place to belong. Could God intend for this pair of opposites to belong together? |  |
To Belong Together is the second book in the Rhythms of Redemption Romances. The men of the rock band Awestruck have conquered the music industry, but to find redemption and love, they must each face the wounds of the past. Good thing no one—and no difficult situation—is too much for grace.
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release date: February 28, 2022
Release date: February 28, 2022
Click here to get your copy!
Interview with Emily
#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
This story grew out of the first book in the series. When I wrote book 1, To Bring You Back, I wasn’t planning for a full series. Still, as I pitched the book to publishing professionals, I thought it might help its chances of selling if there were a series to go along with it. So, with the help of some writing friends, I brainstormed the rest of the series.
To Bring You Back borrowed several important elements from the account of David and Bathsheba, so I used ideas from other events in King David’s life throughout the series. Although To Belong Together probably has the least of that kind of inspiration, I did have Saul in mind when I decided what John’s father would be like.
Beyond that, John’s personality was cemented in To Bring You Back, so writing his story was a matter of carrying that forward. Because he played the wise and even-keel friend, it took me a little while to dig deeper and find out what might be going on beneath his quiet exterior. What could such a solid character still struggle with? What might push his buttons? I did end up giving him a negative experience between books 1 and 2 that plays into the conflict in To Belong Together.
This story grew out of the first book in the series. When I wrote book 1, To Bring You Back, I wasn’t planning for a full series. Still, as I pitched the book to publishing professionals, I thought it might help its chances of selling if there were a series to go along with it. So, with the help of some writing friends, I brainstormed the rest of the series.
To Bring You Back borrowed several important elements from the account of David and Bathsheba, so I used ideas from other events in King David’s life throughout the series. Although To Belong Together probably has the least of that kind of inspiration, I did have Saul in mind when I decided what John’s father would be like.
Beyond that, John’s personality was cemented in To Bring You Back, so writing his story was a matter of carrying that forward. Because he played the wise and even-keel friend, it took me a little while to dig deeper and find out what might be going on beneath his quiet exterior. What could such a solid character still struggle with? What might push his buttons? I did end up giving him a negative experience between books 1 and 2 that plays into the conflict in To Belong Together.
#2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
Writing the first draft took 4-5 months, as I recall, but then I used several critique partners who pointed out major plot points that needed attention. No other book in this series has been through so many overhauls! I believe I started writing To Belong Together in 2018. At the very end of 2019, I received my last major round of suggestions, which I then used to rewrite in 2020. I set it aside as I worked on other things between revision rounds, and then in 2021, I had it professionally edited (and I revised once again) for publication in early 2022.
Writing the first draft took 4-5 months, as I recall, but then I used several critique partners who pointed out major plot points that needed attention. No other book in this series has been through so many overhauls! I believe I started writing To Belong Together in 2018. At the very end of 2019, I received my last major round of suggestions, which I then used to rewrite in 2020. I set it aside as I worked on other things between revision rounds, and then in 2021, I had it professionally edited (and I revised once again) for publication in early 2022.
#3. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
I hope readers will come away reminded that God created them as they are for a beautiful purpose. Through Christ, we all have a place in His family, and we can live out our callings with confidence that we will always belong with Him.
I hope readers will come away reminded that God created them as they are for a beautiful purpose. Through Christ, we all have a place in His family, and we can live out our callings with confidence that we will always belong with Him.
#4. How did you name your characters?
I struggle with this! Sometimes I find a name I really like all on my own (usually in a baby name book), but other times, I ask for suggestions on Facebook or from friends. Sometimes, I’m able to just brainstorm names, but that can also get me in trouble, as it did with the hero in To Belong Together.
At the end of To Bring You Back, the first book in the series, there’s an article where all the members of the rock band Awestruck are named. (Each book in the series follows a different member of the band.) I hadn’t given most of them last names at that point, so suddenly, Matt, John, and I believe Fitz, too, all needed last names.
Did I panic? Was I just so close to writing the end that I didn’t think it through? Was I tired that day?
Whatever happened, I gave John the last name Kennedy without realizing what I’d done until later, when I wrote the first sentence of the next book, To Belong Together.
None of the books were published yet, so I could’ve gone back and changed his name, but I chose to make it a bit of a joke throughout John’s story instead. After all, Kennedy is a fairly common last name, and John is a common first name. According to one site I checked, there are thousands of John Kennedys. So, I went with it.
I struggle with this! Sometimes I find a name I really like all on my own (usually in a baby name book), but other times, I ask for suggestions on Facebook or from friends. Sometimes, I’m able to just brainstorm names, but that can also get me in trouble, as it did with the hero in To Belong Together.
At the end of To Bring You Back, the first book in the series, there’s an article where all the members of the rock band Awestruck are named. (Each book in the series follows a different member of the band.) I hadn’t given most of them last names at that point, so suddenly, Matt, John, and I believe Fitz, too, all needed last names.
Did I panic? Was I just so close to writing the end that I didn’t think it through? Was I tired that day?
Whatever happened, I gave John the last name Kennedy without realizing what I’d done until later, when I wrote the first sentence of the next book, To Belong Together.
None of the books were published yet, so I could’ve gone back and changed his name, but I chose to make it a bit of a joke throughout John’s story instead. After all, Kennedy is a fairly common last name, and John is a common first name. According to one site I checked, there are thousands of John Kennedys. So, I went with it.
#5. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
Though their situations are different, John and Erin both struggle with feeling accepted and secure because of rejections they’ve experienced. Rejections I’ve faced had led me to struggle with the same, but for me, John, Erin, and any one else who is feeling less-than, unappreciated, or unwanted, there is hope in Christ. He created each of us the way we are, with our unique talents and personalities, for a purpose, and He loves us each dearly. We may face some rejections and disappointments in this world, but through Christ, we always and forever belong with Him.
Though their situations are different, John and Erin both struggle with feeling accepted and secure because of rejections they’ve experienced. Rejections I’ve faced had led me to struggle with the same, but for me, John, Erin, and any one else who is feeling less-than, unappreciated, or unwanted, there is hope in Christ. He created each of us the way we are, with our unique talents and personalities, for a purpose, and He loves us each dearly. We may face some rejections and disappointments in this world, but through Christ, we always and forever belong with Him.
More from Emily
Who are you?
On the surface, this is a simple question, but as it kept popping up in To Belong Together, I realized my characters kept asking it because their answers left them unsatisfied and insecure.
(Which is writer speak for: My brain kept circling back to the question because God had something to show me!)
At first, the answer for John seems to be that he’s a famous drummer. For Erin, it’s that she’s her father’s daughter (her father instilled her love of cars).
If someone I’ve just met asks me who I am, I usually say, “I’m Emily. I’m a novelist.”
I’m sure you have a way you describe yourself too.
These easy answers are helpful in conversation. In fact, I’d love for you to comment on this post with your answer, because it’s a point of connection with people we’re getting to know, and I love to get to know readers and other writers!
But, as I was writing To Belong Together, I realized anew that these things are not our identities. They are roles—roles we play in relationships, in our jobs, in our hobbies. Because a role is not the same as an identity, it can’t provide the lasting purpose, worth, and security we crave.
As believers in Christ, our eternal identity is that we are beloved children of God.
Because our roles take so much of our time and energy, and because they really do serve a purpose in conversation when we’re meeting someone new, I think it’s easy to lose sight of that greater identity.
At least, I know John and Erin struggled with it. (Again, writer speak for: I needed some reminders in this area!)
If you read To Belong Together, I hope you enjoy seeing that theme pop up throughout the novel and come away with a greater understanding of who you are in Christ. After all, that identity makes all the difference as we fill those beloved roles God’s blessed us with.
If you have a minute to introduce yourself in comments, I’d love to meet you!
(Which is writer speak for: My brain kept circling back to the question because God had something to show me!)
At first, the answer for John seems to be that he’s a famous drummer. For Erin, it’s that she’s her father’s daughter (her father instilled her love of cars).
If someone I’ve just met asks me who I am, I usually say, “I’m Emily. I’m a novelist.”
I’m sure you have a way you describe yourself too.
These easy answers are helpful in conversation. In fact, I’d love for you to comment on this post with your answer, because it’s a point of connection with people we’re getting to know, and I love to get to know readers and other writers!
But, as I was writing To Belong Together, I realized anew that these things are not our identities. They are roles—roles we play in relationships, in our jobs, in our hobbies. Because a role is not the same as an identity, it can’t provide the lasting purpose, worth, and security we crave.
As believers in Christ, our eternal identity is that we are beloved children of God.
Because our roles take so much of our time and energy, and because they really do serve a purpose in conversation when we’re meeting someone new, I think it’s easy to lose sight of that greater identity.
At least, I know John and Erin struggled with it. (Again, writer speak for: I needed some reminders in this area!)
If you read To Belong Together, I hope you enjoy seeing that theme pop up throughout the novel and come away with a greater understanding of who you are in Christ. After all, that identity makes all the difference as we fill those beloved roles God’s blessed us with.
If you have a minute to introduce yourself in comments, I’d love to meet you!
 Emily Conrad | Emily Conrad writes contemporary Christian romance that explores life’s difficult, but relevant, questions. Though she likes to think some of her characters are pretty great, the ultimate hero of her stories (including the one she’s living) is Jesus. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband and their energetic coonhound rescue. She is the author of the stand-alone novel Justice and the Rhythms of Redemption Romance series, as well as a series of short stories, which she emails in installments to subscribers. Learn more about her and her books at emilyconradauthor.com. |
It's Time For A Giveaway!
To celebrate her tour, Emily is giving away the grand prize package of a 10 Amazon gift card, an electronic copy of To Belong Together, and 2 hand-painted and framed pine forest watercolors (US Only) or printable PDF downloads of the paintings (International)!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
Blog Stops
Inklings and notions, September 24
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 25
Texas Book-aholic, September 26
deb’s Book Review, September 27
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, September 28
Adventures of a Travelers Wife, September 29 (Author Interview)
The Sacred Line, September 29
Locks, Hooks and Books, September 30
Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 1 (Author Interview)
Artistic Nobody, October 1
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 2
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 3
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 4
For Him and My Family, October 5
Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen, October 6 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 7
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 25
Texas Book-aholic, September 26
deb’s Book Review, September 27
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, September 28
Adventures of a Travelers Wife, September 29 (Author Interview)
The Sacred Line, September 29
Locks, Hooks and Books, September 30
Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 1 (Author Interview)
Artistic Nobody, October 1
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 2
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 3
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 4
For Him and My Family, October 5
Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen, October 6 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 7
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