Kim Griffin Spills the Tea on her Favorite Things and her New Novel

Hi readers! It's me again, and I'm peppering this week's featured author for a list of her favs. Kim Griffin, a huge Jane Austen fan, joins us to talk about what's going on in her life and her new book Not Quite Mr. Knightly. (PS. Her next novel, Not Quite Miss Austen drops on Jan. 31st.)

PT:  Hi, Kim! So let’s start on page one. What genre do you write in and why?

KG: I write Christian women’s fiction with romance. Most of my books are contemporary, but there is a 1970s book and a 1955 book. I love to craft stories that point Christian women to Christ and encourage them to read His Word.

I also love a good romance story, but always want readers to understand that though a godly romance is very satisfying, it will never completely fulfill our desire to be loved and will never be perfect. Only God can love us perfectly and fill those empty places. When we go into a relationship and ultimately marriage understanding this, we learn to gain our significance from Christ and not our spouse. This frees us up to love them better and strengthens us when our spouse fails us (because they are not perfect).

I also write devotionals, and I’m working on a Bible study. This is a natural outpouring of my years of studying scripture and leading Bible studies. I’ve been leading Bible studies since my freshman year in college, so I’m in my 37th year! I advocate for inductive Bible studies, which teach people to study deeply using God’s word as the primary source and uncover God’s truths for themselves.

 PT: Is there any genre you secretly would like to write in?

KG: Christian Regency romance. I love Regency romance but it is intimidating because there are so many who have gone before me in that genre, including those, like Jane Austen, who lived through it. I worry I will get the details wrong. Eventually, I will try it.

PT: What drew you to become a writer, and what’s the best thing about the writing process for you?

KG: I’ve been making up stories for as long as I can remember. I was almost five by the time my twin brother and sister were born, and at that time I had a whole cast of imaginary friends and family that I made up stories about. I was just too young to write them down. I wrote a number of short stories throughout my younger years and even wrote a couple of plays for my siblings and neighbor friends to perform.

In sixth grade,  I convinced my best friends to help me put together a “newspaper” for our grade, and we wrote stories and articles for it. In middle school, my creative passion moved to interior design.

I was always a reader, though, and as an adult, it wasn’t until my oldest two children had graduated from homeschool and my third was taking dual enrollment classes that I had time to read for myself and not just books for their schooling. In 2019 I discovered an online writing platform, and it had a lot of non-Christian garbage, but there were a few Christians there. I decided I could put some of the ideas that were always bouncing around in my head into story form and use it as a platform to share Christ.

At the time, I had no aspirations of publishing my books, though people suggested I should publish. Eventually, I realized that my reach there was limited as the platform became less popular, and God kept placing people in my path through social media who were independent authors. I did some research, prayed, and felt like God was laying everything before me to begin publishing my books. Not Quite Mr. Darcy was my first published book, and I just celebrated it’s two-year anniversary on October 18.

PT:  Do you have a genre do you enjoy reading the most?

KG: Most any Christian fiction with romance. I read a little of almost every type of book except horror, and I’m picky about fantasy. I love historical, mystery, and books with unexpected twists and turns in stories.

PT: I love music so let me ask what your favorite song is right now?

KG: I have a couple that are very different. The first is Andrew Peterson’s “Is He Worthy.” I love that it puts me before the throne, worshipping and longing to be face to face with my Savior. The second is “Dusty Bibles” by Josiah Queen. It is a reminder that we are constantly distracted by electronics and should pick up our Bibles and spend time with God.

PT: I’m stuck on a favorite list now, LOL. Favorite verse?

KG: I have so many, but I’ll share a section in Hebrews and my writing verse from Romans 15.

Hebrews 12:1-3 ESV - 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

I love the way Hebrews beautifully ties together the Old and New Testaments. In fact, I have a lot of verses from Hebrews in my Starry Night: Christmas Advent Devotional. But these particular verses remind me to keep my eyes on Jesus and lay aside and ignore the things that distract me from what He has called me to do in my time here on earth. I’m reminded of the faith of those who have gone before me (those listed in the chapter before). And most meaningfully, I’m reminded that Jesus endured the cross for me and each believer—we were the joy before Him that spurred Him to go on.

I’d also like to share my writing verse. Romans 15:13 ESV - 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

This is the verse I use as my theme verse for writing—both my fiction and nonfiction. In my nonfiction, I strive to lay out important truths in scripture that will strengthen your relationship with God and help you understand those truths so you will have joy and peace in Him! My fiction takes characters through hard things and brings them to a place where they see God is the only one to place their hope in, and they also have glimpses of His mercy (not getting what they deserve) and grace (getting what they don’t deserve or God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense).

PT: Favorite drink?

KG: Hot tea. I love both herbal and caffeinated teas with no sugar or cream. Right now I’m loving Lady Grey tea. I’ve never been a coffee drinker, though I love the smell, and it reminds me of growing up since my parents drank it.

PT: Favorite season?

KG: Summer. I love to run around in shorts and flip-flops, and I get cold easily. I thrive when it’s above 70. In the winter I have to wear so many layers and I want to hibernate.

PT: Favorite holiday?

KG: As an adult, Easter because it’s easier to focus on Jesus. I love Christmas, but there’s so much commercialism around it, and so much is always scheduled that time of year that it is real work to carve out quiet times with God. That’s how I ended up writing my Starry Night: Christmas Advent Devotional. It was a way to slow my mind down and focus on Jesus in the midst of the Christmas chaos.

PT: Favorite Fictional character?

KG: Elizabeth Bennet—I love her introspection and dry wit.

PT: Now MY favorite prompt. Tell 5 things about Kim Griffin that have nothing to do with writing.

KG: My degree is in Interior Design / Interior Architecture.

I was a homeschool mom, but all of my children have now graduated. My youngest just did in May!

I have 4 children; the youngest is adopted from Haiti, and two grandchildren.

I’m a city girl living in a rural community in middle Tennessee, and we have a few beef cows (I leave that up to my husband. LOL).

I love to cook healthy food, but I will eat a delicious dessert now and then, especially if it’s chocolate.

PT: Tell us how you started the Not Quite Series.

KG: I’ve loved Jane Austen’s books for years and had read Pride and Prejudice, Emma, and Sense and Sensibility many times. But I always wished Jane had put a faith message in them. As much as I enjoy a good love story, I know that our culture often builds up romance and romantic love as the ultimate goal in life—as if we will be fully satisfied once we find our person. That creates an unrealistic burden on marriages and relationships because our spouses are not perfect. 

I had written several books that I hadn’t published before I decided to publish, and in my first published book I wanted to marry the idea of the perfect Mr. Darcy, who generations of women have swooned over, with the realism that no man except Jesus can love us perfectly. That was my idea behind Not Quite Mr. Darcy. I didn’t intend for it to be a series at first, but when I was partway through, the idea for Not Quite Colonel Brandon formed. The stories kept coming.

PT: How do Jane Austen’s books connect with yours?

KG: None of the series books are anywhere near retellings, but they each have nods to the books that correspond with the name. Each of the main characters also enjoys the books that correspond with the name. In the back of each book, I have a QR code for an extras/trivia page on my website that tells its connections with the corresponding Jane Austen book. It also gives fun details about how I came up with ideas, other Easter eggs, and details I found when researching the book.

PT: Tell the readers more about Not Quite Mr.Knightly.

KG: Here’s the tagline and blurb:

A runaway bride

A marriage of convenience

A love worth fighting for

While interning at the U.S. Embassy in London, Nancy Wilson, a spirited Southerner from Greenville, South Carolina, thought she’d found her very own Mr. Knightley—straight from the pages of Emma.

Yet on the eve of her wedding day, a devastating letter from her future father-in-law shatters her dreams, leaving her with a heart-wrenching decision. Opting to leave London, Nancy returns to the familiarity of Greenville, only to be haunted by regret and a longing to reclaim her lost love. After attempting reconciliation and facing an unexpected rejection, she questions everything she once believed.

Back home, Nancy must grapple with newfound challenges, testing her resilience and faith. Amidst her broken heart, she encounters a surprising proposal that could change her life forever—a marriage of convenience that may hold the key to finding her true Mr. Knightley. This tale of love, loss, and self-discovery will resonate with anyone who has ever yearned for a love story worth fighting for.

Set in 1970, Not Quite Mr. Knightley is the third book of the Not Quite Series and can be read as a standalone, though it’s best enjoyed after reading Not Quite Colonel Brandon. While not a retelling of Emma, this story contains elements Austen fans will appreciate.*

PT: Ahhh, the tea tastes great! And that cover is sweeter than sugar. You can get your copy of Not Quite Mr. Knightly today by following the links or visiting your favorite bookstore, or you can stay around for the free book given to one lucky person who leaves a comment. 

Thanks, Kim for visiting the Diamond Mine of Christian Fiction and spilling the tea about your new novels!

 

*Content Warning: This book contains characters who consider abortion and who have an abortion in their past. Abortion is discussed several times from a Christian perspective, emphasizing forgiveness and healing in Christ. If you have an abortion in your past, please read the resources section at the end of the book and visit DeeperStill.org for free Christ centered retreats.

A Virtual Lakeside Chat with Author Jennifer Rodewald

We welcome in Jennifer Rodewald who has lived both in the mountains and the rural midwest. But today we focus on being lakeside with her new book, Lake Shore Sanctuary. Grab your fishing pole and enjoy the virtual lake view while we get to know Jennifer a little better.

PT: Tell a bit about yourself and how you landed in writing and why you write the contemporary genre.

JR: I’ve always loved story, and I’ve always written. At some point in my early teen years, I turned from journaling, in which I found myself often complaining about some aspect of life, to writing stories instead. Story is instructive to me, and I find that I learn best through that vehicle.

In my adulthood, I began to pray that God would give me a story worth telling. I had thought that it would be something historic, as that is what I usually read. What eventually filled my imagination, however, was a complicated contemporary story of a stubborn man trapped in alcoholism and a young woman dragged into that undertow. Not something I ever thought I’d write . . . but I did, and it eventually became Blue Columbine, my first published novel. I’ve written contemporary ever since—though when I read, I prefer to read historical. Life is quirky like that. 😉

PT: What authors/books intrigue you the most? Any favorites?

JR: When I read for pleasure, as I said above, it’s usually something in the historic genre. I particularly love Regency.

My very favorite books have been biographies, though. PureGold, the story of Eric Liddell by David McCasland is my all time favorite.

PT: Do you have a current Bible verse that has a special meaning to you?

JR: Hmmm . . . I tend to favor passages of God’s Word—I feel that context is very, very important, so I shy away from solitary verses. I love the Psalms—one commentator names them the “anatomy of the human heart,” and I lean into Psalm 103 quite a bit as it reminds me to glorify God for all that He has done. 

PT: Are you a city gal, a country girl, a beach lover, a mountain lady or a lake shore lass?

JR: Funny you should ask that. 😊 I spent the first 7 years of my life in the mountains of Colorado, and that left a substantial impression on my life. Then we moved to a not-so-great suburb of Denver where I spent the next dozen or so years. I hoped and prayed that I would not live there forever . . . and God kindly gave me a Husker for a husband. I have lived in rural Nebraska for the past 22 years—and let me tell you that adjusting to not only small-town life, but small-town rural life, took some time. There are still things that I think or say that my husband will respond with, “Jen, your city girl is showing.”

I love my small-town life, though, and hope to stay here forever. We try to get away to the mountains at least once a year. I have summitted (bagged) 4 Colorado 14ers (peaks that stretch upward at least 14,000 feet), and have wandered many, many more mountain trails in our adventures. My kids used to joke that we were the only family they knew who had to train for their vacations. Good thing they were cross country runners!

PT: Since the spring season is on the cusp of appearing, tell your favorite season and why.

JR: I love them all. I love the changing of times and seasons. Spring and summer bring a lot of work my way—I am a very small, hobby-level flower farmer, but I savor the work and the beauty. Fall and winter bring a little bit of rest, and that is lovely, too.

PT: Talk about Lake Shore Sanctuary, how you came up with the idea, and a little about the series itself Redemptive Shores.

JR: Redemption Shores came about from a group project I participated in a few years back—we put together an anthology of 80’s movie spin-offs. It was super fun! I knew, though, that once the anthology had gone it’s year-long course, I wanted to refresh and expand the story I’d written for it (mine was a reverse-roll spin-off of overboard, set in the Montana mountains), and I wanted to try a Saga-style series so that I could really dig in deep with complexity and character development.

That sort of threw off a lot of my readers—contemporary Christian romance doesn’t see a lot of a Saga-style series (think of your favorite, bingeable TV series—like Heartland or Miss Scarlet—and you’ll know what I mean). Readers tend to like their romances all neatly tied up at the end of each book—and I get it! But this series has been challenging and wonderful to write, because of the complexity, and because the characters are given time to really ferment and grow. It’s been a beautiful reminder that in real life, people’s stories stretch over a lifetime—and we all need patience, humility, and grace for the course.

PT: What was your favorite part to write in Lake Shore Sanctuary?

JR: I loved having a story that had a strong element of suspense. I’ve never written one before, so that was a fun change-up. I also really, really loved writing a marriage that grew into love—and that happened because of a determination on both sides to choose love—and to show love—even when they weren’t “in love.” One of my favorite lines from the story was this:

"Falling in love and loving someone are very different. I think you will discover that loving is the deeper end of the pool."

If I could hammer in something about love and marriage to my four children and have it stick, I think that would be it. Loving is gritty and hard and humbling and full of sacrifice. But it’s also glorious and beautiful and worth every tear and effort.

PT: Did you enjoy researching for this novel? What interesting tidbits did you discover that may or may not have made it into the book?

My favorite part of research for LSS was watching VLOGs of backpackers who took me into the Yellowstone backcountry. I loved getting a virtual journey into parts of the Park that I wouldn’t be able to access otherwise. Man, it’s really beautiful! God sure does amazing work!

It was also interesting to find that the FBI does “contract” (sort of) some of their undercover operatives—though often those are criminals who work as part of a plea bargain (think White Collar). It was also interesting (alarming!) to discover that the cartel does have a presence in Montana (my husband questioned that), and it’s not small. Yikes!

PT: Tell a little about LakeShore Sanctuary.

JR: Winning her husband’s heart might be the adventure--if not the achievement--of her life. If she can pull it off.

Grady Briggs is quiet and dependable and wants a life that looks nothing like his years spent working as a criminal investigator. But when a known member of the cartel comes searching for Isa Romero, that calm, predictable life he'd hoped to find in Luna goes up in flames. Things get complicated when Grady discovers why the crime boss is after Isa.

Though the flirty, vivacious young woman has rubbed him wrong since day one, Grady is willing to go to any length to protect her--even if that means marrying her.

Isa wanted a life full of romance and adventure, but her search for it has landed her in a whole lot of trouble. Grady’s offer of protection is the smart choice, but a lifeless, loveless marriage isn’t something she can live with. Her best option? Win her husband’s heart—which might be the adventure, if not the achievement—of her life, if she can pull it off.

Their marriage is supposed to be her refuge, but the danger only gets worse . . .

Just when they discover that they might have a chance at a real future together, their secret is exposed. When the danger becomes life-threatening, will Grady be able to protect his wife like he promised?

PT: Tell 5 things about Jennifer Rodewald that have nothing to do with writing.

I’m a girl who loves Jesus and want others to love Him too.

I have been married to my own personal Superman for almost 26 years.

I have 4 nearly grown children (my baby is a junior in high school).

I am a small-scale flower farmer.

I am a part-time swim coach.

PT: Talk about your future plans and what direction you are heading in your career. Will there be another book in the Redemptive ShoresSeries, or will you head in another direction?

JR: I am finding that I have to hold tomorrow up with an open hand. Currently, I am on a writing break, praying, as I did in the beginning, for a story worth telling. I have ideas for more Redemption Shores books, but for now, I wait. And in the meantime, I live. There is so much to do and savor in this beautiful life God gives!

PT: And there you have it, readers~the inside scoop on Author Jennifer Rodewald! We are doing a free book giveaway~although if I am honest, we haven't had to give away any books in the last several weeks because of lack of comments~and you can enter by leaving a comment and your email. Or, you can enter by using our contact form. I sure would like to giveaway a copy of Jennifer Rodewald's book, Lake Shore Santuary, but that is up to all of you readers! We want to hear from you, and thanks for stopping by our virtual lakeshore chat!

Thanks to Jennifer for stopping by The Diamond Mine of Christian Fiction!

Jennifer Rodewald Bio:

Jennifer Rodewald lives on the wide plains somewhere near the middle of Nowhere. Somehow she is both a realist and a romantic. She writes faith-based stories of Christian romance with real-life struggles and the hope of happily-ever-after grounded in the goodness and faithfulness of God. She loves stories and believes they can be powerful vehicles of truth and hope. Mostly, she loves Jesus and wants to see others fall in love with Him too, because HE is the real hope for that eternal happily-ever-after.

Find Jen at her website @https://authorjenrodewald.com
Or on Facebook @https://www.facebook.com/authorjenrodewald
You can find all her books on Amazon @ https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jennifer-
Rodewald/author/B00XZK0PQ6

 

Lake Shore Sanctuary links:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222951465-lake-shore-sanctuary

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/lake-shore-sanctuary-a-christian-novel-

redemption-shores-book-5-by-jennifer-rodewald

Amazon: https://mybook.to/LakeShoreSanctuary