Showing posts with label Jennifer Carr. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jennifer Carr. Show all posts

Thursday, April 25, 2024

Author Interview: The Lost and Found by Jennifer Carr



About the Book



Book: The Lost and Found

Author: Jennifer Carr

Genre: Christian Suspense

Release Date: June 1, 2023

In the small quiet town of Owenston, Kentucky, former FBI agent Mark Collins has found a new purpose as the county Sheriff. Married and enjoying the prospect of becoming a father for a second time, Mark’s life seems picture-perfect. But when a series of petty thefts turns into a murder investigation, Mark’s peaceful life takes an unexpected turn.

With his steadfast resolve and unwavering faith, Mark embarks on a race against time to catch a killer, but as he digs deeper, he realizes that the case is more complex than he ever imagined, and danger hits closer to home than he could have anticipated.

The Lost and Found is a Christian suspense novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat, blending thrilling intrigue with heartwarming moments. Mark’s unwavering commitment to justice, his ever-expanding family, and his unwavering faith in God make for a gripping tale of redemption, hope, and love. Can Mark untangle the web of secrets and find a way to heal the wounds of the past? Discover the truth in this captivating story of courage, compassion, and the power of love.

Click here to get your copy!


About the Author



A wife, mom, author, marriage and family counselor, a former AP Psychology teacher, and a podcaster, Jennifer draws from her life experiences and imagination to connect with her readers and listeners through the written and spoken word.

Married to her childhood best friend and the mom of a creative daughter, Jennifer enjoys a quiet life on their farm in Alabama. When she’s not wearing one of her many hats, you’ll find her tucked away with a book and what’s likely her third coffee of the day.  


Author Interview with Jennifer


Q: What was the inspiration behind this novel?

Jennifer: The Lost and Found is book two of the No Matter What series (don’t worry, it can be read as a standalone!). I needed to know that my characters were in a good place after the first book because as crazy as it sounds, the characters I write may as well be real people to me.

More than that, I felt like Mark Collins had some growing to do which I think he does beautifully throughout the book.


Q: How long did it take you to write this novel?

Jennifer: That’s a tough one because there’s not a cut and dried answer. I started writing it the day after I sent its predecessor to the editor which was in April 2022. The story’s beginning and end flowed until it didn’t. I hit a huge creative block and decided to step away for a couple of months. A couple of days after New Year’s 2023 I poured a week into it and wrapped it up. It went through edits and beta reads and was published in June 2023!


Q: What was the most surprising thing you discovered while researching and writing this novel?

Jennifer: I don’t know that it was surprising but I had fun asking my dad (a former law enforcement officer) questions about procedures and tactics!


Q: Do any of the novel’s characters hold a special place in your heart?

Jennifer: I love Marí, who you really get to meet in No Matter What but my love for her just carried over because she was inspired by a number of people we met one summer in the Dominican Republic as we pursued our own adoption (which is another long and tragic story for another day). The people and the culture in the D.R. is beautiful and I wanted Jess to have someone in her life pouring out love and truth in her darkest of days just like we did.

But also, Cal – he is just… he’s everything you would want in a man who might step up as a father figure, a grandfather figure, and a friend. His wisdom is solid and his heart is made of gold.


Q: Do you have a favorite quote from this novel?

Jennifer: As a matter of fact, I do. It’s more of an excerpt that I love. It comes from a point in the novel where Jess’s past and her present are clashing and it’s producing a lot of emotions she hasn’t quite processed completely.

Grief can be a funny thing, as I’ve learned. There are days it makes you grateful for the time you had. Then there are moments like this that dredge up parts of the past that hurt and bring up reminders of days best forgotten. And that’s something else I’ve learned – Time may heal old wounds, but the scars left behind are never erased, unable to be forgotten.


Q: What do you hope readers take away from this novel?

Jennifer: Family are the people who love you unconditionally regardless of their blood-relation. And when you’re part of God’s family, you’re never alone – even in the most hopeless of situations.


Q: If the novel was made into a movie, who would like you to see play the main characters?

Jennifer: Oooo This is a FUN question! And it’s actually one I’ve thought about a few times.

Mark: If Jim Caviezel was about 15 years younger he’d be my first pick BUT since he isn’t, I think Chris Pratt would make a fantastic Mark Collins
Jess: Alexa PenaVega
John: John Schneider
Deborah: Patricia Heaton
Marí: Liza Colón-Zayas
Cal would 100% be Sam Elliot


Q: Would you share something about yourself that most readers wouldn’t know?

Jennifer: Before I was an adult, I thought Christian Fiction/Christian Romance Novels were only for old ladies haha! We can all interpret that the way we need to before moving on.


Q: In what setting do you enjoy writing the most? 

Jennifer: I love my office and desk area. I have a sit and stand desk so I can move when I start getting antsy. My desk is full of fidgets that I can manipulate while I’m thinking or daydreaming. I can’t listen to music while I write because music is as distracting as a good book. Even instrumental music will distract me.


Q: What are you reading now?

Jennifer: I am currently re-listening to the Harry Potter series – I’m on Book 4.


Q: How many bookshelves are in your home?


Jennifer: Surprisingly, fewer than most people think considering how much I read. The answer is currently three though I am debating a fourth. Most of my reading is e-book or audiobook because I don’t have room for a library. My next house, however…


Q: Who is an author you would recommend to anyone and everyone?

Jennifer: Jenny B. Jones is a consistent high rating author for me as is Carina Taylor and Sarah Adams!


Q: What do you like to do when you aren't writing?

Jennifer: I host a podcast for creatives and I co-host a podcast for authors. If I’m not podcasting, writing, or scrolling social media, I’m reading!


Q: Where can readers find out more about you and your novel?

Jennifer: My website, jcarrwrites.com, has links to all of my books, my works in progress, and the bonus materials like deleted scenes and bonus epilogues.

If you want to get to know me, I have a Facebook page and a TikTok channel that I utilize most frequently and I LOVE interacting with readers and other authors. @jcarrwrites (for both)



More from Jennifer

The Lost and Found is the second book of the No Matter What series but can be read as a standalone. I needed to make sure my characters were happy and healthy after their adventures in the book one so the day I sent No Matter What to my editor, I started writing The Lost and Found.

I love to bake and when I was pregnant with our daughter, I craved all things sweet. One of the characters in the book has a similar craving so I created a recipe for her to enjoy. I’d love to share it with you.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZUJhegaRSkQtwlG1Rk0UU-iYxTSJIPHg/view?usp=sharing


Blog Stops


Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 17

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 18 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, April 18

Texas Book-aholic, April 19

Lakesidelivingsite, April 20

Artistic Nobody, April 21 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 23

Cover Lover Book Review, April 24

Beauty in the Binding, April 25 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 26

Blogging With Carol, April 27

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, April 28 (Author Interview)

Exploring the Written Word, April 28

For Him and My Family, April 29


Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away the grand prize package of a Six Month Subscription to Kindle Unlimited ($60 value) and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

Link for giveaway: https://promosimple.com/ps/2afa4/the-lost-and-found-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, January 26, 2024

Author Interview: No Matter What by Jennifer Carr



About the Book


Book: No Matter What

Author: Jennifer Carr

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Release Date: October 14, 2022

Jess Hayley, with her exceptional skill of deciphering people’s thoughts and emotions through body language and microexpressions, encounters Bryan Carsen, a member of the U.S. Army Cyber Force, setting her on an unforeseen path that challenges her beliefs and abilities.

As Bryan becomes embroiled in a covert investigation, Jess comes to grips with the consequences of his actions, which are further complicated by the arrival of a mysterious box of evidence that endangers everything she holds dear. Caught in a perilous web of intrigue, trust becomes elusive, and Jess must navigate a world turned upside down, even questioning the trustworthiness of those closest to her.

In the midst of turmoil, Jess confronts the unsettling possibility that someone she trusted deeply may have harbored long-hidden secrets. Despite enduring numerous challenges, she must summon the strength to open her heart and rediscover the capacity to trust.

Amidst the uncertainty and concealed truths, Jess’s journey unfolds, marked by twists and turns, self-discovery, resilience, and the intricate interplay between perception and reality, showcasing the deep impact of unexpected encounters and the courage needed to move forward in the face of pain.

Click here to get your copy!


About the Author


A wife, mom, author, marriage and family counselor, a former AP Psychology teacher, and a podcaster, Jennifer draws from her life experiences and imagination to connect with her readers and listeners through the written and spoken word.

Married to her childhood best friend and the mom of a creative daughter, Jennifer enjoys a quiet life on their farm in Alabama. When she’s not wearing one of her many hats, you’ll find her tucked away with a book and what’s likely her third coffee of the day.


More from Jennifer

I loved writing this book. There were days that words poured out of me as though a dam had broken. Other days I stared at the screen until my eyes felt crossed and only touched the keyboard to text my husband how absolutely uninspired I was.

The day before I clicked PUBLISH, I reread the entire book cover-to-cover, word-for word and just as I had the first time through, I smiled, I cried, my heart swelled, and it shattered into pieces. Then it was gently put back together as I was reminded of the hope that is always waiting for us, no matter what. 

One of my favorite quotes from the book:

“…if you will let God redeem your losses, you might find that he restores you, too…”


Author Interview with Jennifer


Q: What was the inspiration behind this novel?

Jennifer: No Matter What is the result of my waking from a dream one morning frustrated that I didn’t know how it ended! I literally sat down later that day and started writing what I could remember and embellishing here and there until out of nowhere I had what would be considered the first four chapters. I texted my husband and said, “I think I’m going to write a book. I’ve already written a lot of words.” He encouraged me to go for it and a year later I was publishing my first book.

What’s funny is how absolutely different the story in the book is from where it started just because of editing and developmental things. That being said, I am forever grateful that my curiosity took hold that day and that I followed through with it.


Q: What was the most surprising thing you discovered while researching and writing this novel?

Jennifer: What surprised me most about writing this novel is how therapeutic writing fiction can be. The funny thing is, I have been a marriage and family counselor and have always said that writing, journaling, putting thoughts on paper is beneficial for emotional and mental processing. But, it never crossed my mind that writing fictional characters dealing with real life problems could be just as cathartic.
 
The last two years have been amazing for my mental and emotional wellness and I attribute it to putting all kinds of thoughts, emotions, and feelings “on paper” and allowing myself to inspect and reflect on them.


Q: Do any of the novel’s characters hold a special place in your heart?

Jennifer: Obviously every character has a story and they each play their specific role for the book. But, I have to say that Mark Collins is my favorite of all the characters in the No Matter What series. He's got a lot of feelings and beliefs (or lack thereof) that he we see him wrestle with throughout his part of the story. I love where he lands and how he gets there. Also, who doesn’t love a hero who wins the heart of the brokenhearted widowed mother and her daughter?


Q: Do you have a favorite quote from this novel?

Jennifer: One of my favorite characters from No Matter What as well as its follow-up, The Lost & Found is Cal. He’s not front and center and you don’t really get to know him until closer to the end of No Matter What but he’s full of so much wisdom after a life of struggle and loss. At one point he’s offering Jess much needed encouragement and he tells her, “… if you will let God redeem your losses, you might find that he restores you, too.”

This message resonates with me so deeply because I have known loss and I have allowed loss to define me and control my thoughts and beliefs. It wasn’t until I handed those losses over to God that He took what I thought was devastating and turned them into hope. Through that process he gave back to me the light I had lost - redeemed and restored.


Q: Where can readers find out more about you and your novel?

Jennifer: I love connecting with readers. I have a small group on Facebook called Jennifer’s BookNerds Club.

My books (and bonus reading material) can all be found on my website, jcarrwrites.com, and also on Amazon/Kindle/Kindle Unlimited.


Blog Stops


Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 20

Texas Book-aholic, January 21

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 22 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 23

Artistic Nobody, January 24 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 25

Beauty in the Binding, January 26 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 27

Guild Master, January 28 (Author Interview)

Exploring the Written Word, January 28

Cover Lover Book Review, January 29

A Reader’s Brain, January 30 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 31

For Him and My Family, February 1

Through the Fire Blogs, February 2 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, February 2


Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away the grand prize package of a Six Month Subscription to Kindle Unlimited ($60 value) and a copy of No Matter What!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

Link for giveaway: https://promosimple.com/ps/297d0/no-matter-what-celebration-tour-giveaway