HOME WHERE SHE BELONGS - Penny Frost McGinnis - One Free Book

Welcome, Penny. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters. Sadie and Marigold both have a bit of me in them. In Home Where She Belongs Sadie is learning to trust again, and I've had times in my life where I've had to step back and reconsider situations and decide who to trust. Marigold is a bit of a flower child, and I relate to that growing up in the 60s and 70s.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done? I'm not sure if this is considered quirky, but I did ride a zipline in my late fifties, when my daughter worked at a camp. I was nervous, but decided if the eighty-year-old lady behind me could zipline, I could too.

When did you first discover that you were a writer? I've been a reader for as long as I can remember, and that love of reading inspired me to pen poetry in high school. While I raised my children, I read lots of nonfiction and children's books, then I took a job at a public library and rediscovered fiction. I'd read plenty of fiction as a child and teen, but as an adult had lost touch with the story world. I believe, as I delved into the fiction world, God called me to write stories to inspire and encourage. For the last twenty-five years, I've worked to become a writer of stories.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading. If you follow my blog, you'll see I'm an eclectic reader. I enjoy contemporary romance, women's fiction, historical fiction (especially the civil war and the prairie days,) family stories, suspense, children's books, and cozy mysteries.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world? I spend a lot of time praying and reading my Bible. I know that sounds like a pat answer, but as I've gotten older, I find spending time with God soothes my soul. Creating fiber art and crafts also helps me keep my hands busy and not worry so much. The verses in 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 really speak to me: "and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody."

How do you choose your characters’ names? Sadie and Joel are my main characters.

Sadie's name came to me on a trip home from Kelleys Island, Ohio (the island Abbott Island is modeled after.) I'm not sure why that particular name stuck with me, but she grew into the main character of Home Where She Belongs.

If I had had a boy, I would have named him Joel, but I had three girls.

I enjoyed finding the meaning of each name. Sadie is a derivative of Sarah and means "princess." In the story, Sadie feels anything but a princess, until she finds her way and her true love. Joel means "Jehovah is God," a strong name for a caring hero.

Looking at name lists is fun. I use "name the baby" books or internet lists.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of? I'd have to say raising our children. They are all adults now, and I love hanging out with them.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why? I'd be a dog. Then I could be friends with our dogs, Olive and Rosie May.

The dog in my story is named Rosie. After my book went to print, we gathered at my nieces for Thanksgiving. Their dogs had Golden Retriever puppies and, wow, were they cute. We ended up taking one home right after Christmas and named her Rosie May, after Sadie's dog who was named after my dear great-aunt Rosetta May.

What is your favorite food? My husband makes the best grilled cheese sandwich! And I love dark chocolate.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it? More than anything, I struggle with a lack of confidence. I'm not sure I've overcome it, but I continue to learn and work toward better writing. I'm blessed to have had some wonderful, early reviews that have helped boost my confidence.

Tell us about the featured book. Home Where She Belongs is a small-town romance with a dash of mystery and the promise of hope.

Tired of being a pawn for her father and an emotional punching bag for her ex-boyfriend, Sadie Stewart escapes to Abbott Island where she spent summers with her grandparents. Would the love and faith she learned from them be enough to fuel her new life? She wants to believe God's promises, yet broken trust holds her back. 

Joel Grayson left the island long enough to train at the Police Academy. The community trusts him, even though he's failed. When he finds Sadie at her grandparents' cottages, his heart skips a beat. He'd love to get to know her again, but no one needs to share the hurt he harbors. 

When Sadie discovers someone is sabotaging her future, she seeks Joel's help. As they are drawn together, will Joel let down his guard and let her in? Will Sadie trust the man who loves her and the Father Who cares? 

Please give us the first page of the book.

Sharp breaths escaped Sadie Stewart’s lungs. Her legs wobbled like cooked spaghetti as she pushed to reclaim her routine and run the rest of the route. Confidence surged through her as her running shoes crunched dried leaves and pounded Abbott Island's hard dirt trail. Rosie, her beloved canine companion, kept rhythm with each step.

Aged maples decked in orange and scarlet bent across the trail and shaped a golden canopy. The pungent scent of wood smoke hung in the air. Rosie's red flag of a tail slapped the calves of Sadie's legs as she bounded alongside her. Her dog never judged her or caused her pain. Not like the man who had ripped her emotions to shreds.

A chill wind from Lake Erie rushed at their backs and pushed them toward the only place where Sadie found peace, her grandparents’ home. Every summer for twelve years, she’d lived in the warmth and comfort of their care, played with her friends, and helped her Gram clean the rental cottages. Grandpa had deeded the property to Sadie, but she’d neglected the place for three years. Now, she depended on the island rentals to rescue her from a life of regret and hurt.

Around the curve, she pushed her legs harder. A daily run helped clear her mind and build her strength. “Run, run, run.” She panted. Run, run, run... from him.

Fear dogged every step as she raced toward freedom from the man who shattered her heart. The memory of Bryce Shaw's screams and accusations played akin to a recording in her head. She prayed he'd give up and not track her to the island.        

His constant text messages and incessant calls obliterated the peace she sought. Three months and the man refused to give up his game of superiority over her. She'd changed her phone number once, but he must have dragged it out of her father. Or Dad offered her information without hesitation. At least the island’s spotty cell service might delay the next threat to tranquility.

Tomorrow she'd drive Coop, her Mini-Cooper onto the ferry and search for the closest place to trade in her number. This time she'd keep it to herself, except for the handful of people familiar with her story. She'd enlist the folks at the phone store to help her block the two people who tormented her. Two birds with one stone, as Gram used to say. Her father, who had never loved her, yet forced her to work for him, and Bryce, the man who had destroyed her trust, both fueled her determination to start over. As she ran, sorrow swallowed her heart. The hurt and humiliation weighed heavy as an anchor.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My blog: https://www.pennyfrostmcginnis.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PennyFrostMcGinnisAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PennyFMcGinnis

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pennyfrostmcginnisauthor/

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/penny-frost-mcginnis

Readers, here’s a link to the book.

https://www.amazon.com/Where-Belongs-Penny-Frost-McGinnis/dp/195583816X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=30GY5QGG8XX9I&keywords=home+where+she+belongs+book&qid=1652827196&sprefix=Home+where+She+%2Caps%2C471&sr=8-1   

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