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!
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…”
Interview with the Author
- What literary pilgrimages have you gone on?
What a cool question. I feel like it could be answered in so many ways.
I have always enjoyed reading. My parents made sure we were set with books from as early on as I can remember – fiction, non-fiction, all kinds. I remember being fascinated by the days we went to the library in elementary school and getting to pull out the Encyclopedias to do “research”. I’d read anything and everything put in front of me.
In fifth grade I was put in the class of the teacher who was known for her love of books. She introduced me to so many books that had me hooked on reading – Shiloh, Number the Stars, Bridge to Terabithia, Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry, just to name a few.
From that point forward I was never without something to read, and it didn’t (still doesn’t) matter what kind of book it was.
I will say that I am less into non-fiction than I used to be as far as elective reading material, but I love doing research. It comes with the writing gig.
These days I probably have three to four books in a rotation at any given time and all in different formats so that I can easily access something to read depending on the circumstances!
All of this to say, my literary pilgrimage spans several decades and is marked by its inherent diversity.
- What’s your favorite under-appreciated novel?
The Princess Bride, hands down. I think a lot of people know the movie (which is, in my opinion one of the best adaptations in existence), but they don’t realize it’s a novel. And the book is so amazing because you get so many details about the characters and their backstories which enhances the movie in so. many ways. If you are a fan of the movie, I highly recommend reading the book if you haven’t. You can thank me later.
- What was your hardest scene to write?
There is a scene in No Matter What where the unexpected happens. The main character, Jess, gets a knock on her door and her world is turned upside-down. I cried while writing it. I cried when I edited it. I cried the next twelve times I read it. I actually teared up thinking about it as I answered this question!
- If you had to do something differently as a child or teenager to become a better writer as an adult, what would you do?
I wouldn’t have second guessed my abilities and would have started writing fiction sooner. I’ve always loved writing and my track record in non-fiction/research writing told me time and again that I was good with words.
As a kid and teenager my imagination ran wild, and I told myself stories in my daydreams constantly.
I genuinely wish that I had combined the two much earlier in my life. Instead, I let a little voice in the back of my head convince me that writing books was for people with recognizable names. It wasn’t until I was much older that it occurred to me that the names I thought recognizable, were at one point just as unknown as mine. Now, rather than let the “big names” hold me back, they spur me on to, maybe not become one of the ”big names”, but to do what I know I’m capable of and be proud of the progress I do make.
- What comes first, the plot or characters?
Characters – always characters. It’s so bizarre to me how my brain works up stories, and it always starts with the characters. I wrote No Matter What after I woke up one morning from a dream that I didn’t get to finish. I needed to know what happened to the people in my dream, so I decided to write their ending which led to a second book (The Lost and Found) because I needed to once again know what happened to my characters.
The book I have releasing on February 1 (Fall When You’re Ready) started when I heard a song that immediately painted a picture in my mind about a couple who had been best friends since Kindergarten and one day they realized their feelings had become something more. I needed to know their story so I wrote it.
My entire life has been one big people-watching event. People fascinate me which is why I think my stories are very character-centric.
Thank you for letting us get to know you better!
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