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/
Sounds really intoxicating :) The covers are gorgeous. Congratulations.
My mother had an ancestry test done. Not too many surprises.
This does sound fabulous.
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:)
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
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.
Sounds very interesting. Thank you for the chance. I had mine done with no surprises.
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!
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.
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!!
Sounds like a great book. It’s going on my wish list. Have a great day!
I love the cover, too, Irma!
My husband has done his and my kids. Nothing too shocking for us, but he’s seen a few interesting ones in the groups!
So sorry you are sick! Prayers you feel better!
Yes, this is a great story Sarah’s written!
Hi Kathy! You’re welcome! She’s a sweet lady and a wonderful author!
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!
Hi Lucy! Sometimes no surprise is a good thing! It’s a great story. Thanks for stopping in!
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 :)
Oh, you need this one! I love Adam! Thanks for stopping in!
Now I’m really curious how this story turns out. :) Thanks for sharing the behind the scenes details!
Sounds intriguing. I like DNA testing for things other than nationality. :)
Hi Paula Marie! Fun seeing you here, too! I always enjoy reading Sarah’s stories!
Hi Beth! It is a great book! Hope you have a great day, too!
You’re welcome, Candi! You’ll have fun reading it!
Hi Andrea! I guess it can be used for health reasons? Sarah’s story is intriguing!
Sarah Monzon’s Freedom’s Kiss sounds wonderful Thank you for the opportunity to win.Have a good weekend.
You’re welcome! It’s wonderful! Hope you have a great weekend, too!
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.
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.
This book sounds really good! I need to check out the rest of the series.
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!
Thank you!
I haven’t done one myself but I am super intrigued by them
I hope you feel better soon!
Genealogy is so fascinating!
It’s crazy what some of these DNA tests can uncover
I totally understand. Too many books, not enough time.
All my family still lives in Florida. Just went back in July to visit.
That’s awesome!
I love diversity!
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!
This book cover is gorgeous! I can’t wait to read this series and meet all the Carrington brothers. Thanks for the giveaway.
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.
I hope you love them as much as I do. :)
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. :)
I love Florida! This series would be great for your library!
So fascinating! I know your grands are adorable!
Hi Patty! They are great! Check them out!
How awesome! I love libraries and food trucks, so that’s perfect!
Hi Margaret! You sound like me! I’m letting my sister do the research and tests!
Chanel, You will love them!
Sarah has a great tie in with these contemporaries! I’ve enjoyed all of them!
My comment fell to the bottom somehow, but I think you will enjoy!
How cool, Dalyn! We did have lots of pioneers settling our country!
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.
Hi Jessica! Yes, science does bring up some predicaments!
Would love to read this and I love the cover Congratulations!
Ha! I’m a FL girl who currently lives in western WA
I’ve had 2 readers contact me with similar stories already.
Sounds like a great book. Thanks for the giveaway!
Love family history, DNA testing is intriguing, sounds like a really good story.
Hi Bonnie! It is intriguing! And the story is great!
Your welcome! I hope you enjoy!
Isn’t the cover great! We’ll put your name in the hat!
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.
Love this book! (no entry needed)
Hi Toni! It’s great! Thank you for chiming in!
Hi Shannon! I hadn’t thought of that!
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”
Thank you!
I love looking into our histories and ancestors! Some day I’d love to find out more. Thanks for sharing!
Well that wasn’t near as interesting as Sarah’s book, ha!
Thank you for stopping by!
It is fascinating!
How nice of you to do a giveaway! Sounds like an interesting book.
Great interview! Thanks for the opportunity! Love your books!
Since I am interested in genealogy, this appeals to me!
It is fascinating!
You’re welcome! Have a great weekend!
Thank you!
I think it’d be cool to have an ancestry test done. :)
I lived in Florida for a year. This sounds interesting. Hubby did some research but we have never had our DNA done.
Oh, this story sounds really good! It is always fun to hear how a story came to be. Thanks for sharing!
I think so, too. I’ve not done it myself, though! Not sure why.
Hi Paula!
I love the warm weather in Florida! It’s a great novel!
Hi Brittany! It’s a great one! I loved Adam!
Sounds like a great book and cover is beautiful!
I love the cover, too!
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
It’s a great series!
Very interesting plot!