Welcome to the Blog Tour for Anything by Kristina Welch, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book
Title: Anything: A Romance for Jesus Freaks
Series: Mayberry University Series #1
Author: Kristina Welch
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: February 1, 2025
Genre: Christian YA Romance
Two guarded hearts. He’s breaking down walls and she’s building them higher. A match made in Heaven, or a blueprint for disaster?
After the fiery downward spiral of senior year, Kit Talbot crash-lands on a quirky college campus where traditions rule and dorm floors act more like family. It’s just weird enough to keep her mind off the wreckage she’s leaving behind.
Enter Levi Whitaker, known as the swooniest guy on campus. Magnetic, confident, and far too much like the ex who sent her life into that PTSD-tainted nosedive. Levi seems to be everywhere, focused on her like she’s the only girl in the world—even indulging her sugar addiction with delivered treats. But Kit’s self-preservation instincts are sharper than ever, and she deflects him like Wonder Woman blocking bullets.
That is, until Levi’s quiet faith and humble apology start to break down Kit’s defenses. He loves Jesus in the dreamiest way, looks like wow, and ... somehow triggers the flashbacks she fights so hard to avoid. Every minute with him is a risk she isn’t sure she should take. Should she protect them both from the chaos of her life or learn a bravery that feels irresponsible?
As Kit fights to keep her life safe and manageable, she leans into her faith, clinging to the Bible verses God whispers to her heart. Clearly, he’s up to something, but the healing she prays for isn’t happening the way she wants.
Why is God silent on the prayer she needs most?
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Excerpt
Haymitch interrupts my thoughts. “How ’bout you, Jeeves? You been here two years. What’s your take on Texas?”
“I think the barbecue here is the best I’ve ever had,” Levi says.
“Preach,” Austin says.
“The brisket is some’n else,” Haymitch agrees. “Wish I could introduce you to ‘Bama White Sauce though.”
“Let’s make it happen.” Levi says.
“Christmas break? Maybe we can drag Samwise away from his family for a couple o’ days.” “If you can convince Janie,” Austin says.
“Janie?” Sophie asks.
“My baby sister.”
“He don’t like tellin’ his sister no,” Haymitch says to us.
“Aw,” Sophie says to Austin. “You’re a softie.”
“She’s, what, seventeen now?” Haymitch asks.
“Nearly. She’s still a baby.” Austin sends a look to Haymitch, who raises his hands in innocence.
“Janie won’t like it,” Levi says to us, “but convincing her might be within our power.” “You could sell a megaphone to a mime, Jeeves,” Austin says.
Haymitch sputters a laugh.
“We’ve hung out with her at The Farm many times,” Levi explains.
“It’s not actually a farm,” Austin says to us.
“It’ll always be The Farm,” Levi says.
Every time he speaks, his smooth voice is a magnet pulling me back, forcing my gaze to him. Each time, it’s a zap of pleasure I can’t afford. Sophie dives in headfirst, but I can’t. Not after Aiden. No matter how kind or gentle Levi seems, I have to make better choices this time. Desperate for a distraction, I turn to Mia. “How are your sisters?”
Maybe she can anchor me back to solid ground.
About the Author
When Kristina Welch isn't adventuring around the world with her husband and three little blondies, she's home near Denver, Colorado. She thrives on date nights, forest hikes, and peanut butter cookies. Her days include half-homeschooling her kids, thrifting for treasures, regretting DIY home projects, and babbling to Jesus wherever she is.
Connect with Kristina by visiting kristinawelchauthor.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.
Author Interview
Q: What inspired you to write Anything?
Kristina: Anything began as a fascination with stories—what makes them compelling, what makes them dissatisfying, and which relationships are worth reading about. I knew I wanted to write about young love. I find it tragically underrated. When a person’s First Love is saved for the right person and held onto for life, I believe there’s a unique, God-given blessing in it. I married my high school sweetheart, and I like him more than ever. Of course, love stories don’t unfold that way for everyone—or even most—but plenty of novels already exist about finding love in your late twenties and thirties.
More than anything, I wanted to write a story that imitates real faith—what prayer actually looks like, the nudges of the Holy Spirit, the experience of asking and not hearing back right away, and the prophetic words from friends that seem insignificant at the time. Hindsight reveals glimpses of God’s kind and intricate orchestration in our lives, and I wanted to capture that.
I also wanted my writing to feel like real life. Some of my favorite TV shows influenced my style and voice. Gilmore Girls and Psych are enduring favorites for my husband and me. Despite content that frustrates us and leads to fast-forwarding, there’s something magic about the banter, the pop culture references (most of which I don’t even understand), and the permanent relationships. That might be why Anything has both a mother-daughter duo and a bromance—I guess I couldn’t help myself.
When pitching my story, I was told that pop culture references would date my book, that it couldn’t endure. Maybe so. But Gilmore Girls and Psych prove to me that pop culture references make a story feel real. And even 15 years later, I still enjoy every minute of their fast-paced, reference-soaked dialogue.
Q: How long did it take to write this book?
Kristina: When I sat down to write it, I was sucked into a bizarre whirlwind. For days—then weeks—my brain couldn’t seem to do anything but write. If you’ve read the Miss Buncle Series, it was something like that. (Unrelatedly, I love her.) I barely ate or slept, completely consumed by characters and scenes. Since then, I’ve had to learn how to tone it down for the sake of my poor family.
I wrote about 60,000 words in ten days and then submitted the manuscript for its first round of formal editing about a month later. But the story has transformed considerably since then. It took a full year of editing—both formal and informal—for the results of my manic typing to develop into a completed novel.
Q: What surprised you while researching/writing this novel?
Kristina: As I wrote, fear unexpectedly became a central theme. God was already teaching me about trust, but I didn’t know how deeply I would need to learn it. After finishing edits—when publishing should have been the next step—my family and I traveled to Israel. While we were there, war broke out. Missiles flying, violence creeping closer, and our three little kids stuck there with us. Suddenly, I wasn’t just writing about trust and prayer—I was living it.
In that 72 hours of danger, I experienced something far greater—God's kindness and orchestration. Miracle after miracle. Answered prayer after answered prayer. He cared for my family in unforgettable ways. When we returned home, I revisited my manuscript, prepared to weave in a deeper, firsthand understanding of trust, fear, and God’s mysterious presence.
Q: Do you have a favorite quote from Anything?
Kristina: I should probably pick something meaningful, but a recent review mentioned this line:
"No need for aerobic exercise. Talking to Levi is all I need to maintain optimal heart health.”
Along those lines, younger brother Mav is so much fun to write. Like this part:
“Tune in next week …” Great, it’s Mav’s TV narrator impression. “To see Kit realize how incredible her eldest brother is and lavish praise on him rather than sarcasm.” He sits up, and I know he’s about to imitate my voice. “Mav, you’re a stellar brother. I wish I had shared more Halloween candy with you. I left you with only Laffy Taffy and Starburst when you had braces, and I’m all torn up about it. As penance, I’m going to come home every month and do your chores and write your papers and fan you with a palm leaf.”
Q: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?
Kristina: In those first few months of writing this book, I experienced God in a special way. He was right there with me. I’d ask Him, What next? I’d tell Him I must be crazy for doing this. I’d talk to Him about how impossible it all was—even as I kept going. And through it all, He made it clear that He cared, that He was listening.
In October 2023, five months into the process, my husband and I were hiking in Breckenridge, Colorado. The millions of aspens and their bright gold leaves shimmering in the sunlight are stunning that time of year. As we hiked, we talked about my writing, we prayed. And in that moment, I felt one of those quiet whispers from God. I think He said, “Ask me to use it.” I hesitated—hard. But then I did. No telling what He had in mind.
Just now, writing this, I’m realizing that was three days before we flew to Israel. Is that relevant? I honestly don’t know.
Q: Would you share something about yourself that most readers wouldn’t know?
Kristina: I’m obsessed with music, especially when it’s written by fellow Jesus freaks. I’m not a musician—that’s my brother, and most of my extended family. But I relate hard to songs. I take them seriously and hold onto them like friends. I look up lyrics and enjoy them like poetry. My little kids are fully indoctrinated and can sing the lyrics of Forrest Frank and KB like pros. I had so much fun compiling a “soundtrack” for Anything (kristinawelchauthor.com/extras) with songs that get at the heart of the story—Levi’s side and Kit’s.
Q: What are you currently reading?
Kristina: I’m always reading some kind of Christian non-fiction. Right now, it’s Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer. My husband and I already listened to his sermon series on it, but I love it, and it’s material I need to revisit.
I have phases with fiction. Yesterday I started Bridge to Haven by Francine Rivers, but I think I’ll come back around to it. Rivers is a master, but I don’t have enough emotional energy for the heavy themes right now.
Q: What is your favorite genre to read?
Kristina: Not a genre, but I love Katherine Center and Georgette Heyer right now. I’m also looking for a new Christian rom com author to learn from.
Q: What is your favorite hobby?
Kristina: Besides writing, I love teaching myself Illustrator. I’ve had the best time making covers for my books.
Q: What is your favorite season and why?
Kristina: All I can think is that the perfect date is April 25th—all you need is a light jacket. ☺
But picking one season is tough—I’m spoiled in Colorado with beautiful versions of each. Instead of picking just one, I’d say I love the transitions.
Fall to winter—the first snow.
Winter to spring—green peeking through.
Spring to summer—school ending, life feeling free.
Summer to fall—crisp mornings, leaves starting to turn.
There’s so much beauty in the start of something new.
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a Book Hugger’s Bundle of leather bookmarks, Christian stickers, book tabs, reading light, signed copy of Anything, and a $25 B&N gift card!
(1) winner will receive a College Life Bundle of a notebook, pens, sticky notes, popcorn, mug, signed copy of Anything, and a $20 Starbucks gift card!
(1) winner will receive a Devo Time Bundle of a Bible, highlighters, book tabs, tea lights, signed copy of Anything, and a $25 Etsy gift card!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 24, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 3, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
I enjoyed the interview, thank you.
ReplyDeleteloved this Q&A! Thanks so much for sharing it, Jolene :)
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