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!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions given are my own and not an endorsement of all author’s opinions.
Author Interview
1. Why did you want to become an author?
Complete transparency alert – I never set out to become an author. I know, that probably sounds unlikely considering, but it’s true. I sat down one day and decided I wanted to write a story because I needed to know how a dream I’d awoken from ended. It snowballed and turned into chapters and eventually into an entire book. When I finished that book, I needed to make sure my characters were OK and thriving so I wrote the second book (The Lost and Found).
It was at that point I realized that being an author was something I could see myself doing for a really long time. Now, my third book (Fall When You’re Ready – not related to the No Matter What series) comes out February 1 and the second book in that series is halfway written.
2. If you could meet your characters in real life, what would you talk about?
I would love to hang out with Marí. She’s a feisty older woman from the Dominican Republic who loves Jesus and her family fiercely. I’d want to hear her entire life story just to see how her faith started and grew into the bulwark we see in No Matter What. She also tells it like it is so I’m pretty sure she and I would get along great.
3. What did your research process look like for this book?
I love research. That’s true for my writing and life in general. I’ve always been curious by nature so finding answers is something I’m really good at. I also like KNOWING things – anything and everything.
For No Matter What I spent hours every day researching Cybersecurity, the military, FBI procedures, even Dr. Ekman’s emotional awareness research. There were days I just knew I was probably on some kind of watchlist based on my Internet searches. Thankfully, I’m still in the clear, but my browser history is testament to my love of research even if I’m not writing a book!
4. Did you have to step out of your comfort zone to write this book? If so, how?
No Matter What is my debut novel. Publishing this book was terrifying from the moment I texted my husband and said (as I had about four chapters worth of material on the page), “I think I’m going to write a book.”
I’d never considered writing fiction before even though I was always making up stories in my head. And there are already so many great authors out there who write amazing books, I wasn’t sure why I would even attempt it. Not to mention, I don’t love the idea of my work potentially being criticized (who does?).
After much encouragement, I continued the story and the next hurdle I faced was letting someone else actually read what I had written. I sent it to my husband and of course I assumed his high praise was biased for obvious reasons. And after a few more back and forth conversations of, “Are you sure?” “Yes, I’m sure.” I sent it to a couple of other readers who gave similar feedback.
Probably the absolute biggest step outside of my comfort zone was clicking “Publish”. It felt like something so much bigger than myself but to this day I’m so thankful I did it and I look forward to doing it more and more.
5. What message do you hope readers take away from your book?
There is always hope, no matter what. In the wise words of Marí, ““The Lord tells you and he tells me in Isaiah chapter 43 verse two, When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. He did not say there would be no water or fire. He said when there is, he is there, and you will live. I had to cling to this verse for many months when it felt like there was no way through. Now you must do the same. Because if he says that he will take you through, that means there is another side where there is no water.”
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…”
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.
https://promosimple.com/ps/297d0/no-matter-what-celebration-tour-giveaway