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When an Ancestry Test Rocks a Heroine’s Life! Sarah Monzon’s Freedom’s Kiss Giveaway

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With everyone getting their DNA tests to work on their family tree, it only stands to reason some people will discover the unexpected, right? And that’s exactly where Sarah Monzon takes us in her new novel Freedom’s Kiss!

Welcome Sarah! How did you come up with your idea for this story with the DNA testing?

Oh man, I really wish I had an interesting anecdote to tell you, but it’s really rather boring. Mostly I just thought of the story (a LOT) while doing everyday things. I started with the character of Adam Carrington since this was going to be his story. I knew a bit about him and his backstory since he is a familiar character from the previous two books. I wanted to give him a heroine that would be challenging to him but one that was rich and deep in her own right. So, who was she? What were her motivations? Her struggles? The more I thought and prayed about the character of Olivia Arroyo, the more she and her story developed in my mind. When the idea of the DNA testing and all that it revealed popped up, it was like the pieces of the puzzle coming together.

 

That’s so cool when thing come together with a story! I believe God helps us with those puzzles!

The setting is in Florida for both the historic and contemporary portions. Tell us more about the area, and why you chose this portion of the past?

I grew up in Florida, and the history of the First Nations from that area always intrigued me. Especially how the Seminole Nation alluded the US army during the Second Seminole War and the fighting, indelible spirit they possess. I knew Adam’s story would be set in Florida as it was made clear in the first two books in the series that that’s where he lived, however it wasn’t until I let the story marinate in my mind before writing that the details of how the two story threads connected really came together.

 

I really enjoyed both threads!

So we’ve come to love those Carrington brother heroes in this series, what’s Adam like in this story? Was he as fun to write as Trent and Michael? Do you have a favorite, and if so, why?

Adam is riddled with guilt over his role in a particular situation while he was a criminal defense attorney. He’s a stand-up guy, one driven to make a difference in the world and right wrongs. So when he’s the one he perceives did wrong, he does everything he can to make amends…only nothing he does seems to be making a bit of difference. Even amongst his personal sentence, he still has an easy laughter about him and is quick to smile and joke around.

Adam was fun to write. He has the playfulness of Trent along with the sense of responsibility of Michael. Do I have a favorite, though? That’s too hard of a question to be able to answer.

I’d have a hard time picking, too, but Adam is a great hero :) This is a wonderful novel!

They were prisoners of the past. Could legacy be the key to set them free?

Olivia Arroyo knows who she is and where she’s going—her sense of family responsibility a stepping-stone to her dream of becoming a chef. When her employer refuses her the chance to move from server to the kitchen, she makes another opportunity for herself with the owner of a new food truck. But her life derails when a hidden piece of her past suddenly comes to light, and she discovers everything she thought she knew about herself has been a lie.

A single decision can have innumerable consequences—a truth that has changed Adam Carrington’s life. A criminal defense attorney turned food truck owner, he is haunted by his role in an unpardonable act and driven by his need to make restitution. Unexpected help comes in the form of a feisty, raven-haired beauty, but she soon begins challenging his kitchen as well as his heart.

Florida, 1816
Propelled by a fleeting hope of freedom, Winnie and her family escape slavery and find refuge and new life with the Seminole Indians of Florida. But their future is still uncertain as threats of war, a return to slavery, and removal to the West shake their tentative grasp on freedom. Will they ever step out of the shadow of fear to leave a legacy of deliverance?

Get your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Freedoms-Kiss-Carrington-Family-Romance-ebook/dp/B07D9QQQXM/

Sarah Monzon is a Navy chaplain’s wife and a stay at home mom to the two cutest littles in the world. Playing pretend all day with them isn’t enough, she spends the evenings after their heads hit the pillow to create her own imaginary characters. When she isn’t in the world of make believe, she can be found in the pine forests of western Washington taking care of her family, fostering friendships, and enjoying all the adventures each day brings.
Sarah has kindly offered one of our readers that leaves a comment by September 3, 2018 a copy of Freedom’s Kiss. (Paperback U.S. only. eBook international. Void where prohibited.)

Prizes galore in our Back-to-School Bash now on!

Janet W Ferguson (66 Posts)

Janet W. Ferguson is a Christy Award finalist and the FHL Readers Choice Award winning author of realistic inspirational fiction. An avid reader, she loved books so much she found a job as a librarian so she could be around them all day. Then she turned that love of story into writing faith-filled novels with characters who feel like best friends. You’ll laugh and cry as the quirky heroes and heroines chase their happily ever after. ​Janet and her husband live in Mississippi where they say y’all a lot, and she forces him to visit the beach as often as possible. They have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a cat that allows them to share the space. Connect with her at http://www.janetfergusonauthor.com/


Comments

  2. My mother had an ancestry test done. Not too many surprises.

    This does sound fabulous.

  3. Hi Janet and welcome Sarah. Sarah, I was at home sick today and read this book. I have never really looked into ancestry/family trees, but I think it would be interesting one day. I thoroughly enjoyed Adam and Olivia’s story, and Winnie and Nokosi’s story. Thanks for writing such engaging stories, I am eagerly anticipating more:)
    Blessings:)

  4. Thank you Janet for sharing your interview with Sarah.
    I really enjoyed your comments Sarah. It’s so awesome how God can give you a talent where you can share with your readers. I really love history and always enjoy when it is incorporated in a story.
    Thank you for the opportunity to win your book. It would be so awesome to have a copy.
    Blessings
    Kathy

  5. Hi Janet and Welcome Sarah. Fantastic looking cover and intriguing story. Since being retired my husband has been working on his genealogy on both his mother’s and father’s sides and has discovered all kinds of intriguing and conflicting information. He also had his paternal DNA done. The results were interesting. Since he studied genetics in college, he has a unique understanding of his results. His background is more than just French, English, and Dutch (that his what his parent’s claimed).
    Sarah, you are a new author to this avid reader. I would be honored to receive and read your story. I also enjoy stories with some history included. Best wishes and thanks for sharing.

  6. Sounds very interesting. Thank you for the chance. I had mine done with no surprises.

  7. This book has been on my Must Read list since before it released. I love to work on genealogy, have done the DNA test, and found interesting things. But I have also discovered things about relatives that are shockers – some I wish I didn’t know. One of the discoveries caused a relative to hire a genealogy investigator to learn the details. Secrets seem to never stay completely hidden, coming out when least expected, and turning someone’s world upside down!

  8. I have the first two in the series but haven’t read them yet. This one sounds so good, I’m going to put them on my SOON TBR list.

  9. This sounds like such an interesting book, one I know I would enjoy! Going to add it to my TBR for sure!

    Thank you for sharing!!

  12. My husband has done his and my kids. Nothing too shocking for us, but he’s seen a few interesting ones in the groups!

  13. So sorry you are sick! Prayers you feel better!
    Yes, this is a great story Sarah’s written!

  15. HI Renate! That’s fascinating! My husband has been working hard on his, too. (Of course, he’s not a geneticist) He actually told me I should write a story with some of the interesting history, but I told him Sarah had a great one already, ha! Maybe someday if the inspiration hits.

    Sarah has some wonderful novels! You’ll be glad you found her!

  16. Hi Lucy! Sometimes no surprise is a good thing! It’s a great story. Thanks for stopping in!

  17. Hi Becky! Some surprises aren’t fun. You may have a novel idea on your hands, it sounds like. Yes, secrets can come back and cause turmoil. Real life is stranger than fiction! You’ll love this one, I think!
    Hope you have a good day :)

  19. Now I’m really curious how this story turns out. :) Thanks for sharing the behind the scenes details!

  21. Hi Paula Marie! Fun seeing you here, too! I always enjoy reading Sarah’s stories!

  24. Hi Andrea! I guess it can be used for health reasons? Sarah’s story is intriguing!

  25. Sarah Monzon’s Freedom’s Kiss sounds wonderful Thank you for the opportunity to win.Have a good weekend.

  27. I am a native Floridian and have no plans to go anywhere else, besides, this is Home.
    Our church library readers enjoy books that they can relate too especially if the setting is in their backyard, so to speak.
    Thanks for entering me in your giveaway.

  28. Sounds interesting. I had a French grandmother and an Italian grandfather. My husband had an American Indian grandmother as well as Italian ancestry. My son in law is from Mexico and had a dark skinned grandmother with blue eyes. I’ve often wondered what her ancestry was. My grandchildren definitely have a potpourri genetic pool.

  30. I can’t wait to read this! we have a food truck that comes to the library once a year and some of their proceeds are donated to the library. It’s such a fun day and win win for everyone!

  40. Both my husband and I have family members who have done a lot of genealogical research, so I don’t need to spend money on a DNA test :-) We’ve heard some fun stories about our ancestors. This book sounds interesting!

  41. This book cover is gorgeous! I can’t wait to read this series and meet all the Carrington brothers. Thanks for the giveaway.

  42. Intrigued by the idea of contemporary and historical threads intertwining.

    I’m not sure I’d want to do a DNA test – but I always say that one of these days I will get more serious about organizing at least some paperwork of the family history.

  44. Interesting! I’m a western Washington girl myself turned high-desert Cdntral Washington. I did the DNA and found close, previously unknown relatives, in Florida. :)

  49. Hi Margaret! You sound like me! I’m letting my sister do the research and tests!

  54. How interesting to use DNA testing as part of the story. I often wonder about unexpected test results and the consequences they will have on people.

  64. What a great and current idea for a book. I know a family who did the DNA thing. The results said something totally different than what their ancestors had said. It made me wonder if the test was on the up and up or just a way for some scammer to make money.

  68. Thanks for sharing this story. I don’t think i know anyone who had DNA tested, though I’m guessing people don’t go out of their way to tell us. A major university around here was running a DNA test for a national research project, and I know that got people’s attention, but the results I’ve heard from the faculty were kind of silly, the gist being “everyone has a bit of everything”

  70. I love looking into our histories and ancestors! Some day I’d love to find out more. Thanks for sharing!

  80. I lived in Florida for a year. This sounds interesting. Hubby did some research but we have never had our DNA done.

  81. Oh, this story sounds really good! It is always fun to hear how a story came to be. Thanks for sharing!

  87. I’ve had this series on my wishlist from the time the first book was coming out. I’m looking forward to reading them.

    Thank you,

    Stephanie

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