| When romance fails the romance writer… After being terrorized in an abusive relationship, Roxanne Cook finally feels like she’s starting to heal. Even though her mother is ill, her return to Bay Town and the arrest of her ex-boyfriend has allowed anxieties to slip away and has renewed her faith in God. Even her faith in romance seems to be restored as she develops a school-girl crush on a certain Max Tippet. Everything comes crashing down, however, when Roxanne finds out her ex-boyfriend is released from jail. As her new-found peace unravels, Roxanne realizes that shedding her fears isn’t the same as facing them. How will she trust in God to provide her the courage to escape the cycle that almost killed her? Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense Release date: June 11, 2024 Click here to get your copy! |  |
Interview with Kathleen
#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
As a Pastor’s wife, I’ve had the privilege of hearing the stories of women from all walks of life. I am deeply moved by those who, in the face of adversity, have found solace and strength in God. Their resilience, whether they are young, old, or in between, is a testament to the transformative power of faith. It is these women, the broken and the fallen, who inspire us to trust in our sovereign God to overcome any situation. He is always the answer. It is only through Him that we can ultimately survive our fate and find joy and peace once again. I am inspired by these women who have found their lives redeemed in Christ.
As a Pastor’s wife, I’ve had the privilege of hearing the stories of women from all walks of life. I am deeply moved by those who, in the face of adversity, have found solace and strength in God. Their resilience, whether they are young, old, or in between, is a testament to the transformative power of faith. It is these women, the broken and the fallen, who inspire us to trust in our sovereign God to overcome any situation. He is always the answer. It is only through Him that we can ultimately survive our fate and find joy and peace once again. I am inspired by these women who have found their lives redeemed in Christ.
#2. What drew you to write in this particular genre?
Questions about why God allows or causes things to happen to people often crop up in my quiet times. Though I’ve resolved that I really don’t know the most profound answer, I know that it’s ultimately for our good and His glory. I can’t reconcile the suffering, but I can trust in His goodness and grace. And I have hope for our future! That lends itself to suspense, doesn’t it? The suspense in my book comes from the characters' journeys of faith, as they navigate through life's challenges and uncertainties. As for the romance, I’ve always loved a good love story, and my book includes elements of love and relationships, showing how God's love can transform lives.
Questions about why God allows or causes things to happen to people often crop up in my quiet times. Though I’ve resolved that I really don’t know the most profound answer, I know that it’s ultimately for our good and His glory. I can’t reconcile the suffering, but I can trust in His goodness and grace. And I have hope for our future! That lends itself to suspense, doesn’t it? The suspense in my book comes from the characters' journeys of faith, as they navigate through life's challenges and uncertainties. As for the romance, I’ve always loved a good love story, and my book includes elements of love and relationships, showing how God's love can transform lives.
#3. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
My greatest hope is that my readers will be encouraged to live their lives entirely for the Lord. Through the journeys of my characters, I aim to show that God desires to permeate every aspect of our lives, bringing us joy and glorifying Him. He longs to be the center of our thoughts, actions, and emotions, giving us purpose and joy as our loving, holy, and righteous creator. I hope that my book will inspire readers to trust in God's plan for their lives, to find strength and comfort in their faith, and to live with joy and peace, no matter what challenges they may face. I hope that my book will be a source of inspiration and encouragement for all who read it.
My greatest hope is that my readers will be encouraged to live their lives entirely for the Lord. Through the journeys of my characters, I aim to show that God desires to permeate every aspect of our lives, bringing us joy and glorifying Him. He longs to be the center of our thoughts, actions, and emotions, giving us purpose and joy as our loving, holy, and righteous creator. I hope that my book will inspire readers to trust in God's plan for their lives, to find strength and comfort in their faith, and to live with joy and peace, no matter what challenges they may face. I hope that my book will be a source of inspiration and encouragement for all who read it.
#4. Tell us a little about yourself, your family, friends.
I’m a highly blessed child of the King. I’m a late-in-life author who is young at heart—I have to be! I have eight crazy children, seven amazing spouses, and nineteen adorable grandchildren, ages one to fifteen. We’re fortunate to have a family that all loves the Lord. Our shared faith has been a source of strength and inspiration for me in my writing. It's through our family's experiences and discussions about God that I've been able to explore and understand the themes of faith, redemption, and love that are central to my book.
My husband is a recently retired pastor who grew up on the streets of LA and has more stories to tell than I can write. Two of my sons are missionaries in Japan and preach and teach fluently in Japanese. We also have a Deputy sheriff, a Firefighter, and a Worship Leader in our family. I was born in Okinawa to an Okinawan mother and an American father, and we traveled extensively. I have three sisters, and the four of us are best of friends. I’m truly blessed.
I’m a highly blessed child of the King. I’m a late-in-life author who is young at heart—I have to be! I have eight crazy children, seven amazing spouses, and nineteen adorable grandchildren, ages one to fifteen. We’re fortunate to have a family that all loves the Lord. Our shared faith has been a source of strength and inspiration for me in my writing. It's through our family's experiences and discussions about God that I've been able to explore and understand the themes of faith, redemption, and love that are central to my book.
My husband is a recently retired pastor who grew up on the streets of LA and has more stories to tell than I can write. Two of my sons are missionaries in Japan and preach and teach fluently in Japanese. We also have a Deputy sheriff, a Firefighter, and a Worship Leader in our family. I was born in Okinawa to an Okinawan mother and an American father, and we traveled extensively. I have three sisters, and the four of us are best of friends. I’m truly blessed.
#5. If you could change one thing in your life, past or present, what would it be?
Reflecting on my life, I realize that my biggest regret is not coming to the Lord sooner. I was in my late twenties when I finally answered God’s call, just in time to instill faith in my children. But I can’t help but think of the years I wasted indulging in a life of partying and troublemaking. After finding Christ, I realized how I could have used those years to serve Him, to go on mission trips, and to spread His love. However, I am grateful that my children have taken up that mantle. It’s a testament to God’s redeeming power, and it's a part of my journey that I hope resonates with you.
Reflecting on my life, I realize that my biggest regret is not coming to the Lord sooner. I was in my late twenties when I finally answered God’s call, just in time to instill faith in my children. But I can’t help but think of the years I wasted indulging in a life of partying and troublemaking. After finding Christ, I realized how I could have used those years to serve Him, to go on mission trips, and to spread His love. However, I am grateful that my children have taken up that mantle. It’s a testament to God’s redeeming power, and it's a part of my journey that I hope resonates with you.
Thank you, Jasmine. I love your Christ-centered questions, and it’s always a pleasure to share how the Lord has worked in my life. All for His glory!
More from Kathleen
For some, Ransomed Peace may be a hard story to read. It was a hard story to write. But rest assured, it’s a romance, and I guarantee a happily ever after! One of my favorite passages in the bible teaches that beauty from ashes lends hope that rises from hardships. Ransomed Peace begins with domestic violence. By God’s grace, I’ve never been a victim of it, but someone very close to me was. It was long ago, and unfortunately, at the time, I had no idea how to help her other than to aid in her rescue and give her refuge from the situation. But even then, that wasn’t the solution. Fortunately, today, many programs, housing, and counseling are available for those who suffer this horrible crime, but it continues and can happen to anyone. I encourage victims to seek professional help. It is as close as the internet or your local church body. Here’s the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 800-799-7233.
In Ransomed Peace, the main character, Roxanne, is a victim. As in all my books, God is the ultimate answer to any problem. But just as Roxanne was urged to seek help, I urge all victims to take action. Especially preventative action. Drawing and staying close to the Lord through His Word, prayer, and relationship with other God-fearing believers will aid in avoiding toxic people. Together, we can learn to follow and obey God’s guidance, allowing us to make the right choices in relationships. Sometimes, such as in the case of children, a choice is not possible, but God’s help always is. As we step in and walk alongside victims, we have the opportunity to help them to seek Jesus. His solution is eternal.
In my Romantic Suspense books, I choose to write about difficult real-life situations because, as a Pastor’s wife, I’ve prayed and walked with many women. Nobody’s life is perfect or ideal, and everyone suffers something. A reader wrote to me once, sharing how my book had encouraged her to walk with the Lord in areas of her life she hadn’t thought about before. She was secure in her salvation, yet she said it wasn’t until she read one of my books that she realized that living a life of purpose in all areas was possible. And it is! That’s the non-fiction part of my books. Whether our difficulties are past or present, we always need to be pointed to God’s Word in everything, not just for bliss on earth, which is never going to happen, but for the hope of our future with Him in heaven one day.
Sometimes, we are victims of circumstance and are blindsided by a force we can’t seem to contend with. Sometimes, we suffer the consequences of violence because of a bad decision we’ve made, yet it is still unjustly deserved. Whatever the cause, God loves us, and Jesus knows and feels our plight. He lived it, and there is a way out. God’s plan is for us to live for His glory.
I pray my books will inspire all to seek Him and follow Him in every phase of life. “To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;” Isaiah 61:3. Giving Him the ashes from our tragedies so He can restore joy for His praise is to live with joy over the blessings, and to find joy in Him through our sufferings.
The Lord uses people to help us live a life worthy of Him, in good times and bad. But we can’t do it alone. That’s why I created Bay Town. A community that represents real life in some way. As you read the Bay Town Series, I hope you’ll be inspired and encouraged by the characters that help one another. Trustworthy authority figures like Chief Bert and Pastor Desmond and good role models like Melanie Thompson Brooks and Max Tippet. And you’ll love the little comic relief provided through Tina, Lyla, and Bethie Cook. At some point, you’ll meet the same people in each book and hopefully come to love them as I have. Each story is unique, and each stands alone, championing themes of hope! As you read the series, you’ll become a part of Bay Town. A community that lives to watch out for one another and purposes to love and serve God.
In Ransomed Peace, the main character, Roxanne, is a victim. As in all my books, God is the ultimate answer to any problem. But just as Roxanne was urged to seek help, I urge all victims to take action. Especially preventative action. Drawing and staying close to the Lord through His Word, prayer, and relationship with other God-fearing believers will aid in avoiding toxic people. Together, we can learn to follow and obey God’s guidance, allowing us to make the right choices in relationships. Sometimes, such as in the case of children, a choice is not possible, but God’s help always is. As we step in and walk alongside victims, we have the opportunity to help them to seek Jesus. His solution is eternal.
In my Romantic Suspense books, I choose to write about difficult real-life situations because, as a Pastor’s wife, I’ve prayed and walked with many women. Nobody’s life is perfect or ideal, and everyone suffers something. A reader wrote to me once, sharing how my book had encouraged her to walk with the Lord in areas of her life she hadn’t thought about before. She was secure in her salvation, yet she said it wasn’t until she read one of my books that she realized that living a life of purpose in all areas was possible. And it is! That’s the non-fiction part of my books. Whether our difficulties are past or present, we always need to be pointed to God’s Word in everything, not just for bliss on earth, which is never going to happen, but for the hope of our future with Him in heaven one day.
Sometimes, we are victims of circumstance and are blindsided by a force we can’t seem to contend with. Sometimes, we suffer the consequences of violence because of a bad decision we’ve made, yet it is still unjustly deserved. Whatever the cause, God loves us, and Jesus knows and feels our plight. He lived it, and there is a way out. God’s plan is for us to live for His glory.
I pray my books will inspire all to seek Him and follow Him in every phase of life. “To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;” Isaiah 61:3. Giving Him the ashes from our tragedies so He can restore joy for His praise is to live with joy over the blessings, and to find joy in Him through our sufferings.
The Lord uses people to help us live a life worthy of Him, in good times and bad. But we can’t do it alone. That’s why I created Bay Town. A community that represents real life in some way. As you read the Bay Town Series, I hope you’ll be inspired and encouraged by the characters that help one another. Trustworthy authority figures like Chief Bert and Pastor Desmond and good role models like Melanie Thompson Brooks and Max Tippet. And you’ll love the little comic relief provided through Tina, Lyla, and Bethie Cook. At some point, you’ll meet the same people in each book and hopefully come to love them as I have. Each story is unique, and each stands alone, championing themes of hope! As you read the series, you’ll become a part of Bay Town. A community that lives to watch out for one another and purposes to love and serve God.
 Kathleen J. Robison | Kathleen J. Robison is an Okinawan-American. Born in Okinawa, raised in California, Florida, Mississippi, and Singapore. Her travels lend themselves to the settings in her books, and her large family provides fun fodder for her characters. She and her Pastor husband have eight adult children. Seven are married, blessing them with sixteen grandchildren, and more on the way! Her ethnically diverse family of 33 plus personalities presents many opportunities to write about God’s amazing love amid trials, tragedies, and blessings. He is the one true inspiration and hope for us all. |
It's Time For A Giveaway!
To celebrate her tour, Kathleen is giving away the grand prize package of
a $25 Amazon gift card and copy of the book!!
a $25 Amazon gift card and copy of the book!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
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Artistic Nobody, July 9 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 10
Stories By Gina, July 11 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, July 12
For the Love of Literature, July 13 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 13
lakesidelivingsite, July 14
Tell Tale Book Reviews, July 15 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 16
Beauty in the Binding, July 17 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, July 18
Guild Master, July 19 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, July 19
An Author’s Take, July 20
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, July 21 (Author Interview)
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