In Search of Forever
Can they bridge the long gap in their friendship? Growing up, Jayden Clarke dreamed of becoming a Marine like his late father, who was killed in Afghanistan when Jayden was nine. His foster dad, Kurt, was also a decorated soldier. But his own encounter with a narrowly missed IED in Afghanistan leaves Jayden wounded and honorably discharged. He returns home defeated, his dream destroyed, not certain what his future will hold. Who will he become now? Is there anyone he can turn to? Two years out of college, Baylie Summers has returned to the Mueller Rescue ranch where her best friend Jayden Clarke once lived as a foster teen. She hasn’t seen him since they graduated six years ago, but she’s thrilled when she lands the job as the ranch’s fundraising newsletter writer. Seeking refuge from the storms of life, Baylie waits for Jayden to return home, hoping he’ll have wisdom to help her recover from past incidents she wants to forget. Once a foster child herself, she fears Jayden might not like the woman she’s become. Will telling her secret make her lose Jayden forever?
- ISBN: 1953957307
- Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink
Interview with Patricia Lee
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What message do you hope readers take away from this book? Everyone can find forgiveness no matter what their past mistakes are.
Reflecting back, what do you see as most significant to your publication journey? Meeting strangers along the way who offered insights and suggestions to keep moving forward.
What’s your biggest challenge in balancing writing time with your other responsibilities? I chose a time in my day that had no real purpose and made those hours “office hours” and showed up for work every day as I would for any job.
How do your faith and spiritual life play into the picture and affect your storytelling?
I start my writing time with a scripture reading and a time of prayer. If I forget or miss that time my day is never as productive.
What do you consider the greatest moment of your writing/publishing career? The first letter I received from a reader who said I made her cry. Wow.
Where do your story and character ideas come from? I don’t know, honestly. I get an idea or read a news article that piques my interest and I’m off to explore what may wait beyond.
What is your writing routine? Any quirky habits or must-have snacks?
No snacks. Sitting and eating make for very round writers and I am round enough. I drink tea.
What is the funniest thing that has happened to you as an author?
I almost missed my flight home from Dallas because I misread the gate information. I laugh now but it wasn’t funny then. That would have been a long walk home.
What do you think makes your style of storytelling unique? I write strong male characters. The guy must be a hero—strong, decisive, protective. Too many heroes are portrayed as weak willed men.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not writing? Reading, flowers, lunch with friends and family
What books are on your nightstand right now? Tidewater Bride by Laura Frantz, Where Stone Wings Fly by Karen Barnett, The Rose and the Thistle by Laura Frantz, and The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin.
Finish this statement: If I were not an author... I would be bored to tears.
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Kathy McKinsey lives in Lakewood, Ohio, with her husband Murray and the oldest of their five children. Besides writing, she enjoys activities with her church, editing for other writers, braille drawing, crocheting, knitting, and playing with their rambunctious cat. Visit her at https://www.kathymckinsey.com.
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